FRANCESCA WEBSTER

General manager at Raes on Wategos A recent stand out party? My 30th birthday – just after our first lockdown. I had 30 guests for the 30th occasion hosted in the private dining room of Sydney’s Restaurant Hubert. It was black-tie, with a live jazz trio and white tulips by Poho Flowers. Arrival drinks were Negronis, Dirty Martinis and French Champagne. Hubert’s Private Dining Room is in an old theatre and you all sit on the bottom stage among rows of red velvet chairs. So incredibly special.

What was one thing your mum always did when throwing a party? Everyone ended up dancing on tables by the end. Without a doubt. My mum has incredible style, and music is a key part of all her lunches and dinners.

What’s hot in the snacks-with-drinks department right now? Natural wines are centre stage for us at Raes, and Bay Lobster is also hot right now.

Our Cellar Bar is now featuring a Bay Lobster Roll that will be a summer fave.

Signature party song? I love Bossa Nova Do Marilla

by Ahmad Jamal. If it can be played on a record player – even better.

Are your parties about conversation or dancing?

Conversation... then that leads to dancing! raes.com.au or @raesonwategos

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Deborah Bibby catching dinner with a friend. A cookbook by Deb’s mother. The swimming pool at Raes, where Francesca Webster is general manager. In the resort’s dining room. Moments from her 30th birthday party at Restaurant Hubert.