Gala Affair — Planning the Perfect Minnesota Party

Twinkling lights, a stylish atmosphere, gourmet food — all critical ingredients for an unforgettable gala. Of course, that kind of elegance doesn’t just happen. It takes long months of planning, coordination, and about 10,000 decisions. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next gala, we’d like to suggest you consider some of these Minnesota venues and service providers. You’ll see why we think they’re the cream of the crop.

Back to Nature

There’s something quietly sophisticated about a nature-inspired venue, no matter what the season. The Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley is nestled amongst the natural beauty of forests, prairies, and wetlands, offering the perfect backdrop for your event. The gathering space offers room for up to 160 guests, along with a dance floor, outdoor patio with access to wildlife trails, AV equipment, and floor to ceiling windows with stunning views. A catering kitchen is available for the caterer of your choice.

Bunker Hills Activities Center in Andover is located in the scenic Bunker Hills Regional Park. Four meeting and event rooms seat from 24 to 120 guests. The Cedar Room features a refrigerator/freezer, oven, microwave and sink for caterers to prepare the perfect meal.  The Aspen Room seats up to 30 and offers breathtaking views of the prairie. Two new outdoor gathering areas will be available for functions in the spring of 2019.

Works of Art

Elegance abounds in spaces created to celebrate and incorporate the arts. Located in the trendy Warehouse District of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Opera offers three unique spaces ideal for non-profit galas or benefits. Brick and mirrored walls, floor to ceiling windows, and wooden floors, give the spaces a urban chic look. WiFi access, sound system, projectors, and space for 50 to 120 guests make these rooms music to a planner’s ears.

The Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Chanhassen offers indoor theater and ballroom spaces for as many as 250 guests. The Club Theater is a multi-level space complete with stage, built-in dance floor, and tiered seating for dinner. The Ballroom and Dance Loft is a customizable space featuring dramatic up-lighting, and a hardwood dance floor. For gatherings of up to 300, the Bluff Creek Golf Couse welcomes guests to a secluded location with sweeping views of the Minnesota River Valley.

Multiple event spaces at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis provide distinctive and unique surroundings for your gala. The Garden Terrace Room features stunning views of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden with floor to ceiling windows and private outdoor terraces. The Galleries give your guests an artfully designed space to meet and gather, while the Skyline Room offers breathtaking vistas of downtown Minneapolis. The Cityview Room is a private dining experience with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor dining terrace.

Join the Club

Golf and country clubs welcome guests to posh surroundings, mouthwatering menus, and polished professional service. Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove offers event space with exquisite golf course views, vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces, a Juliet balcony, and panoramic windows. Up to 350 guests will enjoy their culinary staff’s catering, serving everything from hors d’oeuvres to food stations, plated entrees to buffets, and of course, desserts.

With an exciting renovation scheduled for completion in the spring, Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake is an ideal location for hosting the most memorable events. Elegantly appointed banquet rooms with upscale amenities, on-site dinner theater and mystery café, and lavish catering menu will thrill as many as 450 guests for your never-to-be-forgotten gala.

TPC Twin Cities in Blaine boasts several different event spaces to accommodate groups of up to 120. The private club setting offers picturesque views of the course and the surrounding woods, upscale dining, and an outdoor patio that overlooks the 18th hole. Their culinary team creates Midwest-inspired Continental cuisine with an extensive menu from which you can create your ideal meal.

Feast Your Eyes on This

Banquet venues are specifically designed to cater to events that involve lots of guests, great food, and space to mingle and move. With two locations in Blaine and Fridley, Banquets of Minnesota invite you to explore their four ballrooms for up to 450 guests. Enjoy the dance floor, large windows, romantic chandeliers, private patio, and permanently lit ceiling drapery. The talented catering team will work with you to tailor a menu that your guests will love.

Catering to Your Every Need

Choosing a caterer can be one of the most important tasks you undertake when planning your gala. You’ll make a lasting impression with guests when you choose D’Amico Catering. Their award-winning chefs will prepare inspired cuisine infused with fresh ingredients sourced locally, using organic whenever possible. Choose your mouthwatering meal from a wide-ranging menu, including such treats as herb-roasted farmhouse chicken breast in a miso mustard sauce or grilled tenderloin with a soy butter sauce.

Innovative and creative, Mintahoe Catering & Events will help you design the perfect menu for your gathering. From craft cocktails at your opening reception to appetizers and entrees, every creation is prepared with passion and imagination. Start with bruschetta or a pear, honey, brie crostini then move on to a pistachio crusted grilled lamb chop or gorgonzola penne pasta. So many wonderful choices, you’ll wish you could order them all.

All the Trimmings

First impressions are so important. When your guests arrive at your event, you want them to look around the space and say, “Wow!” not “ho-hum.” The pros at Apres Event Décor & Tent Rental knows exactly what you need to make your party a smash hit. Choose from tenting, tables, linens, china, glassware, draping and décor, and so much more!

Need to rent for your event? Turn to Ultimate Events. They’ve been exceeding expectations for years with quality rental equipment, installation services, design services, and corporate services to ensure your event’s success. With over 7000 rental products from which to choose, you’ll find exactly what you need, whether that’s chairs, chargers, tables, or tents.