8 tips for an unforgettable dinner

“You just need to invite a group of fun women and I'll take care of the rest.” On the phone is Wieneke, who is panting while climbing some hill in Tuscany looking for cheese. The next time I speak to her, she is in Normandy collecting wine. I'm not a top chef, but what I am is a collector of fun women. I won't quickly say that I'm good at something, but this I can do. A few messages later, confirmations are pouring in. And a single disappointed response from someone who can't make it, asking if we can please do this more often, such a dinner with fun women.

Wieneke keeps her word. She does everything: from menus to decoration, dishes, wine; everything everything everything. And it doesn't matter that we don't have a stove at the office, everything is pre-cooked and the chef brings a portable oven. In an hour and a half, everything is set, and when I wave goodbye to the last guest, everything, absolutely everything is cleaned up. So if you're hosting a dinner and don't want the hassle, ask Wieneke from A Culinary Affair. She's quick, attractive, skilled, and also incredibly pleasant. Another plus: she cooks deliciously and simply. As in: everything you eat is traceable, and her favorite ingredients are salt, pepper, the very best olive oil, and lemon zest. That makes me so happy.

If you want to host an original dinner that is just a bit different, you could follow these points.

1. Invite different women who don't necessarily know each other
My guest list was as follows: Micha Emmering from Micha Models, Yuyan Vuurmans from Buro Bagsy, Peggy Weijergang, style icon, Myrthe van Haaren from Catwalk Junkie, Elles Nijkam, hair and make-up artist, Tessa Heinhuis, my amazing editorial chef, Daniëlle Heerkens, my creative sales director, Leila Beinasse, event manager of the Hortus Botanicus, and Viola van Maanen, store manager of Pauw in Heemstede.
2. Write a speech in which you introduce all the women
It's nice to put people in the sun so they know what they can talk about with each other. This way, you connect everyone.
3. Have your evening catered, so you don't have to worry about the food and can fully focus on your company. So I chose Wieneke.
4. Provide a menu card on each plate
That's just a detail that completes the evening.
5. Make a nice playlist. Or ask Wieneke from A Culinary Affair (because of course, you hired her for catering) to take care of the music. She knows exactly what fits.
6. Make a seating arrangement
And of course, think about who will enjoy sitting next to whom.
7. Instead of a name tag, place a nice photo of your guest and print it. Also nice for those of us who are visually impaired.
8. After a course, also let go of the seating arrangement.

Enjoy!