Matt and I had the opportunity to host some friends at our home for an incredibly decadent catered dinner a couple of weeks ago! It was a blast and we were able to have an old friend (actually I think I babysat him a couple of times when he was younger) that is in his last year of college come to cook for us! He actually helped us captain our boat a few times this summer and he informed us that he also loved to cook and would love to come to our house and cook one time! How fun is that? I love that he has made an instagram account where he shares his food which you can find here. And if you live in Gainesville, send him a message to come cook sometime this next year as he finishes up his last year at University of Florida. I know I already had two people reach out to me for his number 🙂
Okay, back to it. The menu was absolutely divine and the whole night was just a blast. We all had so much fun, and Daniel provided an impeccable experience, from start to finish. I’ll let the photos tell the story of the evening, with the food and drinks that we enjoyed with perfect company!
While planning the party, I knew that I wanted to welcome everyone into my home with an original tablescape. I love an atmosphere that is warm and inviting, with plenty of elegance to suit the occasion. After plenty of brainstorming and experimentation, I came up with this purple and blue tablescape based on some of my favorite linens from Julia Amory (currently 25% off all linens thru Labor Day). I thought that it set the mood very well for a festive summer evening.
I added these bamboo plates which I absolutely love and these unique candlesticks that are too beautiful to even burn!! For a special touch, I went to Fernandino Paper Co (the cutest monthly subscription for access to hundreds of free editable printables) to print off a menu for the evening and place cards for our cards. I had to make Daniel feel “official” with the printed menu. The rattan vases and tea light candles are all from here and also on sale right now for 20% off through Labor Day.
You can find my dress here.
The food was all so amazing!! The tuna nachos appetizer is a must that I have to make again!! He fried homemade tortillas which makes all the difference! My grouper piccata picture sadly turned out blurry (ill blame it on the wine! ha).
How fun is Daniel??
The gang!! The whole group knew Daniel growing up which made me it so much fun and hopefully a tiny bit less stressful/intimidating for the chef 😉
This was such a fun experience and a hit with our friends. I would love to hear about some memorable experiences that you and your friends have shared over the summer!
Thank you, Daniel, for such a fabulous dinner! We will definitely be doing this again! He says he loves to make homemade sushi, so that might have to be the next party!
You can shop the items that I included in my tablescape here:
