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ERIA Planning Guides

Planning a Private Dinner in San Francisco or Sausalito

Organise a private dinner with a clear guest list, menu brief, seating plan and service timeline.

Design for conversation

Begin with the people you are bringing together and the reason for the dinner. Decide whether guests know each other and whether introductions, speeches or a host welcome are useful. A seating plan should consider relationships and the purpose of the evening, as well as the number of chairs that fit.

Give catering a useful brief

Share your preferred cuisine, the style of service and any dietary restrictions. A plated dinner, shared menu and food stations each create a different pace. Confirm how long service is expected to take and where drinks will be offered. Ask for a written menu and clearly state any requirements the caterer must confirm.

Keep the evening moving

Build an arrival window before guests sit down and put speeches around the service plan. Avoid scheduling an important toast while plates are being cleared. Agree who is the main contact on the night and who can approve adjustments. ERIA can help connect the venue, hospitality and timing in one coordinated brief.

Bring these details to your planner

  • Guest list and seating plan
  • Cuisine and service style
  • Dietary restrictions
  • Arrival, dinner and toast times

Plan your event with ERIA

Share your preferred dates, estimated guest count and priorities. Our team will review availability and prepare a tailored response.

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