A private palazzo on the Grand Canal. Thirty-two guests flown in from four cities. Two musicians. One long table set for eight courses. Venice, it turns out, is a celebration you design around the tide.

The guest boats leave from three different hotels. The chef lands from Milan at six. The flowers - Italian garden roses, not imported - arrive in the morning. Everything hinges on the water taxis, and the water taxis hinge on the weather.

“Great celebrations are 80% logistics and 20% grace. Do not reverse the ratio.”