Behind the Scenes of Corporate Holiday Planning: Katrice and Aaron’s Guide to a Festive DTLA
In a vibrant city center like Downtown LA, holiday planning is no small feat—especially for the professionals tasked with creating workplace celebrations that feel both memorable and meaningful. With office parties evolving over the years, we wanted to uncover what’s trending now. Whether you're tasked as office party planner or just an unofficial holiday cheerleader, I sought out a few of DTLA's little helpers for some insider tips and inspiration.
I recently connected with Katrice and Aaron, two professionals from Capital Group, one of DTLA’s largest private employers. As Senior Office Coordinator, Katrice handles in-office events that foster connections among staff and focuses on larger-scale gatherings. Aaron, a Corporate Event Planner, focuses on gatherings for investment groups and executive leadership. Together, they offer unique perspectives on event planning that balance tradition, creativity, and community.
This year, both are embracing a more laid-back approach to festivities. “We’re leaning into a casual vibe,” says Aaron. “It’s all about creating space for connection with the people around us.” His advice? Understand the current mood and preferences of your group and prioritize building relationships. For many, this might mean choosing familiar, comforting venues that feel like old friends.
Local Flavor for Every Gathering
Food and drink are at the heart of any holiday celebration, and DTLA’s rich dining scene provides endless options. For year round in-office events, Katrice loves turning to crowd-pleasers like Danny Boy’s Famous Original Pizza—a favorite option for any pizza party. For sweet treats, she often picks up favorites from nearby Big Man Bakes or Sprinkles. “Supporting local bakeries whenever possible adds a personal touch to any gathering,” she shares.
For larger-scale gatherings, both Katrice and Aaron lean on in-house partners like Wolfgang Puck cateringand trusted DTLA venues that specialize in private events and catering services. A few of Aaron’s tried and true favorites include Redbird, celebrated for their phenomenal food and versatile event spaces that suit groups of varying size and taste, or Drago Centro, renowned for its consistently stellar service and menu. “Both venues deliver an elevated yet welcoming atmosphere, making them perfect for holiday celebrations,” Aaron notes.
The Gift of Giving Back
A party with Capital Group wouldn’t be complete without an element of charity. Past initiatives have included teaming a corporate food drive with Wolfgang Puck’s Chefs to End Hunger, complete with an appearance of the chef himself, or a group activity assembling kits for the Downtown Women’s Center, donating around 300 packages. “It’s about activating our community and creating moments of impact,” Aaron says.
While details of this year’s Winter Social remain a surprise, Katrice hinted at a collaboration with the Colburn School of Music, incorporating live music into the workplace festivities. “It’s a way to bring the holiday spirit to life while supporting local arts,” she mentioned. “The important thing is to remember what really matters—human connection,” added Aaron.
Off-the-Clock Favorites
When it’s time to unwind, both Katrice and Aaron have their favorite DTLA spots. Katrice, a former DTLA resident, currently enjoys the cozy ambiance and amazing pastries at Silverback Coffee of Rwanda. For after-work gatherings, Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse is a reliable favorite among her coworkers. “It’s convenient, and you’re almost guaranteed to bump into familiar faces,” she laughs. Aaron, meanwhile, loves a good rooftop bar, like Bar Clara at Hotel Per La. “It’s quintessential DTLA,” he says. “The views, the vibe, the cocktails—it’s the perfect reminder of what makes this city so special.”
Words of Wisdom for Planners
As they finalize their holiday plans, these experts offer sage advice for fellow office planners. “Stay true to the purpose of gathering,” Katrice advises. “At the end of the day, it’s the moments of connection and the shared memories that people will cherish the most.” Aaron agrees, “Don’t get overwhelmed by the details. Keep your focus on why we’re all gathering in the first place.”
After our chat, I came away feeling that the spirit of the season is best celebrated with a focus on community, connection, and giving back—all of which DTLA has in abundance.