At The Magnolia Inn, every gathering is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and memorable.
From bridal showers and baby showers to birthdays, reunions, corporate gatherings, and intimate celebrations, our historic inn provides a charming setting for life’s special moments. Whether you’re planning a casual afternoon gathering, an elegant cocktail reception, or a milestone celebration with loved ones, our beautiful spaces, personalized hospitality, and thoughtfully curated experiences help make every occasion feel extraordinary.
Explore the celebration options below to find the gathering that’s right for you.
What Are You Planning?
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, gathering loved ones, or hosting a professional event, The Magnolia Inn offers beautiful spaces and thoughtful hospitality for every occasion.
Bridal Showers
Celebrate the bride-to-be with an intimate gathering in a historic setting, perfect for brunch, tea, gifts, photos, and time with her closest people.
Explore Bridal Showers →
Baby Showers
Welcome the little one on the way with a warm, personal celebration surrounded by family, friends, and thoughtful details.
Explore Baby Showers →
Reunions
Bring loved ones together in a setting that feels comfortable, memorable, and easy for guests to enjoy.
Explore Reunions →
Birthday Celebrations
Mark the occasion with a private gathering that feels more special than a standard restaurant reservation.
Explore Birthdays →
Corporate & Community Meetings
Host a small team meeting, retreat, client event, or planning session in a setting with character and hospitality.
Explore Corporate & Community Meetings →
Small Weddings & Special Events
Create an intimate celebration with historic charm, welcoming spaces, and a setting that feels personal from the start.
Explore Special Occasions →
A Glimpse of Celebrations
at The Magnolia Inn
Why The Magnolia Inn
A private celebration should feel personal from the moment guests arrive.
The Magnolia Inn combines the warmth and character of a historic home with the polish and hospitality of a boutique venue. Our intimate rooms encourage guests to settle in, enjoy the occasion, and spend meaningful time together without the impersonal atmosphere of a ballroom or crowded restaurant.
Located in the heart of downtown Clayton, the inn also offers convenient access to local dining, shopping, breweries, and boutique guest accommodations for those who want to extend the celebration.
Choose the Experience That Fits You
Every host approaches event planning differently.
Some already have a clear vision and want the freedom to coordinate the details themselves. Others want The Magnolia Inn to fully host the celebration from setup through service. Some want an elevated, premium experience with enhanced styling and white-glove attention.
Our three celebration options are designed around those different needs.
Classic Celebration
Flexible Venue Rental
Classic is for the host who already has a plan and wants a beautiful historic setting in which to bring it to life.
You retain greater responsibility for coordinating the approved caterer, décor, vendors, event details, and overall execution while enjoying access to the inn and the items specifically included with the rental.
Best fit:
“I have the vision. I need the venue.”
Signature Celebration
Fully Hosted Celebration
Signature is for the host who wants The Magnolia Inn to take care of the celebration.
The included food, setup, service, core event elements, and guest experience are managed for you so that you can arrive, welcome your guests, and enjoy the occasion.
Best fit:
“I want Magnolia to host the event so I can enjoy it.”
Deluxe Celebration
Premium White-Glove Experience
Deluxe is for the host seeking our most elevated level of service and presentation.
It includes the fully hosted foundation of Signature with premium enhancements, elevated styling, greater personalization, and additional attention to the details that make the celebration feel exceptional.
Best fit:
“I want a premium, white-glove experience.”
Our Event Packages
Our three celebration options offer distinct levels of service rather than three versions of the same package.
Classic provides a flexible venue rental for hosts who prefer to coordinate much of the event themselves. Signature is a fully hosted celebration designed so you can enjoy the occasion while Magnolia manages the included experience. Deluxe offers our most elevated white-glove service, with premium presentation and enhanced attention to detail.
Review the package summaries below, then use the pricing and package overview sections to compare the exact investment and inclusions for your guest count.
CLASSIC
$895–$1,395
Flexible Venue Rental
For hosts who want the beauty and character of The Magnolia Inn while retaining flexibility and responsibility for much of the event planning.
Classic is a venue-rental experience. The client coordinates the approved caterer, décor, vendors, and event execution except for items specifically listed as included.
