girls dinner // summer tapas party

about time for a second installment, don't you think?

just like last time, we're keeping things casual with a smorgasboard of deeeelicious tapas and red sangria (one of my personal faves) on the porch, all of which were deceivingly simple.

 first order of business? getting that patio table set. we went with a graphic fabric swatch (one of the girls has this on hand for an upcoming sewing project), but a tablecloth, blanket or quilt will do just as well. if you're forced to go solid, use napkins, dinnerware and accessories to add pattern and texture. there really aren't any rules! one or two standout items (umm...hello! that gorgeous turquoise vase bursting with peonies) can really make the table come to life.

then it was time to get our grub on. in the true spirit of spanish tapas, we divvied up food responsibilities, each with two apps to share. i opted for roasted red pepper hummus with pitas and delectable little herbed goat cheese, strawberry basil sandwiches. there was also beet salad, pimentos, spicy lime shrimp, artichoke crisps, and edamole (that's edamame guacamole).

we stuffed ourselves silly, to say the least.

stringing up some lights added serious ambiance, and allowed us to keep the party going a liiiiiiiittle later than anyone intended....but such it is when ladies find time to get together, right??

laura conjured up some festive belly bands for our glasses o' fruity delight (diy details here).

the girls over at ampersand are detailing how you can get the look yourself.

and for your drinking pleasure, a recipe card for that delicious red sangria from yours truly.

 available for download here.

mandatory group shot:

all photos courtesy of the very talented eric linebarger

awwww.

also, if you're like me and are sometimes challenged by the task of creating the perfect dinner mix, this one sure delights the earlobes.

hope this inspires you to call your girlfriends for a little dinner fun of your own! ox

 { find our previous dinners here }

girls dinner // pizza party

i'm really excited to introduce a new series on BIA today. we're talking dinner!

now, i realize that i have not once implied here on BIA that i can do anything in the kitchen (besides maybe make salsa). that's because i'm not especially skilled in that department. but that's always been the beauty of our girls dinners! they're low-key, festive but not excessively prepped, and just straight fun. of course, it doesn't hurt that they're held by a multitude of talented designers including the ladies from ampersand design studio, the ever-crafty laura at a girl who makes, and yours truly.

for the first of this new series, we're having a pizza party! here's a glimpse of how it all went down:

lettered placesettings.
you can get clever with this or keep it simple. opting for a unique or decorative paper stock goes a long way!

results:

delicious apps (essential!)

assortment of equally delicious salad and pies:

time to play!

and, even though we were totally full of great food and good wine, there's always room for gelato!

photography by eric linebarger

here's how to get the same look yourself:

kraft roll // striped tablecloth // tall platter // short platter // crayons // white napkins // metal clip // white dinner plate

check out ampersand design studio for a detailed polka dot napkin DIY and a custom coordinating invite!

you can also find a great DIY leftover bag over at a girl who makes.