Backyard Dinner Party

All photos courtesy of Holly McAlister

Every summer about 5 couples from my children’s school host a dinner that we sell at the school’s auction.  We always have it in someone’s backyard or around a pool and we’ve done a variety of themes.  This year we chose a picnic theme.

We set a community-style table under lights strung across the yard.   White tablecloths and yards of burlap, cut in half to make a runner, covered simple folding tables.   A variety of glass vases and mason jars held wildflowers purchased   from Pleu Gardens at the local Farmers Market and two sizes of white glass votives were scattered along the table.  We chose madras fabric that complimented the colors of the flowers and cut them into 12″ squares to make dinner napkins.  A place card set on top of each napkin was printed with the seat number on one side (guests drew numbers when they arrived) and the dinner menu on the other side.  Twine was tied around the napkins and cards to keep them from blowing away.  The rattan chargers were set under every other plate, thus providing interest but not taking up too much table space (the food was served community style).  To save money and keep with the informal setting, we chose to combine chairs that we already owned.

On the menu…

Chopped Coleslaw Salad

Fried Chicken (Prepared by the Brady Tavern in Tulsa)

Fresh Green Beans from the Farmers Market

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy (Prepared by the Tulsa Country Club)

Clover Leaf Rolls

Dump Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream

LisaW

Lisa is a mother of three who works as a fashion and wardrobe consultant. As a former French and Latin teacher, the time she spent living in France has an ongoing influence on her style, both in fashion and interiors (she has the most comprehensive collection of plain white shirts you’ve ever seen!). She considers shopping a true hobby, a skill which was put to good use as she recently completed an addition and remodel of her family’s 1958 home in Midtown Tulsa. Throughout her home, you can recognize her emphasis on comfort with a few quirky touches that make it a true reflection of her family and their collective style. Lisa is old school and has yet to latch on to this whole “social media” phenomena

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