Exterior view of The Nare Whittington Suites with private balconies, large windows and landscaped gardens

Whittington Suites Opening

How to get out of a pickle and open four new suites in the middle of lockdown...

Here's The Nare's step-by-step guide to party planning...

Handwritten planning notes for the Whittington launch, outlining a Zoom virtual drinks party and event ideas.

STEP 1: Plan a live but virtual drinks party at The Nare

The aim was simple; create the atmopshere of a real drinks party using Zoom and make it memorable to all who attend. This was certainly a challenge and one that got the creative juices flowing...

Printed launch materials for The Whittington Suites at The Nare, including site and floor plans, a brochure, an invitation card and a floral rolled document tied with a navy ribbon on a woode

STEP 2: Send an imaginative invitation to capture the attention

The invitation was sent with a site and floor plan printed on the back of the wallpaper which has been used in the new suites. Each was referenced with its name, designer, and in which suite it was used.

Dame Judi Dench smiling in front of a rustic wooden doorway and brick wall, wearing a red tartan shawl.

STEP 3: Invite a special guest to unveil the new suites

Dear friend of The Nare, Dame Judi Dench, was invited to open the new suites. She was delighted to accept and enlisted the help of Toby and Katie's daughters, Cordy and Gee, to help with the unveiling of the plaques.

A man in a black tie dinner jacket playing a Yamaha keyboard in an elegant room with floral wallpaper, red lampshades and candlelight.

STEP 4: Book the hotel's head barman to be the live pianist

Having been such a hit with guests following a last-minute stand-in at Christmas, Ken's services were secured as a key ingredient of a live drinks party...

STEP 5: Engage a film crew to create a virtual video tour

The film crew captured every inch of the new suites and even brought their nifty little drone camera to film the exteriors...

Bottle of Champagne, glass, floor plans and smoked salmon canapés arranged on a wooden table

STEP 6: Send a party pack the day before

Guests were sent Taittinger and smoked salmon canapés to enjoy during the party. Each was asked to post an image on social media during the party with the best one invited to Dine and Stay in a new suite.

Screenshot of a virtual launch event for The Whittington Suites at The Nare, showing multiple guests joining by video call from their homes.

STEP 7: Host the live drinks party with people joining in from all over the world

THE PARTY SPIRIT

Over 200 people joined the call with their glasses of Taittinger in hand and canapés at the ready. Everyone looked the part in their blazers and party frocks...