Friend, I’m the first to admit it can be hard to feel thankful right now. As the holidays bear down and the pandemic rages, it’s very tempting to just throw in the towel. That was my first inclination – to just say f*** it and skip it all. Why go to all the trouble and effort for a little family of three?

But there is something to be said for marking special occasions, say nothing of lighting up a child’s eyes with joy – no matter how nontraditionally you’re celebrating a holiday. When my five-year-old saw me break out candles to prepare a Thanksgiving table he said “ooooh, something special must be happening.” It was the perfect reminder that even in dire circumstances, a magical moment can still be found.

It is with this sentiment that I offer an intimate Thanksgiving table inspiration for you today. I pulled this table for four together in 20 minutes which means you can too. Jumping in and creating this table made me remember how much I love doing them and how much I’d miss skipping this ritual.

When thinking about creating a mini Thanksgiving scene this year, I had three goals in mind; keep it simple, make it easy and try to have a little fun.

Now, I can’t take all the credit for this look. I was given a head start by some of my favorite San Francisco-based flower fairies, Marigold SF, who are currently offering pre-packaged floral centerpieces and as well as The Gathered Table, a collection of gourds, floral flotsam and even candles to give you a ready-made Thanksgiving table to-go. (FYI, today is the last day to put in a Thanksgiving order!!)

I used some of the foundational pieces of The Gathered Table to create my table’s centerpiece. I plucked the oversized white pumpkin from the mix to become the centerpiece’s anchor as well as the inspiration for the muted color palette. I set the pumpkin off-center in order to give the centerpiece a more organic, asymmetrical feel – I was going for a modern update on the cornucopia concept.

From there, I simply started filling in gaps both with bits from The Gathered Table and with items I foraged from my own pantry, adding everything from champagne grapes and pears to purple kale, acorn squash and heads of garlic!

Little blue glass votive holders by Hawkins New York kept the table profile low. When you’re feeding a small group, I like keeping the vibe intimate. There’s no need to have to peek around big floral bouquets or try to navigate between a sea of pillar candles. Simple votives feel low key, yet still elegant.

My subdued palate and desire for laid back elegance also informed my table setting choices. I loved the subtle sheen of this two-toned flatware from CB2. Ceramic plates with an organic edge offer a casual feel, but the modern ombre tumblers kept the look from going too rustic. While I’d originally planned on using cream linen napkins, the soft gray blue picked up the color of the votives so nicely, i just couldn’t resist.

While I’ve yet to set my Thanksgiving Day menu, I do know what I’ll be pouring. Diora Wines from Monterey. If you’ve followed Apartment 34 for any length of time, you know my long love affair with and true passion for wine. It started when I lived in Italy as a university student and then studied wine while in Santa Barbara. A typical fall season would include multiple weekends in California wine country, looking to discover a new vintner or two, but this year has been very different.

I’m so grateful Diora reached out to introduce their wines to me. Grown on the hillsides of the Santa Lucia mountain range, they specialize in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rosé of Pinot Noir. After tasting their wines I was immediately smitten. While the Pinot Noir is silky and luscious, the Rosé is bright with a vibrant acidity. Both would work wonderfully for a Thanksgiving meal.

My husband and I have created a little quarantine routine of enjoying a glass of rosé at the start of a meal and ending the evening with a yummy red and Diora wines are perfect for this.

Here’s a fun little distanced Thanksgiving activity. Everyone can bring their favorite under $30 bottle to their table and share tasting notes with the group – aka why they like it. Doing a remote cheers might not feel quite the same, but you’ll be a lot happier when your friends and family are still around to cheers with you in person next year.

I also love to send wine as a gift. You can get some Diora wines here or find a Diora retailer near you by clicking RIGHT HERE.

Thanksgiving might look and feel quite different this go ’round, but right now it’s important to celebrate anything we can be grateful for. I hope you find ways to make the day feel special for you.

 

photography by etincelle studio

this post is in collaboration with Diora Wines. all thoughts and opinions are my own. thanks for supporting collaborations that have kept apartment 34’s doors open.

Temps are dropping (slowly, but surely…), and the season of fall gatherings is officially upon us! I firmly believe that the whole point of having friends over for dinner is to make everyone feel at ease – yourself included. That’s why I was so excited when one of my fave home collections,The Citizenry, asked me to create a fall inspired table with their newly launched table linens collection. All of their linens are so lovely I actually couldn’t just set one table – I had to set two.

