4th of July Dinner Party
I am a self professed 4th of July maniac. For my family, it’s second only to Christmas and we do. it. up. big. So, when we decided here at Occasions that we wanted to give you that same “big” kind of inspiration, we turned to Atlanta Wedding Planner, Simply Charming Socials to dream up one heck of a 4th of July Dinner Party. Lead planner, Kristine Cholakian proves that 4th of July parties do not have to include party streamers and plastic plates to be patriotic. No! Instead, she shows us how to opt for elements like natural burlap, mis-matched glass centerpieces, wildflowers, fruits, pies and a mouthwatering menu to make your Independence Day dinner party, the most stylish event in town. Grab the fireworks, it’s time to celebrate!
INSPIRATION
We wanted to show our classic take on an Independence Day dinner party, and by classic we mean timeless, with a bit of prep, and nuances of vintage. Our color scheme was blue and white with pops of red. Other than an American flag painting on display, there are subtle hints of this patriotism throughout the party, from star-shaped place cards to a banner of states hanging from a cherry red Studebaker. We focused on the small details: hand-written menus, a gallery of art frames, covered bottles, ribbon flag stirrers and an USA state banner. Many thanks to Krista from Blue Eyed Yonder who provided the fabulous vintage decor. From the chicken crates to the cute EAT sign — her vintage finds were perfect!
DECOR
The Lighthouse Pointe Pavilion at Harbor Club at Lake Oconee was the perfect setting for this summer soiree. A chicken crate chandelier set the stage over a gorgeous farm table set for ten. Each place setting was complete with glass water goblets, simple white plates, red striped linens, vintage silverware, and a old tin Jello molds of fresh berries for a before-dinner treat. The jute runner down the center was sprinkled with an eclectic mix of glass vessels, each holding loose arrangements of white florals, dahlias and Veronica among them. Genie Chamberlain from WedEd did an amazing job of keeping the florals light and airy — classic casual. The table was complete with mercury glass votives from Pottery Barn and white chivari chairs, provided by Goodwin Rentals.
SERVE
The menu consisted of a fancier take on summer classics. Field greens with blackberries and toasted walnuts, fresh herb biscuits with pimento cheese and prosciutto, crab cakes with a jalapeño-blackberry drizzle, chicken, vidalia onion, and Georgia peach kabobs, and roasted red-skinned potatoes, all prepared by the Harbor Club chefs, were as eye-catching as they were delicious.
SIP
To sip, there was citrus water two way, cold beer, and two signature drinks to choose from — Strawberry, Gin & Basil or Blueberry, Vodka & Mint. And berries made their way back into the dessert with three berry stacked cakes, prepared by Megan Farmer of Sweets on the Side. She is brand new in the dessert world but her work is spot on and she is one of the most gracious vendors we have worked with.
FIREWORKS
The evening ended with a finale fit for any Fourth — a spread of quilts, pillows, and lanterns laid out on the Pointe by the lake, perfect for firework-gazing. We so enjoyed working with Brandon Matney and his team at Harbor Club. They have the perfect set up for a small dinner party like this to a 450 person wedding like we did last weekend. Just gorgeous!! Many thanks to our amazing photographers, 35 Atlanta. We have worked with Ray and Erica for the past six years and know that every time we will get flawless pictures that capture every detail of our event!
CREDITS
Design, Planning and Styling: Simply Charming Socials | Venue: Harbor Club at Lake Oconee, Lighthouse Pointe | Photography: 35 Atlanta, Ray and Erica Tisdale www.35atlanta.com | Rentals: Goodwin Rentals, www.goodwinrentals.com | Vintage Decor: Blue Eyed Yonder | Catering: Harbor Club at Lake Oconee | Florals: Genie Chamberlain, Wed Ed | Desserts: Sweets Side Cake Company, Megan Farmer meganfarmer30@gmail.com | Invitation and Menu: Simply Charming Socials | Home Decor: Homegoods and Pottery Barn | Studebaker: Jim & Dottie Carto 770.266.0128
