Dish & Dress
I think I’m reaching peak quarantine fatigue. I don’t know about you, but I miss my friends. I miss going out to dinner and planning trips, and hugs….I will never take hugs for granted again! Although restrictions are easing in many parts of the country, I’m still not super comfortable jumping back into life as usual, but the socially distanced, backyard/porch hang is something I’ve been enjoying when nice weather presents itself. I’ve actually taken to calling our back yard Club Quarantine (Password; “Purell” if you want in!)
Why not make the summer a little more interesting by hosting a porch party with a theme? Keep in mind a theme isn’t necessarily a costume party for all you costume haters out there. When it comes to what to wear to a theme party, I got you! When it comes to what to serve…well, that’s when I bring in an expert. I reached out to one of my dearest, long-time friends’ Chandra Ram to help plan the menu.
Chandra is one of those people who invites you over for a “casual” dinner and when you show up she’s making homemade pasta. Annoying right? (Although I highly recommend having one of those friends.) Chandra is not only the editor of Plate magazine, but she’s written several cookbooks and she creates delicious, gorgeous food with recipes simple enough even I can make. She’s literally nothing short of a culinary sorceress! So when she agreed to help me plan my imaginary theme party, I was psyched!
Ladies and gentleman, I present to you the first installment of Dish & Dress: The 1970's!
I’m going to let Chandra kick us off by laying down the ground rules for a safe and swinging celebration:
Amanda and I have thrown some epic parties together but more than anything, we love the combo of good food, drinks and friends with an easy vibe (and the right Amanda-approved outfit, of course). A casual cocktail picnic is a great way to start seeing friends again—the CDC recommends that if you are going to socialize, you should do so outdoors for the fresh air and relative ease of social distancing.
Keep the guest list small to comply with local ordinances, minimize the risk, and make your guests feel comfortable. Start by looking at the space you have and estimating how many people you can fit while allowing them to stay six feet apart from each other. Scatter blankets, chairs or oversized pillows around to create separate zones for each guest or couple. Set up the food and drink in advance, offering up an assortment of snacks, napkins and silverware pre-set on a platter or large plate for each zone, so you don't wind up with everyone hovering over a buffet. I like using these rimmed plates that mimic the Heller plates my family used in the 70’s; and keeping the retro vibe going with updated versions of classic cocktail snacks. A pitcher of apple spritz cocktails is a refreshing way for you to keep your guests’ drinks refreshed .
Keep the 70’s vibe going with the food; these updates on pigs in a blanket, bacon-wrapped dates, spiced snack mix and the beloved cheese ball can be made in advance and portioned ahead of time. Scroll through the photos to see more, and click here, or on gallery photos for recipes. Passing it back to Amanda for wardrobe advice!
Thanks Chan! Now I’m hungry!
As ready-to-wear fashion became more widely available in 70’s, there was access to a wide variety of style influences. From the spillover of the 60’s hippie culture to glamorous looks referencing back to the 40’s and the trend toward flashy disco, the 1970’s offered a style everyone could feel comfortable in. Well, as comfortable as you could get in polyester. There’s actually a lot of 70’s influence in fashion today and for our party, I focused on three styles that can be easily shopped and worn without feeling too “costumey”.
For uncomplicated, casual-cool vibes, go ahead an snag yourself a pair of the ever-flattering slim bootcut or flare jeans because they’re back baby! Wear them with a ringer tank or funky graphic tee and a platform sandal, or some short-shorts. Don’t forget some zodiac influenced jewelry and bonus points for Farrah hair! Pairs well with Hot honey Mustard Pigs in Puffers or Mini Cheese Balls. You might wanna buy those jeans a size up!
Would it surprise you that I just wanted to write this post as an excuse to wear caftans and turbans all summer? Effortless and glamorous they can easily be dressed up or down and covertly disguise my comfy quarantine body. Sip on that Summer Spritz in style!
Bohemian style seems to never go out of fashion. This eclectic, creative style expression doesn’t die, it evolves. Channel your inner Stevie Nicks and transport yourself in flowy dresses, boots, and wide brim hats.
Lastly, don’t forget to set the mood with a swinging 70’s playlist. We like “Yacht Rock” on Pandora and “All Out 70’s” on Spotify. A disco ball with and twinkly lights never hurt any party either!
Chandra and I had so much fun putting this together, we hope you’ve enjoyed it too! For more 70’s inspiration, merchandise details, and some good laughs click on the wardrobe boards above or here to link to our Pinterest board. For more recipes and wardrobe tips be sure to follow Chandra on Instagram @chandrasplate and me @glamandaloves. Party on friends!