Gathering Around the Table: A Cold Spring Tavern-Inspired Lunch
For this lunch at Engage!25 in Santa Barbara, we drew inspiration from one of the region’s most beloved landmarks: the historic Cold Spring Tavern. Nestled within the charming courtyards of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, the design paid homage to the rich heritage of California’s Central Coast, blending rustic authenticity with the elevated hospitality that defined the entire conference experience.
The design embraced the warmth and character of the surrounding landscape through natural wood furnishings, layered textures, and an abundance of seasonal wildflowers and greenery. Gingham linens, amber glassware, and thoughtfully curated tabletop details added a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, while maintaining a polished and intentional aesthetic. Our goal was to create an environment that felt welcoming and effortless, as though guests had gathered for an afternoon meal in the heart of wine country rather than at a conference.
As with every Engage! experience, storytelling extended beyond the décor and into the culinary journey. Guests were treated to a menu inspired by local traditions, featuring Central Coast favorites including signature tri-tip and regional ingredients that celebrated the area’s agricultural roots. The meal served as both a reflection of Santa Barbara’s culinary heritage and an opportunity for attendees to connect over a shared appreciation for exceptional food and hospitality.
What we loved most about this luncheon was its ability to capture the rugged beauty of the Central Coast while delivering an experience that felt refined, thoughtful, and distinctly Californian. Through intentional design, locally inspired cuisine, and a deep respect for place, we created a gathering that honored the spirit of Cold Spring Tavern while welcoming guests into the heart of Santa Barbara. It was a beautiful reminder that the most memorable events are often the ones that tell the story of where they are.
Event:
Hospitality Host: Ritz Carlton Bacara
Event: Engage Summits
Photos by: Liz Banfield Cat Galletti , Amanda Crean
Creative Director, Planning, and Floral Design: Tyler Speier
Art Direction, Branding, Paper, Design Support: TPD Design House
Entertainment & Music: Elan Artists
Wood Tables: Elan Event Rentals
Linens: Nuage Designs
AV: Five Star AV
China, Glassware, & Flatware: Casa De Perrin
Hat Wall Backdrop: Revelry Event Designers
Wholesale Floral: Florabundance Inc.
For this lunch at Engage!25, we took inspiration from one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved landmarks, the historic Cold Spring Tavern. Set in the courtyards of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, the design honored the heritage of California’s Central Coast, pairing rustic charm with the warm hospitality that ran through the whole conference.
Rustic Central Coast Event Design at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
We leaned into the warmth of the surrounding landscape with natural wood furniture, layered textures, and plenty of seasonal wildflowers and greenery. Gingham linens, amber glassware, and carefully chosen tabletop details brought a sense of comfort and nostalgia while still feeling polished. Our goal was for guests to feel like they’d gathered for an afternoon meal in wine country, not a conference lunch.
A Menu Inspired by Santa Barbara Traditions
At Engage!, the story always continues onto the plate. The menu celebrated local traditions with Central Coast favorites like signature tri-tip and regional ingredients that reflect the area’s farming roots. It was a taste of Santa Barbara’s culinary heritage and a chance for attendees to connect over great food.
Event Design That Tells the Story of Its Place
What we loved most about this lunch was how it captured the rugged beauty of the Central Coast while still feeling refined and thoughtful. It was a reminder that the most memorable events are often the ones that tell the story of where they are.
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Meet Tyler
EVENT PLANNING & FLORAL DESIGN
Me and my team intentionally create bespoke celebrations for life milestones that inspire resounding joy, awe-inspiring beauty, and a deep sense of belonging and connection
I firmly believe in the beauty of carefully executed restraint, allowing the natural beauty of the venue, flowers, design details, and clients speak for themselves.
I believe love is love - all are welcome here.
- tyler
I look forward to creating something beautiful with you.
About Me
you will ALWAYS cherish
From hanging installations above dinner tables in a tent to small details and candlelight in a powder room, our floral production allows us to bring to life exactly what we’ve dreamt up together through the design process, leaving you with peace of mind before the big day and that feeling of awe come wedding day.
Designing a space
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