ARCHITECTURE OF a Dinner Party

Wynn Derr Designs Dream Soir Es

“We do everything, you do nothing.” That’s Wynn (Spring) Derr’s mantra when it comes to her company Très Soirée. The retired architect, who notably designed Berghold Winery, is enjoying a second career as a professional personal chef, offering full-service dinner service and party designs for intimate gatherings.

The idea for Très Soirée was born out of Spring’s own love of hosting elaborate dinner parties. On every occasion, Spring went all out, not only cooking grandiose meals but also crafting place settings, stationery, and ornate tablescapes all with a theme in mind. The hobby was bolstered by Spring’s understanding of architecture, and you can see the influence in her final products.

While additional staff is brought in as needed, Spring is the business. She is the

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

chef, the party planner, and the designer, all rolled into one. “Am I formerly trained as a chef? No. I’m formerly trained as an architect. Does that mean I can’t chef? No.”

In April, Spring decided to create a business using her unique set of skills. Her goal is to put on a couple of dinner parties (or brunches or lunches) per month, maxing out at one per weekend.

“All you have to do is wipe down your counters and dust your tables and we do everything [else],” Spring says. “It’s a very complete service.”

While Spring prefers to handle the whole party, her services are available a la carte. From the font of the menu to the final course, no detail is overlooked. In fact, it’s Spring’s obsessive research and preparation that makes her parties stand out. “It’s not just dinner, it’s more creating an experiential environment,” Spring explains.

Spring has already hosted a French

Laundromat party—a play on The French Laundry—featuring dishes from the restaurant’s repertoire and similar presentations over eight courses. Another dinner, held in Brookside, served Brazilian food alongside an Amazonian tablescape. Spring researched for hours to ensure every detail was authentic and gorgeous, right down to the napkin fold bouquet centerpiece.

“I’m not just going to [throw] a party for you, it’s going to be researched to the Nth degree,” says Spring. “It’s an evening that you’re not soon to forget.”