Gary
Proving that marquees are not exclusively for use during the warm summer months, we were contacted by someone who wanted to host a party in a winter marquee in chilly February.
Our client was planning a party to celebrate her mother’s 80th birthday, so we arranged a visit to her home in St George’s Hill, Weybridge to assess the garden space and discuss what would work. The layout of the garden wouldn’t allow us to install one free-standing marquee, but we have plenty of experience of working in awkward spaces and were able to suggest an effective solution.
Image courtesy of Caper & Berry
Prepare to party
We created a party space by joining together three winter marquee structures, which were then connected to the kitchen through which guests would enter. A weatherproof seal ensured that the marquee entrance was suitably protected from the elements. Our client wanted an elegant look and we dressed the marquee’s interior walls and roof with cream pleated linings and a plush cream carpet was laid over boarded flooring. Naturally, the marquee was fully heated to ensure a warm environment throughout the evening.
Within the marquee space we created distinct areas. Guests would first enter a reception/chill-out lounge area, which we furnished with a white Chesterfield sofa, banquette cube seats, coffee table with a silver mirror top, a poseur table for the birthday cake and another for presents. The bar was also set up in this area. From there, guests moved into the dining area where we had set up six round tables to seat 50. And for partying after dinner, we installed a pea-light dance floor.
Lifestyle marquees’s service goes beyond winter marquees
As well as supplying the marquee and furniture items, we were asked to help organise the entire event. We selected a team from our extensive supplier directory to provide lighting, catering and the evening’s musical entertainment.
To complement the stylish look we had created, lighting specialists Lighting with Intent lit the marquee beautifully, creating a special ambience as the evening progressed. Caper & Berry provided the catering and waiting staff. As guests arrived, a selection of canapes was served. And with champagne corks popping, guests could enjoy some fantastic live music. Courtesy of Lemon Entertainment, The Diamond Boys performed. The musical talent, energy and charm of this four-piece band combine to provide entertainment that’s guaranteed to put a smile on guests’ faces. The band performs acoustically, roaming amongst guests as they play, something that works really well for a party of this size. A well chosen mix of golden oldies and contemporary songs – including songs by Queen, Abba and Frank Sinatra, as requested by the birthday girl – ensured that there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Caper & Berry served a delicious three-course dinner, including vegetarian options and child-friendly alternatives for the younger guests, using locally sourced ingredients. The menu featured smoked duck for starters, Beef Wellington for the main course, and shots and pots for dessert – strawberries with meringues and cream, chocolate mousse and a gin and tonic jelly. All mouth-wateringly good!
With dinner over, it was time for the cutting of the birthday cake and speeches by the family. And then the party went into full swing and it was time to hit the dance floor for the rest of the evening.
And the result? One satisfied client, delighted guests and one very happy 80-year-old!
Find out more about hiring a winter marquee
If you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion, why not find out how Lifestyle marquees can help deliver an amazing experience. Call us on 01483 322070 or email enquiries@lifestylemarquees.co.uk.
