Waiting for the Sun
We Angelenos are often a bit spoiled when it comes to the rays of the sun. We wear shorts in February, have beach days in November, and gleefully sport puffy coats when the temperature dips below 70. Winter here often feels like it passes in the blink of an eye.
Admittedly, when March was still an unending deluge, I was selfishly wondering, "Was the drought really all that bad?" Kidding aside, the dreariness was beginning to take its toll. While I'm grateful for the much-needed rain and am hopeful for an abundance of late-spring blooms, I am moving into spring with a new-found appreciation for actual seasons.
Dining outdoors, usually a year-round convenience we tend to take for granted, was elusive to us for months on end. So, I was absolutely giddy when April's 1st weekend of sunshine finally arrived, providing the ideal backdrop for an afternoon of al fresco entertaining.
Floral Styling
A lovely bouquet is one of my favorite ways to capture the essence of the season, and no tablescape is complete without it. Simple or elaborate, playful or elegant, floral or foliage... the right arrangement sets the tone. Usually, cuttings from the garden are my first consideration, but I couldn't bring myself to trim the flowers that were finally starting to bloom. So, I headed down to Wall Street for an early-morning run to Mayesh. I selected colors and stems to compliment (not coordinate with) the block prints I was styling for Pottery Barn.
Setting the Table
Thoughtful details and unexpected touches are some of the hallmarks of a well-designed space. My approach to setting a captivating table is similar. I strive for just a bit of tension in the textures, materials, colors, and motifs. The idea is to complement but without coordinating.
Is it okay to use different patterns? Yes! Can I mix and match place settings? Yes! Focus on layering distinct textures and patterns to create visual interest.
Etched Floral Glass Pitcher
It’s All About the Mix
Knowing the block print would be the foundation of my tablescape, I opted for a curated mix of materials and motifs to espouse the perfect ambiance. Layering the foundation with accents like earthy terracotta, natural woven textures, mixed floral motifs, rustic woods, tumbled silver, and a handful of vintage pieces.
Having traveled quite a bit last year while my own home was under construction (and uninhabitable... a story for another day), this was also the perfect opportunity to begin feeling at home again while mingling in a few of my recent finds. Last fall, I came across the olive wood accents at Rome's Porta Portese market. The terracotta nesting bowls and handwoven linens were found during a visit with friends currently eschewing the Los Angeles hustle for a slower pace in Riviera Nayarit.
Plan the Menu
Organic Summer Salad
wild arugula, lacinato kale (massaged and chopped), blood orange segments (cut away the pith), pixie tangerines (try cutie mandarines if pixies are out of season), persian cucumbers (skin on), blackberries, & avocado
Garnish
walnuts, wild foraged fennel pollen, antique laeta edible violas & maldon flake salt
Dressing
meyer lemon juice, olive oil (from castelvetrano olives) & dijon mustard.
Try adding a drop of real maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. For a creamier version, add some of the avocado to the mix and blend with an immersion mixer .
recipes for summer entertaining
Crudités with Labneh with Sumac, Chili & Mint or Avocado + Broadbean Dip
Jicama Salad ~ Burrata Salad with Summer Berries & Pistachio ~ Celery Pear & Date Salad
Maple Mustard Salmon ~ Cod en Papillote with Blood Orange and Fennel ~ Honey Butter Grilled Chicken
Ricotta Dumplings with Buttered Peas & Asparagus* ~ Grilled Polenta with Summer Succotash
Asparagus with Oyster Mushroom & Poached Egg ~ Candy Beetroot with Lentils and Yuzu ~ Sautéed Peashoot Greens
Peach Cobbler ~ Urfa Biber Brownies*
Tequilla Sage Smash ~ Montenegro Paloma ~ Orange Blossom Mocktail
* GF: substitute the flour with Cup4Cup
two Takes on tabletop
Backyard brunches, afternoons al fresco or intimate evenings… everything you need to bring block prints to life for every occasion.
Laid Back
Dressed up
More Ideas to Bring the Look to Your Home
What I learned about Oilcloth
The Sophia Tablecloth not only has a pretty print, nice hand, and lovely drape. All of that is paired with a surprisingly spill-resistant coating. We thought for sure the tablecloth was ruined when blood oranges spilled on it during serving, but the would-be-stain was wiped away without a trace.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certification and the meaning behind it. This specific product’s OEKO-TEX certification means it also happens to have been tested and is free from 350+ harmful substances (yes, I looked up the certificate number listed).
As a family that avoids plastics—I say avoids because it is almost impossible to eliminate completely—uses only natural cleaning products, shops organic, and avoids toxic substances in our home & garden as much as we are able to control, I was relieved to learn our new tablecloth also happened to be free from many of the ugly chemical offenders that are often synonymous with high levels of durability. This is definitely a label I will be searching out in the future.
