A TWISTED BURGER BAR
TABLE SCENE : 5
& MY 7 STEP PROCESS TO AN ARTFUL SMALL GATHERING
Can you believe it’s been 8 months since I started this project? It’s been a wild ride and I’m excited to present my last “Quarenscene”, where I’m gonna have to be honest - I broke some rules, but more on that later. For this, I was inspired by Island hoping Hawaii with my family last Christmas where we were introduced to the Hawaiian burger. It’s a family favorite recipe with a pineapple twist (or course) and a cayenne/teriyaki sauce. It’s SO SO GOOD & I’ll tell you allllllllll about it below.
FIND INSPIRATION
This small gathering was my personal twist on a Hawaiian luau set out to be modern, fun and relaxed in a non-beach way.
t r o p i c a l
muted
& super friggin’ cuteeeeeeee
2. DESIGN A STORY
Find decor elements that would reflect the story you are trying to tell.
Ok - so I’ll come clean and get the rule breaking out of the way. I didn't have exactly what I wanted or needed out of my furniture soooo, I went to my friends, Hazel and Grove, where YOU (and anyone in the Denver area) can access one of the best speciality rental houses! This can elevate ANY room for any situation. Long story short - sometimes you gotta break the rules to get what you want and I wanted the sitting eye line to be low to the ground.
This Design Story included:
-Soft fabric and fruits/flowers to bring life into the low laying table
-A unique shape story to feel playful and lighthearted
-A monochromatic color palette for a modern with a personal twist
3. INCORPORATE YOUR SENSES
Between your layout, lighting, smells, taste and music - they all come into play when creating a vibe.
On New Years Eve in Honolulu, my brother, sister and I went into the city for an intimate Joe Kay show…Hawaiian style. (Serious nostalgia even writing this. Hawaiian culture was beautiful, Joe Kay’s mom was there to support him and it was an unforgettable evening.) So, naturally, Joe Kay is on in the background of this scene. Here is his artist profile with Soulection that will make you feel relaxed & light on your feet.
Ending 2020 on a whole different level of vibes, but adding a new flavor and spice to the bar - an online beverage of apéritifs called HAUS. What can I say, I’m a sucker for options and Haus has many, so I ordered all 7 samples - all great individually or, mixed with your favorite spirits creating an even more eccentric experience.
For this cocktail I mixed the Haus’ citrus flower to our current favorite whiskey, MASHBUILD,
from our friends at PROOF Wine and Spirits in Denver, CO & chilled over an ice sphere.
All things I knew would set. the. tone.
Make it your own but also make it your setting.
4. SKIP TRADITION AND MAKE IT PERSONAL
While everyone loves a personalized place setting, I felt like a cheery reminder to congratulate my guests that they SURVIVED 2020 was necessary. Also, I wanted it to feel playful.
I find sitting down to eat can feel overwhelming and that’s the last thing you want your guests to feel before settling in to dinner.
5. THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE
BUILD YOUR OWN BURGER BOARD
THE HAWAIIAN BURGER
Grilled pineapple slices, vegan beyond burgers, caramelized onion, lettuce, Chao dairy free cheese, your bun of choice,
&& the crucial Hawaiian sauce (1/2 mayo, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1 tbs honey, and 2 tbs teriyaki) YUM!
They are messy, but they are worth it!
THE ADD ONS
Rosemary fries, waffle sweet potato fries, mushrooms, pomegranate, tomato, jalapeño, mustard, mango salsa, ketchup, brussel sprouts, arugula & tofu bacon for people to really have control and make it their own.
The dinner approach had to have a wild start, building a burger off of a charcuterie board - giving a new life to “eat with your hands”.
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HAVE FUN HERE!
Make it Southwestern, or Thai style - go the direction you feel your guests will love most!
6. BE A GANSTA GARNISHER
Don’t sweat it or forget it.
7. CONNECTION THROUGH ACTIVATION
There is always a reason to celebrate!
&& for this, Chancho turned 5! & I’m a crazy dog mom soooooo…..
We had been saving this HUGGGGEEE bone for over a year waiting for the perfect opportunity to treat our pup. After 10 hours of food being at nose level & him being patient and the best boy ever, we wanted to celebrate him, even if it was only for a moment….
DEVELOPING YOUR OWN VOICE
I tried to stay true to what I wanted - and that meant going and getting a table and floor puffs in the snow. It wasn’t easy, but I will say it was a lot of fun to shake up my living room in a brand new way. Life’s too short to throw boring parties.
Where you sit and what you interact with creates the environment for a memorable gathering. Cheers to 2020, it at least taught me how important a dinner table is, no matter the size. It all starts simply, but usually ends in a disaster of a kitchen, but we’d never admit to that ;)
I challenge you to try this in your own home. Explore, get inspired and create something meaningful for you and your guests.
The year that had my on my heels now has my on my toes.
Signing off and hopefully never having to do another #kcidyquarenscene again. ;)
Kendra
-December 17, 2020