Private events.

The celebration of a happy occasion should be a joyous moment in anyone's life. The skilled and accommodating staff at the The Peninsula Beverly Hills is ever conscious of their role in executing the dreams and goals of their guests in a perfect and harmonious manner.

Food and Beverage Manager Christian Boyens has always adhered to a strict philosophy of service and his staff loyally adheres to his goals.

Event coordinator Vida Dye treats each party with personal flair and careful attention to detail. Vida follows up with planning advice and suggestions to enhance the affair by incorporating the newest and most innovative trends in food and wines, while retaining the traditional elegance that The Peninsula's guests have come to expect.

She began her career planning special events at the Museum of Flying and worked briefly at the Music Center and the Long Beach Aquarium.

"The Peninsula Beverly Hills prides itself on creating intimate private events for our guests," Vida says. "Our main goal in the Private Events department is to accommodate our guests and customize each event to meet their particular needs. We are in the business of saying 'yes we can' to almost any request and look forward to helping them throughout the planning process."

"This may mean simply helping with menu selection or planning the entire event with them. Whether arranging for the basics such as linens, flowers, and entertainment, or helping with a more unusual request such as flying in their favorite Stone Crabs from Miami, we are here to make it happen."

The Peninsula's Afternoon Teas have become a favorite setting for a baby or wedding shower. Most afternoons The Living Room is filled with the wonderful sounds of a mother to be or a bride opening gifts, as guests nibble on delicious teacakes and sandwiches. It's a perfect way to enjoy a delightful repast while celebrating a very special time.

At a recent luncheon I attended in the elegantly appointed Boardroom, our stock club was treated like royalty. The incredible kitchen staff didn't flinch at everyone's inability to choose between flans, homemade ice creams with caramel and hot fudge sauces, apple tarte tartan or assorted cookies and pastries. They quickly solved our dessert dilemma by creating a tempting array of all the delectable treats in individual servings allowing everyone an opportunity, to sample each taste delight. It was worth every calorie and our group continued singing the praises the desserts long after conversation about stocks and bonds was forgotten.

My daughter's recent engagement presented another opportunity to experience first hand the skill and creative brilliance of the The Peninsula's staff. The planning and execution of an engagement party can be a tad overwhelming, but the staff immediately addressed each issue with such ease and attention to detail, I was free to enjoy the planning process and party feeling like a guest. It's so wonderful to know that your party will look as though you spent months planning and preparing, and only you will know the truth.

The Verandah Room was my first and only selection as a venue and I had a specific vision for the event. The space itself is a delightful oasis comprised of two elements, an elegant dining room and adjacent open-air or tented terrace creating a gracious and inviting garden atmosphere.

Vida fashioned a delicious menu of palate-pleasing hors d'ouerves including: Smoked Chicken and Portobello in a Crispy Phyllo Cup, Truffled Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushrooms and Foie Gras andCured Ham and Gruyere Cheese Puffs.

Dining and carving stations featured Jumbo Prawn Cocktails, Charred Tuna with Yellow Tomatoes, Jicama, Red Peppers, and Truffle Vinaigrette, assorted Fresh Sushi with Wasabi and Pickled Ginger and Peking Duck with Moo Shoo and Scallions.

Desserts were an assortment of delectable miniature pastries, coffee and teas.

Entering the party the Verandah room was awash in candlelight with magnificent flowers on tables placed throughout the space.

A baby grand piano in the corner filled the air with strains of Gershwin and Cole Porter enhancing the room's warmth.

The garden terrace was set with tempting assorted pastries and silver coffee service amidst lush greenery.

Waiters glided effortlessly among guests offering hors d'ouerves, cocktails and wine, eliciting looks of divine pleasure as each morsel was savored and appreciated.

My daughter and future son in law sparkled in the ambiance created for their special evening.

"Thanks Mom, this was the most perfect party I could have ever imagined a perfect beginning to our new life together."

What more could a mother need to hear?