A “mid-summer’s night” has such a ring for what Newport is all about! And for July 17th my inspiration was to “bring on the color” as I planned last week’s dinner for the Aquidneck Land Trust’s “Evening at Home” fundraiser. Nothing like a good cause to get the creative juices flowing (and dining in a private home is such a welcome alternative to under a tent in such humid times). A collection of wildly exuberant ‘bejeweled’ Indian umbrellas (purchased online) were just what this celebratory evening called for.
They brightened every spot available, setting the theme as guests arrived,
carrying it through two dining areas, the salon and sun room (feature image above), and the back terrace which opened onto the garden where cocktails were served.
Newport’s multi-colored hydrangeas were right at home, too, on every surface.
A reflective moment here on entertaining…when seating 24 guests it serves you well to have two color schemes by which to take advantage of all that the china closet has to offer. So, one theme for the salon… hot Indian pink cotton print… and a very different theme for the sunroom (my favorite room, with its painted wall details)…ferns on white, playing off the garden’s green scene through the bay windows.
The umbrellas made an appearance also in the sunroom, on a pair of antique chairs,
and a jaunty bust of Caesar in the corner.
A pair of matched green umbrellas on stands, with brass heart accents, were the perfect centerpiece and tall enough so as not to visually interrupt conversation across the table
The farm-to-table menu began with golden heirloom tomato bisque, which created a very “Indian spice” color contrast to the hot pink
As the night concluded, and the guests took their leave, I coudn’t resist taking one more picture of the salon’s romantic mantle, candles lit without which no evening can be complete…
THE MENU…The Aquidneck Land Trust “Evening at Home” July 17, 2024
Hors D’oeuvres
Lobster and smoked gruyere tart
Seared scallop with bacon jam
Mushroom arancini with ricotta cheese
Ginger cilantro salmon cake with mango chutney
1st Course
Golden heirloom tomato bisque with a parmesan cheese straw
Entrée
Pan seared striped bass with lemon beurre blanc, fresh corn pudding, asparagus, and herbed baby potatoes
Dessert
Chocolate Napoleon with fresh raspberries and hazelnut anglaise sauce
The colors, the flowers, such beauty – absolutely gorgeous! I must say again (as last week), the hydrangea are breath taking!
And such a simple addition (thankfully…I was running out of time). xB
How festive! Sounds like a marvelous evening. Well done, Bettie.
Beyond marvelous, thank you!! xB
Wonderful eye candy. Such vibrant colours, the use of umbrella decor was perfect for a summer evening.
All it takes is one point of inspiration (which had been stored away in our attic). xB
Delicious menu, Beautiful table settings and festive decor. Wonderful cause.
Lucky guests to have you as their hostess.
Yes, wonderful…The Land Trust’s work is even more important when you realize we live on an island…xB
THIS is one of the best yet!!! How very special your guests had to feel…a plethora of surprise ❤️!! Your Menu!!! Hope the end result worked out well!! franki
All worked out VERY well, Franki, you’re a dear!! xB
“My tongue is in my CHIC!” Bettie, you are the James Bond of hostesses…NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!
May I quote you, Tall R?! xB
Sheer perfection and creative aplomb. Fortunate guests, indeed. You outshine yourself with each endeavor, Bettie. Blessings on the cause.
Such kind words, Mary, summer is an inspiring time in Newport! xB
LOVELY LADY,
YOUR SECOND PHOTO: – ‘STICKS’ – MELTING ON THE ROUGE ROYAL, TAKES ME BACK TO ‘FAIRHOLME’ & MRS. YOUNG. OFTEN DINING ALONE, WITH NO LESS THAN TWO DOZEN STICKS ABLAZE … ‘MADAM’ INSTRUCTED MOI TO – OPEN WIDE, ALL THE DINING ROOM WINDOWS – FACING THE OCEAN. THE FOLLOWING MORNING IT WAS A LABOR OF LOVE TO REMOVE ALL ‘ANGEL FLUFF’ FROM THE STICKS.
IN MY EXPERIENCE I CAN’T RECALL AN EVENT, WHERE THE PURE JOY OF THE SETTINGS AND MENUE FAR OUT-DID ANY I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR, EVEN FOR: MMP. AKA ‘MOTHER’ (TO THE STAFF).
BRAVO AND CARRY ON!
TOM
Love the interior designs and colors
Fabulous Bettie! Your creativity is beautiful, and I love that you did two color schemes – twice the fun. The menu looks and sounds delicious! I’m inspired – thanks so much for sharing!