We all know planning events can be one of the most stressful parts of life, and living in Manhattan only complicates the situation. There’s just so much to think about, from venues, to catering, to entertainment. But done properly, it can be extremely rewarding. No one throws parties like New Yorkers – if you want to spoil your friends and throw the party they’ll be raving about for the next year, we’ve got you covered. These services will relieve you of the hosting pressures, making your soirée stress-free.
From gourmet Italian food from Ciprani, to the freshest fish in Manhattan at Citarella, you will have no issues satisfying your guests’ hunger. Looking for the finest entertainment to impress your friends? Entertainment Booking Agency can get you anyone from Ariana Grande to Magic Johnson. And if you want gorgeous décor, contact Elegant Affairs for the prettiest floral designs and statement pieces. Of course, if you’d rather just play hostess and hire some extra help for planning and directing guests at the party, reach out to Party Host Helper, the experts in all types of parties, including baby showers and fundraiser galas. These event planning, production and catering services make it easy to lie back and relax while your guests have the time of their lives.
B FLORAL
Think floral backdrops, balloon installations and photo booths for a taste of the agency’s work. With clients like Bumble, Amazon and La Croix, B Floral achieves brand activation through eye-grabbing designs.
INSIDER’S TIP The B Floral blog is full of inspiration ideas.
225 W. 35th St., Floor 6, bfloral.com
CIPRIANI
Enjoy gourmet dining from one of New York’s most famous restaurants in the comfort of your own home. Cipriani’s catering menu includes hors d’oeuvres such as fresh crab with cucumber, medallions of veal with fresh herbs and the famous chicken alla Cipriani.
INSIDER’S TIP Professional waiter service is also available upon request.
120 E. 42nd St., cipriani.com
CITARELLA
Joe Gurrera’s fish is some of the freshest in NYC thanks to his relationships with local anglers. Citarella’s fishmongers even examine every cut by hand before selling it.
INSIDER’S TIP Citarella also specializes in handwoven gift boxes stuffed with caviar, cheeses and cold cuts.
2135 Broadway, citarella.com
DESIGNS BY MARK MASONE
Florist and event stylist Mark Masone has been crafting one-of-a-kind flower arrangements since 1994. Masone’s passion for floral decor began when he started working at his local flower shop at the age of 14. Since then, he’s served an exclusive list of clientele, including New York Governor David Paterson and Lindsay Lohan. Masone’s designs often incorporate stuffed animals, silks and some of the freshest flowers in the industry—Masone has them flown in daily.
ELEGANT AFFAIRS
A quick scroll through its 10,000 follower-strong Instagram feed reveals carefully adorned spaces that look different for each event. Artfully interweaving over-the-top floral designs with silky fabrics and statement decor pieces, Elegant Affairs lives up to its name.
INSIDER’S TIP Alongside its amazing decor, Elegant Affairs also takes care of catering needs with the same attention to detail and flair.
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKING AGENCY
With a celebrity client to match every event and theme, Entertainment Booking Agency can arrange for appearances from Ariana Grande, David Letterman and Magic Johnson, among others.
entertainmentbookingagency.com
LAWRENCE SCOTT EVENTS
Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events is known for his dedication to the over the top. His work mostly focuses on creating spectacular, one-of-a-kind events, and one of his specialties is getting the waitstaff to parade through the party.
PARTY HOST HELPER
From baby showers to fundraiser galas, services are personalized to the event and can even include directing the flow of the party and greeting guests.
INSIDER’S TIP Plan for about one helper per 25 guests.
WINSTON FLOWERS
What started as a pushcart on Newbury Street more than 75 years ago is now an award-winning florist in Boston, Connecticut and New York.
INSIDER’S TIP Opt for one of the seasonal gift baskets that are packed with fresh blossoms and produce.
23-37 Borden Ave., Long Island City, winstonflowers.com
Photography by: Lawrence Scott Events Photo by Ira Lippke Studios; B Floral Photo by Alicia Henderson; Mark Masone Photo by Mark Sagliocco
