Can a "family meal" in the event industry become a thing?

Plus the Bear, a free month on Headspace and the cutest pasta note cards you ever did see.

Eeek! I’m writing this from a plane to Stanly Ranch, on my way to a wine-tasting, spa-filled birthday weekend with my husband. Fun fact: our entire family has November birthdays—it’s Scorpio SZN! So we keep the streamers up in our dining room all month long. It’s my favorite little tradition. This weekend, though, I’m excited to step away, drink some wine, and sweat it out in a sauna. I’ve got a facial and massage lined up, dinner reservations at BEAR and Torc, wine tastings and exploring shops in St. Helena and downtown Napa. By the time this goes out, I’ll be on the flight home—hopefully with glowing skin, a new favorite wine, and a back that feels ten years younger. 43 is lookin’ pretty good!

Speaking of BEAR… have you seen The Bear on Hulu? (Not the restaurant above, but I love a good segue…)

If you haven’t watched, The Bear is about a chef who leaves fine dining to run his brother’s sandwich shop. It’s a messy, intense, real look at restaurants and how community keeps everything (mostly) together.

If you have seen it, you’ll remember the “family meal” scenes, where the staff sits together before a shift—eating, connecting, getting a quick breather before the hustle starts. It’s a time to laugh, bond, and let out concerns before they start dinner service.

Curious about the reality, I asked our friend Kate, chef-owner of Thistle & Leek, who’s worked in legendary places like Craigie Street Bistro, Toro and Le Bernardin. She said family meals are definitely a thing in restaurants where she’s worked. Then I took the question to Reddit, and found that outside fine dining, some places offer staff meal credits, while others skip it entirely.

But honestly, we all know a meal is more than just food. It’s a chance to sit around, enjoy each other’s company, share a few laughs, connect and take care of each other.

Art by Fete Collection

You’re here because you spend most of your life serving others - and you want to find ways to advocate for your own self care. But rather than sharing individual tips today, I’ve got a more collective one.

I think a “family meal” tradition in the event industry would be a game changer.

What if, instead of a vendor meal, we shared a family meal? A time to gather, connect, and settle in before the fast-paced event begins? Imagine learning a quirky fact about a colleague or solving a small event challenge together—things that bring people closer and create more cohesive teams.

Statistically, more social connection leads to greater happiness and a positive, happy mindset is contagious. When we feel cared for, we’re more likely to bring that spirit to everyone around us. 

So if you’re in the event industry, I’d love to know - what ways do you see a family meal happening at your event? If you were tasked with that role, what would you suggest?

I’ve had caterers who’ve embraced this approach, and it’s been incredible. I've also worked with planners who’ve implemented this idea when the caterers couldn’t. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just well-timed and genuinely welcoming.

Below is a clip of us at Castle Hill, sharing a family meal at a wedding. We were all surprised—and it was so much fun! No one had to rush. When we got up from the table, we felt connected, refreshed, and happier. Our photo and video team decided to stay longer than planned, just because they wanted to.

Another time, my friend Keri treated the entire vendor team to Shake Shack, so we could grab bites throughout the event. Burgers and fries—it was a hit.

When we work with Kate’s Table, they set up a delicious and private vendor buffet during cocktail hour (which, in my opinion, is the ideal time), so we can all sit down and enjoy They keep it stocked for a few hours, and by the time the reception rolls around, we feel truly cared for and energized.

One thought that popped up writing this - perhaps the catering team invites vendors to arrive an hour earlier and offers a “family meal” at that time— like cute bagged lunches (MAX did this for a site visit once, and it was a hit!), charcuterie & platers? Something easy. And if it’s not the caterers, could it be you?

I know this takes extra money, time, product and people. But, if we want to start pouring from a full cup - individually and collectively - would you be willing to try it out?

Speaking of full cups, I’m just about to land in wine-country!

I’d love to hear your creative ideas for making family meals work! Drop your suggestions below—let’s focus on solutions and keep it positive (no vendor meal rants, haha!)

And of course, my not-so guilty pleasures:

• Every Tuesday, I take Mia to dance class and swing by the thrift shop around the corner. They get new items every Saturday, so I’m always catching fresh finds. Last week, I scored a vintage chartreuse suit for my Palm Springs Kindred trip—$25! This week, I snagged Bvlgari perfume for $50. But honestly, it’s less about the thrill of the find and more about weaving a little leisure into my mom duties. Try adding a leisure routine between your tasks this week!

• I ordered a sugar cookie almond milk latte at Starbucks at the airport. (2 pumps vs. 4 to cut the sweetness). OMG it’s topped with those teeny tiny crunchy cookie sprinkles. There was A LOT of joy there!

• I stayed off instagram last week (it was amazing) and instead I’ve been mailing notes to friends to connect. How cute are these penne pasta note cards!

• Oh, did anyone meditate after last week’s post? I hit my goal of 3x because of you!  Here’s my headspace referral link if you want to try 30 days free. (not an ad, haha).

ps. I’m back from Napa! Next week I’ll be sharing my remarkable Stanly Ranch experience! I asked so many of the hospitality team members on the ranch what makes them happy. Excited to share their strategies with you!

Anyway, fill your cup, my friends! Thanks for being here and pass this along to anyone you think might enjoy it!

Until next Monday,

Nat