Modern

Sleek, edgy, and clean, the modern event is as sharp and distinctive as the new cube at the Walker Art Center. Although each venue provides a palette on which décor and food can set a tone, opting for modernity generally means reveling in the space itself.

Now that its striking addition is complete, the Walker is fast becoming a favorite option for modern-minded party planners. Its Skyline Room features views of downtown Minneapolis through funky, multi-edged and asymmetrical windows. The Cargill Lounge, meanwhile, looks out onto green space and is filled with light from windows that stretch to the ceiling.

An advantage of the Walker isn’t just its rooms and location, but also the mastery of Wolfgang Puck as exclusive caterer and his 20.21 restaurant. Known for his innovative cuisine, Puck’s dishes are designed to accent the space.

Other modern spaces in the Twin Cities abound. At the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis, the Dolly Fiterman Riverview Gallery offers river views and clerestory windows, nicely accented by catering from companies like Mintahoe, D’Amico, Prom Catering, and Joseph Catering. Chiang Mai Thai, deep in the heart of Uptown, combines exquisite Thai dishes with sultry-yet-edgy décor.

Some spaces not traditionally thought of as modern, such as Palomino in downtown Minneapolis, actually lend themselves well to such events, thanks to banquet rooms with clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and city lights in abundance.

“With simplicity in the design, hosts can make the room into their own,” says Sarah Warman, Palomino catering manager. “Dark wood can make it classic, or they can go for a more modern feel by playing off the built-in marble bar.”

Much like the architecture, food served within a modern space often has crisp lines and compelling visual clarity. Sometimes there’s even a dash of humor—the Walker, for example, has a chocolate dessert with a tiny version of the cherry-on-spoon sculpture in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

“There’s a focus on flair with a modern event,” says McCallum, of Three Sons Signature Cuisine. “That can be seen in the way food is set on the plates, or choosing something unexpected as an entree, or just in having plates that are unique.”

An additional burst of flair can also be obtained through multiple food stations, another growing trend in party planning, McCallum adds. Perhaps it’s a result of watching the Food Channel, or maybe just the delight in seeing creativity in action, but whatever the genesis of the craving, it’s there: Guests love seeing their comestibles whipped up by chefs, and if a bit of fire is involved, all the better.

“It adds a personal touch while also having a bit of drama if you’ve got a flambé dish,” says McCallum.

Complementing the spare, clean feel of the venue, the flowers for a modern event should also have sharp lines, says Wisteria Design Studio’s Toscano. Often, just a few flowers can create a unique look, like a single orchid or another tropical flower. The minimalism can be accented with equally striking containers.

“For the Walker, we have a vase we’ve nicknamed ‘The Jetson,’” Toscano laughs. Actually a trio of vases, the futuristic flower holders are glass cones that sit in a pewter base, with metal coils spiraling upward. “They’re just very space age,” he adds. “In a modern space, that’s the look you want.”

Invitations, too, should have the kind flair that has heavy emphasis on design over wording, notes Papeterie’s Harrison. Often, for events that might be held at venues like the Walker or Weisman, hosts will choose unusual but non-decorated papers—this isn’t the occasion for pressed flowers, vellum, or ribbons—and opt for wording that is off-center or arranged in a particularly creative way.

“For a modern event, it’s all about design and size,” Harrison says. “Because of that, as little wording as possible should be on the invitation to bring out the design elements.” In general, people often try to throw more wording than necessary onto invitations, and in some cases it skirts the line between utility and design chaos. But with an event held in a space that’s as orderly and striking as the Walker, Harrison advises sticking to concision.

As much as a modern party might bring out the creativity in flowers, invitations, and food, though, one component that may not be best for avant-garde options is music. Faber advises hosts to make the most of the spare, striking space with music that has the same feel—an acoustic performance or modern atmospheric music often pairs well in such a room, and that stripped-down style would also complement the décor and food. Another option is a jazz vocalist, who can add a touch of exceptional, singular beauty.

In general, whether it involves appreciating the clean lines and graceful vocals of a modern event or enjoying the view of wetlands off the deck, any party benefits from a smattering of planning, but also a healthy dose of luxuriating in the enjoyment of one’s guests. “Hey, it’s a party,” says Queen of Excelsior’s Lambin. “Plan what you have to, and then get out there and enjoy it.”

The Favors
If you’re hosting a modern celebration, look no further than Patina, where you can find a wide range of unique gifts that range from hip and trendy  to playful and girly. Check out these modern party favors:
• This bud vase will let you add a splash of color to the table and give your guests a sweet memento of your event. $5.95.
• A votive wedding candle boasts an intricate gold design  and the scent of wedding cake. $12.95.
• An elegant box of matches is pretty and useful. $3.50.
• This delicate owl is a real hoot for displaying your placecards or photos. $2.95. Patina, 1009 Franklin Ave., Mpls., 612-872-0880; 2057 Ford Pkwy, St. Paul, 651-695-9955; 2305 18th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-788-8933; 5001 Bryant Ave., Mpls., 612-821-9315

The Jewelry
It always seems to be a challenge to make traditional men look a little modern. Items such as cufflinks, a money clip, or key tag can be a traditional gift for the groomsmen, but they can also add a hint of hip to any style, no matter how conventional. These pieces from the Edward Mirell Designer Collection can be found at Scheherazade Jewelers. Galleria, Edina, 952-926-2455