If throwing a dinner party was easy, you’d be hosting them every other week. But there’s a lot that goes into planning the perfect dinner — from the guest list to the menu to the music, you need to get plenty right to ensure a wonderful evening. And that brings us to one of the most important aspects of throwing a dinner party: finding the perfect venue. The ideal dinner space will create the ambiance and atmosphere you want, plus offer all the practical features you need to ensure the night goes off without a hitch.
Here are our top five tips to help you find the right dinner venue, after which we’ll take a quick look at three of the best dinner spaces in Pasadena.
Finding the perfect dinner venue: 5 foolproof tips
1. Give up the home ground advantage
Traditionally, a dinner party sees you welcome guests into your own home. But there are lots of good reasons why you’ll be better off holding your dinner at a separate venue.
Not only will this make catering easier, but it’ll also ensure you can find a venue with sufficient space and the perfect mood for your event. Best of all, you won’t be left with a stack of dirty dishes and cleaning up to do when the night is over.
2. Find the right atmosphere
Think about the atmosphere you want to have at your dinner party. Relaxed and casual, refined and classy, or maybe something a little more formal for a business dinner?
Once you have a clear idea of the evening you want, you can then start comparing venues that offer that unique ambiance you want to create. Scoping venues out in person is the best way to determine whether they’ve got what it takes to host your event.
3. Consider capacity
The size of the venue, and the size of your guest list, are also crucial to determine the party atmosphere. Sometimes, choosing a smaller space can create a more intimate vibe, but there are other situations when a little extra room to move can help everyone relax and let the conversation flow.
It all depends on the occasion, who you’re inviting, and how you want the evening to pan out. Just make sure not to choose a venue that’s far too big or far too small — that will ruin the atmosphere when the night has just begun.
4. Location is key
This one is a no-brainer. The venue you choose must be easy to get to for all of your guests. That means a central location, preferably one easily accessible by public transport. And if there’s private parking available on-site, even better.
5. Facilities and amenities
When you’re choosing a dinner venue, practice makes perfect. So ask yourself whether the space you’re considering offers everything you need for the perfect night:
- Does the venue provide food? If not, is there a kitchen/food prep area for professional caterers?
- Is there a bar? Does a bartender come included with venue hire?
- Are there enough bathrooms available? Are they clean?
- Will all your guests be able to access the venue? (For example, asking your 95-year-old nanna to climb a steep flight of stairs isn’t ideal.)
- Is there a PA system or AV equipment for any speeches or presentations?
- Are there flexible seating arrangements so you can adjust the layout to suit your needs?
When you find a dinner space that ticks all the right boxes, it’s time to make a booking.
3 memorable Pasadena dinner spaces
Planning a dinner party in Pasadena? These three unique dinner spaces are well worth checking out.
1. Whimsy Pasadena
Planning a dinner party for a large group of guests? Whimsy Pasadena has got you covered. This simply stylish venue can seat up to 100 people, plus it also features a food prep room, a sound system, and all the furniture you need. Throw in the fact that it boasts abundant natural light and there’s a lot to like about this Pasadena favourite.
2. The Solarium
Described as a “terrarium-like oasis”, the Solarium is a dining space with a difference. Tucked away on the second floor of the Paseo Colorado shopping mall, this unique space is not just visually stunning but also highly practical. Perfect for something cosy and intimate.
3. Atrium — Parkway Grill
Step out of the dining room in Pasadena’s Parkway Grill and you’ll find yourself in the Atrium. With seating for up to 16, this glass-walled room offers a secluded and elegant setting where you can entertain your guests in style.
Happy hunting
Picking a dinner space in Pasadena isn’t easy, but shopping around is essential to ensure a successful night. And with so many unique and interesting venues to choose from, if you’re willing to put in a bit of hard work, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a party your guests will remember well into the future.
