The Zamala Journal

The people who make Vancouver celebrate.

Spotlights, guides and stories from the event Pros our community loves.

Showing Birthday —

An overhead view of a mezze spread on a wooden table: hummus topped with chickpeas, a red dip with a walnut and mint, three fried kibbeh on white spoons, folded pastries, a creamy dip scattered with pomegranate seeds, kale and pink flowers.
Spotlight

Tayybeh: Syrian catering and family-style dinners in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver

Tayybeh started as pop-up dinners in 2016. Now the newcomer women in its kitchen cook Syrian food for group dinners in Mount Pleasant and catering across Metro Vancouver.

November 3, 20264 min read

A group of friends at a long table on a restaurant's covered terrace at dusk, with shared plates, candles and wine
Guide

Private dining in Vancouver for 10 to 40 guests: rooms, buy-outs and how to arrange it

What the headcount changes, set and family-style menus for a group, how much notice to give, bringing your own wine, and a private chef who cooks at your home.

October 30, 20266 min read

A group of friends raising wine glasses in a toast at an evening celebration
Guide

How far ahead to hire for a December celebration in Vancouver

Realistic lead times for caterers, DJs, bakers and photographers, what to put in your first message, and how to plan if you're starting in late October.

October 24, 20265 min read

A cocktail handed from one person to another across a marble counter, with star anise and a lit candle beside it
Guide

How to hire a bartender for a home party in Vancouver

How many you need, who buys the alcohol, whether a party at home needs a permit, Serving It Right, and what to ask before you hire.

October 22, 20266 min read

A long dining table set with candles and flowers for an evening dinner celebration
Guide

How to plan a 40th or 50th birthday dinner in Vancouver

The guest list, the room, the liquor permit, the rain and the ride home, for a milestone dinner in Vancouver.

September 26, 20266 min read

The full band and guests gathered together with the audience at the end of the show, everyone smiling for a group photo at Zameen Art House.
Real Celebrations

The birthday that turned into our first show

A full house on Granville Island, a band and a set list that ran from Caetano Veloso to Amy Winehouse.

September 15, 20265 min read

A buffet table with platters of fresh food set up for a small gathering
Guide

How to hire a caterer for a small event in Vancouver (20 to 60 guests)

Small gatherings have their own rules. How to find the right caterer, what to ask, and where the money goes.

September 9, 20263 min read

Children blowing out the candles on a birthday cake together
Guide

How to plan a kids’ birthday party in Vancouver: venues, food and timing

Two hours, one plan, and somewhere to go if it rains.

September 9, 20263 min read