Hello 1920's

From the desk of: Phoebe Allen

Normally while dreaming up an event we start with the decor: the florals, the linens, the colors and what the venue actually looks and feels like. Where guests will enter and what they will see as they walk in, what tones and textures will they be greeted with. This event however revolved around the menu. We were taken back to the 1920’s when our client wanted to host a roaring 20’s themed dinner party at their home, with a menu to match.

It was an intimate guest list of about 25 guests. Whom I might add, were dressed to the nines as they arrived - dazzled in lace and tassels with head pieces to match. The modest sized guest list allowed us to really showcase a perfectly curated tasting menu. The final menu took several edits and revisions until we landed on the perfect progression that providing guests' tasting bites from throughout the decade.

CUSTOM MENU: menu and meal provided by Chef Joshua Smith and his team at Alltown Fresh

Amuse Bouche, Garden Vegetable Condiment
- Beverage Pairing: Amuse Bouche 50/50 Vintage Vermouth (1950's) Martini
1st Course, King Salmon, Crème Fraiche, Osetra Royale Caviar, Chive Smoked en Cloche
- Beverage Pairing: Champagne Sillery Grand Cru 2014
2nd Course, Oysters Rockefeller, Local Oysters, Rosé Champagne, Spinach, Sauce Hollandaise
- Beverage Pairing: V. Dauvissat Chablis Premier Cru La Forest, 2019
3rd Course, Porcini Consommé, Wild Mushroom
- Beverage Pairing: Bouzereau-Gruere Chassagne- Montrachet 2017 Les Blanchots Dessous
4th Course, Foie Gras. Local Apples, Frisée, Noble Ver Jus, Black Truffle Brioche
- Beverage Pairing: Dom. Schoffit Sommerberg Grand Cru Riesling, 2017
5th Course, Ballantine of Squab, Chestnut Parisian Gnocchi, Huckleberry, Brussel Sprouts
- Beverage Pairing: Y. Clergies Volnay Premiere Cru 2018 Volnay Carelle sous la Chapelle
6th Course, A5+ Japanese Wagyu, Amaranth Sou-béch, Pommes Maxim, Sauce Bordelaise
- Beverage Pairing: Ch. La Conseillante 2012 Pomerol
Dessert, Chocolate Pot de Creme and a Selection of Mignardises, Mini Madeline, Lemon Tart, Cream Puff
- Beverage Pairing: Dessert Embarcadero

Once the menu was set we dove deep into decor. How could we reimagine their vintage and proper style living room into the a post prohibition, party scene from the roaring 20’s. Clearing out all the existing furniture, bringing in a gorgeous glossy white dance floor, perfectly fitted with a soft base to ensure protection to the existing hardwood floors, and decked out the space with black and white feathers almost hitting the ceiling, pearls, candelabras and lush florals. The deeper we dove into the theme, our design evolved into three tables, two of them with a more feminine feel draped in white sequin linen, white florals and pearls dripping from the candlesticks, and one in the center leaning towards a masculine feel filled with deep red roses and black sequins. We worked with Domenic Cambio for the floral and tablescape. The tables were lush filled with floral and my personal favorite, vintage china and glassware from Borrowed Blu. Specifically selected and used for each of the 6 courses - handpicking the china, flatware and glassware for each course to ensure it complemented with the food and wine pairings.

For many a gastronome, this would have been a complete evening already - but what night is truly complete without entertainment. As if they were invited guests to this intimate affair, two dancers appeared between culinary courses in full 1920’s attire and broke out into dance ensuring each tassel on their flapper dress was a flutter.

Events like this, are such a joy to be a part of - I love to immerse myself into the concept and really help bring the vision to life. As you can see below how many vendors went into this intimate event. A smaller event does not always mean it will be easier - it’s all about the details!

Vendors:

Planning and Design: AE Events

Photography: Nicole Baas

Makeup: Alexandra Dale

Floral: Domenic Cambio

Rentals: Borrowed Blu, Dez Collective, Nuage, PEAK Event Services, Tommy Wholesale

Catering: Alltown Fresh

Lighting: Fournier Lighting

Tux Rentals: Generation Tux

AV Assistance: High Output

Invitation Boxes: Lux Box

DJ and Dancers: Music Management