The Container Store Private Preview Party

It's hard to believe it has already been 2 years since the most elaborate, and by far the largest, party I have ever planned took place! When Annette Hartman Catering asked me to come on board for simply the "tasting" that was held for this event, I was completely honored and to then find out that the representatives from The Container Store selected us, to say I was ecstatic at the least, is definitely an understatement! So happy to finally be sharing these awesome images captured by Martha Lochert Photography. So without further hesitation, please check out the Private Preview Party at Tucson Mall for Tucson's first The Container Store held on May 20, 2015!

Prior to the event, our team was flown out to Houston, TX, to view one of The Container Stores in person and, throughout a rigorous but extremely fun 2 days, we selected and placed an order for all of the products that were needed for the event from serving pieces to the displays and trays to the vessels used for the actual florals. All products used are available for sale at any of The Container Store locations. It was such an awesome opportunity to get creative and use products in a different way then what they were originally created for!

The night of the event, the almost 2,000 guests enjoyed live entertainment complete with a dance floor in the middle of the store and roamed the aisles, which were filled with 5 different food stations and 2 bars.

Farmer's Market Station

This station featured fresh and fun nibbles ranging from BLT Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes to Cucumber Salads and Veggie Crudites. The bright yellow sunflowers and cabbage roses made for the perfect floral arrangements and gave the black and white office display items just the right pop of color.

Sonoran Station 

Being that it just wouldn't feel like a true Tucson event without a little desert representation, we came up with a Sonoran station that was located in the laundry area of the store. Bright orange gerbera daisies and peppers served as just the right amount of pop against the awesome, gray and rustic display pieces. Food featured at this station included Fiesta Chicken Bites, Tri Tip Tostadas and, of course, Mini Sonoran Hot Dogs!

Americana Station  

Representing the Red, White and Blue through one of my favorite product lines carried at The Container Store, Poppin, this display was filled with iconic favorites such as Pastrami Bites, Grilled Cheese and Short Ribs - YUM! We also loved the red and white chevron paper sacks we placed the grilled cheeses in - super cute!

Asian Station 

This station featured Grain Noodle Salad displayed in adorable to-go containers, Beef and Veggie Spring Rolls, and Mini Chicken Teriyaki Croquets. We loved the dramatic florals that were designed for this station, using ice buckets and umbrella stand holders, in place of vases!

Something Sweet Station 

We obviously saved the best for last, as the Sweets Station was comprised of Mini Chocolate Mousse Torts, Fruit Tarts, Macarons, Brownie Bites and Cream Puffs that were all neatly lined up in rows on top of colorful office products. This station was by far hit the hardest by guests, and it is easy to see why!

It was such an honor to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event, well that is, until the next one nearby opens (we hope!) ;) A huge shout out to the awesome team that came together to make this event happen! We love you all!

Catering - Annette Hartman Catering

Coordination and Wait Staff - Peace of Mind Event Design + Wait Staff

Dance Floor Rental - Event Rents AZ

Entertainment - Shining Star Band

Floral Design - Elaine Taylor Fine Flowers

The Container Store - Elaine Luce and Robin Montgomery