How to Set Up a Mediterranean-Inspired Al Fresco Celebration
You don’t have to be dining out to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries. Special occasions spent at home can be extra special, too! Here, we help you throw a rustic Mediterranean al fresco party for a festive get-together. Opa!
All about the patterns
While “Mediterranean” is often associated with a blue-and-white color palette, you can always tweak it to suit your taste. If blue is not your cup of tea, feel free to stick to neutral hues for a rustic touch.
But there’s one non-negotiable: Mediterranean patterns. They’re a must to successfully pull off this theme. For instance, plate chargers that sport this intricate print pair well with plain plates. If you want to bring out dinnerware that come in the same pattern, make sure to use plain chargers or placemats. The key is to keep the look balanced so as not to overwhelm the senses.
Herbs get the spotlight
There’s no need to create an elaborate centerpiece. Here’s an idea that’s simple but classy.
What you need:
5 to 7 clean, clear jars (better if you can reuse old ones)
Twine (or light-colored yarns)
Glue gun
A bunch of fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, sage, etc.
Lay the jar on its side. Apply a thin layer of glue, about an inch long, to the bottom edge of the jar. Carefully press the twine on the glue. Continue applying the glue in increments and wrapping the twine until you’ve covered the entire bottom edge of the jar. Roll the jar on its side as you wrap it with twine. Secure the twine with glue every three layers. Continue until bottom half of the jar is covered. Then, cut the twine and secure the end with glue. For a varied look, feel free to wrap the twine around the middle or upper portion of the jars. You may also use light-colored yarns.
Once all the jars are done, fill them with water halfway through, then add a bunch of herbs to each jar.
Buon appetito!
Mediterranean cuisine is all about fresh ingredients, meat, seafood, herbs, wheat, and olives. It’s very diverse, spanning cooking traditions in Italy, France, Morocco, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, and Lebanon, among other countries in the region.
When planning your meal, consider including hummus, falafels, kebabs, and fresh salads. Serve yogurt shakes for refreshments and roasted fruits for dessert. And of course, don’t forget to pour that bottle of good wine!
Check out these easy recipes for more ideas.
Play some tunes
Feel-good background music makes for a perfect ambiance during meals. Find a playlist on Spotify that you think everyone will enjoy. If you want to amp up the Mediterranean vibes, choose relaxing Spanish, Italian, or French music (try this playlist). Just make sure to keep the volume at a comfortable level so the music won’t drown out conversations.
Birthdays, family get-together, and other casual occasions are perfect for a Mediterranean-themed lunch or dinner. To recreate celebrations spent dining out or traveling, ask everyone to dress up even if you’re just heading to your backyard.
Don’t let safety and mobility restrictions stop you from celebrating special occasions. After all, spending time with loved ones will always be special no matter the venue. And remember: A little bit of creativity and inspiration goes a long way. Head here if you need more at-home entertaining ideas.