Introducing Azure Dreams: A Riviera-Inspired Dinner Party by the Sea
Some dreams are born under the sun.
For this month’s dinner, I wanted to escape to the South of France—not literally (though wouldn’t that be nice)—but emotionally. I craved that timeless Riviera glamour: striped umbrellas, terracotta villas, lemon trees dripping with fruit, and a glass of rosé before the sun even thinks about setting. The kind of afternoon where you lose track of time in the best way.
And so, Azure Dreams came to life.
The Inspiration 🌊
This theme is my love letter to the Côte d’Azur.
To lazy lunches in shaded courtyards, saltwater-damp hair, bougainvillea spilling over balconies, and vintage postcards tucked into books you never finish. I imagined Grace Kelly and Alain Delon in crisp linen. I imagined tanned arms reaching for olives. I imagined blue—so much blue.
From Mediterranean Azure to St. Tropez Teal, the palette became my anchor: refreshing, sun-kissed, and serene. And like the perfect pair of white linen trousers, the styling needed to feel effortless, yet elevated.
The Setting 🐚
I want to build the table around classic French Riviera charm—cool blues, sunny yellows, and seaside whites. Blue gingham, Provençal florals, and striped linens should make their way into every detail. Think woven place mats, lemon-stuffed centerpieces, and terracotta herb pots perched between the plates.
The kind of table that feels like it’s always been there—waiting for the right company to arrive.
The moodboards I created set the tone: effortless glamour, vintage seaside escapes, and Mediterranean abundance. Everything from the tableware to the guest outfits reflected this relaxed but refined energy.
The Flavour Palette 🍋
When it came to imagining the menu, I followed the scent of the Mediterranean.
This wasn’t a place for complicated dishes or heavy sauces. I envisioned ripe tomatoes, roasted peaches, marinated fish, and fresh herbs still warm from the sun. Flavors that were bold but clean—anchored by citrus, olive oil, and a touch of brine.
I was inspired by:
Niçoise-style greens and boiled eggs
Lemon-dill potatoes served warm or chilled
Roasted peppers, capers, anchovies, and grilled peaches
Plums and nectarines caramelized and dripping in honey
And of course, rosé—chilled to perfection and generously poured.
Everything in the menu moodboard feels like it belongs on a sun-soaked table somewhere between Saint-Raphaël and Èze.
(The full menu and recipes will be posted soon, along with tips on recreating the Azure Dreams tablescape.)
The Style ☀️
This dinner came with a dress code: effortless Riviera elegance.
Think silk scarves tied just so, oversized sunglasses, white sundresses, striped polos, and straw hats that do more talking than you do. My moodboard was filled with vintage vacation glamour—nautical, cinematic, and undeniably chic.
I want this whole evening to feel like a scene from an old film—except its real, and it will happen at my table.
What’s Next
Azure Dreams reminded me how powerful setting the tone can be. How color, flavor, music, and even scent can carry your guests somewhere else entirely—without ever needing a passport.
In the next post, I’ll share the full menu, behind-the-scenes prep, and all the details you need to bring this dreamy South of France vibe to your own home.
Until then, I hope this theme inspires you to embrace a little Riviera of your own—whether it’s with a spritz of citrus, a sprig of thyme, or a splash of Mediterranean blue.
With love & Joire de Vivre
xoxo Alexandra
