The Dinner Party Guide: Late Summer Edit
because you should invite some friends over for dinner
our august inspiration for a simple dinner with friends
I was noodling around the internet looking for dinner party inspirations (as I type this, I realize it’s a pretty lackluster place to get yourself worked up for dinner) but nonetheless, I found this great article by my hero, Ruth Reichl, and it was all the inspo I needed! You can read the whole article HERE .
Lazy, lustily delicious time with loved ones makes life great. So, invite some people over. I’ve created an August “recipe” for you. It won’t take much to pull off and your friends & full heart will thank you at the end of the evening.
And remember, even Ruth needs to remind herself that the most casual gathering can be the best.
“If you want to have a stellar evening it helps to start with an empty dishwasher.”
for the table
My favorite flowers for August are Amaranth, Tuberose, and Dahlias.
I love visiting Twin Cities Flower exchange every week to choose blooms for the studio. Christine sources everything locally, so it’s a great lesson it what is actually seasonally available.
This month I am also inspired by Ann Mekala of Hyssop. Ann creates absolutely stunning botanical designs. Read my interview with Ann about her table inspired by Carravagio's Judith and Holofernes. More on Ann and our Mia After Dark collaboration later!
And you know I love Pinterest, so check out my table vibes inspo for August here.
“The smallest gesture shows that you have created a place of celebration for your guests.”
on the menu
In my opinion, August bounty is the best. It really is the sweetest and juiciest time of the year. This month, our quail preparation is stunning (watch how we do it here!), but watermelon, tomatoes, sweet corn, & stone fruits truly shine the brightest on this summer menu. Order the August menu.
recipes for you
Sweet Corn & Melted Onion Butter
Make a pound and freeze some. Then you’ll have a delicious summery butter to enjoy once summer is long gone. It’s epic on scallops, popcorn, chicken, EVERYTHING!
Watermelon and Espelette Vinaigrette
This is an amazingly bright vinaigrette with tons of flavor. Gorgeous on fresh watermelon or a fresh summer salad of greens and fennel.
Cake Salé with Olives and Sun Dried Tomatoes
This is one of my favorite old French recipes. t’s super versatile- it works great as a bread course or as an afternoon snack. Watch below how we make it with ham & cheese.
to drink
Our favorite local sommelier, Bill Summerville has some great advice on drinking wine in August. Read Bill’s wine pairing notes for our August menu here.
Looking for something new and zero-proof? I am currently drowning myself in Spark - Blurred Vines by Three Spirit (find it at Marigold). Read our Q & A with Marissa Ruebl of Marigold and learn about her favorite NA beverages to serve at a dinner party.
“Keep your wines simple and cold.”
to set the mood
DINNER CONVERSATION
Download our August conversation deck here.
PLAYLIST
The playlist might be even more important than the food. Find Summer tunes here.
NEED MENU DESIGNS?
Download our free August menu template!
pdc on the road
We have been hosting Paris Dining Club dinners at Mia for over a year now! The magic of dining in an actual gallery after the museum has closed for the evening never ceases to amaze me.
Another one of my favorite parts is getting to select amazing designers to create unique tables for every dinner! Our August table was created by Ann Mekala of Hyssop. I have been mesmerized by her work for a long time, and to learn about her ethos, meet her in person and see her in action meant to fall even more in love.
Read my interview with Ann about her table inspired by Carravagio's Judith and Holofernes.
want to dinner party with us?
Skip all the prep and shopping, we deliver.
Allow us to transform your home into a luxurious gathering space for you to feast, converse, and allow time to stop!
It’s really pretty here.
Stay tuned!
“Instructions for Living : Pay attention, be astonished, tell about it.”