La Famiglia Ristorante Italiano in Reno is taking reservations for spring and summer parties now. Our restaurant in downtown Reno is located right next to The Pioneer Center, making it a great spot for events of all kinds. And just in case you’ve never planned a party anywhere but your own home before, we’re sharing a few secrets for hosting a party at a restaurant.

Plan Ahead

It may seem crazy that we’re already scheduling spring and summer events here at La Famiglia, but that’s the secret to a successful party! Planning a party at restaurant means the venue is somewhat out of your control, so it’s important to be clear on logistics and your overall vision. Are you planning a sit-down meal in a private space? Do you want the entire space for your event, or just a few tables? Having these answers will make things much easier when you start considering your restaurant options.

Start Scouting

After you have the basic details figured out, start looking for possible restaurants. Your event theme and vision should drive your search, so keep them in mind while you pull together a short list. And here’s a pro tip – try to check out the space around the same time you’re planning to schedule the party to get a good idea of the energy.

Discuss the Details

Once you’ve settled on a great choice, it’s time to speak with the owner. Here at La Famiglia, Nicki Shea is happy to meet with you to discuss all of the details of your event, from the head count to the menu and beverages to any decorations you have in mind. You can tour the dining room and our private banquet space, discuss table configurations and set up, learn about menu buy-outs if your event calls for our entire restaurant, and more. We’ll do everything we can to help you bring your vision to life.

La Famiglia plans many special occasion celebrations, so we can work with to curate a menu just for your event. Ask about pre-dinner drinks, wine pairings, desserts, and espresso to complement your meal.

Keep the Staff Informed

Any changes to your head count or any other details should be communicated to the restaurant staff. Keeping them in the loop, especially on the day of your party, is the key to a successful event.

Be a Great Host

The party may not be in your home, but you’re still the host or hostess, so it’s your job to keep things running smoothly. Avoid overindulging in alcohol too early in the evening. Make a point of introducing your guests to one another and making them feel comfortable – showing them to their seats, pointing them in the direction of drinks, all of the standard host and hostess duties.

The right restaurant can make planning your event a breeze. Here in Reno, La Famiglia is the best-kept secret for memorable gatherings. If you something worth celebrating, we’d love to help!