Entertaining | August 2016
Supper Club Traditions
Upscale entertainment, downtown style
Story by Michelle Hope | Photos by Alison Stukenburg
Create a new tradition this summer, Friday night Supper Club!
Whether you are bringing together old friends or looking to make some new connections, starting a supper club group is a great idea for everyone. At first, the organization task can seem daunting, but it can be simple with these tips on how to start your own supper club.
Location
Our group decided to dine out for our first supper club meeting at Capriccio Grill in downtown Memphis. The Peabody hotel was the perfect place to meet and kick off our new tradition over dinner and cocktails. No one had to cook or clean up, we could focus on the fellowship and groundwork that needed to be laid for our new venture. Capriccio’s has a lovely backroom that could accommodate our dinner party and allowed a more intimate experience.
Enticing Entrees
A pre-selected menu was chosen for us so it still felt more like an upscale dinner at a friend’s house with no decisions that needed to be made and no menus to ponder over. As our guests arrived, cocktails (Blueberry Mojito’s) were served so we could mingle before sitting down to dinner. Capriccio’s is known for their steaks, so of course we had to indulge. Our menu consisted of:
First Course: Caprese
Chef’s Course: Mini Crab Cake
Main Course: 8oz Signature Filet with Shrimp Kabob
with side dishes of Risotto and Broccoli Rabe
Dessert: Equinox
Details
We decided to dine with a group of five couples. Each person had a place card and we took extra care in making the table setting beautiful. Specialty linens, chargers and gorgeous floral arrangements were used along with chivari-style chairs. The beauty of dining at a restaurant is that they provide the plates, flatware, stem-ware and serving dishes needed, along with excellent servers attending to our every need.
Tips
Our group decided to have monthly supper club and alternate the hosts each month, along with dining out and hosting dinner in a home. Here are some options and ideas to get you started on forming your own club.
• Choose a different restaurant or eatery each month to meet at and select a theme like Italian or Al Fresco dining. Plan the menu and details accordingly.
• Host a potluck and have guests contribute by bringing food/drinks or have a cooking class and allow the group to cook the meal together.
• Take a look at the calendar and host your club in an appropriate place for that month. For example, February is perfect for a New Orleans-style dinner to celebrate Mardi Gras, or host at a sports pub in September in honor of college football season’s kickoff.
• Start a group text or email chain to keep everyone informed of the plans and remind them of each month’s meeting details. Establish a budget with your group that works for everyone, for dining out or hosting in your home. It’s important to keep your club nights affordable so everyone can remain committed.
Sources
Planning/Event Design
Michelle Hope, Social Butterflies,LLC
socialbutterfliesevents.com
Venue/Restarurant
Capriccio’s Grill in
The Peabody Hotel
peabodymemphis.com/dining
Floral Arrangements
The Garden District
gardendistrictmemphis.com
Linens & Chargers
Elegant Chair Solutions
elegantchairsolutions.com
Chairs
White Door Events
whitedoorevents.com
Calligraphy/Paper Goods
Nicole Baldridge Designs on IG
Capriccio’s Blueberry Mojito
Add the following ingredients to shaker
6-8 mint leaves
10 Blueberries
muddle slightly with
1.5oz Stoli Blueberry
1.5oz fresh lime juice
1.5oz simple syrup
splash of soda
Add ice and shake 5
Pour from tin into Collins
Garnish with lime
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