Purple Onion

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About Us

Simply put, we make memorable parties and events.

Over the past few decades, Purple Onion Catering Co. has evolved into one of Washington, D.C.’s most successful catering and event planning teams.

We define success by your wonderful feedback, experiences, loyalty and desire to come back and plan your next event with us year after year.

Get to know us even more through some of our history and the people who make up the Purple Onion Catering Co. you know and love today.

Once again – Thanks to you and your staff for a perfect event! Can you believe that it was eleven years ago that you first did our son’s wedding? Now we can’t imagine any celebration without you!

-LAURA A.

Our Story

Purple Onion Catering Co. was launched in 1990 by Margot Jones out of her home. With her four kitchen stove burners (and oven!) working on overdrive, Margot had a feeling it was time to expand into a more accommodating space for her thriving catering business.

Purple Onion Founders - Margot and Dave Jones

Serving the DMV area from its beginnings, Margot started off with a few select clients. As business grew, Purple Onion Catering Co. moved into two other locations before settling into its current beloved Vienna building, all the while expanding their client roster into the thousands. This is where Purple Onion Catering Co. starts to look a little more like it does today: a bustling and vibrant catering company that has grown into one of the area’s top caterers for over the past three decades.

As we know, all origin stories must evolve, and our founders, Margot and David Jones, said goodbye to the amazing company they built on August 1, 2022. At the same time, they welcomed Paige Carney as Purple Onion’s new owner. Paige started off as an assistant nearly 10 years ago. Throughout that time, she grew with Purple Onion Catering Co. into several roles: sales representative, senior event designer and, most recently, general manager. After two years in her role as a GM, she moved into her new role as owner.

Although we truly wish we could go back in time and follow Purple Onion Catering Co.’s story from its inception, we can rest assured that Margot laid out the perfect foundation for all that we’re able to do today and all we will continue to accomplish in the future. The work we’ve put into this wonderful catering company is shown simply by its remarkable progress, strength and growth. And we owe it all to Margot Jones’s brave decision to start a catering company because of—and out of her love for—food and to bring that love to the DMV area.

Join us in celebrating the start of this new chapter in the Purple Onion Catering Co. story with Paige as our owner!

Our Philosophy

We believe in our team. From our humble beginnings to now, Margot worked on meticulously creating a stellar team of some of the most talented individuals in the area. This was all proven in our team’s capability to design and cater a multitude of weddings, special events, corporate events and private parties over the past 30 years. Regardless of whether they’re working on a handful of events or thousands across the area, our team gives attentive care to detail in every moment. Our team is truly special, and we’re lucky to have them.

We believe in quality. Margot stayed steadfast in her belief of always working with the best ingredients and preparation techniques. This is something she took pride in, and we continue to as well. Regardless of whether we are serving 1,000+ guest events or an intimate dinner for 25 people, Purple Onion Catering Co. strives to meet the same goal day after day: to consistently deliver exceptional menus and exceptional service.

We believe in our partners. Purple Onion Catering Co.’s core values, dedication to our clients and determination to host the most memorable events remain our top priorities. We thank our clients and fellow vendors in the industry for your support. Yes, we believe that our clients are also our partners, as we collaborate with them to help bring their event vision to life. While our team’s strength and positivity are the backbone to all we are able to create, our clients and vendors are the reason we are able to continue to be reinvigorated by the work we’re able to complete.

We believe in our founders. Margot and her husband, David Jones, have shown their belief in Purple Onion Catering Co. through their dedication and commitment. We show our loyalty to their vision by continuing that belief into the future. We humbly congratulate our founders on a job well done and offer them our sincerest thanks.

It’s an honor to continue the Purple Onion Catering Co. story, and we’re eager to see where it takes us next. We are so excited to start this new chapter with you!

