Selected case 2025
Amsterdam / Corporate
A première cocktail reception at the ballet.
For Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, A Culinary Affair hosted a cocktail reception for 70 guests at the première of The Nutcracker at Dutch National Opera & Ballet in Amsterdam, with food and drinks served before the show and during both intervals.
On 12 December 2025, Maison Van Cleef & Arpels welcomed 70 guests to the première of The Nutcracker at Dutch National Opera & Ballet in Amsterdam. The Maison's long-standing connection to the world of ballet made it a natural moment to celebrate, and A Culinary Affair hosted the evening's cocktail reception.
Timed to the performance
Food and drinks were served in three moments: a reception before the curtain rose, a warm course during the first interval and petits gâteaux during the second. Every serving followed the ballet's schedule, so guests enjoyed a calm, unhurried evening without missing a moment of the performance.
The menu
A refined menu with a French accent. At the reception: miniature artichoke tartlets with lemon oil, a potato millefeuille with Normandy crème fraîche and sustainable caviar, shiitake croquettes with Pecorino mayonnaise, and a spring pea and mint panna cotta. During the first interval: wild mushroom risotto with freshly grated black truffle and 30-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano. To close: lemon meringue tartlets, praline, cherry and pistachio, and white chocolate macarons.
Cocktails and wines
A bespoke cocktail selection reflected the craftsmanship of the Maison: bergamot, lemon and sage with gin, vodka with white tea and lemon oil, and a classic Negroni. Grand cru champagne and fine Burgundy and Bordeaux wines completed the selection, served in crystal glassware with silver champagne coolers.
Every detail, from the first bite to the final toast, was tuned to the elegance of the host.
A Culinary Affair was responsible for
- Cocktail reception for 70 guests at The Nutcracker première
- Menu served in three moments: before the show and during both intervals
- Bespoke cocktail selection
- Champagne and fine wine selection
- Service staff, bar staff, cocktail specialist and hostess
- Crystal glassware, silver cutlery and silver champagne coolers
- Florals in line with the Maison's guidelines
Services used
Atmosphere & detail
Related reading
Corporate event planning in Houthavens, Amsterdam
Planning a corporate event in Houthavens? A Culinary Affair arranges the venue, food, drinks, staff, styling and production for companies in Amsterdam's creative neighbourhood.
Read more
Seated dinner, shared dining or walking dinner: which event format works best?
Choosing between a seated dinner, shared dining and a walking dinner? A Culinary Affair designs the format, food, drinks, staff, venue and production for events in Amsterdam.
Read more
How to plan an event in Amsterdam: what to decide first
Planning an event in Amsterdam? Start with four decisions: the date, the approximate number of guests, the purpose of the event and the location. A Culinary Affair takes care of the rest.
Read more