Join Michelle Obama and Oprah at Sheila Bridges’s (Fictional) Dinner Party

Photo credit: Allie Holloway
Photo credit: Allie Holloway

From ELLE Decor

ELLE Decor A-List designer Sheila Bridges is no stranger to bold design. While she is well known for her colorful, inviting spaces, her hospitality extends far past beautifully designed interiors. For our entertaining roundup, we asked Bridges to take us through her dream dinner party, from prep to dessert and everything in between.

GUEST LIST “Michelle Obama, Colin Kaepernick, Charles Blow, Amy Sherald, Kerry James Marshall, Robert Glasper, Oprah Winfrey, Kerry Washington, LeBron James, and me—that makes 10, five men and five women.”

MENU “Grilled cheese sandwiches on Sparrowbush Farm bread. Roasted tomato-and-corn soup, kale salad with currants and farro, ginger-and-orange-glazed roasted carrots. But LeBron might still be hungry, so maybe I’d beef up the menu with one more thing—perhaps filet mignon with horseradish sauce.”

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL “Reyka vodka, Mellow Currant shrub with CBD, Lambrusco, freshly squeezed lemon, and rosemary simple syrup—served on the rocks with a sprig of rosemary.”

DESSERT “Deconstructed apple tart with honey–vanilla bean ice cream, and shortbread cookies with goat cheese and red-cherry ice cream.”

WINE OR BEER? “Red wine with dinner—Rodano Tuscan blend from Hudson Wine Merchants.”

PLAYLIST “A mix of artists ranging from Anderson Paak, Miles Davis, Noname, Freddie Joachim, Robert Glasper, Tom Misch, Moonchild, the Roots, the Internet, Lion Babe, Hiatus Kaiyote, A Tribe Called Quest, Modern Jazz Quartet, Solange, and Kaytranada.”

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

SEASONAL BOUQUET “Quince branches in a large vase for the table, and small vases for each person with simple flowers.”

DO’S AND DON’TS “Please don’t bring me flowers, unless they are fresh-cut dahlias or peonies and are already in a Frances Palmer white ceramic vase with water. Do make your guests feel relaxed and at home, which means shoes off at the door and a pair of my Moroccan babouches to slip on. Do offer a variety of things to drink—alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Do find out ahead of time if anyone has food allergies or dietary restrictions. Do have things prepped and organized before your guests arrive so that dinner is cooked and served on time—if not, make sure your guests have plenty to drink and nibble on. I can’t tell you how many dinner parties I’ve been to where I was told to arrive at six and dinner wasn’t served until 10 p.m. After four hours, I’ve either lost my appetite or have eaten my own arm.”

CRAZIEST DINNER PARTY EVER? “I’ve never had a crazy dinner party!”

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