As the sky turns from bright pale blue, to a vibrant pink, a glass is raised. Fulfilling conversations about the millings of every day life come to a close, as a toast to good company is shared. Chatter resumes, the sun fades to black. Conversations shared over plates of gorgeous food can bring about connection to last a lifetime. As the summer sun begins to shine, and the nights linger for longer, now is the time for a dinner party. Gaining popularity during World War II, the dinner party has transformed from a way to show status, to a way to gather friends and families together. While there are many moving parts that go into the execution of a dinner party, the dinnerware plays a role as the focal point to the table. It’s the plain canvas that’s waiting to be decorated with the masterpiece of your cooking. It’s the welcoming presence that invites guests to the table, and invokes the excitement of the night to come. Dinnerware is more than objects on a table, and selecting the right set is no simple task.
Elysian Collective expands its collection, and welcomes Elea Lelimouzin and her Black and Sand Stoneware Dinner Sets. These handmade sets share stories of their own, as the abstract detailing attract the eye. From striking stripes, to merging of colors through the different settlings of glazed clay, these sets are truly worthy of being the center of attention. See how to plan an entire dinner party that’s perfect for summer nights featuring Lelimouzin’s captivating dinnerware.
"Conversations shared over plates of gorgeous food can bring about connection to last a lifetime."
Located in the historic and scenic South of France, Lelimouzin combines the masonry that surrounds her into unique, handmade dinner sets. Throwing the clay by hand, Lelimouzin is able to incorporate her raw emotion into each piece. Taking great detail of care and intention, each piece houses a sense of individuality. Specializing in black stoneware, all pieces are glazed with Lelimouzin’s own recipes. From the designs alone, viewers can tell that Lelimouzin puts her heart and soul into every collection she makes, creating dinner sets that are perfect for serving and even better for creating conversation around craft and artistry as a whole.
Since this set consists of beige and brown tones, finding table accessories that have complementary colors will elevate the overall look of the table. Try thinking of orange, reds, or deep greens to bring about an earthy, warm setting. If you’re looking for a more coastal approach, try hues of light blue, cream, or even different tones of beige. Materials such as linen, lace, or soft cotton match the natural, smooth texture of the plates. Using these materials and colors to guide your tablecloths, napkins, and place settings will allow your table to share a story of its own. Seemingly mundane objects have the ability to set the mood, and transport guests into whichever world you plan, all thanks to the merging of colors, materials, and aesthetics.
To complete the table setting, glassware and utensils are the pieces that pull the entire tablescape together. Glasses can add height and dimension, giving your table setting different focal points. Utensils can provide bouts of conversation through intricate detail, or can pull the color story of the table together. Pieces with flare are the way to go. For glassware, try beaded detailing, or Art Deco inspired stripes to add dimension and texture. Utensils with engravings, or made from unique materials, such as wood or gold brushed metal, could be an intriguing addition as well. For inspiration, look to the Margot Collection by Felicia Ferrone for glassware and the Wabi Brass Flatware Set.
With the summer heat beating down, a meal that’s fresh, crisp, and fulfilling is a great way to wind down the day. Summer is the time to experiment with seasonal fruits and vegetables since there’s such a variety in flavours and textures. From plump, juicy apricots and peaches, to earthy, and pungent ramps, the combinations are seemingly endless for a recipe that is fresh and fulfilling. One option that’s sure to wow any crowd is a hearty salad with varying textures. Salad can often be overlooked due to its seemingly plain nature. However, it’s the perfect canvas to experiment with ingredients you may not think go together. It provides the perfect base to build a dish that is crunchy and savory, while also being fresh and sweet.
For a salad that has elements all guests will enjoy, try a roasted peach and prosciutto salad. Succulent char-grilled peaches are paired with salty prosciutto and thick, creamy balls of mozzarella to create a salad that’s simple, yet delectable. Top with thinly chopped pieces of basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a dish to transport you from the dinner table to the Italian coast. The light pinks of the prosciutto and the contrast of the warm-toned orange and pinks of the peaches allow for the beige tones of the Sand Stoneware Dinnerware Set to really shine.
Gather round the table, break a loaf of bread, and get lost in good food and conversation. These are the memories that we shall carry with us throughout our years. Whether it’s surrounded by family, friends, or strangers, let the delightful summer weather bring you together for good food, and even better table decor.
