From the very beginning, our client told us that this dinner party was all about fine dining and fine wine. It was also the first time our clients have hosted about 40 guests in their classic Georgetown Washington, DC row house. How do we combine fine dining with a cocktail-style reception, balancing the casual feel of an at-home party with the classic, formal decor style of the home and of a celebratory dinner? The key was to finding the right partners. We worked with Augie Bove of Design Cuisine on serving composed small plates for the entrees, which allowed the presentation to be elegant and interesting which was important to our client. Guests could eat all the food with just a fork. Philippa Tarrant helped design floral arrangements in green, white and grays that complemented the neutral tones of the home. Enjoy the photos. All photos by Deb Lindsey except where noted.
Philippa Tarrant helped us create a welcoming scene of candles inside lanterns accented with white blooms along the black iron staircase. Left photo by Deb Lindsey. Right photo by Vicky Choy.
We started the evening off with passed hors d’oeuvres including a lump crab savory cones and a salmon sashimi spoon. Photos by Vicky Choy
On the kitchen island, Design Cuisine prepared a cheese and charcuterie station.
Anchoring the kitchen island was a tall and loose arrangement of white roses, stock, snapdragons and Queen Anne’s lace with foliage
The main courses featured composed small plates (clockwise starting at top left): charcoal grilled grass fed beef tenderloin; dungeness crab and avocado salad; Alaskan Halibut; char grilled vegetables with millet and cilantro walnut pesto.
A coffee table arrangement of soft green foliage, dusty miller, white roses, stock and snapdragons, and snow on the mountain. Photo by Vicky Choy
For the dining room table, a low arrangement using the soft gray green foliage with dusty miller, white roses, Queen Anne’s lace, astrantia, and snapdragons. Photo by Vicky Choy.
The roaring fireplace drew guests out into the courtyard despite the chilly temperatures.
Event Partners
Event Planner: Vicky Choy, Event Accomplished
Venue: Private Residence in Georgetown, Washington, DC
Catering: Design Cuisine, Arlington, VA
Wine, Beer and Spirits: Ace Beverage, Washington, DC
Photographer: Deb Lindsey
Floral Design: Philippa Tarrant
Linen Rentals: DC Rental and BBJ Linen
Invitations: Minted
Cocktail Napkins: ForYourParty.com
Finding the right event suppliers is half the battle and this is where working with an event planner can give you access to these Washington, DC area professionals.