Welcome to Christmas in Hawaii…

At dusk, the air is a cool with trade wind breezes picking up subtle hints of rain.  This beautiful and low branched mango tree was perfect coverage and support for the brass chandeliers which added a bit of romance and glam to this rustic outdoor dining.  If you haven’t heard the term before, “glamping” is glamorous camping.  And no camp would be complete without a large espresso picnic table (this one seats ten), take-home Starbucks holiday cups, a campfire, and (dare I say it) paper plates.  That’s right guys – paper plates.  I bet many of you never knew paper plates could look so good.

There’s a couple of secrets to using paper goods… add non paper elements to dress these bad boys up.  So bring out your silverware and linen napkins.  Next, add some personalization – ribbon, fruit, or flowers, which also help the plates to stay put instead of flying all over the ground.  Finally, adding professional menus and/or calligraphic tags seal the deal for a simple, cost and clean-up efficient, and yet superb setting.

And last but not least… add flowers and beautiful lighting.  Flowers should never block guests eye contact to promote conversation.   Wondering what kind of flowers I have here?  Local protea (both yellow pin cushions and pink minks), red garden roses, as well as foraged greens and garden flowers as filler.  Another big decor item?  Lighting – often overlooked, but it’s really a key element as it will magically dress up any venue.  I have both mercury votive candles and the chandelier to draw guests’ eyes up as they walk into the space.

The best part? All of this can be recreated for your next dinner party!  From our home to yours, Happy Holidays!