A Tuscan Dream at Waddesdon Manor
From Ancient Rome to the Coastal Mediterranean Sea, A Culinary Celebration of Majestic Wonders
There are dinner parties, and then there are feasts worthy of the Roman Gods themselves. This was the latter - an enchanting evening beneath the stars on the Parterre at Waddesdon Manor, where time bent to the grandeur of antiquity. Though we are London Event Planners, we are an accredited partner to this glorious venue in the heart of Oxfordshire.
A 40th birthday became an odyssey through Tuscany and the luminous grandeur of Florence, a city held close to our clients’ hearts. Every moment shimmered with history, beauty, and celestial enchantment, crafting an evening of pure, gilded wonder. This was no ordinary feast - it was a multisensory masterpiece, where gastronomy met storytelling in a realm of unparalleled creativity, visual poetry, and unbridled luxury. Ancient relics lay entwined with fragrant coastal flora, herbaceous abundance perfumed the air, and each dish was an exquisite homage to the art of dining at its most divine.
What We Did ...
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Before stepping onto the enchanting Parterre of Waddesdon Manor, guests were first transported into a world of avian wonder. The air shimmered with a symphony of birdsong from the historic Aviary, an extraordinary reception space teeming with life and vibrant energy. Lovingly restored and home to a dazzling array of exotic creatures, this sanctuary plays a vital role in the conservation of rare and endangered species.
Among its feathered residents, the resplendent Palawan Peacock-Pheasants and the melodious Rothschild’s Mynahs captivated guests, their presence a living testament to nature’s artistry. As the evening unfolded, a classical guitarist wove delicate harmonies into the birds’ lyrical chorus, creating an atmosphere that felt utterly ethereal - a perfect prelude to the magic yet to come.
Read MoreAmong its feathered residents, the resplendent Palawan Peacock-Pheasants and the melodious Rothschild’s Mynahs captivated guests, their presence a living testament to nature’s artistry. As the evening unfolded, a classical guitarist wove delicate harmonies into the birds’ lyrical chorus, creating an atmosphere that felt utterly ethereal - a perfect prelude to the magic yet to come.
Immersion wasn’t limited. In fact, it permeated throughout the senses and especially during dinner where we served a sumptuous five-course meal celebrating the very best of seasonal cuisine.
A seafood bisque with squid ink and lobster tapioca wafers was served in boxes of sea shells filled with lemon vapour to start; followed by cured salmon with chilled lemongrass, cucumber and ginger broth, which we served in small fish bowls; broth poured from twinkling glass teapots; pan-fried halibut with artichoke ravioli, white crab, caviar and a lemon butter emulsion as a crescendo main course before guests were treated to strawberry and fennel granita with strawberries Calamansi gel and fennel fronds and a golden apple with filled with brûlée cream and Apple compote.
Coffee tiramisu chocolate flavoured cigars served from humidors filled with dry ice and served table side completed this extra special meal.
Read MoreA seafood bisque with squid ink and lobster tapioca wafers was served in boxes of sea shells filled with lemon vapour to start; followed by cured salmon with chilled lemongrass, cucumber and ginger broth, which we served in small fish bowls; broth poured from twinkling glass teapots; pan-fried halibut with artichoke ravioli, white crab, caviar and a lemon butter emulsion as a crescendo main course before guests were treated to strawberry and fennel granita with strawberries Calamansi gel and fennel fronds and a golden apple with filled with brûlée cream and Apple compote.
Coffee tiramisu chocolate flavoured cigars served from humidors filled with dry ice and served table side completed this extra special meal.
"The Events Mill helped me with my wife's 40th birthday which, because of Covid, couldn't be in all the sunny and distant destinations that I had originally hoped to do. No matter we were able to recreate this in Buckinghamshire. We went from lunch at an Ibiza beach party with pumping music, cocktails and oysters to a drinks reception in the South of France, set against a backdrop of exotic birds.
The dinner was a jaw dropping scene as if we were in Tuscany with flowers, music and food that were out of this world. Finally, to New York to a club that felt as if we were right there in Manhattan's finest. Christopher has an ability to really understand what you are thinking, and more, and then he brings it to life. Our friends and family still rave about the best party they have ever been to!"
Sanj, Private Client
The dinner was a jaw dropping scene as if we were in Tuscany with flowers, music and food that were out of this world. Finally, to New York to a club that felt as if we were right there in Manhattan's finest. Christopher has an ability to really understand what you are thinking, and more, and then he brings it to life. Our friends and family still rave about the best party they have ever been to!"
Sanj, Private Client
Guests were whisked off to The Golden Peacock, a Manhattan inspired cocktail bar and club, post-dinner. Here we installed a towering, proud gold peacock overlooking two shimmering bars, with a riot of coloured furniture throughout as our DJ played into the early hours. The buzz of New York was brought to Waddesdon Manor for one night only and guests partied until dawn. The rest, they say, is history.
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