Confrerie de la Chaine des RotisseursBailliage du Kuwait

Induction Dinner

The Induction Dinner is nearly always formal: white or black tie. As a general rule, most Bailliages plan the Induction Dinner to be the pinnacle event of the year. Special preparations are necessary to accommodate the time frame required for this gala event.

The Induction ceremony precedes the Reception so that the inductees will have an opportunity to display their newly awarded decorations and be congratulated appropriately by the membership. This also allows the Inducting Officers to enjoy the Reception free of the responsibility of the Induction activities. If it is not possible to schedule the Induction prior to the Reception, an alternate plan is to schedule it after the Reception. In either case, sufficient time should be allocated for the ceremony, and inductees are expected to arrive in time for orientation and preparation.

For more information on the induction process and planning, click here.

Picnic

Picnics work well for late spring, summer and early fall events unless you live in the warmer climates where they are pleasant diversions throughout the year. They can take place on the beach, at the park, on someone's lawn, porch or patio, on a yacht--almost anyplace outside. They are relaxed and almost always casual but a formal picnic can be an elegant affair.

Although most picnics are held during the daylight hours, sunset or evening picnics offer some fascinating opportunities to take an evening cruise or enjoy the late day breezes sitting by a lake or pool side. Games, such as croquet, badminton, volleyball, or boule can provide an activity focus.

Dinner or Dinner Dance

Begin a dinner with a cocktail reception which does not last for more than 45 minutes.

The entire event should not extend much beyond three-and-one-half hours. If honors or accolades are presented, they should be awarded after dessert is served.

At least three courses, should be served at a dinner. A formal, seated dinner calls for at least five courses.

Dinner is extremely versatile and can be white or black tie or semiformal.

The most appropriate time for dinner is from 7:00 P.M. on, but regional custom and taste might dictate a slightly earlier or later starting time.

Coctails

Cocktails

Even though cocktail parties per se are not the rule for Chaine events, the cocktail party format is something to consider for a season opener, an annual meeting, or a party planned to acquaint members with potential Chaine members. The "cocktails" should be other crafted beverages.

Consider an unusual theme, taking a concept out of its normal context. A luau is expected in July, but in snowy February a lifeless loft turned into a sandy beach, complete with orchids and palm trees, is a welcome surprise.

Be adventurous in your event theme choice. Dare to be different. The most memorable Chaine events are the most unique.

Cocktail parties, formal or informal, are great fun because they provide a terrific way to accommodate large or small gatherings. They can be relatively simple with a minimum of planning and effort or quite formal, planned in advance with maximum attention paid to every minute detail.

Such an event is a perfect way to open a season or conduct a tasting, introduce potential members to the membership at large, conduct an election or commemorate a person or event.

Plan to serve cocktails for no more than two hours, encouraging guests to feel free to come and go at their leisure. Offer hors-d'oeuvres ranging from light finger foods to elegantly prepared delicacies; they should always be easy to eat in two bites at the most and slightly salty or spiced to tease the palate. Cocktail parties can be informal, semiformal or formal, depending on the time scheduled which ranges from

Extended "Cocktails", "Cocktail" Buffet or Evening Brunch:

These parties are variations on the traditional cocktail party, except that more substantial foods are served. Some foods might require small plates and forks. Often tables are provided so that guests may be seated to eat some of the food selections, sitting for a short time, and then moving on to mix again with the other guests.

Most often, the extended cocktail party is semiformal but can be formal if the hour is after six in the evening. The times for cocktail buffets range from

Brunch

This photo, reproduced on a menu cover, set the theme for an "English Hunt Breakfast." A brunch buffet is ideal for any size group and most occasions. It's a perfect excuse to experiment with some very imaginative menus and themes. The brunch provides a flexible format for busy holiday seasons when many parties are being given in the evening.

Remember to state the beginning and ending times for the brunch clearly, since a brunch can easily extend through the day. Offer a selection of foods and drink appropriate for both breakfast and lunch. fruity mixed drinks. Brunches are casual and can begin as early as 10:00 A.M. and extend as late as 5:00 P.M.

Luncheon

Midday menus are always and interesting challenge. Food need to be inventive and appealing yet light and refreshing. Lunch is less formal than dinner and as such, luncheons are adaptable to many situations and themes.

Meals may consist of two or three courses, Unless accompanied by entertainment or presentations, luncheons shouldn't last much more than two hours. Luncheons can be casual to semiformal and are usually held anytime between 12:00 and 3:00 P.M.

Tastings

Like cocktail buffets, tastings can be formal, informal, rustic or sophisticated. Use your imagination:

• Caviar
• Olive
• Oil
• Olives

Tea

A tea is a perfect party to entertain a broad range of ages. Serve an array of light food, coffee, tea. The event should last about two hours. Teas also work well for holiday events when schedules are busy.

Teas are almost always semiformal and the time ranges from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M.