Holiday Party Planning: The Couve’s Ultimate Guide to Private Dining for Your Christmas Crew (40+ People)

The annual work Christmas party, it’s the perfect time to celebrate your team, but finding the perfect space for a large group (especially one that needs to accommodate 40 adults and kids!) can feel like a mission impossible.

When a local Vancouver resident reached out to our community for help, the suggestions poured in! The good news is that The Couve and the surrounding area are absolutely stacked with fantastic private dining options.

Based on the best local tips and confirmed details, we’ve put together this essential list for booking your 2024 holiday gathering. Whether you want a river view, a cozy full-restaurant takeover, or a spot just across the bridge in Portland, this guide has you covered.

Here are the top local spots to book for a group of 40 people or more:

1. The Vancouver Waterfront: Views, Space, and Class

The Waterfront is the epicenter of elegant dining in Vancouver, and it delivers fantastic options that can easily handle your large party size, often with the bonus of a stunning Columbia River view.

Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar

• Location: 801 Waterfront Way, Suite 103, Vancouver, WA 98660 (On the Vancouver Waterfront)

• Local Tip: Katie Watson raved that Twigs has a private room with closed doors and a "lovely view of the river."

• The Details: Twigs is consistently mentioned for large events. Their private dining space overlooks the Columbia River and can typically seat up to 55 people, making it an ideal choice for your 40-person party. They also offer A/V hookups for presentations or holiday slideshows.

The Cove Restaurant

• Location: 4001 E Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661 (Near the Columbia River/Marina)

• Local Tip: Cher Will and Amy Cheng both highlighted The Cove, with Amy specifically recommending "the upstairs."

• The Details: The Cove offers a dedicated second-floor private dining experience for large events accommodating up to 100 people. This space includes two patios (East and West), giving your guests beautiful views of the marina and river. This is a top contender if you want maximum space and scenery.

13 Coins Restaurant

• Location: 511 West Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98660 (On the Vancouver Waterfront)

• Local Tip: Kacey Dyer simply recommended the iconic Northwest chain, 13 Coins.

• The Details: Known for its iconic high-backed booths and classic, expansive menu, 13 Coins has a beautiful location right on the Vancouver Waterfront. The chain is known for large event spaces in its other locations and is a high-capacity option perfect for a classic holiday dinner.

2. Camas & The Couve's Can't-Miss Private Gems

Venture just a short drive from downtown Vancouver into Camas or historic Main Street for two other fantastic and confirmed large-group options.

The Hammond Kitchen + Craft Bar

• Location: 4857 NW Lake Rd #200, Camas, WA 98607 (In the Camas area)

• Local Tip: Cher Will and Terri Williams both named "The Hammond" as having a nice or private room.

• The Details: Located in Camas, this sister restaurant to The Cove features a 500 sq. ft. private dining room that can accommodate up to 45 people for a seated dinner (or up to 70 for a standing reception). This is a perfect size for your 40-person group and offers a beautiful, sunlit event space.

Bleu Door Bakery & Cafe

• Location: 2411 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660 (On historic Main Street)

• Local Tip: Doris Hale shared a glowing review, noting they held a 40-person 50th anniversary dinner party here in the evenings.

• The Details: The Bleu Door offers "Bleu Hour" private event rentals in the evenings when the cafe is typically closed. The full, expanded dining room can accommodate 60 to 80 guests and features a full bar, impeccable service, and catered menus. A huge plus: They frequently offer no rental fee with a minimum food and beverage purchase.

3. Community Rapid-Fire Tips & Key Booking Advice

The community suggestions were rich with variety! Here are the other places you should add to your call list, especially if you're open to breweries, casual spots, or a quick drive.

Vancouver & Nearby (Community Suggested)

• Ilani Line & Lure: Located at Ilani Casino Resort (Ridgefield, WA).

• Old Spaghetti Factory: Locations in both Vancouver (SE Mill Plain Blvd) and Portland (SW 4th Ave), both of which feature large banquet rooms.

• Brother's Cascadia Brewing: Located off Hwy 99 (address details available on their website).

• Playmakers Sports Bar and Grill: Multiple locations in the Vancouver area.

• Oaktree: Located in Woodland, WA.

• George's Molon Lavé: Located in Battle Ground Village, WA.

Across the River & Regional Options

• Dimos Specialty Italian: Located on Burnside in Portland, OR.

• Oswego: Likely refers to a venue in Lake Oswego, OR.

Final Word of Advice: Book Early & Ask About Minimums

As one wise commenter, Katie Watson, advised, many private dining options use a room rent/minimum spend model, where you agree to purchase a certain amount of food and drink to secure the space for free or a reduced fee. Be prepared to ask the following questions when you call:

1. What is the maximum seated capacity?

2. What is the minimum food and beverage spend required for a weekend dinner in December?

3. Are there specific party menus available for groups of 40?

Good luck, and we hope your work Christmas party is a huge success!

For more local tips and to discover everything The Couve has to offer, keep exploring with us at explorethecouve.com.