Event Showcase: A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

When your venue is named as one of Australia’s best, how should you celebrate? Host an awesome party of course!

That is exactly what the team from Grand Pacific Group did when their Sydney venue, The Tea Room QVB, was recently named by Spice Magazine as one of Australia’s top venues.

Teaming up with some fabulous suppliers, including Decorative Events and Exhibitions, The Tea Room QVB created a whimsical Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for 40 of their lucky clients. The event was designed to not only showcase the venue but also entertain their clients with an interactive activity that highlighted the venue’s versatility and exceptional catering on offer.

Setting the scene…

The stylists at Decorative Events went to town and created a magical setting for the evening. On arrival, guests walked through one of the best entrance features we have seen! Framed by toadstools, a giant pocket watch and a vine-covered archway, guests stepped from their everyday life into an enchanted scene right from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. The eccentric ‘Mad Hatter’ entertainer greeted guests and ensured they were ready for some fun.

A classical harpist created a harmonious ambience, whilst Tim Burton’s version of Alison in Wonderland played on screens around the room. Red light was used to wash the walls of the venue, giving the space a theatrical atmosphere.

A long table set for the 40 special guests became the centrepiece of the room. The table setting was highlighted with deep red glassware, vintage plates and crockery, custom made Queen of Hearts menus and roses bundled on gold-gilded floral stands. Additional touches, such as little rabbits and tea sets, gave depth to the overall tea party styling.

And for some fun…

Showcase events are most successful when guests are given the opportunity to engage with the product and experience something new. The team at The Tea Room QVB did this superbly by hosting a Macaroon Masterclass!

Led by Head pastry chef, Cristy Vella, guests learnt how to make the delicate macaroon shells before given the opportunity to pipe the cream using some of the Tea Room’s favourite flavours – strawberry shortcake, Snickers and spiced apple.

No tea party is complete without treats!

The Grand Pacific Group is known for their fabulous catering (check out their Instagram page for a foodie feast for your eyes) and no event hosted at one of their venues would be complete without an amazing menu.

On arrival, guests were treated to two delicious cocktails. ‘Drink me’ Alice Mojitos – a sumptuous Sencha green tea, delicately flavoured with strawberry, a splash of vodka, lime and mint and a little soda for refreshment and Absolem’s Creaming Soda Tea cocktails – South African Roobios tea with Orange zest, Bacardi, Cointreau and lemonade.

Guests were served delicate delights such as spinach and gruyere pastries, goat cheese and beetroot tarts and potato tortilla, Jamon serrano, red capsicum and caper salsa. And of course, no tea party would be complete without gorgeous finger sandwiches served on high tea stands!

From all accounts, everyone in attendance had a fabulous time. Damien Parsons, from Concept Event Management, said – “We really enjoyed the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ conceptualised event!! We can’t wait to work with The Tea Room in November. Thank you for what was a great evening of fun and entertainment!”

Suppliers involved:

Venue – The Tea Room QVB

Catering – The Tea Room QVB

Styling & décor – Decorative Events and Exhibitions

Flowers – Best Buds Sydney Florist

AV – Audio Visual Events