A Year Worth Slowing Down For
This past year with Pepper Play felt different — in the best way. It wasn’t about how many events we could fit in or how big we could grow overnight. It was about intention. About refining what we offer, how we show up, and the experiences we help create.
From Orange County to Los Angeles, we spent the year building thoughtful soft play setups, designing balloon installs, and watching spaces transform into something playful yet polished. There’s a certain moment at every event — when the setup is finished, the room settles, and everything clicks — that reminds us why we love doing this.
This year wasn’t about doing more.
It was about doing things better.
How Pepper Play Took Shape This Year
We started Pepper Play focused on soft play, but this year allowed us to grow into something more layered.
Balloons quickly became a core part of our work — and where our creativity really took off. From building mockups to seeing installs come to life, balloons gave us a new way to shape a space and tell a story. Bounce houses followed naturally, along with thoughtful add-ons that made setups feel complete rather than crowded.
Clients began asking for more bundled experiences instead of single rentals. Soft play paired with bounce houses. Balloons tying everything together. Even our photo booth found its place.
Some moments stood out immediately — like Stellan’s first birthday in Newport Coast with the Patel family, or evenings spent setting up for weddings at Rancho Capistrano Winery in San Juan Capistrano. And then there were the baby showers — soft palettes, beautiful details, and mamas surrounded by love.
This year also took us farther than we expected.
San Clemente. Hacienda Heights. Long Beach. Hancock Park. Beverly Hills. Seal Beach. Dana Point.
Each city came with new layouts, new logistics, and new creative opportunities — and we welcomed all of it.
Not Just Backyards Anymore
While backyard parties will always have a place in our hearts, this year brought a noticeable shift toward venues and larger-scale events.
We worked inside beautiful spaces like The Richland in Old Town Orange, hosted corporate gatherings at Anduril, and created play areas at Big Canyon Country Club and Balboa Yacht Club. Each venue pushed us to think differently — about flow, timing, and how play fits into a more formal environment.
Themes, Colors & What Everyone Loved
Patterns started to emerge as the year went on.
Race car themes showed up again and again. Stitch from Lilo & Stitch became an unexpected favorite. Football-themed parties? Always a hit — especially with dads.
Color-wise, soft pinks remained a favorite, while neutrals continued to dominate events for babies and younger toddlers. Clean, calm palettes paired with playful details felt like the sweet spot.
Event types expanded too. What started as mostly first birthdays grew into:
- twin birthdays
- baby showers
- a tiki-themed engagement party in San Clemente
When parents wanted something fun but didn’t want to handle the creative work themselves, they came to us — and trusted us to design it.
A Few Moments We’ll Always Remember
Some events stayed with us long after teardown.
There was the corporate family event that required NDAs, security clearance, and a guide escorting us at all times. Kids played on soft play and worked on crafts while parents experienced a rare overlap of work and family — all on campus.
Mother’s Day at Balboa Yacht Club marked our first time staying on as hosts throughout the event. Children moved between bounce houses, ball pits, and soft play while parents enjoyed lunch by the water.
A rustic baby shower in Orange brought dried florals, a DJ, beautiful food, and neutral soft play into a perfectly styled space where guests truly dressed for the occasion.
And then there was the sibling birthday at CSU Fullerton’s Titan Bowling Alley. A “7–11” theme for an 11-year-old sister and 7-year-old brother — complete with perfectly matched colors and snack stations stacked with Slurpees, Cheetos, soda, pizza, and every nostalgic treat you can imagine.
Different ages. Different spaces. One shared goal: make it work.
What Became Clear This Year
One thing we heard again and again:
Clients want things to feel easy — even when the setup is not.
That meant:
- slipping in and out of venues seamlessly
- offering multiple visual mockups, not just one idea
- creating play zones that work for different age groups
- balloon installs that feel elevated, never overwhelming
Listening closely shaped how we refined our process.
Behind the Scenes, Quiet Improvements
Some of the biggest changes happened where no one could see them.
Setups became more efficient. Inventory became more intentional. Communication became smoother. We learned how homes behave differently from venues — and how to adapt quickly without sacrificing design.
Professionalism became second nature.
Looking Ahead for 2026
Next year, we’re building on what worked.
New inventory is coming. More activity-based offerings, including slime crafts, are on the horizon. We’re continuing to expand into Los Angeles while curating packages that feel cohesive and considered — not pieced together.
The focus stays the same: intentional, outstanding, safe play experiences.
With Gratitude
To the families, planners, venues, and repeat clients who trusted Pepper Play this year — thank you. You allowed us to grow thoughtfully and refine what we love doing.
Pepper Play isn’t just growing. It’s becoming more itself. And we’re excited for what’s next across Orange County and Los Angeles.
