Our Sweet and Savory Dinner Party + Printables

photos by Jared Smith

We’ve been on quite the event whirlwind the last few weeks, but it’s been super nice getting to work on projects where we actually get to interact with readers and other creatives. As much as I consider my laptop to practically be an extra limb, I need human interaction every now and then (See what I mean? Who makes computer limb jokes?!). I also had all too much fun styling our sweet and savory dinner with Aces of Taste here in the studio, too!

I am no pro when it comes to hosting massive, four course meal dinner parties, but luckily we just handled the styling and macaron decorations, and left the rest to the pros. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Sugar & Cloth event if there weren’t a few DIY’s scattered here and there, and I’m excited to share the details with you!

First up, we designed a cute little bar area (DIY will be coming to you soon!) where Abby served grapefruit and strawberry Cointreau cocktails along with the custom starburst stirrers we had made from California Lustre.

Meanwhile, the very appropriately named and super lovely DJ Honey B set the tone with her turntables!

Secondly, I wanted to balance the all white studio with some extra pops of color, so I designed these brushstroke placemats and had them printed locally, as well as the mini menus at each setting.

We used Birch & Brass rentals for the gold flatware, and enlisted the help of our super talented friends at Blush & Vine for the pretty floral centerpieces. The golden pineapple vases and white flower vessels are from CB2 (get the same ones here and here!), along with the pink drinking glasses and mini rectangle plates for each course.

As for the food, the pairings were broken into four courses, each with a sweet and savory component with a play off of all-american combinations. There were decadent chocolate trios and bacon wrapped figs, chicken and macaron “waffles”, cupcake “sundaes” & beer battered corn dogs, and lastly, “burger” macarons and truffle fries with mini Cointreau-infused creamsicle milkshakes.

We collaborated with Tout Suite for the savory, Maple & Love for the chocolates and baked goods, Honeychild’s Sweet Creams for the milkshakes, and Mon Cheri Macarons for the macarons that we hand painted from our #glossaryofmacs series.

It took a small army to clean up our all white studio space after a four course dinner and drinks, but it was worth it! It makes me want to host more dinners and cocktail hours in the studio, so if you’re up for collaborating, let us know!

Last, but not least, our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events of 9/11. Fourteen years later, still remember that day like it was yesterday. Never forget.