Lord Rothschild launches The Dairy at Waddesdon as chic new events space with glamorous lunch
From balloon installations to hanging floral art, theatrical cuisine to Rothschild wines, the special luncheon was a who's who of the smartest event suppliers - take note
This week saw Lord Rothschild hosting a lunch in spectacular style to celebrate the re-launch of The Dairy at Waddesdon, his Buckinghamshire family estate. Purchased in 1874 by the Rothschilds, Waddesdon has been cared for and enhanced by various family members over the years, all who have curated the aesthetics and conservational value of the estate. Today, the grounds and French Renaissance Chateâu style manor house are open to the public, regularly hosting exhibitions, music, film and theatre events.
Inheriting the Diary as a part of Waddesdon estate 30 years ago from James de Rothschild, Lord Rothschild’s passion and desire has continuously been to make the manor (along with its collection) a leading British house. It currently boasts 30 National Trust awards while he himself was awarded an Order of Merit by Her Majesty the Queen in 2002 for exceptional service in the field of art, literature, learning and science. Now, along with his team at Waddesdon, they are shining a light on The Dairy as an events space with a particular focus on weddings.
As such his celebratory lunch was a visually dynamic affair to showcase the beauty of The Dairy and all it has to offer. Set on the north side of the estate, the idyllic spot was brought to life with the help of leading industry suppliers. Bubblegum Balloons carefully decorated and styled the lake using large bright helium balloons that almost wafted above the water. Highlighting its pretty perimeter and beckoning guests to stroll around it leading them through a scenic garden walk.
Pre-luncheon drinks and canapés were held on the terrace by the lake which were masterminded by caterer Alison Price and Zafferano, producing desperately delicious works of art. Drinks were followed by a sit-down lunch in the south hall where Price and Zafferano continued to work their magic with an exquisitely put-together dramatic menu (think steam coming out of glass serving boxes) served alongside spoiling Rothschild wines.
The hall was transformed by Amie Bone using a brightly coloured floral bohemian-style canopy hanging from the ceiling with decadent table runners. In an effort to leave no stone unturned on the day, Bone was also commissioned to restyle the powder rooms, totally covering the ceilings in an upside down carpet of ferns giving it the Alice in Wonderland touch.
The final details were down to Élan Artists who masterminded an array of performers and artists including poet Adam Perchard who wrote a poem for each guest, and The Travelling Hands who wowed guests with their dance routine after pudding on the beautifully manicured lawns.
The Dairy is available for dry hire meaning you are not obliged to use their suppliers although they do have some fabulous recommendations should you need them, some of which are included above. With a capacity of up to 250 guests it provides enough space for a decent-sized party, equally couples wishing for something more intimate will still be handed over the entirety of the Dairy but can pick and choose what parts they want to use. Set deep in the parkland grounds of the estate it is a deeply picturesque spot yet equally so far away from the manor house (and anything else for that matter) that it guarantees true privacy to the host and guests.
https://www.tatler.com/article/lord-rothschild-lunch