Scroll below to see how you can create two different fall entertaining vibes by simply swapping out your napkins (and a few other choice details) along with some of my best entertaining tips.

Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34

Setting a lovely table makes a meal feel a little special, but creating it shouldn’t have be complicated. A simple white linen tablecloth is my go-to foundation. It offers a nice blank slate. A few wrinkles – or even a big fold or two are no big deal. I love how it gives everything a more Euro-rustic vibe.

Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34

There’s no need to have a collection of fancy china. Simply create layers with your daily dishware. I love to mix and match dishes in different colorways to add extra dimension. And I will always approve of gold flatware for everyday use – there’s no reason to make them wait for a special occasion. It quickly makes any table feel a bit more festive.

Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34

Adding flowers to your setting also doesn’t have be stressful. You can let your creative juices flow, combining whatever fits into your color palette. A fall arrangement can mix all kinds of greenery – everything from lambs ear and grasses, to cuts of leaves. A few dahlias give you that plucked straight from your garden look. But if creating your own centerpiece feels overwhelming, head to your local flower mart or corner florist. The talented ladies at Marigold SF put together these stunners. There’s no shame in putting a pretty arrangement into your own vase. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34

I created two different fall tables by only swapping out a few simple things. I like to stick to 2-3 colors on the table to keep things from getting overwhelming. This first table features a set of The Citizenry’s subtle Onam napkins and tablerunner in blush. You can fold the the napkins to highly their mustard gold threading or camouflage it to keep the look really light, neutral and airy. The Citizenry’s set of Dasar bronze trays make the perfect serving dishes. I added white oak candle sticks and warm golden taperd offer a light, feminine touch.

Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34

To quickly and easily change this tables look, I simply swapped in pops of indigo and chambray to create a slightly bolder, high contrast look. The Citizenry’s Chera napkins feature hand stitching, but are made from durable cotton – meaning they’re machine washable! Hits of black – candlesticks, the Citizenry’s black marble cheeseboard and our dining chairs elevate the look. I’m also obsessed with The Citizenry’s new Ba Lai glassware. Matte gray on the outside, with a high gloss glazed interior, they’re seriously so good.

Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34Simple Steps for a Stunning Fall Table on apartment 34

I’m struggling to pick a favorite between these two looks so I’m thinking I just have to throw two parties to put both to the test. Do you you have a favorite??

See the rest of my favorite fall entertaining tips on The Citizenry blog here.

florals by marigold studio / photography by andrea posoadas

This post in partnership with The Citizenry. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that keep our doors open!

As we dive into summer, (I mean, we’re close enough) I realized I’d yet to throw a party this year. Not really sure how that happened. Oh wait, I have a three-nager. That might be why. But I recently decided that had to change (not the having a toddler part – the party part). I’ve learned you really shouldn’t wait for a reason to get friends together. They take too long to materialize. Instead, just make one up! A brunch to welcome summer seemed like as good of a reason as any. But as a busy mama I’m in no mood to spend hours pulling a party together.

So I pulled out all my tricks to host a beautiful summer brunch without losing my mind. And today I’m spilling the beans in the hopes it might inspire you.

TRICK 1: Amp up your tabletop. A gorgeous tabletop is a bit of a ubiquitous requirement for a brunch, but who can manage to stock multiple set of dishes to switch up a look? That is where the first trick comes in. Take your classic set of white dishes next level with Harlow & Grey. If you haven’t discovered Harlow & Grey yet, I’m about to blow your mind.

This line of modern party goods is absolutely stunning. This is way more than a disposable plate. Harlow & Grey’s artful collections (think black, gold, even marble!) feature modern designs and amazing attention to detail like gold-foil edges and of the moment colors. Hello, amethyst, color of the year. Harlow & Grey’s coordinated pieces offer plates, cups, dinner & cocktail napkins to transform all your tabletop staples. I’m obsessed with the light and lovely look we created for this party.

To celebrate the transition from spring to summer, we layered my dining room table in a sea of pale lavender, white, and subtle pinks A mix of gray and white candles in marble and brass holders added ambiance. Hits of black kept things from getting overly saccharin. To make things feel extra personal and little more special we added Harlow & Grey place cards and a flower sprig on each plate. It’s those little tiny (easy!) details that take a table next level.

