Guest Author: Johanna Silver
Several days after the summer solstice began, a group of creatives met in Dobbs Ferry, NY for a fun, floral Create Dinners event. Under the theme “Flower Child,” attendees were invited to dawn Woodstock-inspired digs and contribute their skills toward an incredible evening.
Pairing perfectly with Create Dinners’ cooperative ethos, the event was hosted at HudCo — a beautiful, sprawling co-working space that can also be used for events, gatherings, and trainings. Guests began the evening introducing each other over flowery Barr Hill Gin cocktails crafted by mixologist Rachel Luo, while sampling a spread of seasonally-inspired vegetables and dips.
They were then treated to a workshop by Liz Chick who uses flowers, food scraps, and spices to make stunning natural clothing dyes. Using vinegar, simply-treated organic fabric, and an array of dried florals, they were able to create their own colorful dyes.
For dinner, culinary creatives Neha Ramani and Lottie Gurvis made an entire menu of delicious plant-based dishes, including a bright grapefruit burrata salad, decadent stuffed aubergines and a light, sweet rice pudding. The meal was accompanied by bottles of Say When wine and — of course — generous garnishes of edible flowers.
With flowers being the focal point of the evening, it was only appropriate that they would frame the dinner’s discussions. Penned on place cards designed by illustrator Lauren Barr were floral-themed questions like guests’ favorite places in nature and ways in which they’ve recently grown. Among the attendees who shared their answers were botanical artist Emily Scott, who created stunning centerpieces for the event; Aiko Austin, who photographed the night’s festivities alongside Kate Pauley; textile artist Chrissy Ziegler, who showcased her gorgeous works at the event; and set designer Ashley Naum, who helped curate the evening’s tablescape.
As the evening wound down and guests finished their last sips of wine, they were able to exchange information and reveal their naturally-dyed creations that had been steaming during dinner. Along with the flowery fare and compelling conversations, they also enjoyed natural lip and cheek stains by Mad Hippie, organic whole flower teas by The Qi founder Lisa Li, inventive Heart Parts cutlery, and a pretty print by artist Whitney Berowsky.
And though they began the event as strangers, everyone’s efforts and skills led to a truly memorable evening of bonding over blooms.
XX,
Johanna Silver