Celebrating La Cocina, Fall Travel Inspiration, Milestone Birthday Ideas & The AE Passport

Summer is fading, the kids are back in school, and our calendars are filling up fast. As we settle into a new season, we’re sharing a few things close to our hearts: a nonprofit we’ve supported for 14 years, inspiration for celebrating life’s biggest milestones, the debut of The AE Passport, and our Back to School-ish edition of The AE5.

From luxury hotels and bucket-list adventures to the little things making everyday life more fun, consider this your latest dose of travel inspiration, thoughtful celebrations, and things we’re loving right now.

But first, have you heard Alison on the Wine & Dine podcast?

Industry colleague Reagan Prechter sits down with leaders in the events world, and Alison gets into the good stuff: hard work builds the skills, relationships build the career, great leaders know when to stop doing every little thing themselves, and the next great person on your team might already be right in front of you. Pour something good and give it a listen.

Giving Back: 14 Years of Supporting La Cocina

Some events have a little extra magic, and La Cocina’s annual gala is one of them.

For 14 years, Alison Events has been fortunate to support La Cocina, a San Francisco nonprofit that helps working-class food entrepreneurs turn big ideas into thriving businesses.

It’s a project our team looks forward to every year. We get to do what we love—dream up the design, bring the details to life, and gather an incredible group of people around an even more incredible mission.

And, of course, we never do it alone. Our generous industry friends show up year after year to help make the magic happen. This year, we were thrilled to collaborate with Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, Found Rental Co., Peterson Event Lighting, Studio Mondine, Lotus & Ash, Casa de Perrin, and Entire Productions to create an evening filled with exceptional food, beautiful design, and plenty of heart.

This year’s theme, The Butterfly Effect, felt just right: the idea that one small act, connection, or opportunity can create a ripple far beyond that moment. And our community certainly made some beautiful ripples.

After 14 years, we’re still incredibly grateful to be part of the La Cocina family. Giving back is one of our favorite parts of what we do, and this is one we’ll happily show up for, year after year.

Photography - Melanie Duerkopp / Floral Design - Studio Mondine

Milestone Birthday Ideas: Where to Go for Your 40th, 50th, or 60th

Another candle on the cake? We’ll take another stamp in the passport.

We love a birthday party (obviously), but milestone birthdays deserve a little something extra. They’re an excuse to gather your favorite people, go somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, and make a memory you’ll still be talking about when the next big birthday rolls around.

The best part? Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Sometimes it’s a villa filled with everyone you love. Sometimes it’s six girlfriends and a bucket-list hike. The secret is finding an experience that feels like you.

Here’s where we’re dreaming of celebrating the big ones.

Turning 40: The Great Escape

At 40, we’re editing the guest list and upping the experience. You’ve made it this far—now it’s time to go big.

Blackberry Farm feels just right: your favorite people gathered under one roof, incredible food, wine tasting in the cellar, hiking, sound baths, spa time, and nowhere else you need to be.

It’s less about throwing the biggest party and more about having a really good time together. Think a beautifully planned weekend where every detail is taken care of and the only thing on your agenda is enjoying it.

Amanvari, East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Turning 50: The Bucket-List Birthday

Fifty is the “we’ve always talked about doing this, so let’s actually do it” birthday.

Go completely off-grid at The Brando in French Polynesia, or be among the first to experience Amanvari, Aman’s much-anticipated Baja hideaway between the desert and the Sea of Cortés. This one is very high on our list!

Or take a page from Alison’s book: forget the resort altogether, grab your best girlfriends, and head into the mountains to hike the Alta Via 1 trail in Italy’s Dolomites.

Whether your version of 50 involves a remote island, a design-forward luxury retreat, or days spent trekking through spectacular mountain scenery, make it the trip you’ve always wanted to take.

Turning 60: Take Over the Property

At 60, you’ve earned the takeover.

Book an exclusive buyout of intimate Naviva in Mexico and bring your favorite people somewhere completely extraordinary. Think a private jungle hideaway, a beautifully curated menu, days filled with activities your group actually loves, and absolutely no reason to leave the property.

Then, just when you think it can’t get better, end the weekend with a private concert from your favorite childhood artist.

Because 60 deserves the full fantasy.

At Alison Events, we don’t just plan weddings. We plan the celebrations that come after them—and we happen to think milestone birthdays deserve to be celebrated very well. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate escape or a full-property takeover, the right destination can turn a birthday into an unforgettable experience.

Introducing The AE Passport: Luxury Hotels, Travel Finds & Places We Love

Where have we been lately? From hotels we’re obsessed with to destinations worth knowing and partners we love, The AE Passport is our team's personal guide to the places and experiences inspiring our travels.

Think of it as a little insider inspiration for your next getaway, gathered from the people who are always on the lookout for somewhere special.

Lauren: Fouquet’s New York

Lauren recently checked into Fouquet’s New York and fell hard.

“The interiors are so fab—layered, full of personality, and distinctly Parisian with a downtown New York edge. Everything feels considered without trying too hard.”

Exactly our kind of place.

Brooke: Le Bristol + Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

Brooke recently took her family to Paris, and let’s just say—it delivered.

