The Flair
of the Petit Dîner
Physical refreshment in the style of the late Rococo
I. The Petit Dîner:
A Delicious Lesson in Etymology
II. A Delightful Prelude
for the Distinguished Society
III. The Indispensable Refreshment
for a Long Night
IV. A Discreet Note
from Our Concierge Service
I. The Petit Dîner:
A Delicious Lesson in Etymology
Why, you may perhaps ask, do we invite you to a "Petit Dîner" at the midday hour and not, as would be customary today, to a mundane lunch or déjeuner? The answer lies within the charming peculiarities of our beloved epoch. During the golden age of the Sun King and Liselotte of the Palatinate, the déjeuner was quite literally the breaking of the nocturnal fast in the morning. The dîner, conversely, constituted the magnificent principal meal, which was celebrated punctually at midday, whereas the souper represented the late evening repast.
Only considerably later did polite society shift its dîner to the late evening—a tribute to extensive theatre visits and modern, artificial light. Consequent to this shift, the déjeuner assumed the vacant position in the middle of the day. We, however, recall the true, classical roots of the early eighteenth century and serve you an exquisite Petit Dîner at the midday hour.
II. A Delightful Prelude
for the Distinguished Society
Could there be a more beautiful commencement to our grand day of the ball than this communal, enjoyable rendezvous? This gathering is the perfect moment of glamorous arrival. Avail yourself of the relaxed atmosphere to warmly greet beloved old acquaintances and exchange pleasantries. For all those residing within our ranks for the first time, this presents the most elegant conceivable opportunity to informally introduce oneself to the courtly society and make a befitting presentation before the grand commotion commences in the evening.
III. The Indispensable Refreshment
for a Long Night
Furthermore, this midday gathering is not merely a social pleasure, but quite simply a necessity. Entirely committed to the historical Bon Ton, we shall not ring for the grand souper of the ball until an appropriately late hour in the evening. As the spirited contredanses of our ball will demand a considerable measure of stamina from you, a sound foundation is indispensable. Our Petit Dîner bestows upon you precisely that strength you require to shine with effortless grace upon the parquet deep into the night.
IV. A Discreet Note
from Our Concierge Service
That you may attend this midday amusement already in your consummate historical wardrobe, allow us to highly recommend a special privilege to you: our new concierge service enables you to occupy your establishment in the respective hostelry even before the regular hour. Thus, you may attire yourself in all tranquility and with the requisite care. A brief, timely notice to your accommodation is necessary, but will certainly suffice, and they will most gladly open the doors for your preparations prematurely.
We look forward to commencing the day with you most excellently. Which garment have you chosen for this initial encounter?