When a stylist, photographer and foodie get together to throw a backyard dinner party, you know it’s going to be good, so we were thrilled when good friends Renee, Selina and Kerry sent us snaps from their bohemian picnic complete with a wildflower-adorned tabletop, whimsical dreamcatchers and even a pitched teepee. Renee Elliott’s art for pairing vintage and modern elements for her styling service, ReCreative Works, was fully evidenced in all of the unexpected elements she placed at this sunlit soirée, and Kerri Cooper of Roots of Health took charge of the delectable meal (think boozy grapefruit punch and steak with chimichurri!) Selina Whittaker captured it all in a way that makes me wish I could be transported there right about now. Click through to see how their al fresco dinner dreams came true!
Photography by Selina Whittaker
Describe the bohemian theme:
We brought the indoors outside with a rug and throw pillows. We combined an eclectic and unusual mix of vessels for the flowers with mixed and matched dinnerware to pull together the boho look.
I went with rich colors that were the perfect compliment to all the backyard greenery and colorful blankets we used when the night cooled down.
(Sources: similar West Elm Textured bowls here)
Inspiration:
Being from Toronto, we only have a few warm months, so we wanted to take advantage of the weather while bringing friends and family together for an evening full of good company and great food. It was a real treat for everyone!
How did you decorate your outdoor space?
When coming up with the theme and decor for the evening, I knew I wanted it to have a wow factor. I’ve always dreamed of throwing a dinner party where our guests were seated on the floor, so this led to the inspiration for the casual boho theme.
And of course we had to have a teepee!
What was the inspiration for the floral arrangements?
Selina went to her local flower market and used a unique flower she found as the inspiration for the rest of what she purchased.
We were going for a wild and free form look, so we mixed different textures and heights to achieve this. I used a variety of vessels which consisted of vases, vintage goblets, glass bottles and tea light candle holders to bring the boho vibe together.
With Kerri’s background in delivering local and organic food to the homes of people hungry for nourishing meals, she has a knack for introducing new ingredients and bold flavors to and and all party-goers palates.
Read more about Kerri’s company Roots of Health here.
She insists that entertaining with healthy food doesn’t have to be boring if you experiment with different flavors and seasonal produce like this kale, beet and apricot salad.
(Kerri keeps the recipe for the red velvet dressing on this salad top secret!)
Get the recipe for Kerri’s French Layered Omelette here.
Any tips for mixing up drinks for a crowd?
We decided to make a large punch that complimented the food Kerri served up. Not only is it cost-effective to do it this way but it really helps simplify things for both the host and the guests.
We went with a grapefruit punch that combined grapefruit juice, vodka, club soda, and of course, fresh fruit!
(Sources: Crate & Barrel drink dispenser)
Any other entertaining tips to share?
There are no rules here! Use items you have on hand in different ways – we used vintage goblets, tea light candle holders and various bottles as vases for our flowers.
The drink stirrers and dream catcher were DIY projects produced by the girls! And they’d like to give a shout out to the amazing local butcher, Sanagans Meat Locker, who provided the steak served with homemade chimichurri sauce.
(Sources: IKEA rug, West Elm Potter’s Workshop Tableware)
Get the recipe for Kerri’s Mixed Berry Cornmeal Fruit Tart here.
My must-have entertaining tool:
A relaxed atmosphere. We accomplished this by bringing in the indoors out with the rug and pillows, strung lights and candles.
Who are your dream dinner guests for this party?
Erykah Badu because we love soulful music. Nicole Ritchie for her boho vibe and humor. And Joni Mitchell for the guitar and interesting conversation she would bring.
(Sources: similar Target tableware here)
Follow the trio on Instagram!
Renee, stylist – @recreativeworks
Selina, photographer – @selinawhitttakerphoto
Kerri, nutritionist – @rtsofhealth
(Sources: Target Globe Lights)
