With Michael Dawson
Behind every unforgettable event at Circa 1886 is a team dedicated to excellence—and at the heart of it all is our Event and Office Manager, Michael Dawson. From intimate garden room dinners to full restaurant buyouts, Michael ensures each occasion feels personal, seamless, and truly special. In this Q&A, he shares his passion for hospitality, what sets Circa 1886 apart from other event venues, and how he collaborates with clients to bring their most creative visions to life.
Q: What drew you to event planning, and how did you come to Circa 1886?
Before becoming the Event and Office Manager at Circa 1886, I worked the front desk at Wentworth Mansion. I immediately fell in love with the property—the Mansion, the restaurant, and all the rich history. I've always enjoyed creating special events and memorable moments for people, even as a kid. Coming from a large family, we celebrated a lot, and I learned early on how meaningful those gatherings can be. That passion stayed with me.
Q: What makes Circa 1886 such a special venue for private events and intimate dinners?
It's a combination of the atmosphere, the historic property, and the exceptional service. Our team goes above and beyond to create special experiences. And of course, Chef Marc Collins and the culinary team add an incredible layer to the uniqueness of each event.
Q: How do you balance the creative and logistical aspects of planning events?
They go hand in hand. The creative side is a lot of fun—planning menus, décor, and details—but none of it works without solid logistics. The behind-the-scenes organization is just as important to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Q: What is the ideal guest count for private events at Circa 1886?
We can host intimate events of 8 to 12 guests in our Garden Room, up to 40 guests upstairs in the Tack Room, or up to 75 guests with a full restaurant buyout. We’re able to accommodate a wide range of group sizes and tailor the experience accordingly.
Q: Can you describe one of the most memorable events you’ve helped host? A: We've done some amazing surprise engagement dinners. One that stands out involved a proposal off-site at Colonial Lake, followed by a surprise dinner here with family and friends from all over. Helping coordinate that kind of moment, and then witnessing the joy and surprise, is truly special.
Q: Have you built long-term relationships with clients?
Absolutely. We have business clients who return year after year for their holiday parties—some for as many as five to ten years. Repeat guests like that show we're doing something right. It also means a lot to know we’re evolving and keeping things fresh so people continue coming back.
Q: How does your team ensure every event runs smoothly?
Communication and respect are key. Our team—both front and back of the house—is full of true professionals. I make sure all event details are clearly communicated, and I collaborate closely with everyone involved. Respecting everyone’s role and time is crucial to making events a success.
Q: What’s the most meaningful feedback you’ve received?
Recently, the mother of a groom thanked me for making the rehearsal dinner planning process easy and enjoyable—and she said it was actually fun. That meant a lot, especially since event planning can often be stressful. Hearing that it was seamless and exceeded their expectations is what we strive for.
Q: What do you think sets Circa 1886 apart from a dedicated event venue?
A few things: our unmatched atmosphere and ambiance, our strong reputation, and the elevated dining experience. At Circa 1886, you get the best of both worlds—a beautiful setting paired with exquisite cuisine and service. It’s a complete, one-of-a-kind event experience.
Q: What do you love the most about your job?
I love working with people to bring their ideas to reality. It’s always fun to see other creatives come in and put their own spin on the space—sometimes in ways we’d never expect! We've seen everything from elegant florals to bold themes...even peacocks once. I always love seeing people make the space their own.
Q: Can the menus be customized for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies?
Absolutely. We’re happy to gather all dietary information in advance so we can make any necessary accommodations. Whether it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, or any specific allergy, Chef Collins is always willing to create thoughtful substitutions. We want every guest to have a wonderful dining experience, no matter their dietary needs.
Q: Does that level of customization also apply to banquets?
Yes, it does. The more notice we have, the better we can tailor the menu, but we’re always happy to work with guests to ensure everyone feels included and taken care of.
Q: Do you have a pastry chef that will take custom requests for events?
Yes! Ashley, our Executive Pastry Chef, is amazing, and her work was even recently featured on a TV show. She’s incredibly talented and loves collaborating with clients on custom desserts. Whether it's a wedding cake, birthday cake, or a full dessert display, she’s more than happy to create something special for your event.
Q: How far in advance should someone plan a banquet or private party?
We’re flexible and happy to help, whether someone reaches out a few months in advance or just a couple of weeks before. Ideally, two to three months gives us plenty of time to plan and perfect every detail, but we've successfully turned around events quicker when needed. We're always ready to make it happen.
Q: The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays, can someone still book a private event?
A: Yes, absolutely. On our closed days, we can offer full restaurant buyouts. That means guests can have the entire space to themselves—including all dining areas, the bar, and the patio. It’s a fantastic option for a completely private and personalized celebration.
Q: Do many of your event clients stay at Wentworth Mansion?
It’s a great mix. Some of our private event guests are staying at Wentworth Mansion, but we also work with local residents, corporate groups, and out-of-town visitors. It’s a really balanced blend of people coming from all over.
Q: Do you have a favorite space at the restaurant?
That’s a tough one—I really think all of our dining spaces are beautiful. The bar is a fantastic spot to stop in for a cocktail or a bite to eat. But for private events, I’d say the Garden Room is one of my favorites. It’s such a charming, intimate space—perfect for smaller celebrations or corporate dinners. It’s light, airy, and private, which makes it feel really special.
Q: Can you walk us through the event planning process from start to finish?
Guests often reach out through our website, submit a request for proposal, or even just walk into the restaurant out of curiosity. Once they connect with us, I like to listen to their vision and ideas for the event. From there, I provide a custom proposal based on our available spaces and offerings.
We then work together on finalizing the details—menus, timing, set-up, and anything else they need. Once everything’s been decided, I put it into a detailed contract so both the client and our team are aligned. That way, everyone is comfortable and confident leading into the event. On the day of, we’re here and ready to celebrate!
Q: How does it work when it comes to decorations, flowers, or special table linens?
One of the great things about hosting an event at Circa 1886 is that we offer a full-service banquet experience. We provide all of the table linens, seasonal floral arrangements, votive candles, and tea candles throughout the room, from the windowsills to the fireplace mantels.
Our standard setup is already elegant and beautiful, but I absolutely love collaborating with guests and vendors to make it even more personalized. Whether they want custom table linens, elaborate floral arrangements, or a completely unique tablescape, we’re happy to help bring that vision to life.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add in closing?
I’d just say that it’s truly an honor to be part of people’s most meaningful moments—whether it’s a rehearsal dinner, an anniversary celebration, or a corporate event that brings a team together. Every event is different, and that’s what makes this work so fulfilling. At Circa 1886, we take pride in creating experiences that feel effortless and memorable, and I’m always here to help bring those special visions to life.
For more information about Circa 1886’s event spaces or are ready to start planning, visit our Events Page to explore and submit your event inquiry today!
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