Countdown to black tie event with a twist

Come Dine With Us, the black-tie fundraiser in your own home, takes place on Saturday 28 November at 7pm in aid of Dorset’s disability charity, Diverse Abilities.

In place of its annual Gala Ball, Diverse Abilities has launched a black-tie event to encourage people to get dressed up while social distancing within the government guidelines. For a £50 donation per person, the charity will deliver a three-course meal and cocktail to your doorstep – up to six per household.

The food, provided by Merlins Catering, includes options of a slow cooked shoulder of lamb, vegetable cassoulet, roasted spinach and feta filo parcel, banoffee pie, with recommended wine parings available for purchase. Dark Bear, based in Bridport, is providing a Bridport Dagger gin cocktail for each guest.

Karen Hay, events manager, commented: “We’re thrilled to see people so excited to take part in this event. There’s a real buzz about it, our team has worked hard to deliver something seamless and a little bit different for everyone to enjoy. And who doesn’t love an excuse to get all dressed up?”

Contrary to many virtual events, there is no need to follow a live stream throughout the evening. Diverse Abilities will provide a fundraising pack with suggestions for entertainment and provide content including; pre-recorded live music, dinner playlists, dinner game suggestions, and an online auction to enjoy throughout the night.

In the event of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation, or the wider Dorset Council, being placed into Tier Two restrictions, the charity will contact those who have booked to arrange additional delivery details at no extra cost so everyone’s food can be delivered to their own homes if mixing households indoors is restricted.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/cdwu for more details.