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A burgeoning force in the world of interiors, Austin, Texas isn’t just a destination for low-profile film buffs and street art-loving millennials anymore. Now a hub for female powerhouses (Outdoor Voices founder, Tyler Haney, included) and rebellious visionaries, the once-exclusively hipster city is on the mind of every designer, collector, and blossoming trendsetter. With this change in scenery comes a new wave of stylish outliers and daring creatives.
In celebration of Austin’s leading voices in design and style, Domino recently teamed up with Chairish, the premier online marketplace for vintage decor and furniture. The result was an autumnal-inspired dinner at Josephine House, one of empire-builder and restauranteur Larry McGuire’s many stand-out spots in the area.
Any evening where fine wine and even better food mix with good company makes conversation and connection come easy, especially when served with a slice of southern comfort. Here, sneak a peek behind the night’s festivities and the details that go into a Domino-approved dinner—Austin-style.
The Guest List
Alongside Chairish Co-Founder and President Anna Brockway, Domino Editor-in-Chief Jessica Romm Perez and Chief Revenue Officer Beth Fuchs Brenner welcomed a gathering of interior designers, writers, and noted voices in publishing in the sun-drenched dining room at Josephine House.
Up-and-coming makers and designers in attendance included Jennifer Fisher, Meredith Ellis, Suzanne Duin and Becky Liljenwall of Maison Maison in Dallas, Sara Malek Barney of B and D Design, Shannon Eddings, Kelly Pearce Stouse, Sarah Wittenbraker, Annie Downing, Callie Jenschke, Elizabeth Baird, and Maya Nairn of Debuci Baby.
Brita Muller and Mugs Buckley of Chairish and George Elliman, publisher of Austin leading arts and culture magazine Tribeza, also graced the guest list.
The Florals
A pared down tablescape and whitewashed surface set the scene for an easy and effortless meal. Splashes of color made their debut only by way of sand-hued striped napkins by Heather Taylor Home and floral arrangements by House of Margot Blair, which put an unexpected spin on traditional fall colors.
“We wanted the flowers to complement the venue’s simplicity while still bringing something to the table that would stand out in the decor,” explains Carly Blair, owner and creative director at House of Margot Blair. “To do this, we kept the blooms within a palette of neutrals that transitioned from tan to peach to apricot, and then created a pop using small touches of wine.”
To keep the look from becoming one-dimensional, Blair added depth by incorporating a range of flora, such as garden roses, tulips, anemones, ranunculus, lisianthus, scabiosas, and hellebores—each of which brought a different texture to the table. “The finishing details were frilly touches of foliage that incorporated a certain amount of whimsical airiness, creating a look that befitted the playful luxury that these two brands represent,” adds Blair.
The Food
Not unlike the tabletop design, the evening’s menu took a turn for the lighter side. Heirloom tomatoes paired with marinated honeydew and seared yellow salmon accompanied by roasted poblano and harissa cream were two noteworthy starters; while more seasonal plates with Texas twists (pork chop featuring blue grits and plum relish; roasted chicken mixed with Israeli couscous salad) graced the main course.
See more entertaining ideas: How to Make a Proper (and Pinterest-Perfect) Charcuterie Board Tomato Toast is the New Avocado, and We Can’t Get Enough An Artist Threw a Dinner Party Inspired by Her Paintings
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