Why Is The Magnolia Ballroom A Favorite For Charleston Graduation Receptions At Kersey House?

Graduations are milestones that deserve more than a simple dinner. They mark years of effort, late nights, and achievements worth celebrating with family and friends. At Kersey House, just outside Charleston, we welcome graduates and their families into a setting that feels both historic and personal. The Magnolia Ballroom has become a favorite choice for receptions because it blends elegance with comfort. With thoughtful design, professional service, and chef led dining, this space helps families create receptions that feel polished without being overwhelming.

What Makes The Magnolia Ballroom Stand Out?

The Magnolia Ballroom spans 1,200 square feet, giving graduates room to celebrate without losing the sense of closeness that family gatherings often need. Hardwood floors and a cathedral ceiling bring character to the space, while a built in bar and veranda access make it easy to transition between dining and mingling. Families appreciate that the room can seat up to 80, a size that fits receptions for extended family, classmates, and mentors without feeling too large or too small.

How Does The Design Shape The Celebration?

Graduation parties are about connection, and the Magnolia Ballroom encourages it. Guests can share a meal under the high ceiling, then step out onto the veranda lined with Charleston lanterns and fans. The mix of indoor comfort and outdoor charm lets families shape the event’s pace. Toasts may begin in the ballroom, with laughter spilling onto the veranda afterward. The space itself does part of the hosting, guiding the flow so that the graduate remains at the center of attention.

What Inclusions Simplify Planning?

Receptions often involve juggling rentals, but the Magnolia Ballroom removes much of that work. Tables, chairs, dinnerware, flatware, and glassware are included with the rental. Families don’t need to track down outside vendors for basics, and professional staff such as event managers, bartenders, and waitstaff are part of the package. The result is a celebration where details are already handled. Parents and graduates can focus on speeches, photos, and guests instead of delivery schedules or missing items.

How Does Dining Elevate The Reception?

Food is often the centerpiece of a graduation gathering, and the culinary program at Kersey House makes it memorable. Led by Chef Nico Romo, South Carolina’s only French Master Chef, and Executive Chef Remi Lorgoulloux, the kitchen delivers menus that combine French technique with Southern hospitality. Because catering is provided exclusively in house by Nico Romo Hospitality Group, families avoid the hassle of coordinating outside vendors. Receptions can feature plated entrées or creative stations, with dietary needs accommodated when planned in advance.

Why Do Families Choose The Magnolia Ballroom?

Families say the Magnolia Ballroom feels right for graduation because it strikes a balance. The historic heart pine floors and cathedral ceiling bring character, but the space itself is approachable and warm. It works equally well for a seated dinner or a reception with more movement between the bar, veranda, and dining area. The included amenities and staff take pressure off planning, while the food leaves a lasting impression. It is a room that honors the graduate while still keeping the event comfortable.

What Role Does The Charleston Setting Play?

Though located in Summerville, Kersey House is just outside Charleston, giving families access to the feel of a Charleston celebration without the limitations of downtown venues. Many choose to pair the reception with photos at nearby Azalea Park or around Summerville’s historic downtown. The combination of the Magnolia Ballroom and the local setting makes the day more than a reception. It becomes part of a larger memory of achievement, family pride, and community.

Conclusion

A graduation deserves a reception that feels thoughtful, and the Magnolia Ballroom delivers exactly that. With historic character, built in amenities, professional staff, and chef led dining, it simplifies planning while elevating the celebration. Families find the space flexible enough for dinners, toasts, and dancing, yet intimate enough to keep the graduate in focus. If you’re planning a Charleston area graduation reception, we’d love to welcome you to the Magnolia Ballroom at Kersey House. Call 843-983-1813 or email sales@nicoromohg.com to start planning today.

FAQs

How many guests fit in the Magnolia Ballroom for a graduation reception?
The Magnolia Ballroom can seat up to 80 guests, with hardwood floors, cathedral ceiling, a built in bar, and access to the veranda.

What items are included with a ballroom rental?
Tables, chairs, white china dinnerware, hammered silver flatware, and standard glassware are included, along with professional service staff.

Can we bring in outside catering or alcohol?
No. All catering and bar service are handled in house by Kersey House under its license.

Where can guests park for receptions?
Free street parking is available first come, along with a nearby garage. After 5 p.m., the Bank of South Carolina lot can also be used.