A fortieth birthday in the glasshouse

The host wanted a dinner rather than a party: good food, long conversations and one excellent speech. A Victorian glasshouse gave us the setting; our job was to make it feel warm once the light went.

We worked with deep plum and berry tones against the green of the glasshouse, building height with candlesticks rather than tall flowers so everyone could see across the table.

A single sheet of timings kept the evening simple — welcome drinks on the terrace, supper at eight, speeches between courses and dancing once the tables were cleared.

Highlights

• Two long tables seating sixty under glass
• Over three hundred candles, with a fire-safety plan agreed with the venue
• Surprise toast from friends overseas, timed between courses