Ridgewells Catering has catered Inaugural events for every administration since John F. Kennedy in 1961
On January 20, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath to become the 47th President of the United States. While the ceremony and rituals of that historic moment will captivate viewers from around the world, many event professionals in Washington, D.C. will be buzzing with anticipation for what’s to immediately follow: the inaugural balls and parties to celebrate the incoming administration. For D.C.’s Ridgewells Catering, this year will mark their 18th Inauguration cycle, and below, they sharing some favorite moments and tips learned from their vault of experience.
BOOK EARLY (OR NOW)
“If we’re talking about the Official Inaugural balls, that’s one thing – there’s an established process for those,” says Susan Lacz, CEO of Ridgewells Catering. “But there are hundreds of unofficial events and celebrations that take place across the city the week of Inauguration, and vendors will book quickly for those.” Lacz mentions corporate events and viewing parties on the parade route, celebrations for state societies, press parties – it’s a busy week, and while some clients may want to wait to book until after the election results are in, those who know for sure they’ll be hosting should secure their venues and vendor teams now before they’re at capacity.
Security will be another factor to be considered, and Ridgewells recommends working with companies who have an established history navigating the logistical complexities Inauguration brings. “Inauguration is no time to underestimate maneuverability within the Capital Beltway, and particularly around closures and security perimeters,” says Lacz. “Your best bet is to work with experienced people who have solid relationships with government agencies, law enforcement, and official planning committees to ensure a smooth event.”
CELEBRATE IN STYLE AT AN ICONIC VENUE
Museums, historical venues, rooftop patios, raw warehouse spaces, and cozy galleries. We have no shortage of great venues in D.C. that are perfectly located in immediate proximity to all the Inauguration action. Included in those venues is the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, newly reopened in Fall 2023 and under management by Ridgewells. “I think anyone who has ever attended an event at Mellon Auditorium knows how special this venue is,” says Lacz. With sweeping stone columns stretching over 60 feet tall, the landmark venue has played host to the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty establishing NATO in 1949 (and recently NATO held their 75th Anniversary Summit at Mellon), and thousands of other events ranging from epic galas to stunning weddings throughout its history.
In addition to Mellon Auditorium, Lacz points to Ridgewells’ website, which features a list of many of the region’s best venues for hosting events of all sizes, as a resource for those looking to bring their gathering somewhere special.
JUST LIKE PRES: BE CREATIVE WITH YOUR FOOD & BEVERAGES
As a caterer, of course Ridgewells’ favorite part of any Inaugural celebration is the menu planning. “Fun fact!” Exclaims Lacz. “Ridgewells’ Executive Chef, Kashif Browne, was actually the Executive Sous Chef at the White House in the late 2010’s. Combined with all of the Inaugural events we’ve done in our 96-year history, we’ve got an inside scoop on Presidential tastes like you wouldn’t believe!” Lacz emphasizes that many incoming presidents enjoy honoring American culture, and often place an important emphasis on their own geographic regions and family traditions when crafting the perfect menu.
To inspire some of their creative direction for 2025, Ridgewells set out this year to research some of the menus (and epic moments) served up at previous Inaugural events. Some favorite gems uncovered included:
· In 1961, John F. Kennedy had 5 official balls, bringing back the glitz and glamour to the events which had been largely lost in recent decades due to war and economic depression. Some of the dishes chosen for his events were inspired by American favorites and New England classics such as Boiled Stuffed Lobster with Drawn Butter, and Patisserie Bateau Blanche (a white fruit cake, rumored to be a recipe provided by Jackie Kennedy).
· In 1973, during Nixon’s Inaugural ball at what is today’s Smithsonian American Art Museum, a chicken got loose from an exhibit and crashed the party, cozying up to guests during what was reported to be quite the raucous party.
· At Reagan’s 1981 Inauguration, guests consumed over 40 MILLION jelly beans, which were known to be his favorite snack after he quit smoking.
· Bill Clinton attended 11 balls in 1993 and 14 in 1997 (whew!), and he had perhaps the most eclectic menus ever served. Highlights included a Shrimp, Oyster & Scallop Pie and Beggar’s Pudding with Quince Ice Cream.
GO WILD WITH DÉCOR
“Some of my favorite parties,” says Lacz, “Whether it’s a candlelit inaugural ball or a disco-lit bash featuring Warhol-style artwork of historic presidents, are the ones who go all out on the décor. We have such amazing creative talent in this city. Our vendor partners, especially those who fabricate custom décor, and those who provide exceptional furniture rentals, they really have a pulse on how to take an event and turn it into something memorable your guests will cherish forever. This is an historic event, and investing in the creative side of things will bring the festivities to the next level.”
Ridgewells Catering was founded in 1928 in Washington, D.C., and has been headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland since the 1970’s. They employ more than 180 people, and the company was ranked 15th for Washington’s Fastest Growing Companies by the Washington Business Journal in Fall 2023. For more information, visit www.ridgewells.com.
