Entertaining at Number 10

Nearly every week Number 10 is the venue for official functions including meetings, receptions, lunches and dinners.

It isn’t only heads of state and official dignitaries who visit – functions are held for people from all areas of UK society, including notable achievers, public service employees and charity workers.

Receptions tend to be informal gatherings. Drinks and canapés are served, as guests wander through the historic state rooms enjoying the art and historic objects on display. The Prime Minister and other hosts circulate to meet as many people as possible.

Lunches and dinners are more formal events. The Small Dining Room will sit a maximum of 12, and the State Dining Room up to 65 around a large, U-shaped table.

The dining table is laid with items from the state silver collection – a range of modern silverware pieces commissioned by the Silver Trust to promote modern British craftsmanship.

Before the Government Hospitality Fund was set up in 1908, prime ministers employed their own servants for entertaining at Number 10.

Nowadays members of Government Hospitality work together with the Prime Minister’s social team to arrange functions, checking guest lists, printing invitation cards and menus, working out the seating plans, and plan the meal.

All the attention to detail ensures that guests enjoy a memorable visit to a remarkable house.

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Дата добавления: 2015-07-20