Sweet Divas Cottage Bistro specializes in Baby and Bridal Showers and other special events.  We are here to provide you with the peace of mind that once you have made reservations for your event at Sweet Divas, you can rest assured that we will take care of everything that you will need to have a fantastic event!  With that said, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

What makes Sweet Divas Cottage Bistro unique?

Our cottage is a 1920’s home that has been converted into a restaurant which provides a unique and comfortable atmosphere unlike any other restaurant or tea house in Southern California.  Our chef is focused on creating incredible culinary compositions to please your guests and enhance your experience here at Sweet Divas.  We take pride in providing accommodating and friendly service as well as exceptional cuisine.  We would be honored to be a part of your special event.

How many people can you accommodate?

Our cozy cottage seats 50 guests maximum.  There are three main sections of the dining room with the two larger adjoining rooms seating 37-40 people maximum.  The Garden Room is located on the opposite side of the dining room and seats 14 people maximum.

Is there a room rental fee?

There are no additional rental fees assuming that a full lunch, brunch, dinner, or afternoon tea menu is served to your guests.  Rental fees will only be incurred if you would like additional time added to the 2 ½ hours allotted for each party, or if you should require more space than actually needed to seat your guests.  The rental fees vary depending on each situation, however the rental fees are generally $120-$150 per hour per room.

What menu options are there for our event?

Please visit our website and click on menus and then “shower and special event menus” or stop by for a brochure with our special event and shower menus.  We will certainly help you choose a menu that will suit your guests needs and your budget.

How much is the cost per person?

The cost per person is based on which menu selection you choose.  Our special event menus that are most recommended for large events range in price from $17.50-$19.50 per guest.  Tax and gratuity of 18% will be added to parties of 8 or more.

Can we bring in our own cake or wine?

Sweet Divas does not allow any outside food at any time.  We are very well known for our cakes and decadent creations and we would be happy to provide you with the assured quality desserts that our business was founded on.  We do allow outside wine to be brought in if you like, however there is a $15 corkage fee for each bottle brought.  Any unfinished portion of any alcoholic beverage may not leave our premises.

How much time is allowed for our event?

We allow 2 ½ hours for each party.  This is always plenty of time for your guests to enjoy each other and their food, open presents and play games.  It is always a good idea to suggest on your invitations that your guests prompt arrival is appreciated so that your time is not spent waiting for everyone to arrive.

What times are available?

Wednesday through Saturday we have seating times at 11 am and 2:30 pm for parties of 8 or more.  Our Sunday seating is at 12:30 only.  If a different time is needed, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes.  We require a deposit to secure your date and time.  The deposit is in the amount of $100 and can be made in the form of check or credit card.  The deposit is a guarantee on both yours and our parts that the event will take place on the specified date.  Because Sweet Divas is in high demand, we have to ensure that once a reservation is made, it will be honored. Your credit card will not be charged and your check will not be deposited unless you should cancel your event.  If your event is cancelled the $100 deposit is non-refundable.  We will be happy to reschedule your event provided that we have availability for your requested reschedule date.  Please note that gift cards cannot be used for special events.

Do we need to bring any extra decorations or centerpieces?

Sweet Divas Cottage Bistro is beautifully decorated with a very quaint and cozy atmosphere.  Additional decorations are not needed or permitted as they may hinder our ability to serve your guests or inconvenience any of our patrons.  Confetti is not allowed at any time as it may be a food hazard.  Though it may sound funny to some of you, feather boas are not permitted in our restaurant.  Somehow, when the feathers make their way inside, they don't seem to want to leave.  They too are a food hazard.  Centerpieces are permitted, however generally not recommended.  Once your guests are seated, tea pots are at each place setting, and food is served, the addition of centerpieces tends to clutter the tables.  However, if your heart is set on bringing in centerpieces, just make sure they are fairly small and be aware that they may need to be moved in order for us to properly serve your guests.  Keep in mind that if you have ordered any of our afternoon tea menus for your event, the food is served on tier stands which sit in the center of the table and act as the centerpieces themselves.

Will we be able to play games?

Absolutely!  We want you to have a great time and enjoy yourselves!  Many people play simple games once the tea is served or after everyone has enjoyed their entrée.  We do ask that you be considerate of any of our other patrons that are there enjoying themselves as well.  We ask that you do not bring any additional music or anything that will be hung from the walls etc.  Be aware that for us to serve your guests we need everyone to stay seated and must keep a clear pathway at all times.

How will the tables be arranged?

This will depend on your final guest count.  Don’t go to too much trouble making seating arrangements, etc.  Each of our tables are different sizes and seat various numbers of guests.  If you have specific needs or questions, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate any special requests.

When is our final guest count due?

Your final guest count is due 7 days prior to your event.  We ask for a minimum and maximum guest count so that we can reserve the proper number of tables needed to accommodate your party.  After your minimum final guest count is given the host/hostess will be responsible for paying for the minimum amount of guests that we have reserved tables for.   

Why do I have to pay for the guest count minimum even if someone doesn't come?

We at Sweet Divas recognize that it is difficult to plan for a large group of people for an event and even more difficult to get them all to R.S.V.P.   That is why we ask for a minimum and a maximum final guest count 7 days prior to your event. 

For example, if you are sure that 20 guests will show and not so sure about 3 other people, you can give us a final guest count of between 20-23 guests.  This allows us to prepare enough food and reserve enough seating for the maximum number in your party.  However if you guest count of 20 is given to us, and only 19 show, please understand that we have prepared for 20-23 guests and therefore need payment for the minimum guest count given.  We will most likely serve food for 20 people even though there are only 19.  We will not expect you to pay for something that you are not served.  The only exception to this is if a special menu has been requested that we have prepared for only your party (i.e. one of our Special Event Tea menus on a Sunday).  We would then need an exact guest count so that we can prepare the specially requested menu and not waste food.