Designing an event inside a venue as iconic as the Empire State Building requires more than good taste – it demands a seamless balance of elevated design and operational precision. With one of the world’s most recognizable skylines as the backdrop, every detail must work harder, look sharper, and perform flawlessly.
Recently, we collaborated with Patina Group and STATE Grill & Bar to support a series of elevated corporate gatherings at the Empire State Building. This case study highlights how strategic corporate event rentals, from curated lounge environments to essential buffet items, can transform an iconic corporate setting into a refined, highly functional experience.
Elevating the Corporate Aesthetic
Corporate events are evolving beyond traditional conference-room layouts. Today’s planners are prioritizing spaces that feel intentional, comfortable, and design-forward, without sacrificing professionalism.
For this collaboration, Patina Group’s hospitality-driven approach was paired with our extensive rental inventory to create environments that encouraged guests to gather, mingle, and connect. Mid-century–inspired silhouettes, layered textures, and clean-lined furniture complemented the Empire State Building’s Art Deco architecture, proving how the right rentals can define a room’s energy.
Look #1 | Viewing Party – Private Dining Room
We set out to design a viewing party within this room that balanced plush lounge seating with refined dining, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for corporate entertaining.
BAR & LOUNGE: Colette Cascade Left Velvet Black, Colette Cascade Right Velvet Black, Colette Middle Velvet Black, Cachet Chair Velvet Black, LED Table Lamp Gold, Redfern Coffee Table, Redfern Side Table, Reese Round Ottoman Pewter, Waverly Bar 6′, Brooks Votive Clear, Isabella Flute Glass 7 oz., Stainless Brushed Round Tray Gold 12″, Round Pedestal Table 42″ H x 24″, Gold Shantung Linen 108″ Round
DINING TABLE: Rectangular Table 6’L x 36″W x 30″H, Black Velvet Linen, Edison Chair Polished Gold with Black Velvet Cushion, Isabella Flute Glass 7 oz., Isabella Red Wine/Water Glass 12 oz., Isabella White Wine Glass 9 oz., Peri Marble Charger 13″, Peri Marble Dinner Plate 11″, Gold Shantung Dinner Napkin, Roxbury Dinner Fork, Roxbury Dinner Knife, Roxbury Salad/Cake Fork, Roxbury Teaspoon, Brooks Votive Clear
Burrata Bar
GET THE LOOK: Black Velvet Linen, Stainless Hammered 5 Step Riser, Tasting Ceramic Oval Bowl 4.25″, Ceramic Creamer White 8 oz., Glass Straight Sided Bowl 10″, Glass Straight Sided Bowl 5″, Black Round Frame Riser 5″, Ceramic Stackable Bowl 12″, Glass Smoke Platter Square 16″, Stainless Hammered Serving Tong, Ellis Stainless Salad/Cake Fork, Mila Textured Dot Salad Plate 8″, Peyton Votive Smoke, Black Paper Cocktail Napkins
Look #2 | Corporate Dinner – Basketball Court
This corporate dinner setup transformed an unexpected space into a polished dining environment. Clean lines, neutral textures, and thoughtful lighting created a modern, professional setting.
GET THE LOOK: Arch Bar White, Horizon Stripe Rug, Rectangular Table 8’L x 42″W x 30″H, Serenity Grey Textured Linen, LED Table Lamp Black, Leon Chair, Uplight, Peyton Votive Smoke, Stockholm Crystal Red Wine Glass, Stockholm Crystal White Wine Glass, Smoke Glass Charger 12″, White Coupe Dinner Plate, White Shantung Dinner Napkin, Diamond Dinner Fork, Diamond Dinner Knife, Diamond Salad Knife, Diamond Salad/Cake Fork
Mash & Mingle Buffet
We designed a flexible buffet setup to support guest flow while elevating food presentation. Functional catering equipment was paired with stylish display pieces for a seamless service experience.
