Home is where the Heart Is
Food and Service were the focus and foundation of the start of our business. Food is still an important part of events; it is a staple, a mainstay, the most basic way to bring people together is to share a meal. The standard for consistent excellent food has been set over the past 40 years or so. Allow me to quote a famous line from a favorite 1989 movie, “When Harry Met Sally," "Restaurants are to people in the 80s what theaters were to people in the 60s." We can now say, the overall Event Experience is the focus in the 2020’s, and as important as Restaurants (Food Experiences) and Theatre were in the 80’s and the 60’s. Food has been successfully elevated for the past 40yrs, so people take it for granted now; it is expected and assumed, a given that the food they will get from a caterer or a restaurant will be great. Now, more often, in our post COVID world, clients are looking for food that is easy, comfortable, convenient, and healthy - Fuss Free so that they can enjoy the time and experience of being in each other’s company. How do we do that? It is the ambiance, the location, the service, the décor, the setting, the music - all aspects together in harmony to create a delicious and memorable sensory experience.
The atmosphere needs to be comfortable and “safe” to allow your guests to relax, be themselves, and fully enjoy the moment. Creating a space where they can be present, share, and receive is essential. What better comfortable place than in our own surroundings? We are coming full circle from theatres to restaurants, and now back home; Home is where the Heart is. We have spent so much time in our personal spaces lately that many of us have added comforts to enhance our environments. Naturally, we want to share these experiences with family and friends. Incorporating small, simple, thoughtful personal touches can make a significant difference. Providing a pillow for a guest’s chair, remembering a guest’s tendency to get cold and having a shawl or sweater available, offering a preferred wine or beverage, or including a favorite flower or color in the décor are all gestures that add comfort. Scented candles that remind guests of a shared location or experience, music enjoyed together, and of course, food that is someone's favorite, all contribute to making guests feel special, recognized and appreciated; creating lasting memories. Your guests may not remember all the details, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
It is wonderful when the food is in harmony with the surroundings; easy, comfortable, uncomplicated and delicious! Very much like a home cooked meal – being at home and sharing that warm, safe, comfortable environment is the simplest way to create some magical sensory experiences. Memories are associated with our senses, and we can easily find places of joy through some of these “extra sensory experiences” and tapping into our memories. Taking the time to consider our five senses – Sight, touch, taste, smell, and sound, and making them personal for your guests will help make the memory of the experience last. Ultimately, no matter what you choose to do to enhance your gathering, your guests will remember the experience by how you made them feel. And the greatest gift you can share with others is your presence and attention.
The Hospitality Team at Events by Marylee are here for you to help you create your next memorable and possibly extra sensory special event in your home or your chosen venue. Give us a call! We can discuss ideas, brainstorm and even do a site visit with you to help you confirm your thoughts and complete your details. We look forward to working with you soon!
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