TIP 2: Don’t sweat the food. While I’m all for some good home-cookin’, when you’re hosting why take on the unnecessary burden? Especially for something like brunch. I strongly advise hitting up your favorite bakery or cafe for a bevy of treats. Things like quiche can be purchased the day before and reheated. Salads are simple and easy.

I turned to Le Marais Bakery, my go-to spot in San Francisco for an amazing treat. Supplement with fresh berries, mixed nuts & dried fruit and everyone will go home quite satisfied. And you won’t have spent hours slaving in the kitchen. Win win.

TIP 3: Rosé all day every day. Enough said. Except if you want to make a really dramatic moment serve up your rosé in a magnum. Just be sure you know how to open the bottle. (check Instagram stories today to see my poor attempt to open my favorite Azur Rosé).

TIP 4: Take your flowers next level. You can break the grocery store bouquet habit. Thankfully now there are some really great sources for beautiful blooms that you can arrange at home. We’re lucky in the Bay Area as we often get to test out new services before they go national. Case in point, Matilda’s Magnolias.

Matilda Magnolias buys fresh cut flowers from Bay Area farmers, changing the weekly arrangements to make sure they’re using the best of what’s in season. Then Matilda’s delivers a “bloom box” of stems to your door and you get to do the arranging! Each box comes with a beautifully illustrated tip sheet on how to make the best bouquet. Matilda’s introduced me to Astilbe which might be my new favorite bloom.

And so you see – there was really hardly any work that went into pulling this pretty setting together. I sent the invite out via email. Easy. Almost everything on the table could go in the compost or recycling bin. Clean up was a breeze.

I want this brunch to serve as the model for your gathering this season. Because you can create a stunning atmosphere, have delicious treats, a table full of people you love and not make yourself crazy. You just have to remember you don’t have to do everything yourself. There are amazing, beautiful things created by amazingly talented people who can help you. And there’s no shame in that!

SHOP THE TABLE: harlow & grey plates / marble candle holder / wine glasses / gold flatware / harlow & grey cups / gray taper candles / matilda’s magnolias blooms / harlow & grey place cards / copper place card holders / harlow & grey napkins

This brunch was a such a special treat and shared with such lovely friends that we had to go and make a beautiful video to capture the day. I hope it inspires you to gather your girls and spend some time together for no other reason  than the fact that you can.

 

For even more summer party inspiration, CLICK HERE.

 

original photography & video direction by andrea posada creative
amethyst collection tableware by Harlow & Grey
wooden place card holders from Esselle 
calligraphy by Joy + Confetti
floral arrangements by Matilda’s Magnolias
brunch spread by Le Marais Bakery
rosé via Azur wines
gifts by saje wellness / lilah b beauty / karuna skin 

While the holiday season is my favorite time of year, it’s really easy to get swept up in the rush and before you know it, January arrives and it’s all over. This go ’round I’ve committed myself to be as present as I can for the entire month. Now that we’re about half through it’s good to take stock of how you’re doing. I’ve done my best to relish simple things like putting ornaments on my tree with my toddler or choosing my Christmas wrap scheme for the year. But what I’ve really cherished is making the time to connect with people I care about.

how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34

One way I accomplished this was hosting a mini retreat with California Closets. California Closets helps you love how you live. Virtually anything you dream up, they can design and build. I collaborated with California Closets for both my master closet and my pantry and my dreams were most certainly realized. So the December season arrived, I gathered a group of my favorite women in one of my favorite Bay Area escapes – Bolinas, CA – for a long, slow, dreamy afternoon filled with laughter, crafting (yes crafting!) and of course amazing food in a gorgeous setting.

how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34

Taking time out can be really hard. There is always work to do. There are always to-dos that run off the end of the page. There is always someone wanting something from you. But you’d be amazed how enriching pressing the pause button can be. Taking even just a few hours out of the grind to take care of yourself feels indulgent, it feels luxurious – it feels freeing. It’s the best way to restore energy during one of the busiest times of year. As you drive north from San Francisco and turn west, reaching the crest of Mount Tamalpais and then descending through redwood trees to arrive at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you cannot help but exhale. The sense of calm is palpable. This is the feeling I wanted to offer my friends and hope we all can carry through the year’s end.

how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34

This quote rings so true for me right now.

