Dîner chez moi

As we navigate these times, we may find it hard to discover new ways to keep a spirit of wanderlust and connection going. Dining in the fresh open air on an enchanting Parisienne terrace is simply not in the cards for now. But sharing a meal with loved ones has always been a sacred connection, no matter how this happens. It can also transport you to different lands regardless of where you are physically, with a little imagination: Mediterranean night, African night … the possibilities are endless. Now more than ever, small intimate groups gathering together in someone’s home, as opposed to a crowded restaurant on main street, may just be that new normal for a while. So what is the art of an epic dinner party?

When it comes to throwing an epic dinner party, we think there’s much similarity with planning an epic outfit. There’s a laundry list of things that need to be done to make sure everything goes well, and if you’re like us, you will have a very detailed schedule with everything planned out. But we’ve synthesized the art of the dinner party down to what we think are really just three main ingredients:

The guest list
Like fashion, we think the most important ingredient for a dinner party is authenticity. It’s most important to curate an interesting group of people who jive together and make you feel like never ending the night as opposed to watching the clock. And this type of pairing is truly an art. The best dinner parties have an eclectic pairing of personalities. And we feel the same about fashion choices.

The ambiance
Our outfits are like symbols of self expression — almost like our message to the world. A dinner party can be the same thing. And the impression you leave depends largely on the vibe… the ambiance. Really think about what mood you want to evoke and be sure to plan around it. Is it a candles and lanterns on the deck vibe, with whimsical centerpieces and a farm-fresh menu? Is it folded napkins, sparkling silver and arranged seating with majestic bouquets throughout the house? What music will you play in the background? What welcome drink will guests be greeted with? All these little details matter and will impart a little piece of your spirit.

The menu
Just like an outfit, your menu must have dishes that compliment each other and plan a role in the bigger story. And the key to putting together this epic menu is incorporating a statement piece. Your statement piece is that one dish that is the star of the show… that arrives to the table on a radiant platter, adorned lavishly with little garnishes and trimmings. When it arrives, peoples jaws should drop, and you should hear an echoing “woooow,” across the room. It should leave people talking about you for days to come.

These, our friends, are what epic dinners are made of.

xoxo, SS