Classic includes:
Hosts may provide their own food, hire a caterer, or focus on beverages and light refreshments. Beverage service options are available through The Magnolia Inn.
Availability
Pricing
Monday-Friday:
SIGNATURE
Starting at $1,500
Fully Hosted Celebration
MOST POPULAR!
For hosts who want The Magnolia Inn to manage the included celebration experience so they can focus on their guests.
Signature is a fully hosted package. Magnolia manages the included food, setup, service, hospitality, and core event details.
Includes:
DELUXE
Starting at $2,400
Premium White-Glove Experience
For hosts seeking Magnolia’s most elevated celebration experience, with premium enhancements, refined presentation, and greater personalization.
Deluxe includes the fully hosted Signature foundation with premium upgrades, elevated styling, and additional planning and detail support.
A seamless, fully curated experience from arrival to farewell.
PEAK CELEBRATION SEASON
Certain high-demand dates and seasons may require a minimum investment or seasonal surcharge. Review the details below before selecting your preferred event date.
During these months, Saturday and Sunday celebrations require a minimum investment of $2,000.
Our Classic option remains available Monday through Friday throughout the year.
Pricing by Guest Count
Use the table below to compare the current package investment for your estimated number of guests. Pricing helps prospective hosts understand the likely budget before submitting an inquiry.
Note: Prime Saturdays during peak season are reserved for events with a minimum investment of $2,000.
The package cards provide the overall experience. The comparison below shows the specific differences in capacity, catering, linens, styling, service, and included details.
Click here for more details.
The package cards provide the overall experience. The comparison below shows the specific differences in capacity, catering, linens, styling, service, and included details.
Click here for more details.
Ready to Discuss Your Celebration?
Once you have reviewed the packages, pricing, and inclusions, submit an inquiry to tell us about your preferred date, estimated guest count, occasion, and package.
We will review your information, confirm availability, and help determine the best fit for your gathering.
Food is often one of the most memorable parts of a celebration.
Depending on your selected package, your event may feature brunch, luncheon, Afternoon Tea, hors d’oeuvres, buffet service, plated dining, desserts, or other thoughtfully selected options offered through The Magnolia Inn and our trusted catering partners.
Signature and Deluxe are hosted experiences with dining incorporated into the package structure. Classic clients retain greater responsibility for selecting and coordinating an approved caterer according to Magnolia’s policies.
View Dining Menus
View Dining Menus
Select the image to view in full size
Afternoon Tea
A curated selection of tea sandwiches, scones, pastries, and gourmet tea varieties. Presented on tiered trays with elegant china, our afternoon tea creates a refined and memorable dining experience. We offer private afternoon tea parties as well as afternoon tea bridal showers and bachelorette parties. Tea parties are priced per guest and include all menu offerings. A venue service fee is added to all private tea events. Please inquire for detailed pricing.
Perfect for bridal showers, birthdays, baby showers, and elegant gatherings.
View Private Tea Party Details
Perfect for bridal showers, birthdays, baby showers, and elegant gatherings.
View Private Tea Party Details
MAGNOLIA SIGNATURE
AFTERNOON TEA MENU
$55.00 pp
A delightful escape featuring a classic assortment of savory bites and sweets, paired with our Magnolia House teas.
Tea Selection
English Breakfast
Earl Grey | Green Tea
Herbal Blends
Finger Sandwiches
Hot smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon | Carolina ham salad
Carolina Southern chicken salad
Scones and Dessert
Traditional scones, clotted cream,
house-made jam | Lemon Tart Shortbread cookies
Mini chocolate eclairs
Venue & Coordination Fee: $350 (flat rate)
Minimum 12 guests, Maximum 20 guests
MAGNOLIA DELUXE
AFTERNOON TEA MENU
$80.00 pp
An elevated tea experience with an expanded menu, premium tea selections, and elegant touches for a truly unforgettable event.
Tea Selection
English Breakfast | Earl Grey | Green Tea Herbal Blends | Darjeeling
Jasmine Pearls
Finger Sandwiches
Prosciutto, fig, mascarpone | Hot smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers | Roast beef, horseradish cream, sourdough
Scones and Dessert
Buttermilk scones, clotted cream
lemon curd, berry compote | Mini fruit tart | Macarons | Dark chocolate truffles Berries & cream
Venue & Coordination Fee: $495 (flat rate)
Minimum 12 guests, Maximum 20 guests
Choose from our Signature or Deluxe Afternoon Tea menus, each designed to offer
a beautifully hosted experience for your celebration.
