This Welcome Dinner Takes It To The Next Level

Categorized | Jose Villa Workshop, The Blog, Workshop

Posted on 16 May 2016.

There’s no denying it; as SMPers we get to be a part of some pretty fabulous things but at the tippy top of that list? Traveling to the beautiful countryside of Mexico and participating in Jose Villa’s Workshop last fall. With Easton Events, Mindy Rice, Studio by Fleur, Casa de Perrin and more coming together, we were left beyond inspired. In honor of the 2016 Workshop Announcement – and the last one at the legendary Hacienda – we’re looking back at all the beauty starting with this Welcome Dinner, thanks to Jose’s amazing images of it all. This week is off to one great start if we do say so ourselves…

Board #426035 Board #425681 Board #426038 Board #426032 Board #425690 Board #425693 Board #425696 Board #425699 Board #425702

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From Mindy Rice… When designing the Welcome Party at the hacienda, I took in the location as the main source of inspiration. Situated in the old grain room, the colors of the walls and floor reminded me of a more Colonial time in Mexico. A long, family style table fit the space beautifully as the natural light spilled in through the large iron doors. Lynn, Augusta (Easton Events) and I decide on blue as the evening color…. a rich dusty blue linen was designed with simple inverted pleats on each of the corners allowing the linen to hang with a weighty drape! The color was inspired by the aged blue paint you see in the small village of El Carmen. Flickering candles melted freely and vines were added to the brick crevices- all of these details added a sense of time to this already historic setting!

For floral, I used my collection of antique pewter troughs and ornate finials with pewter floral detailing. The fresh floral consisted of delicate blue hydrangea, Loquats, wild millet, guava branches, delphinium and blue forget-me-nots. A vine that grows freely on the hacienda was added, giving the table a softer, more organic look.

Our generous napkins with a hand crochet, lace edge, were dramatic as they spill off the table. Filligris, silver rings gathered each of the Jan Barboglio napkins giving the table a refined look.

Casa de Perrin supplied the beautiful dishes, flatware and glassware for the evening. The charger plate, hand glazed in soft white with a delicate scalloped edge, was stunning under the clean silhouette of the Heath dinner plate. The cutlery in pewter, was timeless and so pretty placed on the blue linen! Simple cut crystal glassware and salt pinches reflected off the various candles as guest dined.

Amber Moon designed the most darling fold out menus. Each letter pressed with an organic motif in a dusty grey/blue hue. A delicate hemp thread tied each closed… like a gift for each guest.

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