Hearts of Pleasure
cordially invite you to a
High Protocol Formal Dinner
and
Marquis deSade Ball
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is a high protocol formal dinner?
- This is a dinner where certain behaviors are expected. This dinner will require both servers and diners to act according to set of pre-arranged and practiced protocols.
- There has been a desire expressed in our community to experience a higher level of protocol interactions and education about high protocol service. HOP has decided to offer the opportunity for this experience.
- The following are the expectations of those in service during the high protocol dinner:
- No verbal communication with the guests.
- No eye contact with the guests.
- The ability to understand and perform anticipatory service.
- The ability to follow physical guidelines of service which include the following:
- Standing a small distance away from the table when not actively serving
- Standing as still as possible
- Monitoring the table without making eye contact with guests
- Listening and watching for designated cues that active service is to be performed (IE: listening for the bell, watching for guests to signal completion of a course, etc.)
- The ability to work together as a team with all in service
- The ability to follow instructions from service managers
- The ability to attend two instructional service classes before the date of service.
- Upon completion of the formal dinner service, all in service will come together and an announcement will be made that they are released from service.
- The following are the expectation of guests attending the high protocol dinner:
- Guests will be expected to follow the use of the designated cues to communicate with servers:
- At the completion of each course, placing the utensils across the plate in the form of an X to indicate that the plate is ready to be removed
- Leaving spoon in the bowl to indicate that it is ready to be removed
- Moving glassware to the left of the plate to indicate that a refill is needed, and then moving it back to the right after the service has been completed
- Remain seated at tables once the food service has begun
- Understand that bar drinks will not be refilled by servers, therefore ensure that bar needs are taken care of before dinner service begins
- Do not engage service staff verbally or with eye contact
- Utilize the service managers if it is absolutely necessary to verbally communicate a need (this is to be done by making eye contact with one of the managers and placing index finger on your lips)
- Understand that if there is a need/question/concern/issue that it is your responsibility to communicate that to one of the service managers
- The ability to attend at least one instructional meeting before the date of the event
- Guests will be expected to follow the use of the designated cues to communicate with servers:
- The recommended dress code is 18th century, Marquis deSade, formal attire. All servers and guests are required to have one era specific item of clothing as a minimum. The venue is a vanilla setting therefore all attire must be appropriate for general public viewing. The venue is aware that a formal dinner and costume ball will be taking place. Corsets are allowed. No clothing changes are to take place AT the venue. Servers will be provided with protective wear for over their desired attired. It is also recommended that those in service have a comfortable pair of shoes to wear during the hours of dinner service. Collars must resemble something worn in the era being celebrated (IE: like a necklace or lace band). Fetish wear must be limited to the era being celebrated.
- You do not have to have a partner. You are more than welcome to be in service or attend as a guest on your own.
- If you identify on the Top side, you are more than welcome to be in service at the formal dinner.
- If you identify on the bottom side, you are also permitted to be an attendee.
- Your interaction with your partner during the time that they are in service should be no different than your interaction with all servers present. For this event, your partner is expected to be in service to the formal dinner and will be expected to maintain the same standards and behaviors as all servers.
- There will be absolutely no punishment permitted at this event.
- The dinner service portion of the evening is expected to last approximately 2 hours.
- If you have food allergies, please make sure to list them on your registration page. These issues will be addressed in the best way possible.
- No. While we understand that people have different tastes and preferences in food, this is a rare opportunity and it will disrupt the service of the evening.
- The venue does have a full bar available. Bar drinks will not be the responsibility of the servers. Guests will be required to attain and maintain refills of these drinks on their own. We also expect that all drinking alcohol will do so responsibly.
- Course 1: Relish Tray
- Course 2: Julienne soup ( a broth based soup with vegetables in it)
- Course 3: Fresh Salad
- Course 4: Cornish Hen, asparagus, and roasted potatoes
- Course 5: Passion fruit Mousse with toasted coconut flakes
- Within the walls of the space being used by us- any conversations are allowed. Please respect that our space is connected to a vanilla space, and the bathrooms are shared by all – keep all conversations outside out designated space vanilla.
- Location information will be sent to all servers and guests via email after registration/payment has been completed.
- You cannot arrive late if you are attending the formal dinner service. If you are attending the ball only, you are free to arrive anytime you wish (after the official start time of the ball).
- All servers and guests are required to be at least 18 years of age. Those drinking alcohol must be at least 21 years of age. Our expectation is that all servers and guests will be responsible adults and follow the law.
- You are able to register to attend the ball only, but space is limited and registration for those attending the ball only will not be opened until all that want to attend the dinner have had the opportunity to register. We strongly encourage everyone to attend the dinner as well, so you can experience the entire evening!
- A formal ball a formal dance party. Please note the dress code in FAQ #5.
- If you attend the formal ball only the expectation is for you to according to the dress code in FAQ #5. You must note that the formal service will be completed before the ball begins and all servers will be released of their service to the evening.
- Pictures can be taken only if ALL people in the photo frame (even those in the background) have given their permission. The same rule applies to pictures being posted.
- The formal dinner service will begin at 4:30pm and is set to end at 6:30PM.
- The ball is set to begin at 7:00pm and the evening is set to end at 11:30pm.
- There will be no dungeon. We are in a vanilla space and the expectation is that all attendees will respect that no play is take place at this venue.
- HOP is not organizing an after party.
- The cost to attend both the dinner and ball is $45.
- The cost to attend the ball only is $35.
- The following positions are what are needed:
- Prep Cooks (we need 2 people)
- Head Cook (we need 1 person)
- Dishwashers (we need at least 3 people)
- Servers (we need between 8 and 16 people)
- Absolutely not. Your service for the evening constitutes your payment in full! All in service will be given break times for rest and eating.
- All those in service will need to arrive early to assist with set up. Arrival time should be at 2:00pm.
- Please arrive to the event already dressed up (even those in service).
- We will need assistance with breakdown of the venue at the end of the evening. Please be willing to assist with this.
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Do you want to attend as a GUEST?
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Do you want to be in SERVICE?
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