GET THE LOOK: Charcoal Velvet Linen, Food Warmer Single Bulb, Martini Glass 13.5 oz. Stemless, Tasting Glass Footed Bowl 2.5″, Antique Copper Hammered Rectangle Chafer 8
qt., Antique Copper Hammered Round Chafer 4 qt., Antique Copper Hammered Round Chafer 8 qt., Butcher Block Cutting Board 24″ x 18″, Glass Sauce Boat 6.5 oz., Gold Round Frame Riser 9″, Java Black Round Bowl 14.5″, Marble Glass Salad Plate 7.5″ White, Modern Gold Lantern 16″, Resin Rectangle Tray 24″ x 4″ Black, Wrought Iron Straight Leg Stand, Glass Cube Bowl 6″, Black Paper Cocktail Napkins, Beacon Hill Demi/Tasting Spoon, Beacon Hill Soup/Dessert Spoon, Stainless Premium Carving Knife, Stainless Hammered Serving Spoon 10.25″, Stainless Hammered Serving Tong
Supporting the Experience Behind the Scenes
While guest-facing design sets the tone, operational rentals keep corporate events running smoothly in high-profile environments. Collaborating closely with the team at STATE Grill & Bar, we curated the buffet styling pieces needed to complement the menus, providing essential rentals and food service equipment that ensured both efficiency and polished presentation.
Buffet Presentation Spotlight | Southern Hospitality
Together, we created a warm, approachable buffet presentation layered with texture and thoughtful display elements. Designed to feel abundant yet refined, the setup balanced comfort with elevated style.
GET THE LOOK: Bella Print Linen, Mila Textured Dot Salad Plate 8″, Glass Straight Sided Bowl 10″, Ellis Stainless Salad/Cake Fork, Ceramic Stackable Bowl 12″, Ceramic Coupe Platter Rectangle, Ceramic Coupe Platter Round 12.75″, Ceramic Coupe Platter Square 14″, Mini Ceramic Dip Bowl Round 13 oz., Mini Ceramic Dip Bowl Square 14 oz., Stainless Hammered Display Stand 12.25″ x 6″, Stainless Hammered Display Stand 12.25″ x 8″, Stainless Hammered Display Stand 15.25″ x 6″, Stainless Hammered Display Stand 9.25″ x 6″, Stainless Hammered Frame Riser 11.25″ x 7.25″, Ellis Stainless Demi/Tasting Spoon, Stainless Hammered Serving Tong 6″, Peyton Votive Smoke
Look # 3 | Skyline Executive Lunch Buffet
This daytime corporate lunch prioritized productivity with a view, using clean buffet lines and curated serving pieces to support efficient service without distracting from the skyline.
GET THE LOOK: Emary Lunch Plate 8.5”, Berlin Goblet 15 oz., Libby Pitcher 58 oz., Glass V Bowl 9″, Wrought Iron Frame Riser 6″L x 6″W x 7″H, Wrought Iron Frame Riser 9″L x 9″W x 5″H, Black Round Frame Riser 7″, Aster Black Pasta Bowl 9.75″, Ceramic Java Black Round Bowl, Ceramic Java Black Platter Rectangle 18.25″, Stainless Hammered Griddle Cover with Double Sided Griddle, Stainless Marmite Soup Tureen, Glass Cube Bowl 6″, Vanderbilt Black Soup/Dessert Spoon, Glass Sauce Boat, Stainless Hammered Serving Tong 6″
Letting The Brand Lead the Experience
Across each look, design choices were aligned with brand identity, proving that corporate events can feel cohesive and expressive without overpowering the guest experience. Whether modern and minimal, warm and welcoming, or bold and creative, thoughtful design and rental details help reinforce brand presence in a refined, memorable way.
A Blueprint for Elevated Corporate Entertaining
This Empire State Building collaboration illustrates how thoughtful design, strategic layouts, and the right mix of corporate event rentals can elevate corporate entertaining at every level.
From lounge furniture and dining tables to catering equipment and buffet items for rent, Party Rental Ltd. delivers rental solutions that perform as beautifully as they look, helping planners and food service professionals create seamless, memorable corporate events.
For more information, browse our Food Service & Catering Guide or visit our website.