The Tomato Dinner
The Tomato Dinner
The one that started it all
The Tomato Dinner — The One That Started It All
I had just finished building this garden and knew I wanted to host something special in it. I had been dreaming about doing a fully themed dinner party, and at the time tomatoes were having a moment. Loewe had just released their iconic tomato bag, Flamingo Estate was selling their tomato candle like crazy, and it felt like tomatoes were suddenly everywhere. It felt playful, fresh, unexpected… and I knew I wanted to fully lean in.
For the decor, I really went all out. I used a striped fabric from Hobby Lobby for the long tables, layered with red plaid placemats, maroon chargers, and red-rimmed plates. I designed the menus on good old Canva (my forever go-to).
The tablescape ended up being one of my favorite things I’ve ever created. I found these beautiful red candlestick holders and paired them with florals like red dahlias, ranunculus, anemones, and red daisies. Then I started mixing in tomatoes everywhere — I strung tiny tomatoes together, tucked giant red beefsteak tomatoes into the floral arrangements, and scattered tomatoes all across the table so it felt abundant and slightly over the top in the best way possible.
The high-top tables were some of my favorite details too. I used green gingham linens and styled those entirely with green tomatoes, green florals, and green cabbages. I loved the contrast of the all-green tables against the rich red tones of the main tablescape. It felt playful and intentional, and I loved that little juxtaposition.
This dinner was so much fun to create, but more than anything, it really sparked something in me. It was the moment I realized how much I genuinely love hosting in the garden and creating these immersive experiences for people. I was completely obsessed with the theme, so proud of my team, and honestly just so excited seeing the whole vision come to life.
It ended up becoming the beginning of something I didn’t even fully realize I was building at the time — and I think that’s why it’ll always be one of my favorites.
Menu- Marley from Full Plate Personal Chef did the food and knocked it out of the park!
First-Tomato Gallete
Second-Bread and Butter
Focaccia, tomato butter, heirloom tomato, and burrata
Third-Ravioli
Ricotta & Herb Ravioli, Tomato water, Basil
Fourth- Fish in Papiollte
Cherry tomatoes, olive oil & lemon
Fifth-Ice cream
Tomato ice cream& olive oil cake
Wines- the wine part was so fun! We partnered with Ritual wines and they curated the perfect list for each course
2021 Raventos| Blanc de Blancs
Pendes Spain
2022 Luis Seabra Xisto llimitado Branco Douro
Portugal
2022 Quentin Harel “Grandes Terres”
Pinot Noir, IGP Comtes Rhodaniens, France
2023 Domaine de la Bastide
Blanche Blandol Rose Provence, France
2020 Chateau Rieussec ‘Les Carmes de Rieussec
Sauternes France
The inspo board
The invite
