Choose a few restaurants you really like. Base your choices on personal experience, friends' recommendations and restaurant guidebooks like the Zagat series.
Step2
Speak to the managers of these establishments about renting a room - or the whole place, depending on the size of your party.
Step3
Have a conversation with the manager regarding the menu, the drinks, the bouncer and who's to pay for the services.
Step4
Create and sign a contract for the services, and be prepared to pay a deposit.
Step5
Send out invitations - via mail or e-mail - to the elite list of potential attendees.
Step6
Arrive early the day of the party and decorate if allowed and/or desired.
Step7
Treat the employees of the restaurant with the utmost respect and courtesy.
Step8
Mingle with your friends, enjoy good food and beverages and have a terrific time.
Step9
Pay the manager the remaining balance, and tip like you just won the lottery.
Tips & Warnings
You may want to offer a no-host bar to defray some costs, or consider serving only beer and wine. Some restaurants will allow you to bring in your own wine, but they'll probably charge a corkage fee per bottle.
Be clear on any time limit imposed by the restaurant. Speak to the manager and work out an agreement.
Find out if you'll be charged an extra fee for cleanup. If so, you may want to consider doing it yourself.
Be mindful of your spending limits before agreeing to have an open bar.
on 11/22/2005
Wow, whoever said to double tip must be a waiter. Make sure ask the restaurant, most legtimate place give the tips to the waitpersons. If they don't they are liable to Federal penalties, I have a friend who prosecutes these cases.
on 11/22/2005
Please be advised that, in the New York metro area, most places charge a 18% gratuity to offset the cost per head. This does not go to the staff that works the party. Those members should be taken care of by the host of the party individually.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Wow, whoever said to double tip must be a waiter. Make sure ask the restaurant, most legtimate place give the tips to the waitpersons. If they don't they are liable to Federal penalties, I have a friend who prosecutes these cases.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Please be advised that, in the New York metro area, most places charge a 18% gratuity to offset the cost per head. This does not go to the staff that works the party. Those members should be taken care of by the host of the party individually.