The lighter side of darkness is a cozy, intimate feeling that fall and winter beg to celebrate, so we take any reason to illuminate our tables and fill every seat with friends and neighbors. Luna contributor Angelina Carrera hosted quite the gathering at Grassini Family Vineyards in Santa Barbara, CA this fall – featuring décor accents perfectly paired with our latest >Rose Gold Collection that translate indoors or outdoors with equal splendor. Here, she shares her approach and inspiration to creating this spectacle of organic beauty!
Start with color: >
“Autumn has a very rich color story filled with amber and dusty pink hues that mingle with accents of gold. We wanted our party to subtly draw from that gorgeous fall palette. We started by styling our gorgeous new Hurricane Vases with overflowing greenery and burgundy toned florals. Then, drawing from the rustic vineyard setting, we chose touches of rose gold to stitch together the warmth and inclusiveness that I aspired to achieve. I was delighted that the dahlias perfectly matched our red wine – unplanned, but seasonally on point, as it’s own reward.”
Then consider light:>
“You always want more light than you think – so a smattering of mercury glass and vintage pink vessels filled with candlelight is what we used to achieve this glow on our table. Stay away from anything too tall for a gathering this casual. Height can work for weddings and other formal celebrations, but on a farm table or family gathering, it creates a barrier and distance between people.”
Choose an unexpected venue: >
“We were at a vineyard, outside, under the canopy of four-hundred-year-old oak trees – so the romance factor was high! People love a surprising environment, something they might not think of themselves. I could see recreating this scene on a sun porch back East, with people bundled up in sweaters and a table set with beautiful runners to reflect the mood of the season. You’re essentially building a hearth in the area of your choice. It could be a big coffee table or a mantel and fireplace – a central focus that generates a magnetic draw for your guests.”
The food and drinks:>
“We had a pretty easy win on the drinks since our friends at Grassini gifted us with a signature wine called Equipo, a red blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot. Pairing the right food with the wines took a little more thought. Apples felt natural, so homemade apple pie was a must. From there I turned to Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, butternut squash… and cheese. Cheese for days! Everything felt hearty but healthy and of the earth. It’s important to be thoughtful about the season, to reach for what’s local and reliable, and to create interesting dressings or dips from there.”
Ang’s Tips:>
“Prepare, design, decorate – and then let go! No one wants a stressed-out host. Buy plenty of tea lights – you will likely replace a few throughout your evening. Invite people you know well, and include new friends to mix it up. Make water and non-alcoholic drinks easy to access on a nearby table.
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