Bringing Clock Court to Life: A Corporate Reception & Dinner at Hampton Court Palace

An incredible transformation

One of the highlights of the event was the drinks reception in Clock Court. With the Palace preparing for palace access at 16:30, preparations began immediately, with access to the State Apartments and front-of-house spaces from approximately 17:30, just an hour before guests were due to arrive.

In this short window, our wonderful suppliers worked efficiently to bring the space to life. Golden uplighting highlighted the Tudor brickwork, while flambeaux and burgundy poseur tables created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The result was a striking reception setting, particularly special as one of the first receptions to take place in Clock Court for some time.

From reception to dinner

Guests began arriving at 18:30, with the drinks reception providing an opportunity to enjoy the Palace’s unique surroundings before the evening progressed to dinner.

At 19:15, guests were called through the historic galleries and staircases towards the Great Hall and Great Watching Chamber. Guests enjoyed three courses and coffee served across the two magnificent dining spaces.

The dinner styling complemented the grandeur of the rooms, with long tables dressed with gold candelabras, red LED candles and foliage. Atmospheric lighting and background music completed the setting, creating an elegant environment that brought together the Palace’s historic character and contemporary event design. All lead and created by our internal production team; Historic Royal Palaces Production. 

The teamwork behind the scenes

Working together, our suppliers transformed the space in an incredibly short timeframe. HRP Event Productions delivered the lighting and production, while Lavender Green’s floral styling and the carefully positioned flambeaux and burgundy poseur tables brought Clock Court to life. The golden uplighting beautifully highlighted the Tudor brickwork, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the guest arrival.

The dinner spaces in the Great Hall and Great Watching Chamber were equally impressive, with elegant table styling featuring gold candelabras, red LED candles and foliage, complementing the grandeur of the historic interiors. Bubble provided the catering for the evening, helping bring the reception and dinner experience together.

This transformation demonstrated the incredible knowledge, experience and professionalism of our trusted suppliers. Their familiarity with the Palace, its historic spaces and the practicalities of working within a listed building enabled them to deliver such an impressive event, ready for when guests arrives.

It was a fantastic example of teamwork, trusted relationships and the expertise that goes into delivering events at Hampton Court Palace.