Party Planning: All the Prep

So, the dinner party is set for Saturday night and the invites have been sent. I've made several decisions since I last shared. We have a dinner menu, signature cocktail, and dessert. I've got an appetizer that is going to be amazing and I've done plenty of research on the best antipasti platter I can find. I've been planning dinnerware, flatware, glassware, and dessert glasses and I love it all! And, I've created my trusty timeline that you know I love to make. Lists are my jam!

Let's recap. I have my inspiration for my tablescape centerpiece, but I have to truly decide on the one I love most. I'm leaning toward the pumpkins. So simple yet so chic.

I'm thinking I'm going with the peacocks! I've never used them and now is the time to introduce them to the world! I've purchased a linen table cloth in a very neutral taupe with napkins to match. However, they only had four, so I'm on the hunt for another set, possibly in a contrasting color like chocolate brown. I'm using the grapevine chargers to offset the fancy dishes and using simple glassware. Keeping it rustic is key!

So now we have the menu. I'm going to serve an Italian fest. I'm making my mom's famous, famous to us, lasagna. I'm going to have a hardy salad with homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette, and simple hunks of bread. But up first, an antipasti appetizer that will hopefully look as glorious as these!

And with the apps, we're serving up a signature cocktail of a Spiced Pear Moscow Mule. It sounds define and easy to make. That's key. You don't want to be making a bunch of drinks all evening. One simple cocktail, with ingredients written for refills, keeps you engaged in the party and conversations. What I can't decide is where to have the bar. I've got a dry sink at the entry of our front door and a buffet in our living room. Either would be the perfect space. I just need to decide which space would be easier to use. 

Can you see the dry sink by the front door? It is one of my favorite pieces in my house. Aside from my Hoosier Cabinet and Pie Safe. (My living room has changed a little since this photo was taken. Old pieces removed and new ones updated the space.)

Here's where I am so far! I have a lot to do, but at the same time, I feel prepared. I've made my list, started the cleaning/straightening process this weekend so I'm not overwhelmed come Saturday morning. And with Friday being my birthday, I won't be doing too much party prep. Instead, I'll be doing some celebrating! I'll keep you posted this week on how things are coming along!

XO,

Andrea

Party Planning: Rustic Dinner Party

I am at it again! I'm in party planning mode and I'm in heaven! Aside from constantly updating my house, and running around town with my family, party planning is one of my all time favorite things to do. And this one stems from the fact that my birthday is coming up and it's on a Friday this year. Now, we will be celebrating with family on the actual day, but the next evening is completely free. And we are filling in the evening with a dinner party with our friends. I'm so excited!

If you followed along last year during my holiday party planning posts, you know that I love to start with a theme and build my party from there. It's fall, so with all the gorgeous browns, burnt oranges, and creamy neutrals, I'm going totally rustic! Think nature inspired decor like pumpkins, wood, pine cones, acorns, and whimsical florals. And candles! You have to have candles. But unscented because you don't want to interfere with the aromas that will be coming from your dinner! 

I've been doing my Pinterest research and I've found some amazing inspiration for my table decor. Honestly, there are so many gorgeous settings that I can't decide where to begin! And how to decorate. But, I've narrowed it down to the centerpieces I like and that's a start!

How incredibly romantic is this? I love the subtle glow of the candles and the simplicity of the greenery and wood slices.

This screams rustic fall!

This is beautiful, but probably not right for a centerpiece. However, I thinking it will help dress up the bar or the buffet.

And this would last all season long! Perfect for your Thanksgiving table later in the month.

So now that we have some centerpieces to work with, let's look at our dinnerware. It just so happens that I have plenty of pieces to chose from! I've got stunning teal plates with gold peacocks, sweet salad plates with darling birds (you know how I feel about birds in decor), and my vintage Iroquois Harvest Time dishes. Placed over grapevine chargers, the rustic vibes is incredibly vibrant. Earth tone stemware and gold silverware are perfect compliments. And I'm going to use neutral a tablecloth and napkins. And the pitcher would make a darling floral vase.

With all of this inspiration, it's time to go out into natural and see what I can gather! I know from experience that pine cones are gorgeous decor and so easy to prep. Yes, you have to prep your pine cones if you've picked them off the ground! Head here to see how! Tiny pumpkins can be picked up at the grocery store, but I better stock up now! As for the other supplies, I will just start filling in as I find what I love! 

When you think rustic, how would you decorate your table? And would you do it all yourself or head to your local craft store and hit up their amazing fall sales? I'm thinking a little of both! 

There is so much more to discuss. We have the dinner menu, the signature cocktail, setting up the bar, what dessert to make, and so much more! I can't wait to share it all!

XO,

Andrea