David Aten of David and Company, A Melissa Teaff Catering Company

By Paula Philipps

David Aten, general manager of David and Company, attends to details in a way that high-profile clients have come to expect. Events by David and Company and Melissa Teaff Catering Company, are elegant and sophisticated, uncomplicated and memorable, glamorous and refined.

A self-professed Army brat, Aten traveled and lived around the world before settling in Napa. “I've worked in the restaurant business since I was 15 years old,” he adds. “So when someone asks what I know about catering and events, I can tell them from experience. I've been a janitor, busboy, waiter, bartender and learned a lot about cooking from watching chefs firsthand.”

Aten worked his way through college, attending Marymount College and San Diego State, graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in speech communications.

While in Sacramento, David worked for a private dining club frequented by political dignitaries such as Dan Quayle, Pete Wilson and Robert Dole. “The people I've worked with have run the gamut,” Aten said.

“When I met Melissa Teaff eight years ago, she saw something in me that she liked,” he commented. “She has allowed me to change and to take advantage of opportunities to expand my skills.”

David and Company provides customized event services to clients who are seeking uniquely personalized events throughout Northern California. Often set in scenic wine country locations, events by David and Company and Melissa Teaff Catering provide clients with “the gold standard” in everything from crystal to French antiques.

“I'm the braniac of the operations,” Aten explains. “I want to know everything, from how many forks are needed to where guests will leave their umbrellas.” It is that attention to details that ensure events run seamlessly.

“My favorite clients are those who trust my judgment,” he says. “They know I will make their dreams come true and more.”

David and Company offers three tiers of event packages. Depending upon preferences, clients can choose a pre-proposal, in which the client discusses everything he/she wants for an event, the custom planning party package for which the client is given information about venue, menu and catering and other facts, followed by a full-service package in which Aten includes all details of the event, providing vendors, accommodations, entertainment, food and any additional management.

“I give the event structure from concept to logistics,” Aten says.

Approximately 75% of David and Company's clients are from outside of the Bay Area, and 50% are from out-of-state. Most are looking for a wine country destination. Besides wine country themes, other popular themes include French, Hawaiian, and country casual. Aten feels that fine food, service and décor make each event unique.

Aten says that the media has played a large role in driving trends, commenting that “just because they see something on Oprah or in a popular magazine, it might not work for them.”

Wine country weddings accounted for 35% to 40% percent of David's business last year. Groundbreakings, open houses, corporate holiday parties, anniversaries, memorials, bar mitzvahs and other special occasions were among the other 60% of the events that kept the staff of four busy.

In addition to event planning and catering services, Aten can provide luxurious short-term accommodations at estates throughout Napa and Sonoma for clients who want especially memorable experiences.

“What we offer is a relationship.” Aten says. “Melissa says we develop relationships with clients starting with the wedding, and then they continue with a baby shower, anniversary, graduations and with other events throughout a person's life.”

One satisfied couple said,” David has an uncanny ability to understand your vision and he produces an event well beyond expectations, with zero stress. David is creative, resourceful, hardworking, thoughtful, dependable and professional.”