Plan a Get-Together at Your Vacation Home

From dinner parties to garden affairs, here’s how

Ebony March Arts & Entertainment

Vacation homes are a great way to experience Coachella Valley during the summer months. Now that you’re settled into your home away from home, celebrate your arrival with a party.

Mix and match friends and relatives throughout the desert for the ultimate guest list. Whether your fête is an intimate dinner party or a fabulous-but-low-key garden affair, your guests will appreciate your invite, and will enjoy welcoming you into the community.

Find your ideal rental property with the help of Oranj Palm Springs (1775 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Ste. 205, Palm Springs). This rental agency has been a trusted voice in the area since its inception in 1972. An agent will help you find a condo or house to fit your aesthetic desires and practical needs. Choose from vacation homes in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding areas.

If you’re planning on throwing a summer fiesta off-site, select a winning venue from the hundreds of fabulous locations in the Greater Palm Springs area. Many restaurants, clubs, and artistic institutions have on-site planners to facilitate private parties and other upscale events. We also love:

•    Alcazar Palm Springs, 622 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. 
(760) 318-9850; www.alcazarpalmsprings.com

•    Ace Hotel and Swim Club, 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. 
(760) 325-9900; www.acehotel.com

•    Riviera Palm Springs, 1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. 
(760) 327-8311; www.psriviera.com

•    La Quinta Resort & Club, 49499 Eisenhower Dr., La Quinta. (760) 564-4111; www.laquintaresort.com

Desert Guide contributor DJ Folk has provided helpful tips for finding the perfect DJ to usher your party into greatness. Someone with vast musical knowledge who meshes with your guest list is a must. Or, choose from our list of favorite mix-masters and entertainment companies.

•    Musical Affair Entertainment, 44695 San Antonio Cl., Palm Desert.

•    (760) 619-3276; www.musicalaffair.com

•    I Spinn Doctor DJ Entertainment, 1530 E Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.‎ (760) 272-6309

•    Eventertainment LLC, 550 Oleander Rd., Palm Springs. (760) 393-1171; www.eventertainmentbiz.com   

Of course, if a DJ isn’t what you had in mind, create a hip, modern mood with our Summer Party Music Playlist. Each song lends the perfect touch to dinner parties, small gatherings, or intimate outdoor affairs. Download Luna Is Honey’s track, “No Moon” for free.

“No Moon” by Luna Is Honey Listen to the song.
“Get Free” by Major Lazer feat. Amber Coffman
“1.6666” by Takako Minekawa
“Causing a Commotion” by TeamMate
“End of Night” by Dido
“You’re Still Gone” by Gold Fields
“Big Fan” by Touché
“Seeing Red” by Alpine
“Nuclear Season” by Charli XCX
“California Street” You, Me, & Us
“Broken Record” by Little Boots
“Greatest Unknown” by Pony Boy

Whether you employ an event planner, or take on the task of creating the ultimate party yourself, the food is the crown gem to your event. Many of the Coachella Valley’s award-winning restaurants offer catering services. If cooking isn’t your forte, sample your favorite dishes at a catering company. Your guests will appreciate a new take on old favorites, prepared by professionals.

Let New Leaf Catering (69032 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City. 760-770-3636) create a delectable assortment of dishes and hors d’ouevres for your guests’ discerning palates. Savor soups, entrées, even baked delights. The staff will plan your party’s menu down to the last bite.

Jennifer’s Kitchen & Catering (70225 Hwy. 111, Rancho Mirage. 760-324-3904; www.jennifersfinefoods.com) offers clients the chance to dine in absolute style. Experience California cuisine and fresh local ingredients all summer long, as well as a helpful staff who will happily accommodate the many ups-and-downs to be expecting with party planning.

The heat has arrived, so offer guests lighter fare with a menu prepared by Native Foods Café (1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-416-0070). The vegan eatery prepares platters of its wraps and other menu items for a healthy vegetarian option at your event.

Announce your get-together with a decorative invitation. Although many of us have embraced paperless, green living, there is still a very personal touch to a traditional invitation. Create yours with the staff at Desert Grafics (303 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760-325-1056).

Finally, for an added touch of class, add a few bountiful centerpieces or arrangements to your affair. Indio Florist (44953 Oasis St., Indio. 760-347-0852) carries favorites like sunflowers and roses, as well as succulents, and more.

Palm Springs Florist (894 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. 760-325-7441) delivers vibrant Tropicals and romantic orchids to its client base. This establishment also arranges popular blooms in a way that will leave your guests breathless.

Add upscale flair to your party with an arrangement by Country Club Florist (41625 Eclectic St., Palm Desert. 760-773-3637). Whether your theme is “romance” or “Palm Springs Modern,” the staff will make your arrangements a showstopper.

Drink in the sun and fecund flavors of California with a signature drink or cocktail. Hire a local mixologist to concoct a mouthwatering beverage that fits your party’s theme. Many bars, restaurants, and caterers have staff that are skilled at working private parties, weddings, and other events. It’s an affordable way to bring an extra spark to your event’s menu. Offer teetotalers a refreshing respite from the heat with our recipe for Spicy Ginger Lemonade.

Spicy Ginger Lemonade
This recipe yields 10, eight-ounce servings
Ingredients

1 ½ cups raw turbinado sugar
8 cups water
1 ½ cups lemon juice
1 Tbsp. ginger powder
¼ cup of fresh ginger puree
garnishes: sliced lemons, fresh mint

Directions:
Bring one cup of water, sugar, and pureed ginger to a boil in a small saucepan. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate for 30 minutes until cold. In a blender, combine lemon juice and chilled ginger syrup. Add the remaining seven cups of water and tbsp. of ginger powder. Mix on low until blended. Garnish with sliced lemons and fresh mint. Serve over ice cubes.