Fresh Herb White Bean Dip + #WestElmTampa Event

This past week most of us living in Tampa have been stuck inside by storm filled days and frequently flooded roadways, so I have to admit I was a little concerned about how the turn out would be for our West Elm “Summer Entertaining” workshop. To my delight, the room was filled with excited guests there to sip on Iced Tea with Peach Simple Syrup + Mint {recipe to follow}, whip up a batch of Fresh Herb White Bean Dip, create personalized napkin rings and learn how to make the most of the last weeks of the summer entertaining season – all while being inspired by the newly launched early fall decor and accessories surrounding them at the  West Elm Tampa Hyde Park location.

For this #FreshEvent with Tabitha Blue, of the Fresh Mommy Blog, I wanted to keep it fresh of course and focus on entertaining with herbs as the star of the show, so I created a unique recipe using the fresh herbs growing in my patio garden containers – Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano + Parsley – and to weave the theme through out the entire event, I also tucked them into the centerpieces filled with Sunflowers, Stock and Cornflowers.

If you follow my blog, you know I was in tabletop heaven to have an entire store to pick bowls, plates and trays from! I just couldn’t resist these fun colorful bowls to set up the recipe demonstration table with. How great do the lemons and parsley look against the bright patterns! You must head in to see them out yourself.

The rain continued outside most of the evening, but our spirits were high as we mixed up bowls of the Fresh Herb White Bean Dip and served it on West Elm‘s hammered silver bowls and gorgeous over-sized white lacquer trays – perfect for serving a large group inside or out on the patio.

Stylist Tip :: Don’t be afraid to place additional decor touches on the trays to add visual interest to the display – their silver star piece is perfect for a summer gathering.

 

[yumprint-recipe id=’5′]With so much going on during the event I just had to write more than one article to feature all the fun – be sure to check back to read about Peach Simple Syrup + Mint Iced Tea and Herb Napkin Rings {both coming this week}. Or keep it simple and sign up for our newsletters so you don’t miss an update!

{Thank you Fresh Mommy Blog for sharing a few of your pictures!!}

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And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.