Hands up; who watched Inside Monaco – The Ultimate Playground For The Rich on the BBC recently? Okay, that’s quite a few of you. Let’s ask this; hands up who wished they were part of the party, enjoying a place where a third of the residents are millionaires and the fun never seems to stop? Okay, that’s still the same amount of hands.
We’re right there with you. And if it wasn’t for this whole lockdown, socially distancing, self-isolating, quarantining thing, we’d be on the first plane out there to get amongst the action. What do you mean we couldn’t afford it? It’s only COVID standing in our way. Honestly.
Anyway, for now, you’re going to have to make do with recreating the scenes of debauchery and indulgence in the domestic setting. Here’s how; our 5 tips on how to host a Monte Carlo Casino themed party at home.
DRESS CODE
The overstated elegance of Monte Carlo Casino demands a dress code, and a dinner jacket must be worn after 8pm in the premises. Though we wouldn’t implore you to be quite so strict, it might be fun to get into the spirit of the millionaire’s playground by suggesting black tie for your function, allowing guests to channel their inner James Bond (or M) to a tee.
The dress code for the casino actually extends a little further than that, and leaves itself open to a little interpretation, simply deeming ‘proper attire’ be worn, with no sports shoes or flip flops allowed. Perhaps, you could simply declare the same, that ‘proper attire’ be worn, and allow your guests to have some fun interpreting that brief for themselves! If you’re more of a control freak and keen to set the tone, you could opt for a semi-formal dress code from the off, and request your guests wear suit jackets and cocktail dresses.
Or, to take things up a notch in terms of creativity, why not suggest a dress code of ”movie outfits” or ”film stars of the 60s”? Doing so gives your guests plenty of room to let their imagination run wild, which is what a great party is about, after all!
Should your squad not be the kind to dress up, then create a sense of simple synergy by giving each guest custom pin badges on arrival, to wear throughout the evening. This could perhaps earn them a free glass of champers or a spot at the poker table. What it will certainly do is earn the party an extra layer of fun.
RECREATE THE FOOD OF MONTE CARLO
Sure, Monaco and Monte Carlo are famed for opulence on high, and as such, serving foie gras, caviar and champagne at your themed party might be most appropriate. But you (and your bank manager) can breathe a sigh of relief; Monaco’s national dish is actually a far more humble affair. Yep, barbagiuan is a samosa type filled pastry – always eaten on Monaco’s national day, November 19th – but ubiquitous beyond that, too. Usually filled with ricotta and swiss chard, but sometimes pumpkin too, and deep fried, these guys make the perfect party snack.
For afters, you could channel Monaco’s sweet extraordinaire, Pierre Geronimi, one of the world’s finest purveyors of ice cream and sorbet, for a little refreshment. The famous Corsican whips up some of the best cold stuff we’ve ever set our teeth on edge to, with flavours ranging from the conventional but delicious to the hugely inventive and still, you guessed it, delicious.
We love his green tea sorbet but equally, his signature pine nut ice cream is an intriguing, textural delight. You could try making your own ice cream or source similar flavours from a local gelateria? Your guests will never know.
…AND DRINKS
Bubbles set the swanky, suave tone of the evening for sure, but for a more affordable option which couldn’t be more apt, why don’t you recreate a pitcher of the famous Monte Carlo cocktail?
Simply mix Bénédictine D.O.M liquor and rye whiskey at a ratio of 1:4, and once the blend is poured in a tumbler on the rocks, add a short dash of Angostura aromatic bitters to the glass. And there you have it; a cocktail Monte Carlo! What could be more appropriate?
GAMES
Monte Carlo boasts arguably the most luxurious casino in the world; a huge gambling and entertainment complex with decadence and opulence at its core. The entertainment for your Monte Carlo party writes itself, then; casino games aplenty.
We’re not envisaging a laddish ‘poker’ night smelling of flatulence and desperation. Instead, a classier affair, with a dress code we’ll get to shortly, and some classier games around the table. All you need is a few card games, perhaps a roulette wheel, green numbered mat and chips (not actually difficult to find on Amazon for a reasonable price), and a little daredevil streak.
Remember to decide on a budget to avoid any irresponsible gambling. Or, you could just play with coppers, mitigating the risk of sore losers come the end of the night. Before your casino night, it might even be a good idea to first familiarise yourself with the ins and outs of standard casino games like blackjack, which is hugely popular in Monte Carlo Casino. Yep, your hosting skills will have to extend to dealing, we’re afraid.
SCREEN A BOND FILM & THE GRAND PRIX HIGHLIGHTS
The Monte Carlo Casino is so iconic, in fact, that the Royale-Les-Eaux Casino in famous Bond flick ‘Casino Royale’ is based on Monte Carlo’s grandest structure. What’s more, it has been used as a location in Golden Eye and Never Say Never Again. For entertainment during your party, or simply as background noise to set the tone, why not show these films throughout the night?
Go a step further and celebrate the archetypal imagery of the billionaire’s paradise by showing highlights of previous Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most iconic visual representations of the French Riviera city-state, since it occurs bang in the centre and through its city streets. During lockdown, we’re afraid this is as up-close-and-personal as you’re going to get!