Pepper Design Blog

{Summer Inspiration} for a Red & Teal Dinner Party

Kevin and I love to host impromptu dinner parties every couple of weeks at the house. We might find ribs perfect for smoking on sale at the grocery store that morning or perhaps Kev just carbonated another round of his favorite home brew (we always have a batch going…) but by 7 that night we love nothing more than good friends and good food crowded around the outdoor fireplace.

So while we keep it mellow… I couldn’t help but recently be inspired by a fancier version of an outdoor dinner party. SMP recently featured this red & teal San Francisco-themed spread (and all of the gorgeous details) by photographer Edyta Szyszylo.

I love love the printed tablecloth (so easy to make yourself with a fabric remnant and a bit of hem tape or spray glue) and the brilliant green viburnum (hydrangea’s little sister) centerpiece made out of a thrift store two-tiered planter.

Details: “Brocade and broach napkin rings, vintage demitasse cups as favors and place card holders, as well as the wrought iron lounge furniture were all added for Victorian appeal. The gold-rimmed dinnerware, gold flatware, gold dining chairs and gold-rimmed wine glasses added some glamour and elegance to our outdoor setting.”

To keep the photo gallery going… follow the jump for a many more delicious pictures! Read more »

A French-Themed Celebration… Ooh La La!

This party is adorable! From the vintage furniture vignettes to the clothespinned pictures to the hanging frames it’s a perfect match-up of delicious entertaining and interior design.

I love the antique suitcase used to prop up handmade favors and the little chalkboards with various party labels – of course the menu is French heaven. Chris of Celebrations at Home threw this French-Themed Birthday Party for her husband just a few weeks ago.

From Chris: “We went with a French Happy Hour theme as sort of a nod to the time we spent in France, BC (before children). For the decor, I used what I already had, and was so pleased with the result.”

H’orderves themed “A little taste of France” included: Goat cheese toasts with caramelized onions, Brie tarts with strawberry preserves, mini quiches, and “french” fries served in paper cones with a fleur de lis embelishment. An old suit case was used to serve the toasts out of, and pictures from the couple’s actual trip created a ‘banner’ out of clothespins.

Guests were greeted with French wine and champagne in front of the adorable hanging frames (see top image). Chris created this area using a pvc pipe frame system to hold old frames (I use this same idea to create ‘outdoor curtain’ areas), a ‘C’ for Chuck (her hubby), and curtain panels. An old chest stood in as the perfect bar and a garden urn held iced champagne.

The dessert table served up fruit tartlets, palmiers, croquembouche, and macarons from Petites Bouchees.

Take home favors consisted of various monogrammed items: note pads, coaster sets, and note cards. The bags were wrapped with coordinating paper used throughout the party, and a monogram tag was attached with fleur de lis wax seal. I love this vintage suit case was used to help display the favors.

More photos at Celebrations at Home’s Facebook album and be sure to check out Chris’s great website for all sorts of entertaining inspiration!

Father’s Day is Almost Here!

Celebrate Dad’s Day in style with a big family brunch this coming Sunday. I love the idea of gathering all of the grandpas, uncles and dads together for one big, delicious celebration!

Incorporate a few lawn games like bocce ball, cricket or even a relay race to amp up the afternoon fun. I love these mustaches that have become so popular at parties (like this one over at Full House!) – how cute would they be as casual little place cards?

You can’t go wrong with a hearty brunch like this line-up: The Food Network’s Nana’s cinnamon rolls, roasted spicy sausage with sauteed onions, a hearty vegetable frittata and BHG’s greatest-waffle-recipe-ever. Table design found on Style Me Pretty.

While I won’t get to spend Father’s Day with our dad’s this year, I’m looking forward to a mellow weekend with the hubby working on the house! Cards, gifts and honoring of our dear papas are in the mail.