Our college gang migrated from Santa Clara into San Francisco shortly after graduating but have over the years dispersed a bit more throughout the Bay Area. Now with my guy and I in Sacramento it takes some serious planning to get everyone together. This past weekend I managed to coordinate a whole crew of us for a little belated 30th birthday celebrating, and a yummy Nick’s Crispy build-your-own taco bar in my sister’s SF back patio. I don’t think this entire group has been together since our wedding so it was definitely one of those nights that I didn’t want to end.
I’ve been obsessed with bohemian style dinner parties since hosting this night picnic and blended all sorts of inspiration and cultures together for this epic evening. I had originally envisioned a more elevated dining setting however after everything came together I realized a more relaxed, less-perfect vibe was exactly what my friends are all about. Just chill! Set the moody vibe with lights and music, pour the wine and we’re set. We ate mexican food while sitting under strung Moroccan lanterns, and I decorated the low tables with fall blooms and fresh herbs for a farm-to-fork feel. It was an ideal eclectic mix for fall dining.
Also, thanks to San Francisco’s amazing October weather we lucked out with a semi-warm evening. Most likely one of the last al fresco dining opportunities before the temps drop for winter.
A note about turning 30 ~ My girlfriend Ashley inspired me to celebrate my 20’s rather than dwell on a lofty “30 before 30” list. I loved this idea as when you stop to think about everything you accomplished and learned in your 20’s it’s pretty cool. I highly recommend sitting down to make your list around your birthday–it was a great way to reflect on the past 10 years (wow–how much has happened / changed). A few from my list included:
Graduated pre-med from a college I loved. Married my best friend. Started my blog. Lived in 2 of my favorite cities: San Francisco and New York. Traveled through Europe for a month with my sister. Experienced life on the East Coast. Worked in a mix of both start-up and corporate environments. Met our family from Italy. Learned how to make homemade ravioli’s from my Nana. Wrote / worked for my favorite magazine: ELLE. Helped open a women’s boutique. Drove across country. Bought my first house. Learned how to say “no” and about the power of editing.
Bohemian Dining Tip ~ set a fun party mood with games or an activity like Flash Tattoos
When in doubt–set up a taco bar. It pleases any crowd and makes the best end of the night munchies as well. We ended up taking the party inside afterwards–heating up the food for taco round 3 and 4.
Wearing | Isabel Marant Dress
Decor | Moroccan Rug + Lanterns Kechmara Designs (located in WAL on R Street in Sacramento)
Food + Wine | Wine: Chateau St. Michelle, Tacos: Nick’s, Cake: Miette
Photography by Ashley Maxwell