The Brief

International drinks company Moet Hennessey invites their top customers to join with key staff for an annual regional petanque tournament, celebrating their French savoir faire as well as top results. Continuous food for 50 discerning guests was needed throughout the afternoon for hungry petanque players, matched with prestigious Veuve Clicquot champagne.

The Result

Fortunately, Ruth and Paul Pretty are both Friends of the Widow, an accolade from Veuve Clicquot which recognises their food and wine skills and experience in both New Zealand and France.

Ruth relished the chance to create a series of food stations and continuous service of passarounds, matched to each style of champagne, and many with a touch of France in their heritage. All ‘All Day station’ served artisan breads and tasty accompaniments, while other offerings were served progressively.

A marquee was set up to provide overhead shade and room for 5 petanque courts, with gentle music with a French theme playing in the background to set the mood. On arrival, guests were served a glass of champagne in the garden before the tournament started in earnest. C’est magnifique!