Dinnerware, Wine Glasses, Water Glasses, Lanterns, Table Runner, Favours: c/o Sears Canada l Placemats, Gold Cutlery, Water Jugs, Sheepskin Rugs: IKEA Canada l Placecards: Pink Giraffe Handmade l Florals & Catering: c/o Pusateri’s Oakville l Table: Camilla House Imports l Chairs: Structube l Art, Paris Tray, Metal Covered Lanterns: HomeSense

The other day we hosted our first dinner party of the summer in collaboration with Pusateri’s Oakville, and it was an unbelievable experience that has forever changed the way I will be doing dinner parties. I mean, who doesn’t want more time to spend with their guests instead of slaving in the kitchen all evening long? Not only was this our first party of the summer, it was the first dinner we hosted in our new home (which we literally moved into less than a week before). The days leading up to the event were filled with “what was I thinking”, and “I must be out of my mind” thoughts, but the hard work paid off and we and our guests were able to enjoy one memorable evening that will go down in the record books – partly because I didn’t have to cook a single thing :)

Pusateri’s sent over a chef, a server, the most gorgeous floral arrangements from their in-house florist, and a delicious menu to kick off the summer entertaining season. We dined on Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad, Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Ontario Asparagus, Charred Ramps and Morel Mushroom Puree, and finished things off with Coconut Banana Chocolate Mousse and Pineapple Lime Compote. Seriously a to-die-for lineup that still has my mouth watering! To catch up on how the whole evening went down, be sure to visit the Pusateri’s Instagram page where I took over their account last night to share all the event details.

While food of course is always the highlight of a dinner party, I tend to obsess over all the little details, and setting one amazing tablescape is high on my priority list (especially since I didn’t have to worry about the food). I knew I wanted the tabletop design to be fresh, vibrant, and in-season, so I couldn’t have been more thrilled when I found this bright dinnerware from Sears Canada that instantly fit my criteria. I was also blown away by the prettiest water glasses from Sears that added texture and dimension to my design (and at under $4 a pop, I’m heading back this week to pick them up in purple too)! The twine-clad hurricane lanterns were the perfect anchors for the rest of the table decor, and tied in my straw placemats and the wrapping on the placecard party favours by Pink Giraffe Handmade.

And can we talk about this gold flatware for a moment? My sister-in-law just happened to mention to me that IKEA Canada was releasing their gold flatware the day before my party, so of course I had to hightail it over to the Burlington store and grab this totally affordable set because it was the one missing piece to my design. I love how the gold really warms up the tone of the whole tablescape and adds a little bling!

While the rest of our summer dinner parties may pale in comparison to this one (BBQ’s all season long!), I’m looking forward to more entertaining in our new space and sharing our home with family and friends.

*Thank you Pusateri’s Oakville and Sears Canada for making our dinner party such a success!