Table setting and Centerpiece course

What is table setting and why must I attend such a course?

According to the Collins English Dictionary it is the following:

table setting (ˈteɪb^əl ˈsɛtɪŋ)

noun

1. 

a set of cutlery, glasses, napkin, etc. for one person, as used on a table

2. 

the way that a table is set out and decorated, in preparation for a meal, especially a special one

Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Why would it be important for and Events Coordinator or Wedding Stylist to know how to set a table? Is that not the job of the Caterer or the Hotel?

According to the Udemy blog – this is an explanation of the work of an Events coordinator.

“Event coordinators have the responsibility of planning an event’s every aspect including setting up all necessary employees from security to valets to waiters and securing a venue. They need to oversee decorations and menus and make sure that there are adequate amounts of drink and food that are available. Part of their job description is to make sure that there are seating, table settings and flowers for the crowd anticipated.

The coordinator also sets all the custodians, security staff and sound system people before the event. He or she needs to make sure that the event has all the required local government clearance, oversees any permits required and works with any of the facility’s union requirements. The event coordinator needs to be a skilled communicator and negotiator, getting the best employees and deals to have a successful event.” - https://blog.udemy.com/event-coordinator-job-description/

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve set up an event where Government VIP was attending and then the Hotel don’t even put a soup spoon on the table – they put a dessert spoon on the table for the minister to eat his soup with. What an embarrassment!

What will you learn in the table setting course:

·         Glassware and Flatware

·         Accompaniments

·         Table layout

·         Buffet and counters

·         Napkin Folds to name a few of the topics

Our table setting course is part of our Centerpiece course and we are going to present it in Nairobi the end of May.

Hope to see you at our course! It is lots of fun and you will learn a lot.

For more information contact Divine Schools of Africa - 

info@divineschools.com

+254 729 258 141

+254 729 258 132

Or contact ECTA Creative Solutions on info@ectaint.com. 

Events greeting

Marieta Greyling

www.ectaint.com

Preston Bailey - a mentor in the industry!

This week I just HAD to borough an article from Preston Bailey. He is absolutely my mentor in the industry and I've learned so much from his blog. Pls go there and read more of his articles!

http://www.prestonbailey.com/

Raising the bar- being the best in the industry!

You could give them what they expect, or even something they have seen before, but where is the fun in that? We all want to exceed the expectations of our clients.  Here are five ways to do just that.

Pay Attention: Our client's are turning to us to help them create the event of their dreams, so it is essential that we actively listen to them. Instead of focusing on selling your skills, spend your time getting to know who they really are and what they want.  Ask them questions about what they do -and don't- like, clarify any questions or concerns, and make sure to empathize with their worries.

Surprise Them!  I personally enjoy surprising guests every 20 minutes at my events, but I believe in full transparency with my clients in all areas relating to design and the execution of the event itself.  That said, I have been known to present brides with a special bouquet as a gift and feel that sending a box of chocolates to her suite is a nice touch.

Guide Them: Don't forget that your clients are paying for your expertise.  You certainly want to make them happy, but if you know something is not going to work, gently explain why and offer an alternative.

Knowledge is Power: Take the time to go through the process, discuss expectations (on both sides) and share ideas as to how to make the planning and design process a fun one.

Support Them:  Throwing a big event is the standard practice for a seasoned professional like yourself, but this may be the first time the client has ever hosted an event on this scale. Help them be more excited than overwhelmed by maintaining a compassionate and professional demeanor.

See the article on Preston Baileys blog and many more!

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=8442edf00893a87dd78fedd1b&id=42d1470827&e=3cab48fc84