I spent my birthday weekend in Laguna Beach. The weather was sublime.
I arrived at Andrea’s home late Friday afternoon to help set up and decorate for a Farm to Table Feast for Forty held on Saturday. My children, who had accompanied me, were corralled into helping out. We quickly became familiar with these lovely brick steps as the space was transformed.
A single long table was placed under the loggia. It was first covered in antique French linen and topped with a lovely washed burlap runner. Next came the plates, silverware and crystal for 24.
Four glass hurricanes were placed in the center and intermittently surrounded by small votives. A vine was plucked from the garden and was just the right touch of greenery. You can create a garland of greenery with potato vine, ivy, and even pumpkin, but you may want to avoid jasmine as the heady scent may conflict with food.
Antique French linen napkins were rolled and tied with a bit of soft velvet. A single stem of rosemary or lavender was tucked in for color. A bonus from gathering a basketful of herbs was that every now and again, throughout the evening, I would catch a bit of the lovely scent as it lingered on my hands.
At the end of the long table a desert station was set up. We moved Andrea’s great pine desk down from her bedroom and topped it with a collection of lovely antique crates.
Lovely vignettes of nests and silver nestled inside the crates and created a décor of rustic elegance at it’s finest.
It was a concoction of everything but the kitchen sink that worked beautifully.
Her best serving pieces were set out as the sun slipped into the ocean.
As nightfall approached the flickering candlelight made the copper pots gleam.
Smaller round tables were set up on the upper patio and dressed in a similar fashion. To get the vine to bend in a circular shape I just gently snapped it in the place where I wanted a curve.
Guests were smitten with the large copper tubs filled with ice, water, wine and rosemary. The herbs scent and color is a lovely addition and it also acts as a cushion for the glass bottles.
As the platters began to be filled I quickly found my children in the upper tiers of the garden, snapped a photo and reminded them to be on their best behavior.
They were absolute angels.
I just adore the stonework that is dotted throughout the property.
I just wish I had had more time to take a few more shots of the guests.
Now for the food. Andrea prepared the entire menu. I was just lucky enough to serve it and grab a taste here and there.
My favorite? A simple slice of red tomato and peach topped with burrata, which in Italian means “buttered”. It is an apt description of this luscious cheese. While I have purchased burrata at Trader Joe’s before, there is nothing like fresh. It was topped with mint, a bit of balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper. Delissimo!
A garden salad with yummy haricots verts, dill and delicious beets.
Fresh pappardelle pasta with seasonal mushrooms, butter and grated parmesan.
Then came dessert which was nothing short of bliss~ fresh berries, chocolate mousse, whipped cream, lemon tart….sigh. But the coconut cake...well, I am still dreaming of just a single slice.
Have you ever hosted a large party like this?
Laura
Don’t forget to link up your favorite “pinable” images on Friday!
Yes, it can be a direct link to your Pinterest account.
Linking to:
StoneGable , A Stroll Thru Life, BNOTP, Designs By Gollum
Labels: Creative decor, Decor, Hearth and Home
