Columns and Cocktails at the National Arboretum

McNeese Thomas Group was honored to be the first event company permitted to produce a private dinner at the National Arboretum in Washington, DC.  On a spectacular spring evening, we took advantage of the Arboretum’s awe-inspiring beauty to create a dinner that our guests will long remember.  Working in concert with the fantastic caterers at Occasions, we planned a menu and tablescape that paid perfect homage to the National Arboretum’s grounds, history and mission.

After a full day of meetings in DC, guests arrived at the National Arboretum’s Capitol Columns, the highlight of the park.They enjoyed passed hors d’ouevres and a specialty drink, Elderflower  Cocktail (Champagne and Club Soda on the rocks, with a splash of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, garnished with a twist of lemon). A delicious ode to the flora of the Arboretum, sipped surrounded by the beauty of the Ellipse Meadow!

After cocktails, Guests boarded the National Arboretum tram for a private tour of the grounds, ending at the dinner’s location, the Herb Garden.

Dinner was served on one long communal table.  The centerpieces of moss and natural plants reflected the natural beauty of the surroundings; each place setting consisted of a natural wooden charger, custom menu card and a gift of fresh herbs to take home.