 

Recent Posts

  • REAL WEDDING: Meghan and Karl
  • Unexpected Late Night Snack Pairings
  • Real Wedding: Megan and Danny
  • Real Wedding: Rachel and Brian
  • Unique Ways to Use Your Favorite Florals in Your Menu

Let’s start planning your event.  Call 703.631.0050 or send us a message.

We are lighting the way into spring wedding season We are lighting the way into spring wedding season with some of our favorite vendors in the industry!! 🕯️💜 We had a great time catching up with familiar faces, meeting new reps in the industry, and having a fabulous time making our very own custom candles! Thank you to all those that were able to join us last week! Let’s start this wedding season strong!! For those that were unable to join us this time around, we will be holding more events like this in the future, we will see you soon!!
Our 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘉𝘦𝘦𝘵 Our 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘉𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘛𝘢𝘳𝘵 is in full bloom as we welcome in SPRING! 🌸 As pretty as a flower, this vegetarian entree is definitely one that blossoms this season!

𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑩𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝑻𝒂𝒓𝒕
Golden Beet Puree | Sauteed Beet Tops | Whipped Goat Cheese | Lemon Ash | Roasted Radish 

#vegetarian #platedentree #vegetarianfood #vacaterer #vacatering #events #dcevents #dccatering #beets #spring #plated #weddings #weddingfood #reception #weddingreception #cateredevents #eventprofs
It’s been a busy week here at Purple Onion, with It’s been a busy week here at Purple Onion, with not one, but THREE birthdays this week— 3 days in a row!!! 🎂🎉 Please join us in wishing Cassie, Walter, and Jean Claude a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY (week)!!! 💜

Cassie is one of our lovely Senior Event Designers who has become a valuable asset to the sales team! As our DC extraordinaire, Cassie has got it down! 🎈

Walter is a member of our incredible Operations team! He’s been with Purple Onion for more than half of Purple Onion’s history! There’s never a day he doesn’t have an uplifting smile on his face, he’s always putting our team in a good mood! 😄

Jean Claude comes to us from France and has graced us as our Tasting Chef with the Kitchen Team! He brings such a bright energy with his humor and spirit! 🧁

Love our team!! 💜

✨ All year long, we will be spotlighting our team members as we introduce some new and become reacquainted with familiar faces! Stay tuned for more!
A touch of green and a golden sunset is all we nee A touch of green and a golden sunset is all we need on this St. Patrick’s evening!! 😍🍀 Reminiscing over this gorgeous view at PCORI’s rooftop event last week! Stunning!

Venue: PCORI
Catering: @purpleonioncateringco @cassdelisle 
Rentals: @selecteventgroup 

#catering #dccatering #dcevents #caterer #rooftop #events #eventprofs #pcori #dc #destinationdc #dccool #dccatering #dccaterer
Our Spring Menu Rollout is upon us and Chef Nathan Our Spring Menu Rollout is upon us and Chef Nathan has surely delivered!! 🙌🏼 We have 18 brand new plated entrees coming to you and we are SO excited to share! Keep a lookout for more soon!!! 👨‍🍳 @breedloven 

#menurollout #springmenu #menu #newdishes #entrees #newmenu #platedentrees #platedevents #caterer #catering #events #eventprofs #maincourse #plateddinner #dinner #weddingreception #dinnerreception #chef
Daylight Savings is hitting us this Monday, thank Daylight Savings is hitting us this Monday, thank goodness for Coffee!! ☕️ Who’s down for a midday pick-me-up?! 🙋‍♀️

Photo: @plumephoto
Venue: @congressionalclub
Planning: @mtghospitality
Rentals: @selecteventgroup

#corporateevents #corporatebreakfast #corporatebrunch #catering #caterer #eventprofs #vacatering #dccatering #dccaterer #coffee #daylightsavings #coffeetime
Celebrating all of the courageous, bold, and ever Celebrating all of the courageous, bold, and ever inspiring females out there! Keep shining and make your mark ✨💪🏻 The world is ours! #InternationalWomensDay 

