Showing posts with label al fresco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label al fresco. Show all posts

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Candlelight Dinner Al Fresco



Justin, JR and I were so dissapointed when we had to cancel our trip to London at the last minute earlier this year.  We were Britain-bound for the wedding of two people we adore, Justin's cousin Philip La Londe and Georgie Dinham.  Because we missed the wedding, we decided to host a seated dinner in their honor in Los Angeles so we could gather together with friends and family and toast the newlyweds!



The weather in LA called for dinner al fresco under the stars!  The long out-door table had seating for 16 so we packed it tight and started to set the table!  I used a random collection of brass candle sticks in various styles, shapes and sizes down the center of the table.  I ordered six different colors of taper candles to add a little bit of color to the big stone table.


Then the talented Carly Cylinder, also known as The Flower Chef,  got to work!  She brought dozens of small glass vases and jars and placed the down the center of the table, mingling with the candles.  The effect was sweet yet dramatic and it was exactly what I was looking for.  Carly was amazing to work with. She always had a big smile on her face and shared my excitement for the tablescape!  I can't wait for her book to come out soon!  You can pre-order it now!


Here is Carly posing between Georgie and I.  We had so much fun putting the finishing touches on the table.




The table was set with the first round of linen samples from my new line, Halo Home. I love the fringe placemats and dinner napkins and I can't wait to make them available to you on-line.  In the meantime, you can order them by calling or visiting The Loveliest, a fabulous monogram shop in Dallas.   We mixed and matched colors because we didn't have eighteen of a single color in our sample order at the time! 




As the sun went down, I lit the candles (do you know the trick about using a long dry stick of spaghetti?) and counted down the moments until the guests arrived.





Justin made a toast to the bride and groom and in my family's tradition, made everyone go around the table and share a blessing they had for the bride and groom.


The gluten free meal was from Made by Meg and she and her team were wonderful!  They made us forget that we were eating gluten free in honor of the groom!


As our guests left for the night, the took home Graybill and Downs hand cremes.  I had taken over their Instagram account that week and they graciously sent candles, soaps and lotions for the house and our guests.  Such a treat!

Now you can shop the post!




Tuesday, November 18, 2014

A Thanksgiving Harvest Celebration


Are you thinking about your Tablescape for Thanksgiving yet?  I'm sure you are being bombarded by plans for the menu but don't leave the table to the last minute!  A little bit of planning ahead can make a big difference.  I was thrilled to be asked to contribute a Thanksgiving Table Idea to Box 9 Magazine.  Here are some of the photos and you can go the article to read more of my tips and the story about the napkins on the tray!

My fellow Southern Living Editor-at-Large, James Farmer always recommends Fruit, Foliage and Flowers on a Fall table so I took a cue from him added these Pomegranates.  I cut one of them open to reveal the gorgeous texture of the seeds inside.

















Photography by John Cain Sargent

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Tablescape Tuesday: Dine Al Fresco!

Who doesn't love dining al fresco? It is one of my favorite things about the summer.  I love setting a simple yet chic tablescape and enjoying the fresh air and my surroundings.

This morning, I am inspired by these dining tables that showcase the beauty of dining al fresco. 
Bon Appetit!

 

Dave Richards Photography 


 

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