- For participants able to travel to San Francisco, California, this a highly interactive in-person
seminar--- with limited seating (properly distanced) that includes the enjoyment of the ultimate
fine dining, a 9-course formal European style dinner, with tastes of wine to accompany each
course, as desired.
PART 1 — The Essentials to Successful Entertaining
- A brief history of protocol, etiquette, and manners, and its origins
- Party Planning: What to consider and do, before, during, and
after the event - Forming the Guest List
- Choosing the right venue and form of service
- Invitations – Written; Formal, and Informal, oral, and using online systems
- Styles of Acceptances and Regrets
- Importance of RSVPs and Thank you notes
- Dressing for the occasion: What to wear, when, and how?
- Setting a proper table: Place settings; Table decorations; Ambience
- Proper seating arrangements
- Host duties and Guest Responsibilities
- Receiving Lines—how to organize, stand, and go through one for any occasions
Part 2 — Dining in High Fashion —An interactive, hands-on Practice Session
- Let’s be seated… Getting in and out of a chair; Seating couples; Posture at the table
- Understanding place settings… the road map to your dining
- American vs. the global style of eating, and the history of both styles
- Proper flatware usage… which fork or knife to use, when, and how to enjoy any meal
- Proper table manners… Strategic do’s and don’ts; Often-made mistakes in etiquette and protocol
Part 3 — Enjoying the 9-course formal tutorial dinner, includes:
- Appetizer
- Soup
- Fish
- Intermezzo
- Meat/Vegetarian
- Cheese
- Salad
- Dessert
- Coffee/Tea, (a cordial and truffles are optional)
Tastes of wines to accompany each course will be served, as desired.
Special meal options are available only upon advance request, so the Chef can properly prepare them. The exact menu and confirmation details will be sent within two weeks of the event date.
During the meal
- Informal discussion throughout dinner, with time for Q&A
- Guidelines for toasting practices, when and how, for both the toast-giver and toast-receiver
- Appropriate dining conversation and what to do when it gets out of hand
- Wine and other beverages at the table, especially when you don't drink alcohol
Who should attend
- Any person wanting to be a "Host with the Most" by gaining the proper guidelines and tips to being a great host of their own parties and events.
- Individuals wanting to polish their savvy social skills to be at ease attending any formal dining experience, anywhere in the world
- Friends and couples wanting to have a fun evening out combining fun, food, wine, and learning new skills.
Why attend
This is absolutely the most fun seminar we offer! If you have ever wondered what it would be like to attend an elegant, formal, 9-course European-style dinner with pours of wine and to learn how to smoothly and confidently navigate each of the 9 courses with confidence, poise, and authority. On top of this, if you never in your wildest dreams thought you could orchestrate your own dinner party of any size and style (informal to formal, to diplomatic level) event, then this seminar is for you! I promise, by the time you leave this class, you'll leave empowered with the confidence, authority, and savvy know-how you've always wanted that will serve you for the rest of your life!
When to attend
This special event is an in-person seminar only, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (or maybe a tad few minutes longer, when everyone finds they are having too much fun!).
Marin - Thursday, 19 September 2024
Oakland, Jack London Square - Friday, 20 September 2024
2024 Investment: This seminar includes 2.5 to 3 hours of expert-led instruction, supported by computer-generated visuals to reinforce learning, a comprehensive multi-page Action Guide for home review, and helpful checklists to easily orchestrate your own event of any size. PLUS! best of all, the 9-course formal European-style dinner---plus pours of wine. There will also be lots of time for Q&A during dinner.
$238 - For a single registration
$408 - Two people attending together
NOTE: Because of the extensive meal service required, this seminar is limited in its seating capacity, plus requires a minimum of eight participants (4 couples) before it is fully confirmed. Be sure to share this event with friends, relatives, and co-workers to join you.
Also, because venue costs account for over 50% of the investment, any cancellations made closer than 14 days before the event date will be subject to a cancellation fee.
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