By Libbie Summers
Assisted by Candace Brower and Anthony Lunsmann
Photography by Cedric Smith

When one of the coolest chicks in the land (I’m talking about you Autumn Van Gunten) is turning 40 and her even cooler boyfriend (Yep, that’s you Cedric Smith) asks you to cater a little surprise dinner party for her and her closest friends, you scream HELL YES!

Inspired by the juicy ruby colored fruit of the season, I used cherries to inform the table and the menu spectacle for this very special event.

The result, like Autumn, a total cherry bomb!!!

The menu on a chalkboard made of a vintage vanity mirror

Greens, roses, fresh cherries and vintage milk glass ran down the middle of the farm tables as a centerpiece. 

The birthday girl, Autumn, in blue and feeling happy surrounded by her dearest friends including her best friend who flew in from Ohio for the surprise! 
Me…explaining the menu and looking tired! 🙂 

First Course (sat on the table for guests to pour themselves):
Southern Peanut Soup 

Second Course:
Salad of Pea Shoots, Avocado and Watermelon

Tablescape Ingredients: Fresh rosemary, eucalyptus, fresh cherries, pink roses, garden greens, vintage glassware, mix of flatware, torn french fabric napkins, mix and match plates, vintage milk glass, glass cloches and burlap. 

Main Course:
Slow Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Fried Potatoes, Cherry Salsa, Handmade Charred Tortillas

Happy 40th Birthday Autumn!

by Libbie Summers
Assisted by David Dempsey

If you’re the person who gave me this book years and years ago…thank you. For the life of me, I can’t remember who it was or when it was or where I put my keys an hour ago. Nevertheless, this was a fun reference to pull out and play using my custom dyed bandanas. I think this book is out of print, but do yourself a solid and invest in one. It’s so cheeky it’s cool.

The Everyday Fold

The Sail Boat

The Palm Leaf

The Buffet Napkin Fold

The Rooster

by Libbie Summers
Assisted by David Dempsey

Hand-dyed and inspired by the colors of tropical fruit, these bandanas aren’t just for tying around your neck! I share 4 ways to take a bandana from ordinary to extraordinary!

https://www.facebook.com/AFoodInspiredLife/videos/1612599278770940/

By Libbie Summers
Assisted by David Dempsey
Still photography by teresa earnest photography

Every party I design (no matter how big or small) starts with a “party blueprint”. Here’s a little sneak peek of the inspiration process and start of the blueprint for this Summer Soirée that’s cheery and cherry filled!

By Libbie Summers
Assisted by David Dempsey

My beloved collection of vintage glasses and a colorful summer bouquet made the perfect centerpiece for this luncheon!