Charm City Concierge relishes the chance to meet with our vendors to share ideas, thank them for their continued partnerships, and of course, to see their newest products first-hand. Last week, we had an all-staff showcase and training that started with one of our longtime favorite catering vendors, Mamma Lucia, providing delicious pasta dishes and salads, and several of their sandwich boxed lunches, featuring their fresh cuts of meats and cheeses.

First on the agenda was an inspiring panel of business owners and key figures within our partner companies Bev-Rage, Monumental Markets, Taylor Gourmet, and Executive Gift Planners. We were treated to an array of their start-up stories, and learned about their success stories and tips for making the most of unideal situations. Their positivity was infectious, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to share their expertise and vision with our clients!

Next we began the showcase!

There is no question that we love our gift basket vendors—truth be told, Executive Gift Planners and Frederick Basket Company go beyond the basket, offering totally customizable snack stacks, champagne and accessories artfully arranged on a tray, and tons of local treats and trinkets from small businesses in our area. From imprinted ribbon to logoed truffles, each gift is personally wrapped up with joy.

We are so excited to share our newest DIY event vendor: B.Willow, specializing in low maintenance plant/floral gifts, make your own terrarium workshops in fun shaped vessels, and a variety of beginner’s botany activities guaranteed to invigorate an office party.

• Berries by Quicha creates customizable chocolate covered strawberries – how cool is it to show company spirit on an edible treat!
• We were introduced to Cureate Connect, a phenomenal resource for planning pop-up shops and uncovering local businesses with unique specializations.
• Anyone can string up basic balloons, but Festive Effects wowed us with their custom inflatable art – arches, floating rainbows, and hassle-free decorating that’s sure to take your event to the next level.

Visions of sugar plums were definitely dancing in our heads as we visited with our incredibly talented vendors. When you’re preparing your holiday celebrations, consider these ideas inspired by our partners and designed to your tastes:

Select Event Rentals delivers a room full of seating, a sleek row of buffet-style tables, shimmering linens in your favorite holiday color scheme, and begins to set the table for an elegant and modern soiree. La Prima Catering seamlessly begins to adorn the buffet tables with tray after tray of mouth-watering temptations from savory appetizers to hearty traditional dinner favorites to decadent desserts. The aromas of warm flowing chocolate and slowly roasting marshmallows waft from the Capitol Chocolate Fountains and permeate the room: s’mores diverge from children’s treat and ascend to luxury dessert experience when they include Belgian chocolate, gourmet marshmallow flavors, and unexpectedly heavenly graham crackers. As guests wander in, they’re greeted by Bev-Rage with a piping hot salted caramel mocha, or a white chocolate latte, or whatever their espresso-flavored vice may be. The twinkling lights on Choice Plantings’ tree accent the sparkling wreathes adorning the walls, and as the party wanes, guests are full of food and memories, and they are each delighted by a parting gift of gourmet Stella’s Popkern: Old Bay White Cheddar, or Curried Apple Salty Caramel, or White French Chocolate infused with Blood Orange and dusted with Sea Salt. This is not your ordinary popcorn, just as this was not your ordinary holiday party.

To finish off the day, La Prima totally spoiled us with a happy hour to go down in Charm City history. Their new menu for the holidays and beyond includes savory options like stuffed focaccia rounds, mini arancini, tuna tacos, and Maryland crab pot pies. So tasty!

To hear more about how we can take the hassle out of your holiday with the help of these and so many other services and products, reach out to your concierge today!