Photography: @xiaoqiliphotography
Venue: @riversideotp
Wedding Planner: @honeyandlavenderevents
Catering & Rentals: @purpleonioncateringco @cateringeventdesigner
Brunch Venue: @lansdowneresort
Dessert: @icecreamjubilee
Florist: @modernfoliage
DJ: @linecheckaudio
MUA: @styled_bymh
Photo Booth: @marigoldbusandbooth
Transportation: Road Yachts 

#women #womanowned #womanownedbusiness #womanpower #boutiquecaterer #painttheworld #woman #womanstyle #empowerment
🎉 Please join us in wishing one of Purple Onion 🎉 Please join us in wishing one of Purple Onion’s newest team members, Elle, a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY today!!! 💜

Elle joined the Purple Onion team early this year as an Event Associate. Coming to us all the way down from South Carolina, she establishes her career in the event industry working alongside our Event Designers in creating the most memorable events! Welcome to the team and happy birthday, Elle! @_ellehansen 

✨ All year long, we will be spotlighting our team members as we introduce some new and become reacquainted with familiar faces! Stay tuned for more!
Spring May be around the corner, but we are obses Spring May be around the corner,  but we are obsessing over Fall! 🍂 We are still on a high from @selecteventgroup ‘s Lorton Grand Opening Event last month, and with the official photos coming in, they’re just too pretty we had to share! 

Menu: 
- 𝘉𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘶𝘵 𝘚𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘴𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘳 
- 𝘔𝘢𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘋𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘵
- 𝘈𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘰 𝘛𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘗𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘰
- 𝘈𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘵 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦 
- 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘖𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳

Catering: @purpleonioncateringco 
Florals: @petalosdc 
Venue and Rentals: @selecteventgroup 
Event Planner: @terrykayeevents 
Lettering: @leahletters_ 
Photo: @vcruzphotography
Our Apricot Galette with Almond Cream…is the hor Our Apricot Galette with Almond Cream…is the hors d'oeuvre of your dreams 💭💕 Or at least one of them! With a perfectly flaky crust and deliciously whipped filling, there’s no doubt you’ll be dreaming of this bite all day long! 

Photo & Catering: @purpleonioncateringco 
Venue/Shelving: @selecteventgroup
Thank you @selecteventgroup for allowing Purple On Thank you @selecteventgroup for allowing Purple Onion Catering to be a part of your Lorton Grand Opening Event!! 💜 ✨ It’s always a pleasure working with some of the best in the event industry, especially @terrykayeevents ! You are amazing! Special thanks to @petalosdc for your gorgeous floral transformations at our “Fall Station” and to our Purple Onion Team for bringing it all together! 

Venue: @selecteventgroup 
Planner: @terrykayeevents 
Caterers: @purpleonioncateringco @windowscatering @blackgarliconthegram @getplateddc 
Florals: @petalosdc @therosyposy @sarenafloraldesigns @victoriaclausenflorals 
DJ: @djcraigwood 
Photo Booth: @sillyshotzphotobooth 
Calligraphy: @leahletters_ 
Balloons: @creations_bybrenda 
Photographer: @vcruzphotography
So… Sundays, we sushi! 🍣 Just one of these sp So… Sundays, we sushi! 🍣 Just one of these spoonfuls is packed with a sensational medley of flavors! Say what!Our Sesame Seed Crusted Ahi Tuna with a Spicy Napa Slaw and a Wasabi Aioli will surely satisfy! 

Photographers: @HunterandSarah_h⁠
Venue: @Morais_weddings⁠
Wedding Planning: @Dragonfly_Events_design⁠
Bride's Shoes: @jimmychoo and @christiandior⁠
Bridesmaids' Dresses: @azazieofficial⁠
Groom & Groomsmen's Attire: @OriginalPenguin⁠
Floral Design: @NovaFloralscompany⁠
Catering: @PurpleOnionCateringco⁠
DJ: @DJEddo_⁠
Videography: @ReflectCreativeMedia⁠
Hair & Makeup: @Shine_Tina
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