In the historic building where Colonel Frederick Pabst once brewed his namesake beer, a global manufacturing client hosted its executives for an annual holiday celebration. The beer hall ambiance of The Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, with its rich wood accents and old-world charm, is filled with whispers of yesteryear – and that night it was also filled with live music, holiday food and beverages, and a scene from one of the season’s most beloved movies!
Underwood Events was asked to develop and carry out the party’s theme, and it drew on sentimental favorites from old-fashioned holiday parties. A traditional, custom plaid was created especially for the event, and it overlaid the tables and the stage in cheerful red and green. The pattern was repeated in creative lighting that drew guests’ eyes to the century-old planked wood floor that is emblazoned with a spectacular inlaid medallion. UE used that as inspiration to custom-design a matching holiday medallion that was imprinted on everything from signage to napkins. Floral arrangements in simple wooden vases emphasized the rustic theme and were striking in their simplicity.
A nine-piece party band took the stage and drew guests onto the dance floor for most of the night. In between delicious cocktails from the regal bar that is the room’s centerpiece, attendees dined on small plate holiday favorites like delectable beef short ribs, scalloped potatoes and ham and black cod. Made-to-order red velvet donut holes paired with gourmet vanilla bean ice cream made up the over-the-top dessert finale.
One of the guests’ favorites spots was a full-size replica of the living room from the movie, A Christmas Story. Guests posed with dad’s beloved leg lamp and Ralphie’s Red Ryder air rifle, and thankfully, no one shot their eye out!