A GRATEFUL FEAST
Table SCENE : 1
& my 7 step process to an artful SMALL gathering
1. FiNDing INSPIRATION
- ask yourself:
what is this dinner about? & what do I want to prepare for my guests?
are we celebrating? & why?
what colors, textures or shapes am I inspired by?
what do I want my guests to remember? & how do I want them to feel?
For example: If girlfriends were coming over for an herbal Happy Hour versus an evening thanksgiving meal, I am going to adapt the design to meet the spirit of the specific gathering. In this case, I was feeling inspired to share gratitude for the people I DO get to spend time with (aka my roommates) as I reminisce communal gatherings & long for the day the world can be safe again.
Be c r e a t i v e here, it doesn’t have to be forced or complicated.
2. design a story
Once you have an idea of the direction you want to go, you can start having a little fun creating the story that you want to tell v i s u a l l y. Whether you’re designing off the menu you’re cooking, a monochromatic color you love, or a piece of art that you bought from your favorite town in Italy, do your best to reflect the story through decor elements.
Pull items from all over your house and place them on your table that might just go with the “theme.” Then start to create groupings of things that go together. Don't be afraid to add and then take away, take away again or just restart all together. Creating is always a process and the start is always the slowest and most daunting - let it ebb and flow.
If you’re stuck, try to go back to COLORS, textures and p a t t e r n s that work with your theme!
It’s best to incorporate a variety of different materials like mirror, metals, stone, tile, or wood, for a well rounded design.
3. Incorporate your senses
Weigh Out Your Layout
Let’s start with the service style.
Will your guests be served at a traditional table? Or will you lay down blankets and pillows under twinkle lights in the backyard?
If you have a small space (like mine) & want it to feel bigger, mirrors are a great way to expand the room and add visual depth.
Aromas
I am a sucker for a Volcano Anthropologie candle…but I mean, isn’t everyone? I tuck it near the entrance at most of my events for a special burst of aroma. Or, maybe you love palo santo, sage or have a favorite incense. Think of something that will pair with dinner or the overall vibe, some aromas feel heavy, others light and airy. Follow your nose.
Keep it Right - Keep it Bright
Candles provide the most beautiful glow, so you can’t really go wrong there. But maybe you are doing a breakfast and the natural light in your home radiates the setting perfectly. Or do you prefer twinkle lights for an extra flare of elegance.
Lighting effects the mood - don’t overlook it.
Beats
Music is (in almost all cases)…completely necessary. Put on a playlist of backyard feels or morning grooves.
Make it your own but also make it your setting.
4. Skip tradition & make it personal
Kelly Weartsler said it best “take something and give it a new spirit.”
Rid tradition and put the fork and knife however you want!
Scroll youtube for the dozens napkin folds and pick one that fits your vision best.
I used wrapping paper as my table runner & my mom’s scrapbooking letters to create an intentional note to my guests on the table runner. Use things that are personal to you and have some fun here!
Decor elements are powerful when the pieces used are sentimental to the host or guests.
These particular napkins and candles were a gift from a past client of mine that were used for her wedding. She hand sewed them with her grandmother who couldn’t travel for her big day. It’s meaningful to have their love carried on in my own home.
5. CONNECTION THROUGH ACTIVATION
This question activity is the perfect way to open up, share and connect with your guests. Each pulled a question or two from the jar and shared honestly for a beautiful evening of c o n n e c t i o n and vulnerability. Don’t be afraid of an extra step.
Feel free to use this as a tool to make your own or order the #thanksgivingproject from Sugar Paper.
6. THE Culinary Experience
To Eat
Develop your menu to match the mood.
Sweet, spicy, or savory, pick a profile that correlates.
Mushroom Risotto
Minimalist Baker, celebrates simple cooking by sharing recipes that require 10 ingredients or less, 1 bowl, or 30 minute or less to prepare, aka my favorite person described this dish perfectly -
“You.
This.
Creamy.
Cheesy.
Sexiness in a bowl.
Sweatpants on.
Lights dimmed.
Ya dig?”
I subbed the leek for shallots & OH MYYYY was this tasty.
Homemade Bread
Had to get on the homemade bread game during quarantine just once because, why not?
After years of being GF, DF & mostly vegan, Minimalist Baker has inspired me to revisit breads, cheeses and baked goods. It’s exciting to be a part of the carb world again. Also, how beautiful!?
Lamb
We aren’t much of meat eaters. But when we do, it’s locally sourced, sustainably grown and a special occasion.
TBH - My boyfriend actually wung it with this one. (Quarantine may or may not be turning him into an instagram boyfriend which he originally swore to never be…but happily accepted under the circumstances.) I was running out of daylight so he came in to save the day for this one!
Fried on our cast iron skillet & garnished in arugula sprouts.
Note: If cooking isn’t your forte but you love entertaining - don't be afraid to order in! Especially if curating the event and hosting is more of your focus than being a chef. Don't let it scare you away from making a moment memorable in your personal way, and a unique food choice is usually closer than you think.
To Drink
I had a girls trip to Napa last fall and fell in love during our experience at St. Claire Winery. So in love, that we are now proud members of their wine club. (No regrets!) We get the most incredible wines shipped straight to our door and I am always in awe. This wine was my favorite 2018 cabernet - it’s smooth, savory and takes me back to the incredible experience we had on their farm.
Sharing a beverage that is special to you is a perfect way to make it personal & maybe even inspire your guests to visit & support small business.
7. BE a gansta’ garnisher
If you didn’t notice from the entire menu already, I am OBSESSED with Minimalist Baker. Mostly because baking/cooking Dairy Free (DF) and Gluten Free (GF), on top of having a plant based diet is somewhat of a nightmare. (It’s the perfect duo for baking disasters). But, luckily, she has guided me through preparing delicious meals made from scratch with nutrition, color and is equally a sucker for some gangsta’ garnish.
One of my favorite toppings is her vegan parmesan cheese. She uses it on everything and we are equally obsessed.
Developing your own design voice
Pretty simple. If you follow all these steps using items you surround yourself in, colors/patterns you like to wear, and experiment throughout the process you’ll be on the right track.
I challenge you to try this in your own home. Explore, get inspired and create something meaningful for you and your guests.
This is only one of version of my design voice. I’m inspired & excited to see how this project unfolds. Please join me.
- May 7, 2020