Hello, all. . .new here, but not to AWAD. . .I was among the first subscribers, eight years ago.

And so I turn to you, linguophiles the world over, for suggestions for a business name. My friend Nan Z Thompson and I (Flip Wood) are opening a business which will cater dinner parties in people's homes. We'll do pre-party prep, arrange, decorate, cook, serve and clean up. We'll also do mini cooking classes while preparing the meal, if desired.

We need a snappy name - concise, easily remembered (and spelled! My first idea was "Chefs d'Oeuvre") Something classy, but not inaccessible. (cf. my first idea) Something that connotes good food, good company, excellent food, and fine wine (alas, "Epicure" is taken).

Any ideas?

Welcome aBoard, Oldtimer

Wouldflip pay royalties?

Flip would gladly cook the suggester of a fabulous name a fabulous meal, next time suggester is in Seattle. . .

A la Carte....?

Trouble is if you use something in French, Italian or Spanish it may suggest that you specialise in food of that origin. How about "Top Table" ?

hi, flip =)

how about "The Galluping Gourmets".

Trouble is if you use something in French, Italian or Spanish it may suggest that you specialise in food of that origin.

Good point, dxb. How about Latin? I vaguely misremember someone posting a while ago about the variety (and impropriety, and over-satiety) of Roman gatherings -- maybe there is some Latin word that fits (and can serve as a witty in-joke for customers who are hip to the ancient jive). Lends itself nicely to classy logos with columns and laurel wreathes and such, too.

EDIT Found it! The word I was thinking of is perfect (and it nicely crosses-threads to a "below the fold" forum). The convivium was the more gentle, classy counterpart to the more rowdy Roman parties we usually think of (according to the below post from Whit). How about Convivium (or to pluralize, Convivia?)? Sounds like "convivial" but has that semi-exclusive feel you only get with Latin.

http://wordsmith.org/board/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=words&Number=46516

Vomitorium?! Probably not. . Wait, I've got it, Flatlander! -- Orgy!!

Party Masters

The Dinner Staff

Everything but the Guests!
(this presumes you have contacts (contracts) with subs who write and send invitations, and with party supply houses (tables, linens, china, flatware and such)

2 To 200! (and get a 1800-xx2-2200 number! and a 2to200.com web address.. )

Party Time

and i'd plan a trip to seattle for dinner.. (it would be for 2!)

"Buy A Banquet"

A Trimalchion Banquet

oh wait... you said "not inaccessible"... never mind.

http://home.mn.rr.com/wwftd/

Edible Elysium, Ltd.
Banquet Bliss
Clambakers International
Primal Delection
Summum Bonum
Pabulum Pleasuredom
Sans Souci
Sugar 'n' Spice
party@FeriaFeasts.com
Comely Comestibles
The Condimentals
Eats de resistance
Fruition Foods
Delicious Devourment
Culinary Connoisseurs
WWW.SucculentSpreads.COM
Comestible Carouse

....and the list could go on and on, but I think they're getting progressively worse. Oh well, hope it helps in at least deciding what kind of names you don't want there, you ol' veteran.

Festinas
"Fest" is common to the latin word "Festivus" (gay, jolly, delightful) and "Festina" (be quick). In French, "festinas" means "feasted" (I believe).

There is a registered U.S. trademark for "Festina" covering watches and leather goods and soft drinks. So "Festina" might also be considered as you are offering a gourmet food and party service (not a product which might be confused with the registered mark). Pls. do your own TM search.

The Domain Name "Festinas.com" is available whereas Festina.com is not.

A Trimalchion Banquet
oh wait... you said "not inaccessible"... never mind.

tsuwm, an alternative twist on an inaccessible meal would be a Barmecide Feast.

http://www.bartleby.com/81/1393.html and http://www.bartleby.com/81/1392.html

...or maybe not.

Didn't I read about just this sort of enterprise in the comics pages? What does Blondie call her catering business? Any inspiration to be garnered there?

Of the various profferings thus far, "All but the Guests" has the most appeal...

Guess who's running up with the WELCOME flag? Me!

Gee flipwould it only took ya 6 years to get here... amazing!! Glad you made the migration.

I've got no new suggestions for you (sorry) but if we're voting, I'm lending my support for "Everything but the guests" and "Eats de resistance". Well done you fantastically creative people out there. I'm going back to the creative dunce corner... I'm at work, and it just doesn't inspire me to think creatively!

Hev