From intimate gatherings to joyful bridal celebrations, The Magnolia Inn offers a charming, welcoming space for your private afternoon tea. Every detail—from the table settings to the service—is thoughtfully designed to create a relaxed, memorable experience for you and your guests. To explore all the ways you can celebrate with us, please view our Afternoon Tea Webpage. We also offer thoughtfully tailored options for bridal celebrations—view our Bridal Tea offerings.
Event Enhancements & Add-On Experiences
| Custom Party Favors Handmade soaps, candles, tea blends, or curated Magnolia Inn gifts. | $8–$12 per guest |
| Mimosa Bar (up to 30 guests) | $350 |
| Hosted Beer, Wine & Sparkling Package (2 Hours) Includes bartender service, beer, wine, prosecco, hard cider, and hard seltzers. | Starting at $15 per guest |
| Self-Serve Coffee & Tea Station | $100 |
| Personalized Games & Activities | $100 |
| Charcuterie & Grazing Displays | Custom Pricing |
| Unlimited Soda Service Unlimited Coca-Cola products served throughout your event. | $4 per guest |
Classic is a flexible venue rental for hosts who want to coordinate much of the event themselves. Signature is a fully hosted celebration in which The Magnolia Inn manages the included food, setup, service, and core event experience. Deluxe is our premium white-glove offering, combining the fully hosted Signature foundation with elevated styling, premium enhancements, and greater personalization.
Yes, outside catering is permitted for Host-Your-Own and Classic events.
For Signature and Deluxe packages, catering is included as part of the dining experience.
Please note that caterers are responsible for their own setup, cleanup, and serving materials.
Food service is optional for Classic events and is not required.
Signature includes the food, setup, service, staffing, and core event elements specifically listed in the package. The host may still personalize selected details, but Magnolia manages the included experience from setup through service.
Deluxe includes the hosted Signature experience along with the premium linens, styling, décor, service upgrades, menu enhancements, or planning elements currently listed in the package.
No.
Many events include catering, charcuterie, desserts, or light refreshments, but food service is not required.
The Classic package is designed to accommodate a variety of celebration styles.
Absolutely.
The Magnolia Inn is a popular setting for engagement parties, networking receptions, anniversaries, retirement celebrations, and other cocktail-style gatherings.
Hosted beverage service and grazing-style food options are available.
Yes.
Overnight accommodations may be added based on availability, and full-inn buyouts are available for select celebrations and wedding weekends.
Please inquire for details and availability.
Classic events include limited setup and breakdown assistance.
Signature and Deluxe events include full setup and breakdown services.
Specific setup requirements can be discussed during planning.
Yes — you are welcome to bring your own vendors for photography, florals, and entertainment. All vendors must be properly insured and follow our setup and teardown guidelines to protect the inn and ensure a seamless experience.
We welcome decorations that can be easily placed and removed without damage. Items such as table décor, florals, balloons, banners, and themed accents are all allowed.
To protect the historic inn, we kindly prohibit the use of:
If you have a special décor idea, we’re happy to help you determine what’s allowed.
On-site parking is reserved for overnight guests of The Magnolia Inn. Event attendees are required to use the plentiful, free street parking located on all sides of the inn.
We encourage booking as early as possible, especially for weekend dates and during peak seasons (spring and fall).
Many celebrations reserve their date 3–4 months in advance, while larger or fully coordinated events often book 6 months to a year in advance.
If your date is coming up soon, please reach out — we’re always happy to check availability.
Continue Planning Your Celebration
Celebrate Every Occasion
Explore the full range of private events hosted at The Magnolia Inn, including showers, birthdays, reunions, anniversaries, and other meaningful gatherings.
Private Afternoon Tea
Discover an elegant hosted tea experience for showers, birthdays, family gatherings, and social occasions.
Guest Rooms
Invite family and friends to stay overnight in one of our seven individually appointed guest rooms.
Ready to celebrate in style?
We look forward to helping you create a celebration filled with charm and joy!
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