how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34

For our craft we created our own asymmetrical holiday wreaths (they were inspired by this post). The genius that is Natalie Bowen Designs guided our creative endeavor. Using evergreens, leaves, flowers, even mossy branches pulled from the side of the road, we had a ball letting our creativity flow – yes even me! Everyone’s final results were stunning.

how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34

There’s also something really special about sharing a meal this time year. It lends an intimacy to the season that you just don’t get from cocktail hours or holiday parties. Our setting, the darling Eleven Wine Bar & Bistro offered soul-nourishing, local foods including oysters, cheese and the best sparkling rosé. There was nothing fancy or overwrought. Just fresh, local ingredients and simple timeless flavors. It’s a great reminder that you don’t have to beat yourself up if you’re not a gourmet chef. You can create a beautiful experience over pizza!

how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34how to destress during the holidays on apartment 34

I’m so grateful to have found a moment to take a deep breath and connect with friends this season. Even if you don’t have the ability to create a gathering like this one, you can do a few things to take care of yourself this season. I’ve included my top 10 below. I hope they inspire you to not only get through this season, but truly enjoy it.

 

10 WAYS TO DESTRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

  1. Make those lists – all the lists and check them twice. It’s impossible not to forget something this time of year.
  2. Bite off your to-do’s in manageable chunks. Can’t carve out four hours to write your Christmas cards in one sitting? Spend 15 mins a day getting a few out the door.
  3. Make things in advance. Cookie doughs, pie crusts and breads can be frozen. Sauces can be made the day before. A little preparation goes a long way.
  4. Yoga. Yoga is your friend.
  5. So is Love Actually, The Holiday and The Family Stone
  6. Make time for meditation. Even just five minutes a day is proven to calm your nervous system, lower your blood pressure and lead to clearer thinking. And there’s an app for that.
  7. Give yourself a night off. A bubble bath, a good scrub or body oil, candles and maybe that meditation app.
  8. Release the desire for perfection. You don’t need to throw the perfect party. You don’t have make the ultimate meal. You don’t have to make sure every single family member is happy
  9. Try making something. Like with your hands. While I usually shy away from DIYs, we made wreaths at our dinner and the end result was so satisfying.
  10. If all else fails, there’s always some egg nog nearby

 

For more holiday gathering ideas, CLICK HERE

 

placesettings via chairs & cups / florals & wreath making by natalie bowen designs / accessories via Found Rentals / location & menu by Eleven Wine Bar Bistro

photography by andrea posadas

This post is in partnership with California Closets. Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept Apt34’s doors open.

adding color to your holiday table with apartment 34

Over the years I’ve taken a variety of approaches to holiday decorating. Over-the-top glam. Pops of black and white. Pseudo scandi. Every one creates a unique and distinctive feeling. So when CB2 approached me design a holiday table this season, I immediately said yes! This year I’m craving some change (in many forms) but for the holidays it is manifesting in a lush, bold and dare I saw it – colorful Christmas. I don’t know if it’s the return of velvet, the infiltration of millennial pink or my new addiction to pin to my color board, but as my mind began to swirl about a holiday tale, this is the moodboard that came forth. I made it my personal challenge to channel this vibe into a tablescape.

How do you think I did??

adding color to your holiday table with apartment 34adding color to your holiday table with apartment 34adding color to your holiday table with apartment 34adding color to your holiday table with apartment 34adding color to your holiday table with apartment 34adding color to your holiday table with apartment 34adding color to your holiday table with apartment 34

This table breaks all kinds of rules. Navy plates, teal trees, rose gold place settings all on one side and mix and match glassware. But it’s your party so why not have fun?!

If you haven’t quite figured out what you want your holiday table to look like this year, why not just use mine? Seriously – you can win the entire thing. Visit the CB2 in Berkeley, CA any time through Wednesday, November 29 to entire to win this tablescape for eight ($1,000 value!). Simply ask an associate how to enter.

Better yet, I’ll be at the Berkeley CB2 to celebrate the start of the season with you THIS Wednesday from 5-8pm! There will be more giveaways, flash sales, gift wrappers & personal shoppers to help you treasure hunt. And I’ll be recreating this entire table in person. I would so love to see you there.

If you’re not based in the East Bay you can also meet Caitlin Flemming in San Francisco, Meg Biram in Washington DC, Adrienne Raquel in NYC, Alaina Katz in Chicago, Kate Arends in Minneapolis, Whitney Leigh Morris in LA and Paola Mathe in Austin.

