Retro Chic and Mobile
Hosting a party, wedding, business or fund-raising event just got easier, thanks to bar and restaurant entrepreneur Greg Meadow’s Bar Car. It’s the Bay Area’s first bar on wheels, bringing the party to you in a retrofitted 1965 Airstream trailer. It has a full liquor license and also serves draft beer and wine. You can choose a preselected package or customize the offerings to match your guests’ desires. “We free you up to enjoy yourself,” says Meadow, a Mill Valley resident. “From classic martinis and local brews on tap to music, ping pong or a bean bag toss—we want to help make you the greatest host ever.”
Totally self-contained, it requires no setup or cleanup, and it eliminates last-minute ice runs. It also provides an arsenal of party supplies, including a sound system with an iPod plug-in for your favorite tunes as well as cocktail tables, bar stools and umbrellas.
Meadow appreciates that Airstream trailers represent a time when life seemed simpler and less stressful. Inspired by this concept, he created Bar Car as a way to ease the stress and pressure of throwing a good party. Cheers to that!
Party Out of Bounds
Everyone loves a great party. So why not make your next corporate event something to remember with glee? Coming up with a theme is the perfect way to do it. And after considering the interests of those invited, your options will be crystal clear. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Adventure Party: Team-building activities that are focused on having fun can be great for a workplace filled with active people. Ideas might include canoeing on the Russian River (check out Burke’s Canoe Trips) or zip lining through the redwoods (try Sonoma Canopy Tours) or even a ropes course (Santa Rosa’s Getaway Adventures has several options for that and other activities). For less active or mixed groups, how about the Napa Valley Wine Train, a tour at Safari West or cruising the San Francisco Bay on a yacht on (try Empress Events or Bay Breeze Charters, both out of Sausalito).
Casino Night: For those who prefer an evening event, how about some no-guilt casino play? Atomic Casino Parties has been in business for 15 years and serves Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties (and most other counties in the Bay Area) by bringing a realistic casino atmosphere to you, complete with professional dealers and top-quality casino chips. Enjoy playing (or learning to play) craps, blackjack, poker, roulette and more without having to worry about losing a single cent.Foodies Fun: A party that centers around food is always a hit. But rather than the typical restaurant reservation, why not go for some hands-on fun? Check out classes at Ramekins Culinary School, Relish Culinary Adventures or The CIA at Greystone. Or how about exploring the California Cheese Trail in Marin and Sonoma counties? If you still want to visit a restaurant, consider opting for one that offers a chef’s table where you can see what happens behind the scenes.
We’re lucky enough to live in an area where all sorts of options abound, so why not make this year’s company party something special?
SWAG
Swag (aka goodie bags): It’s at almost every corporate party, conference, event or gathering. What’s more, it can be useful (mugs or keychains, for example), funny (is the fake moustache fad still a thing?), puzzling (bath salts?) or downright lame (last year’s leftover items, complete with date). But what, exactly, does that acronym stand for? We’ve heard more than a few definitions over the years (many not fit for publication). Among our favorites:
• Souvenirs, wearables and gifts
• Stuff we all get
• So what, another gift
• Stuff we acquired gratis
• S**t wasn’t all good