“We split our stay between two very different hotels: the dreamy, old-school elegance of Le Bristol, where everything feels beautifully, effortlessly Parisian, and the grand-but-modern Hôtel de Crillon, with its mix of historic French glamour and contemporary cool. Loved both!

“Meanwhile, my son’s favorite moment was customizing his adidas with a local artist at the Champs-Élysées flagship.”

A reminder that the best family trips leave room for everyone's version of a perfect day.

Sara: Finca Victoria, Costa Brava

Sara’s summer escape was Finca Victoria in Begur, on Spain’s Costa Brava.

“Quiet, beautifully appointed, and they serve a strong martini.”

Need we say more?

Alison: Punta Mita, Mexico

Alison’s favorite summer stay? Her happy place in Punta Mita, the home she shares with Graham.

“It’s literally my favorite place on earth.”

And yes, you can rent it. Take a look at her Punta Mita home and consider this your sign to start planning.

Amy: Cheval Blanc, Paris and The Dolli, Athens

Amy’s latest Paris stay at Cheval Blanc Paris checked every box: an unbeatable location, Eiffel Tower views, rooftop breakfasts with perfect pastries, an incredible gym, and a Dior spa.

Hard to beat.

Her Athens find? The Dolli, a gem with knockout Acropolis views. And don't skip the walking tour up to the Acropolis itself.

Bonus: Amy’s meal of the summer

At Bostani Bar and Restaurant on Sifnos, Amy found the kind of meal that makes a trip memorable.

“Stunning edge-of-the-world views, perfect Grecian weather, and delicious bites.”

Pretty magical—and even four 11-year-olds loved it.

The AE5: Back-to-School Essentials, Fall Fashion & Things We're Loving

One of our favorite September traditions comes courtesy of You've Got Mail: Joe Fox’s ode to autumn in New York, school supplies, and the promise of a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils.

In that spirit, we’re rounding up the things our team is coveting, buying, and wearing as we head into fall. From elevated stationery and everyday sneakers to family organization hacks and a few fashion finds, these are the little things making the season more fun.

Sara: Luxury Pencils and Everyday Sneakers

When the kids go back to school, Sara goes shopping for “school supplies,” too.

Her pick? Blackwing Pearl pencils, because even a grocery list deserves a little luxury.

And then there are the sneakers. A fresh pair is a must for everyone in the family, and Sara’s go-to this season is the Eda d’Orsay from Freda Salvador—chic, comfortable, and ready for just about anything.

Lauren: A Personalized AirPods Case

Lauren’s new personalized AirPods case is officially attached to her house keys, meaning she is never without her AirPods.

A tiny organizational win that also happens to be very chic. We love a multitasker.

Danielle: Back-to-School Finds for Little Cars Fans

For her little Cars-obsessed guy, Danielle found the perfect trifecta: a Lightning McQueen T-shirt, a matching backpack, and a Bentgo lunch box, paired with these lunch notes.

Because apparently packing lunch can be fun.

Amy: Jacquemus x Nike Sneakers and Blackwing Pencils

Amy is having a major moment with the Jacquemus x Nike Moon Shoe. She wore the white pair all over Paris and loved them so much she bought the pink, too—and for the record, Amy does not wear color.

She also seconds the Blackwing pencils. The limited editions are surprisingly cool, and her 11-year-old is equally obsessed.

Alison: Fall Fashion, Everyday SPF and Kids' Back-to-School Style

Alison’s fall essentials start with SkinBetter Tone Smart SPF 75, her everyday, non-negotiable sunscreen.

For fall, she’s loving a rich olive corduroy dress from ME+EM, paired with a Rachel Comey suede tote in the dreamiest whiskey shade.

For her daughter, the lineup includes a butter-soft long-sleeve tee, Zendaya x On sneakers, and a JanSport backpack with bows.

Because, obviously, bows.

Brooke: Family Organization and a Skincare Favorite

Brooke’s latest back-to-school obsession isn’t technically a school supply—it’s the Skylight Calendar, which keeps carpools, dance rehearsals, baseball games, and the rest of the family circus in one place.

Sync it with ChatGPT and, honestly, genius.

And in the morning, she doesn’t leave home without this dewy, plumping peptide serum, a must-have step in her skincare routine. Because apparently, it’s all about the peptides.

From the everyday essentials to the little luxuries, The AE5 is our way of sharing the finds that make getting dressed, getting organized, and getting out the door a little more enjoyable.

Beyond the Event: How Alison Events Supports Clients Beyond the Celebration

Our work doesn’t always end when the last guest leaves.

This summer, our team supported client VIPs attending Formula 1 at Silverstone, coordinating travel, logistics, dining, and behind-the-scenes details to help everything run seamlessly.

Whether supporting a major event, managing guest experiences, or assisting an executive team, we’re increasingly helping clients beyond the celebration itself.

It’s an extension of what we’ve always believed: exceptional experiences are built on thoughtful planning, trusted relationships, and the details that make everything feel effortless.

As we head into fall, we’re looking forward to more meaningful gatherings, memorable journeys, and opportunities to help our clients bring their ideas to life.

As always, thank you for reading!

Peace, Love + Parties from the AE Team

Fall ‘26 Edit