Let’s kick this season off in style, shall we friends?

SHOP THE POST

 

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photography by andrea posadas / florals by natalie bowen designs 

This post is in partnership with CB2. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations that have kept Apartment 34’s doors open.

thanksgiving table ideas on apartment 34

I can hardly believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving! It is pretty much my favorite holiday as it combines all my loves – cooking, wine, setting a gorgeous table, eating all day. You know, the good stuff in life. I’m hosting in our house for first time and while things are coming together a bit last minute (like furniture getting delivered today friends. TODAY), I still want to create something with a bit of the extraordinary for my family to enjoy. You can follow along on Insta-stories and see my table come to life in real time today.

But, even if I pull off the perfect centerpiece or if I manage to get our turkey to come out golden brown none of that matters as much as sharing this time with people you care about most. Because I am eternally grateful for them. And for you. Thank you to each and everyone one of you who have ever stopped by this site in the last (nearly) ten years. The only reason Apartment 34 still exists is because of you. Happy Thanksgiving.

And now, gorgeous tabletop inspiration to spark all your Thanksgiving table dreams.

thanksgiving table ideas on apartment 34thanksgiving table ideas on apartment 34thanksgiving table ideas on apartment 34thanksgiving table ideas on apartment 34thanksgiving table ideas on apartment 34thanksgiving table ideas on apartment 34

For Thanksgiving recipe ideas CLICK HERE.

For our most popular table of all time, CLICK HERE

For the most epic cheese board idea, CLICK HERE

images frama / sunday suppers / image / ilaria fatone / local milk blog / our food stories / sunday suppers 

There’s nothing better than gathering some of  your girls together to spend a gorgeous summer afternoon hanging out, relaxing and catching up, am I right or am I right? All you need are a few yummy bites and the perfect Pinot Grigio to wile away the hours.

I recently partnered with Ecco Domani to carve out some much needed mama-time. Making time for yourself can often feel hard. But it’s amazing how much better you show up in the other parts of your life when you create space for yourself. A little summer wine party is good for the soul.

summer wine party on apartment 34

Celebrating the new limited edition Ecco Domani label designed by Christian Siriano felt like the perfect reason to indulge. Christian’s New York Fashion Week shows always blew me away. This summer Christian has created a special label for Ecco Domani inspired by vintage 1960’s Palm Springs. Think acid washed pinks and the vibrant green of palm trees. The limited edition label’s design, combined with Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio’s flavor profile, evoke a light, whimsical feeling of being transported to a summertime paradise.

But you don’t have to jet set to Palm Springs to create your own little bit of summer paradise. You don’t even need a pool (though that’d certainly be nice!). I had the soaked hues and bright whites of Palm Springs in mind for my luxurious hang session.

summer wine party on apartment 34

To keep things stress free, I kept the setting simple. I created a buffet of light bites to let guests nosh at their leisure. The smooth, bright quality to Ecco Domani’s Pinot Grigio makes it the perfect complement to just about anything. To offer my guests a bit of variety, I put together crudité platters filled with fresh veggies and dips, nibbles of prosciutto, mozzarella & cantaloupe as well as a classic cheese plate – all served on glossy white ceramic platters. Gold flatware and classic stemmed wine glasses elevates everything just that little notch that you want.

summer wine party on apartment 34 summer wine party on apartment 34 summer wine party on apartment 34 summer wine party on apartment 34 summer wine party on apartment 34 summer wine party on apartment 34  summer wine party on apartment 34

My favorite moment – a copper ice bucket (actually repurposing a planter, but I’m obsessed).

summer wine party on apartment 34

There’s no need to wait until you have the time (or energy!) to throw a lavish dinner party. Go ahead, gather friends and enjoy the season. Be an opportunist. Pick the next warm afternoon, send out a text to 10 friends and whoever can show up, shows. You can pull together a lovely afternoon and get some much needed girl-time in the blink of an eye.

 

 

For how I’m styling my summer outdoor table, CLICK HERE.

