A Springtime Fête

As noted in yesterday's post, Halston's home begged for a slick and spartan style of entertaining. Acid greens or hot pinks would have looked ridiculous in his contemporary townhouse, and ornate china on that lucite table would have absolutely been out of place. But if you're hosting a dinner in the Southern outdoors, color and layered accessories are apropos. After all, your table should reflect the party's setting.

Over the weekend, I found the May/June 2009 issue of Southern Accents, and there was a great article about a Charlotte dinner party hosted by Erin Vorhoff and John Bossard. I sat up and took notice for two reasons. First, John has got to be one of the most fun and exuberant people around. Every time I see him at an event, I know that I'm going to have a good time. The other reason this article intrigued me were the colorful table settings.

John is a die hard maximalist, while Erin's taste is "eclectic with clean lines." But somehow, these two different aesthetics seemed to have mixed beautifully at this party. Erin and John first settled on a color theme for the party: royal blue and apple green, an appropriate choice as the dinner took place outside of Erin's cottage. Tables were covered in lime green skirts and topped with a suzani print of greens and blues. In the center of the tables were tall blue and white ceramic vases filled with bright green Bells of Ireland. I need to remember to use a tall vase like this because while I do love this flower, its height can make it tricky to arrange. Pretty cream and gold Wedgwood china placed on gold chargers added a note of elegance to the tables as did the silver flatware. And finally, hanging over each table were Moroccan paper lanterns.

The Springtime menu, prepared by Charlotte caterer Porcupine Provisions, consisted of split pea soup, pan-seared salmon, and strawberry trifle, while the house cocktail that evening was a Lemon Drop. All in all, it sounds like a delightful and delicious evening. Just something to think about when you take the party outdoors. That is, after the pollen subsides. Otherwise, you'll just have to incorporate yellow into your color scheme.



Hostess Erin Vorhoff applies the finishing touch.



A detail of the table setting.



I'm not sure which I like more: the well appointed table...or host John Bossard's pants.


All images from Southern Accents, May/June 2009, Brie Williams photographer.