We’ve had a serious girl crush on Sarah Yates Mora ever since she was the editor of our “super foodie” column long ago. The girl has major style — she can somehow make anything (like, even vacuuming the house while pregnant) look incredibly chic and stylish. So obviously we were over the moon when she agreed to let us into her SoCal backyard to watch her in action as she prepared to host a small group of friends for an intimate dinner. “This gathering was inspired by easy summer living,” Sarah confessed. “There’s nothing we love more than having friends over for a meal, sitting outside under the cafe lights and chatting until the night is late.” Sounds like heaven to us…. You won’t believe how easy our favorite San Diego blogger makes backyard entertaining look.
photographed by sarah yates and lou mora
Your must-have entertaining tools:
I’m lucky enough to count Farra Miron as one of my closest friends, and her rental closet is my must-have tool for entertaining! I head over there for every party and snag the most incredible pieces for our tabletop. Having her advice on what to style with doesn’t hurt either- she’s a genius when it comes to entertaining!
Your home decor style:
Eclectic, bohemian, global and full of texture!
The one thing (if anything) that scares you about entertaining:
I used to worry that no one would show up, but after hosting enough I’ve concquered that one and now I’d say I’m pretty fearless.
Your entertaining style in five words or fewer:
Easy, casual and relaxed.
The entertaining rule you never break:
I think the only rule I have is to go with the flow of the party and guests- I try to never force a moment or make things happen in a preconceived way!
One the best meals of your life that you will never forget:
My wedding night at Lucques in LA– we had an intimate dinner with a handful of close friends, and it was magical.
The taste you’re always craving:
Passionfruit! It’s my absolute favorite and I can’t get enough of it.
Click here for Sarah’s passion fruit margarita recipe.
The menu for tonight’s meal:
Tacos (shrimp and fish), red cabbage and carrot slaw, guacamole, salsa + chips, and Elotes (Grilled Mexican Street Corn).
Your perfect dinner party playlist:
I love mellow music that fades into the background for a dinner party. My husband usually handles the playlist!
Your signature entertaining dish:
Tacos are my specialty. I make the best corn tortillas, and switch up the ingredients depending on my mood.
Tell us about your street corn recipe:
I discovered this on a trip to Tijuana years ago and have loved it hard ever since for how simple it is to prepare, how beautiful it looks on a table and of course how tasty it is!
Discover Sarah’s recipe for elotes (aka grilled Mexican street corn).
Fill in the blank: “It’s not a party without a _______ .”
…good round of belly laughs!
see more of sarah on a house in the hills
and follow her on instagram: @sarahyatesmora