For more summer style ideas, CLICK HERE

original photography by andrea posadas

This post is in partnership with Ecco Domani. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations that I’m excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open

Have you had your first outdoor dinner party yet? Enjoying a meal outside is the best way to make the most of the summer months. When it comes to setting a summer table al fresco, you can really let your creative side shine. Inspiration can be taken from almost anything, be it the natural surroundings, a favorite color, or the flower currently in bloom.

summer table on apartment 34summer table on apartment 34summer table on apartment 34

For my summer tabletop, I was inspired by terra cotta. The warm hue is making a comeback (you a can see more terra cotta inspo here). To create my tabletop, I paired terra cotta rimmed dishware that I found on Overstock.com with golden-hued linens, birch flatware and cut glassware with soft lines. The mixture of warm tones, pops of white and a variety of textures kept the table feeling both warm and welcoming, but also light and airy. To up the fancy factor of an outdoor place-setting a bit, all you have to do is layer your dishes. A salad plate, atop a dinner plate, atop a charger elevates an outdoor table from humdrum to holy cow. A mound of fresh flowers will also make everyone at your table feel special. Keep scrolling for all the details on how my summer table came together!

If you’re also looking for a similarly simple, yet stunning summer appetizer, I’ve got your back. The Prosciutto & Melon Toast recipe below is the perfect solution. It’s bright, vibrant, delicious and crazy easy to make! Plus I’m always partial to food that goes with my entertaining color scheme.

RECIPE: PROSCIUTTO & MELON TOAST on apartment 34

RECIPE: PROSCIUTTO & MELON TOAST 

1 tablespoon ricotta cheese, softened
1 (1-oz.) slice whole-grain artisan bread, toasted
1 1/2 very thin prosciutto slices (about 1/2 oz.)
2 thin cantaloupe slices
Dash of black pepper

Directions: Toast your bread, spread on your ricotta, layer and enjoy!

summer table on apartment 34

SHOP: dinnerware / linens / glassware / flatware / tablecloth / outdoor table set

If you missed my backyard makeover with Overstock.com click here. Starting on June 6 shoppers can save up to 70% off site-wide through June 15 as part of Overstock’s Summer Clearance Sale.

 

photography for apartment 34 by michelle drewes, florals by natasha kolenko, recipe via cooking light

This post is in partnership with Overstock.com. Thank you for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open.

While I typically reserve Wednesday to talk about wine, there’s nothing wrong with indulging a day early – especially on Valentine’s Day! I must admit, the contrived Valentine’s romance isn’t really my jam, but an excuse to bring some of my girls together – that I can get into.

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Since I haven’t seen a happy hour in I can’t remember how long, hosting a ladies lunch is a lot more mom-friendly. A few friends, a pretty table and some light bites are all you need to feed your need for girl-time.

Even though my table was Valentine-inspired, I didn’t want it to feel saccharin. With a dark gray tablecloth as a ground, all of the warm neutrals stand out. To make place settings a little more special, the secret is to layer. A charger, dinner and salad plate all stacked together create texture. I wrapped a set of printed napkins (designed by Erica Tanov – a major design crush), with a bit of rose-colored suede. Brass flatware and a little gold dish on each place add a hint of glam without getting overly girly. A floral centerpiece with creamy ranunculus, anemones, sweatpeas and jasmine soften the entire scene.

APT34-rosé-15APT34-rosé-11

But it wouldn’t be a proper party without a little wine! While rosé is my summer staple, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy it even when there’s snow on the ground. Elouan Rosé is the perfect light, bright and delicious addition to some quality time with your girls. Elouan’s name literally means “good light.” Fitting, no?

I really quite like this wine. Created with Oregon-grown pinot noir, it has real depth of flavor and some good body. So many rosés are rather insipid. This one is lovely whether you’re enjoying a glass all on its own, or pairing it with food. It’s the perfect all-year-round wine. It also always settles the divide between those who want to drink white and those who want to drink red. Rosé always satisfies.

APT34-rosé-10

I also like giving my guests a little favor to take home – in this case pieces of tangerine quartz. It has properties of strength and tenacity, but is also calming and centering. Exactly what all moms need, especially in these trying times!

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Since I’m often stuffing leftovers from a child’s tray into my mouth and calling it lunch, this is a refreshing respite from day-to-day mom life. Hopefully we don’t have to invent another holiday before doing this again.

For more table top and entertaining ideas CLICK HERE

Fore more Wine Wednesday posts, CLICK HERE

 

dishware via mrs.peasy / florals by lambert floral studio

photography for apartment 34 by delbarr moradi

This post is in partnership with Elouan wine. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept apt34’s doors open.

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