January Dinner Club
APEROL & AFFIRMATIONS
January's Dinner Club gathering was an intimate invitation to slow down, soften, and reconnect; both with ourselves and with one another. Inspired by the warmth of citrus and the idea of sunlight in winter, the evening blended Mediterranean flavors, intentional design, and reflective conversation around the table.
Photographer: @photosbymegweeks
The Experience
Each place setting held a wax-sealed affirmation card, intentionally unassigned. Guests opened their cards one by one, read them aloud, and shared the personal connection each affirmation card stirred. What followed were honest, meaningful conversations that were organic, unforced and, personal.
It was remarkable how perfectly each message seemed to find the right person, even in the randomness of seating. The table became a space for listening, reflection, and connection.
The Affirmations
"I am capable of achieving"
"I release no longer what serves me"
"I am growing and becoming my best self"
"I release what no longer serves me"
"I move forward with clarity & purpose"
"I believe in myself & my abilities"
Signature Sips
A winter bright take on a classic, these spritzes added warmth and vibrancy to the table.
Recipe shared below for guests to recreate at home.
Aperol Spritz: 3 oz Prosecco // 2 oz Aperol // 1 oz club soda // Ice // Orange garnish
Aperol Gin Spritz: 1 1/2 oz Gin // 2 oz Aperol // 3 oz prosecco // 1 oz club soda // Ice // Orange garnish
The Menu
A Mediterranean-inspired winter supper:
- Lemon & herb roast chicken with mixed kalamata olives
- Crispy baby fingerling potatoes with garlic and onion, finished with cheese
- Sautéed broccolini with garlic and citrus
- Fresh focaccia with herb-infused olive oil
- Chocolate mousse cups topped with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings
The Tablescape
Blue hydrangeas and orange roses anchored the table and flowed throughout the room, paired with fresh oranges scattered thoughtfully along the table. Clear glass votive candles added a warm, ambient glow.
Place settings featured vintage and thrifted clear blue bubble glass dinner plates, baby blue linen napkins, and a fresh orange resting beside each wax-sealed affirmation card. Dessert was served in vintage silver dessert cups, an elegant nod to timeless gathering.
The bar was styled with the same intentionality. A framed cocktail menu introduced the evening's signature spritzes, layered with fresh oranges, champagne buckets, and blue and white striped linen. The linens were echoed on the side hutch creating a cohesive thread throughout the space, where additional oranges were displayed in clear apothecary jars to reinforce the citrus forward winter bright theme.
Every detail, color, texture, and placement worked together to create a space that felt curated yet inviting, thoughtful yet effortless.
A Shared Craft
While the tablescape and atmosphere are designed by me, The Feathered Peony, every dish served at the table is lovingly prepared by my husband, (who I lovingly began calling...) Mr. Peony.
I don't enjoy cooking; he does.
So, we divide and conquer.
Mr. Peony brings the flavors, the timing, and the joy of being in the kitchen.
I bring the layers, the textures, the mood, and the storytelling of the table.
Together, we create an experience where food and design are equally intentional, each allowing the other to shine.