The opening night reception is a preview of what is to come. It should have been a stellar evening of culinary excellence, cocktails and merriment. The Newport Flower Show Opening Night Reception on Friday, June 21, 2024 was anything but “wow.” In fact, it was rather “ordinary” with no “oomph” factor. Don’t blame the rain, darling. It was catering and organisational failure.
The Social Diary was looking forward to this event to “kick off” our summer in Newport. Unfortunately to say, this was another “Beyond Yelp” story. The organisers and caterer should have gone that extra mile. In event planning, “The Experience” is everything! For this event, it wasn’t the rain that dampened the festivities. It was the poor quality of the food and not enough foresight by the event organisers.
Newport Flower Show Reception Snafu
Any accountable and responsible event planner knows that their job is never complete until the last guests exit the event. On this occasion, whomever was “pinch hitting” for the Newport Mansions forgot to read the weather report. Besides, there were no notices (via email) from the Newport Preservation Society’s events team on updates, in case of rain. Neither did they prepare for it during the event, when the skies opened up and we received more than droplets.
Lucky for us, The Social Diary always comes prepared and we arrived with umbrellas in tow. When the rain came, the guests huddled together, either in the overcrowded tent area with the band or the overcrowded covered patio. Only a few brave souls took a stroll and ate and drank in the rain.
Additionally, having programmed and attended over 1000 social, charity and society events, there were several missteps that were glaring to keen observers. For instance, why weren’t the outdoor food stations and bar areas tented? Whilst there was the main tent with the band, additional food stations and bar, the lawn seatings had no cover from the elements. Even if it was a bright sunny day, there still should have been temperature control over food items. No one wants melted cheese slices on a sunny day. Or, a watery salad bar during a rain shower.
Seating and Catering
The Social Diary has attended several events where either Pranzi or Blackstone catered the affair. However, on this occasion, catering was provided by an unfamiliar entity out of Attleboro. This was according to staff. When The Social Diary viewed their website and business philosophy, we chuckled as they claimed “they do it right.” Well, for this event, catering resembled pub fayre, not elegant bites and cocktails for guests strolling the grounds of a flower show at a Premier opening event.
Moreover, by the time we arrived on the lawn, just past six o’clock, the seats were all wet. No one bothered to wipe down the seats for any of the guests attending. Nor set up a tented seating area as cover against the weather.
This catering company’s website is all about “patting themselves” on the back. They say they bring the “wow experience.” Well, overcooked calamari drenched in bland tomato sauce is definitely not wow. Cheese slices stuck together and flimsy tongs that can’t pick up a berry is not a wow experience. It’s an ugh experience.
The Newport Flower Show is a strolling event. So, eating a burger with two hands or carrying around a large wrap sandwich, just doesn’t make the grade. Furthermore, serving a shot glass sized clam chowder in a plastic cup with no spoon is just idiotic! Even at the Newport Chowda Festival, they provide spoons!
No Oomph, just Bland
There was a general consensus that the food was much better at the Marble House event in 2023. This was The Social Diary’s first time attending the Newport Flower Show Opening Night Reception. It may be our last as well. Having attended RHS Chelsea Flower Show for over a decade, there is no comparison to be sure. However, we were looking forward to an elegant event of strolling cocktails and delicious food.
Some of the guests certainly made an effort in their choice of attire, with some of the women in sumptuous dresses, hats and fascinators. So bite sized edibles such as sushi, chicken satay, shrimp cocktail, or even a tower of tasting spoons filled with delicious bites would have been more appropriate. Nothing says “common” as serving hand sized burgers and wraps.
Don’t blame the rain. This is an organisational and execution failure. Additionally, the butterfly dude and some of the performers also arrived late. The guests waited patiently in the queue at the main entrance, but anyone could have easily strolled in through the parking lot without a ticket. Moreover, all attendees should have received wristbands. The Social Diary is very adept at checking all entry and exit points. Staff was present at the side entrance well after six o’clock.
Newport Flower Show Reception Photo Gallery
Despite the major hiccup of poorly organised and executed event, the strolling garden and displays were worth the view.
What’s wrong with this picture?
The indoor table setting displays and floral arrangements were impressive. But what is wrong with this picture? For hints and the answer, please refer to our hospitality page.
