Dutch Still Life Dinner Party

dutch still life dinner party

A few weeks ago I was invited to a lovely blogger dinner hosted by Nathaniel of Contemporary Catering and Leila of Be Inspired PR. Nathaniel is a huge fan of designing small dinner parties and really wanted to show us what Contemporary Catering was all about. And let me say I was so impressed! With his passion for food and the design styled by faves JL Designs + Canvas and Canopy, the dinner party was stunning! Inspired by Dutch Still Life paintings, the decor used lots of matte black and dark colors with not a trace of white – even down to the votive candles that were hand-painted with streaks of pale blue + gray paint! The gorgeous floral arrangements were asymmetrical and incorporated fresh produce, dripping from vases and wood boards to give it all a slightly “undone” feel, echoing the relaxed, messy feel of the paintings. Stunning job to all involved, and I hope the gorgeous photos by Braedon Photography leave you all super inspired today! :)

cheese-bar-dinner


The bar area was meant to emulate a traditional European wine & cheese shop with old bistro chalkboards.

dutch still life dinner party

dutch still life dinner party cheese board

dutch still life dinner party

dutch still life dinner party

dutch still life dinner party


From Cortnie of Canvas and Canopy: We noticed in Dutch still life paintings that the backgrounds are very simple and the flowers were the main subject. Since this was our inspiration we wanted to create a dramatic and monocromatic palette similar to the Dutch still life painting backdrops so that the flowers were the forefront of the design. To achieve this look we painted all containers and candlesticks in a matte black + blue. We color matched the blue table linens from La Tavola to the exact shade of blue paint from Behr and painted some of the candlesticks in this color. Then adorned them with tall blue candlesticks to create a dramatic monocromatic look.

dutch still life dinner party

dutch still life dinner party


Rustic red brass pipe couplings as napkin rings were used to play off of Town and Country‘s rustic pipe stools that served as unique chairs for us to sit on. Cortnie also hand dyed the napkins in a mottled dark blue and black and left with an unfinished edge. So pretty!

dutch still life dinner party

dutch still life dinner party

dutch still life dinner party

dutch still life dinner party

dutch still life dinner party blue vases


From Carissa of JL DesignsWe tried to stay clear of pastels and brighter colors which we have been seeing so much of. I aimed for darker, richer tones and picked seasonal blooms with interesting textures and shapes – frittalaria, helleborous, black succulents, bay leaf, dahlias, ranunculas, thistle, begonia leaves, kale. Purple artichokes, red grapes, blackberries and eggplants added visual interest and kept with our dramatic color scheme.

dutch still life dinner party

dutch still life dinner party

dutch still life dinner party


Nathaniel created a custom 7 course meal and paired each course with one of OneHope Wine’s signature wines.

Cheese Shop
Imported and Domestic Cheese Platter, Housemade breads, Candied Pecans, Quince Paste, Fruit Preserves, Fresh Honeycomb, Dates paired with OneHope Wine’s Champagne/Sauvignon Blanc

Course I
Seared Day Boat Dive Scallop on Lightly Pickled Starfruit With Blackberry Coulis and Baby Beet Greens
OneHope Wine’s Sauvignon Blanc

Course II
“Open Face” Fresh Ravioli of Jamon Iberico, Gold Chanterelle Mushroom – Porcini Foam
OneHope Wine’s Pinot Noir

Course III
Duck Ropa Vieja in Phyllo – Avocado Mousse – Cilantro Jalapeno Oil
OneHope Wine’s Pinot Noir

Course IV
“Deconstructed Caesar” – Fresh Romaine Leaf Cup – Chargrilled Fresh Anchovies, Fried Quail Egg, Crumbled Cave Aged Pecorino, Quarter Crack Pepper – Drizzled In Argan Oil
OneHope Wine’s Chardonnay

Course V
“Steamers”  Classic Steamed Clams with Niman Ranch Bacon
OneHope Wine’s Chadonnay

Course VI
Seared Lamb Loin Medallions with Pomegranate and Orange Reduction Topped with Candied Kumquats
OneHope Wine’s Red Zin

Course VII
Individual Panna Cotta with Caramelized Nectarines
Sasparilla Freeze “Shot”
Crumbled Pepino and Chile Brittle
OneHope Wine’s Red Zin

dutch still life dinner party


Such a fun night! Thanks so much to everyone below for inviting me to be a part of this fun dinner and hope all the foodie inspiration today helps inspire your food choices for your wedding or next party! :)

photography: Braedon Photography // venue name: Catchlight Studio // event design: JL Designs // paper goods: Momental Designs // linen rentals: La Tavola // host: Nathaniel from Contemporary Catering // caterer: Nathaniel from Contemporary Catering // produced by: Be Inspired PR // floral: JL Designs // wine: OneHope Weddings // flatware: Casa de Perrin // glassware: Casa de Perrin // rentals: Town and Country // car service stationery: Pitbulls and Posies

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