Napa Valley HOSPITALITY EXPERT
Hi, my real name is Deborah but over the years it has been shortened to Debbie and eventually Deb. So Deb it is. Let me begin by saying, my childhood aspirations were not to provide event services for a living. Throughout my life my interests have changed like the seasons: from joining the Navy and working as an aircraft mechanic/electrician for twenty plus years, to a Bachelors of Fine Art to graduate school in pursuit of an MFA and eventually catering in the Napa Valley. One job always seemed to support the next pursuit and each pursuit provided me with different skill sets. The Navy taught me the importance of structure, uniformity and teamwork. Aviation taught me the importance of paying attention to detail, precision and accountability. Art school, provided me with a strong foundation in color theory, composition, spatial awareness and thinking outside the box to problem solve. Combine all of these skill sets with my love for the outdoors, nature and photography and viola it’s the perfect formula for a creative and precision based, outdoor business in the beautiful Napa Valley.
So why not start a business that enhances world class cuisine, award winning wines, farm to table practices that draws inspiration from the picturesque vineyards and rolling hills of this renowned region. To be honest, I never imagined that setting the table as a child would become the centerpiece of my business and become my bread and butter. My first recollection of a table setting was in the home I grew up in, in the San Francisco Bay Area. I specifically remember my Grandmother teaching me how to place the silverware on our dining room table. Forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right, glasses above the knife and the importance of a butter knife and how to use it. I never forgot the sequence and how nice the table looked with every setting matching precisely. It was especially impressive during the holidays, when the table expanded and the number of settings tripled. I guess you could say it was my first job and it very well could be my last.
Today, I am grateful that my Grandmother took the time to teach me the importance of a proper place setting because the order of things not only provides the framework for smooth and comfortable social interactions, it also implicates etiquette, sophistication and elegance. The table, in turn, becomes the conceptual centerpiece that sets the tone for the gathering. So, it makes sense why I would choose to start an event services business based around the table and its settings. as my next career. Not only do I get to combine all of my skill sets to complete the task at hand but I also get to help create wonderful first impressions and give back precious time to our clients.