FAIRY-TALE FERN WHITE LINEN LUNCHEON

Sometimes inspiration comes in the most unexpected places. Last spring I toured a local design showhouse and noticed that nearly every designer had incorporated beautiful, lush green ferns into their spaces. Not only is greenery a simple way to breathe life into an interior, but for me, it sparked the idea for a fresh and simple spring luncheon.

Invite your girlfriends for a chic ladies’ luncheon featuring relaxed white linens, fern centerpieces, and a delicate lunch to celebrate the new growth that will soon be breathing life into the long, cold days of the past winter season.

GET THE LOOK

I always try to host events that are both elegant and relaxed. In lieu of traditional plates, I used wooden paddles to serve soup and sandwiches alongside petite white macarons. Crystal candlesticks with long white tapers peeked through lush ferns planted in a collection of vintage white pitchers, and champagne was served in handblown glass flutes. Everyone loved the watercolor and calligraphed place cards that were attached to fern branches casually draped across each place setting.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

When throwing a party like this one at your own home, don’t be afraid to rearrange a room or two to achieve the desired look. Change up your seating by adding a bench. Don’t worry about silverware and glasses matching perfectly, and plant ferns in white containers that you already have—pitchers and colanders make for elegant and unexpected centerpieces.

Switching out art or having something new made specifically for the affair will take your party to the next level. I splurged and commissioned the watercolor and calligraphy painting “Over the River and Through the Woods” to use for the invitations. Then I framed the painting and placed it above the fireplace for the party.

THE MENU

While the decor often takes center stage, the food is what guests will really remember. Be sure to coordinate your offerings with the theme of the event. Zucchini soup with crème fraîche and cilantro, cucumber tea sandwiches with lemon and dill, vanilla bean macarons, and homemade coconut cake not only mimic the green and white decor, but will also leave your guests gushing. Paired with cucumber water, fresh green tea with mint, and champagne, toasts will abound.

ENJOY THE PARTY!

Luncheon items are super simple to make ahead. I like to set the table in advance with plates and bowls, and then during the party, when everyone is seated, I serve the warm soup to each guest by pouring it out of a pitcher. Tea sandwiches can be made the morning of, and a cake the day before. Put out beautiful glass pitchers filled with tea and water so guests can help themselves.