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How do you inform Gala guest not to take the centerpieces?

10 Feb 2009

10 Feb, 2009  candle centerpieces

I'm hosting a gala this weekend and we are providing our guest we several wonderful parting gifts that will be placed on the table. The problem is, in the past, individuals have taken the centerpieces as well.

We have items 'on loan' such as cystal votive candle holders and I want to be sure these don't end up missing ath the end of the night. How do I inform the guest? Is there proper wording I should use in the program?

Place two small placecards on the table which read, "Centerpieces are the property of ***** Catering, LLC., for information on how to purchase them, please contact John Smith at 123-213-1234"

Then assign someone to stand at the exits and stop anyone from taking them.

By the way, the phone number doesn't have to be a real number. You can also make an announcement, similarly worded.

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10 Responses

  1. Melissa

    2009 Feb 10 1

    Perhaps the MC can say something? He could mention that there are many gifts; however, the centre pieces are not one of them. Maybe he can use light humour? It's wierd that people would just take them. I normally wait for the MC to say it's alright ot take the center piece b4 I do. Is there something you can put on them that indicates they are to remain there?

    Perhaps the MC can say.."In the past we've given away center pieces, this year, instead of giving them away, we have many other wonderful parting gifts for you."

    That'll probably sound better.
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  2. lynnlynn

    2009 Feb 10 2

    I don't know about in the program, but during the event when you get up to speak or thank people for coming or give directions on food etc. you can take a few moments to thank those involved in making the evening a success.

    And in doing so, you can mention a thank you to the people who have loaned you the beautiful items for centerpieces. You could say, "as you see, on the table with the parting gifts we have lovely centerpieces. These items are on loan from such n such and we thank them for thier kindness."

    That will make it pretty clear that everything on the table isn't a free for all. You could also have a greeter/ door person/ helper person or something that kind of monitors people's table or monitors folks as they go out just in case someone still decided to pick up an item.
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  3. Magick Kitty

    2009 Feb 10 3

    you could put a sign on them saying "On Loan From 'business name'"
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  4. Jonny B

    2009 Feb 10 4

    Place two small placecards on the table which read, "Centerpieces are the property of ***** Catering, LLC., for information on how to purchase them, please contact John Smith at 123-213-1234"

    Then assign someone to stand at the exits and stop anyone from taking them.

    By the way, the phone number doesn't have to be a real number. You can also make an announcement, similarly worded.
    References :

  5. Anita

    2009 Feb 10 5

    You've gotten some very sound advice above. Most important is the security. I've seen what happens in a crowd when a meeting/banquet room goes unmonitored. It's not pretty. No one wins.
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  6. tom_hunter72

    2009 Feb 10 6

    decoratively wrap some barbed wire around the centerpeices and hide mousetraps in the foliage. that'll stop the little buggers.
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  7. tetlitea

    2009 Feb 10 7

    Lynnlynn had the best advice. Direct the guests to the thank you gift table, make a public announcement thanking the people who loaned you the centerpieces and have people watching the exits. I also like the idea of the cards at the table identifying the loaner of that particular centerpiece.
    References :

  8. daeve930

    2009 Feb 10 8

    Either as an announcement or in the program, maybe even on little cards on the centerpieces, thank the person or group who has generously allowed you to borrow these items for the evening.

    People do take centerpieces. I would never just pick up whatever is on the table and walk off with it, but I know plenty of others who do it all the time. Amazing. I guess they don't realize they're stealing.
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  9. latj

    2009 Feb 10 9

    You got some really good answers. I just had to say that it truly appalls me that people do actually do this. Where they come off thinking it is OK just never seems to surprise me!!! A centerpiece is not a "parting gift". I would as others say, at the end of the evening, make an announcement about the gifts you are giving about but make an annoucement how the centerpieces are on "loan" and from whom in case someone would want to use them in the future. I would also put a business card from the propriter in front of the crystal candle holders so they can contact them if they choose. AND…as an added protection I would have someone at the door watching because people do have STICKY fingers and even though you do everything in your power to let them know they are not for the taking SOMEONE is bound to try to take one!!! Good luck, enjoy your Gala!!! You sound like a wonderful host!!!
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  10. alpha mutt

    2009 Feb 10 10

    Well, I went to a friends party and these centerpieces were glued to the table (it was made of pink cardboard or something) and someone tried to steal one and almost pulled of the whole tablecloth! It was really funny because plates were skidding across the whole table and everyone guessed what she'd done :D

    You could make a joke out of it "…and we'd appreciate it if you let us keep our centerpieces, we'll tell you when we're giving them away"
    References :


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