5 Steps for Organizing the Perfect Private Dining Event

Private dining offers the perfect solution for many events. Beautiful dining rooms, exquisite food, plentiful seating, and the opportunity to customize your event according to your wishes all make private dining a popular option for everything from weddings to retirement parties. If you are ready to arrange a private dining event for yourself, here are some insights into how to make it just right.

Know which events to enjoy with private dining.

Private dining is ideal for any event that requires a beautiful, exclusive space and delicious food. Whether looking for space for an intimate few, or space for a large crowd, private dining can offer a luxurious and tasty solution. Consider it for any of the following events:

• Wedding receptions
• Corporate dinners
• Engagement parties
• Milestone birthdays
• Graduation parties
• Board meetings
• Anniversary celebrations
• Fundraisers
• Awards ceremonies
• Retirement celebrations
• Going away parties
• Holiday parties
• And more

Settle on a theme for your event.

A theme will help to guide the way you decorate your space and customize your menu for your special event. Your options are almost limitless, but there are some popular themes that you may want to consider, especially as it pertains to the dishes you choose for your private dining menu.

• Black tie event with plated, upscale meals
• Farmhouse theme with informal, family-style service
• Cocktail party with appetizers and drinks
• Professional wine pairings that can involve whole meals or just appetizers and wine
• Pop culture themes with a relevant menu
• Holiday parties with related foods and drinks

Based out of a historic Spanish-style home, this “mansion with a mission” now encompasses 20 acres of protected property that houses a diverse array of birds and wildlife.

Find the right private dining space.

There may be a number of private dining options within the RGV, but they will not all be right for your special event. Before settling on the first (or cheapest) space, take the time to explore how each space fits with your event needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Space

The right private dining space will accommodate your guest list without feeling too big or too small. Whether putting together an intimate group of 10 or a large group of 70, you need to choose a place that can offer a comfortable, beautiful area that is just the right size.

In addition, consider the privacy the space provides. Is it private or semi-private? Does some openness work or do you need a room that is completely closed off? Choose a space that is as private as you need.

Ambiance

Is the dining space beautifully set and elegantly appointed? Can you decorate it the way you desire according to your tastes and theme? The right space will create a welcoming and beautiful atmosphere that communicates the importance of your event to every person who enters.

Location

Is the private dining space centrally located for you and your guests? You want everyone to be able to easily and conveniently make their way to your special event.

Technology

Board meetings, presentations, videos, and other important elements of an event may require certain A/V capabilities. Make sure your chosen space has the technological ability to meet your event needs.

Before committing to a space, you may also want to visit the place in person to get a firsthand look at the facilities and to meet face-to-face with the event staff.

Choose your private dining menu.

The right private dining space will make it easy to customize the menu for your special day. Once you choose your guest list, theme, and location, you can meet with the restaurant to craft a menu that fits with your event.

When selecting the menu consider the event, the theme, your preferences, and your budget. A casual buffet may work for some events, while a plated menu may work better for others. Steak and seafood may be preferable, or appetizers may work best.

Make sure that any menu you create has the following features:

• Options for varying tastes
• Consideration of dietary restrictions
• Vegetarian options
• Drinks to complement the food
• A mouth-watering dessert

Plan the decorations for your space.

Once you settle on the space, theme, and menu, you can turn your attention to the decorations. The space you choose may do the decorating for you, or you may need to come in early to add the touches you want. Make sure you know what parts of decorating are your responsibility and which are the event space’s. Then turn your space into a beautiful welcoming, and themed place for a successful get together.

A private dining event should be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Here at PRIME, we offer beautiful spaces for intimate gatherings and get-togethers of dozens. With a mouth-watering, and customizable menu, private event planner, and state-of-the-art capabilities right in McAllen, we can help you create the perfect private event. Contact us today to learn more!