6 Corporate Summer Party Planning Tips from a Woodinville Winery

Expert insights to help your warm-weather gathering shine

Planning a corporate summer party is no small feat. Between aligning busy schedules, managing  RSVPs, and choosing a venue that fits your team’s style, it’s easy to overlook the smaller details that make an event truly memorable. At Novelty Hill-Januik, we host dozens of warm-weather gatherings each year in our gardens and event spaces, and we’ve noticed a few ways to elevate the experience. Here are some key reminders to help ensure your summer celebration goes off without a hitch.

1. Be Prepared for the Elements

Even in the sunniest season, weather can surprise you. Don’t just plan for heat—consider shade, wind, and the occasional drizzle. At our Woodinville winery, we offer both open-air and covered patio spaces, so your event stays comfortable, rain or shine.

2. Create a Natural Event Flow

From a welcome toast to dinner, consider how your guests will move through the experience. A thoughtful layout keeps the energy up and guests engaged. Our garden patio makes it easy to blend indoor and outdoor moments easily.

3. Set the Tone with a Thoughtful Welcome

A warm welcome is the first step in creating a memorable event. Whether it’s a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc on arrival or a friendly greeter at the entrance, small touches help guests shift from “work mode” to “celebration mode.”

4. Make It Memorable with a Theme

Garden soirée, summer fiesta, or winery-inspired chic— a theme for your event helps guide your decisions on décor, menu, and mood. It’s also a great way to inspire team spirit and creativity. 

5. Plan for Clear, Quality Sound

If you’re including remarks, music, or entertainment, great sound matters—especially outdoors. A well-planned AV setup ensures your message (and your music) comes through loud and clear.

6. Design a Menu That Includes Everyone

Today’s guest lists often include a range of dietary preferences. Thoughtful menu planning ensures every guest feels included. Our culinary team specializes in creative, inclusive offerings that don’t compromise on flavor.

Ready to Start Planning?
Explore our Woodinville winery event venue and discover how our gardens, experienced team, and stunning setting can help you host a corporate summer party your team will be talking about long after the last glass is poured. Contact our events team here: https://bit.ly/4c9LuiJ

It’s the Little Things: How to Make Every Event Unforgettable

Novelty Hill-Januik’s event manager, Liz Rich, has learned that the most memorable events don’t just happen—they’re curated through dozens of thoughtful decisions, big and small. Whether it’s a corporate celebration, a wedding, or a milestone birthday, the goal is always the same: to create an experience that feels effortless, fun, and totally personalized. Here, Liz shares six tips to help bring your next event to life.

Start with a Warm Welcome

Every memorable event at our Woodinville winery begins with hospitality. That first moment sets the tone, whether it’s a welcome glass of wine, a friendly greeter at the entry, or a thoughtful takeaway gift. Make guests feel relaxed, appreciated, and ready to enjoy what’s to come. In wine country, a refreshing Rosé and a warm welcome go hand in hand.

Add Personality with Interactive Experiences

A well-timed surprise can transform an event from lovely to unforgettable. We enjoy helping clients infuse their celebrations with creative, engaging elements—like a live band, a roaming photo booth, a painter capturing the scene, or curated lawn games that invite guests to mingle. These thoughtful activities make private events at our winery feel one-of-a-kind.

Design Seating to Match the Mood

Layout and flow are crucial to the guest experience. Whether the event calls for a seated dinner with formal place settings or a more open, reception-style gathering, design the space to fit the occasion. At Novelty Hill-Januik, our flexible indoor and outdoor event space allows guests to create a layout that enhances conversation, connection, and comfort.

Create Menus That Welcome Everyone to the Table

Guests always appreciate menus that are seasonal, delicious, and inclusive. Thoughtful menu planning means accommodating dietary needs without making it feel like an afterthought. Gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free—whatever the preferences, our Woodinville winery aims to make every guest feel like the menu was created with them in mind.

Make Every Detail Count

Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impression. We help clients choose finishing touches that bring their vision to life: napkins in a company’s brand color, uplighting that brings warmth to the space, floral accents, or elegant place cards. These details may not always be noticed individually, but they create a cohesive, polished look that guests feel instantly.

Work with Trusted Partners Who Know the Space

We’re proud to work with a network of preferred vendors who understand our winery venue inside and out. From photographers and florists to AV teams and rental pros, our vendor partners bring experience and creativity to every event, helping things run smoothly from setup to final toast.

Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life in Woodinville Wine Country

The goal is to make an event feel effortless and extraordinary. From welcome wine to the final details, we’re here to help you create something personal, polished, and filled with joy. If you’re planning a private event in Woodinville, we’d love to help make it unforgettable.

Ready to start planning your event in Woodinville Wine Country? We are here to help bring your vision to life. Reach out to our events team here: https://bit.ly/4c9LuiJ

 

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425-481-5502
14710 Woodinville-Redmond Road NE, Woodinville, WA 98072