Yesterday, one of my favorite blogs Coco + Kelley challenged readers to create a themed outdoor tablescape. (You can vote here.) Since a typical dinner for me tends to involve a makeshift paper towel plate, my couch and So You Think You Can Dance, I was super excited to get creative.
My tabletop is inspired by the 1953 film Mogambo starring Ava Gardner, Clarke Gable and Grace Kelly. Gable stars as Victor Marswell, who runs a big game trapping company in Kenya, and also takes tourists on safari. Inevitably, Gardner and Kelly wind up on Safari with Gable, and both fall in love with him.
I loved the idea of a romantic and glamorous dinner using just what you have around you. I envisioned a table for two assembled from a raised steamer trunk and vintage safari chairs, with a candle-lit North African lantern hanging overhead.C'mon, are you going to tell me that one of these women wouldn't pack wine glasses?
(All tabletop items from Vivre, lantern from Urban Outfitters, leather-clad flashlight from Sundance Catalog, steamer trunk and safari chairs from 1stdibs.com)