04/27/2025
✨A Night to Remember: Van & Co. Catering at the Chef’s for UNICEF Gala✨
From the moment we were asked to attend the prestigious Chef’s for UNICEF Gala in November 2024, we knew it was an opportunity to create something extraordinary. Fast forward to early 2025, and that excitement grew when we were entrusted with crafting charcuterie boards for every single table - a challenge we embraced with passion and precision.
Drawing inspiration after a conversation with a small business that styled the Grammy tables, we developed a concept that reflected elegance, taste, and artistry. But with 6-foot round tables, one board simply wasn’t enough—so we doubled the magic, creating two boards per table to ensure every guest experienced the full charcuterie vision.
Behind the scenes, we designed a template we thought would work and went about cutting & sanding 100 semi - circle boards (Thank you Harv & Chipper!)
On site our team of 6 stylists and 2 runners worked seamlessly, executing the intricate styling in just 2.5 hours - a testament to teamwork and dedication.
The final setup, placing them perfectly across the venue, took another 1.5 hours.
The setup for the Chef’s for UNICEF Gala was nothing short of exhilarating, but it came with its challenges! Here are a few hurdles we navigated:
🔹 Time Crunch: Styling 98 charcuterie boards in just 2.5 hours meant we had to work with laser focus. Every detail had to be perfect—no time for second-guessing! And, there was one sprint to a grocery store for extra grapes. Grateful for Todd and his fast sneakers!
🔹 Board Logistics: With two boards per table and tables measuring 6 feet round, spacing was critical. Ensuring symmetry while keeping the presentation visually stunning required constant adjustments.
While they weren't our typical style - having to work with an awkward shape meant we couldn't get as much on them - we crushed the vision.
Moments like these remind us why we love what we do. Grateful for this experience, honored to be part of a night that makes a difference, and excited for what’s to come. 🌟
