Westfield Dinner Party Workshop Overview

Last week The Inspired Occasion had the privilege of managing a number of Party Styling Workshops for Westfield Geelong. These workshops were designed to complement the Tastes of Central Geelong Festival Program.

With a different theme each day, the workshops commenced on Thursday 19th July at 11am, with a demonstration of how to give a classic Dinner Party with a Christmas in July twist.

The workshop was for group of up to 32 guests and with all participants booking through Westfield directly. 

Objective

To demonstrate simple styling techniques that transform a formal dinner party for 8 into a stylish Christmas in July celebration.

We wanted the guests to participate in hands on, simple crafting, that could be easily replicated at home, we provided all guests with a fact / worksheet covering the topics discussed and main elements used.  


Guests also had the opportunity to thoroughly discuss the theming of their dinner party table and learn the tricks, processes and elements that go into styling their own table/dessert station with an opportunity for plenty of Q&As at the conclusion of the workshops

Main elements

Creating embellished place settings

Each participant created a place setting name tag that can be used in a variety of ways, including;

• A name tag that embellishes a wine glass
• A name tag that embellishes a table setting
• A name tag that can be used embellish a napkin

Napkin folding with and without embellishments

Hands on activity where guests learnt and practiced two styles of napkin folding using the name tags crafted earlier to embellish

Creative centre pieces

A presentation and discussion on how a centrepiece can easily change the theme of a table, including;

• Formal dinner party setting – using vases, assorted rocks and floating candles to create a formal centrepiece
• Christmas in July – using vases, twigs and Christmas baubles to create a Christmas theme
• Edible topiary trees with chocolates and strawberries

Discussion on what elements create a formal table display

All participants received a sheet and diagram on how to layout a dinner place setting showing placement of cutlery, glassware, napkins, centrepieces

Westfield Retailers:

Matchbox
- Dinner Service, Cutlery, Glass wear

Big W
- Vases

Brevilles – Water Jugs

Riot- Art and Craft Supplies

Spoils – White Stones, Floating candles

Contributors: Love JK - Xmas decorative dots