Hosting a Company Party Everyone Can Enjoy
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Inclusive and thoughtful planning can mean the difference between gaining or losing clients.
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Be allergy-aware and offer elegant non-alcoholic options that feel just as intentional as cocktails.
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At Ambrosia and Nectar, our non-alcoholic drinks are designed to be sophisticated, memorable, and inclusive.
After years in the events industry, I’ve witnessed both spectacular successes and poorly executed disasters. While I tend to remember the wins, guests often walk away with lingering memories of what went wrong. I once attended a corporate mixer where the only non-alcoholic option was lukewarm tap water in plastic cups - needless to say, the ambiance didn’t match the client’s luxury brand. Guests quietly left early, and the buzz afterward wasn’t what the hosts were hoping for. At some point or another, we all will find ourselves to be a guest at an event and generally there is an unspoken understanding that the host will plan and execute an event well. If that isn’t the case we, the guests, are left with lasting memories that are negatively associated with the planner.
This was a corporate mixer for a small startup in LA raising awareness and trying to gather the attention of local investors
For businesses, a poorly received event can be the difference between attracting clients or driving them away. So what can we do to mitigate this risk? Well, there are a number of good practices that can leave a great and lasting impression on your guests - but, the most important takeaway is to make your guests feel included. Event inclusivity isn’t just about checking boxes, it's about creating experiences where every guest feels welcome, safe, and seen. And the simplest way to start? Through food and drink.
“Food should bring people together, not set them apart.”
So when planning food and drink, be aware and sensitive to food allergies. When catering food try to stay away from major allergens - all nuts (tree nuts and sesame included), shellfish, egg, and try to offer gluten-free alternatives - if major allergens are unavoidable then large, legible labels are necessary. The last thing a planner wants is for a severe allergic reaction to take place at their event, it wouldn’t leave a particularly strong impression on the guests.
Image 1: The Pithian Romance is a delicious and presentable non-alcoholic cocktail; Image 2: Venus’ Whisper is a tart and refreshing rose martini
You can’t have food without beverages, and as such the provided beverages must also be inclusive for all to enjoy. When having a bar at your event, do ensure there will be non-alcoholic options available for your guests to enjoy. These drinks should feel just as sophisticated and satisfying as their alcoholic counterparts. All too often, bars either make non-alcoholic options overly ‘froo-froo’, embarrassing to carry around a professional event or so bland they’re forgettable. Here at Ambrosia and Nectar we take pride in designing our non-alcoholic cocktails to taste and present themselves as well as their more traditional, alcoholic counterparts. One highlight from our menu is The Pithian Romance, a wonderfully balanced, sweet and tart non-alcoholic cocktail made up of pomegranate, lime, and non-alcoholic liquor. The Pithian Romance is a drink that not only tastes incredible but also reflects our commitment to inclusivity and sophistication.
At Ambrosia and Nectar, we believe inclusion starts with intention. Whether you're planning a quarterly party or an elegant launch event, let us help craft a drink menu that ensures everyone feels part of the celebration. Reach out today for a custom menu consultation.
Written By Isaiah on April 24, 2025
Reach out to him directly at isaiah@ambrosianectarbar.com
(Yes I read every single email)
