My pinterest board is filled with dreamy Mediterranean-inspired tablescapes — red gingham tablecloths and tomato cans as flower vases and juicy cherry tomatoes on the vine as decor on the table. If you can’t tell, I’m having a serious case of wanderlust, so creating a Mediterranean-themed dinner party of my own was exactly what I needed. From the delicious and healthy menu to the decor, here are all the details to join in on tomato girl summer and host your own Mediterranean soirée! And if you want to see a video of it all coming together, check out this reel.
The Menu
The menu is simple, vibrant, and fresh. Not too fussy, but full of flavor! And since the grill will still be hot, we’ve got to make a grilled dessert that couldn’t be easier. Your dinner guests will love every bite.
STARTERS
Hummus & tzatziki
I used store-bought and doctored it up a bit by drizzling olive oil over hummus and sprinkling it with za’atar, and adding fresh dill on top of the tzatziki. If you want to make it homemade, go for it! I have a great sesame-free hummus that I love making (especially for any food allergy guests!).
Pita bread
warm it on the grill or stove before serving
Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad
4 Persian cucumbers, quartered
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 red onion, diced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
1. Combine cucumber, tomatoes, and onion in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Add parsley.
3. Toss well and refrigerate before serving. Enjoy!
MAINS
Lemon & Herb Lamb Kabobs – see reel here!
Lemony Orzo Salad with Arugula, Mint & Feta – see reel here!
DESSERT
This dessert couldn’t be easier! Since the grill is already hot from grilling up the lamb kabobs, grilled peaches are on the menu for dessert. The key is to use peaches that aren’t ovely ripe so that it’s easy to cut them in half, twist them open, and remove the pit. Here’s how to make them!
Grilled Peaches + Vanilla Yogurt + Crumbled Pistachios, Olive Oil & Sea Salt – serves 4
4 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
Avocado oil spray
2 cups of your favorite vanilla yogurt (I used Culina coconut milk yogurt)
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Sprinkle of flaky sea salt
1. Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium heat.
2. Lightly spray the cut side of each peach with avocado oil and spray the grill well.
3. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes or until char marks appear. Flip and grill the skin side for another 2 minutes. Then remove from heat.
4. In a small bowl, add vanilla yogurt. Then top with the grilled peaches, about 1 tbsp chopped pistachios, a drizzle of olive oil, and a nice sprinkle of sea salt. Serve and enjoy!
DRINKS
We obviously can’t forget drinks! Serve this gorgeous spread with with your favorite wine — if you’re craving a red to pair with your lamb kabobs, maybe a Chianti or if you want something bright and crisp for a summer evening, a Vermentino or Rosé would be perfect. And may I suggest some beautiful sangria ice cubes in your wine!? Cheers!
The Decor
I had so much fun putting this table together! Everything from the table runner (which you can order in custom sizes from Etsy), to the placemats, glasses and napkins are linked right here for you. I also cut some cherry tomatoes / vines to add as little accents down the center of the table — a cute and easy touch!
For the flowers, I used recycled Bianco Di Napoli tomato cans, the 28-ounce size. You can find them at Whole Foods, Jimbo’s, or even Target. But any cute tomato cans around this size will do! I’ve seen it done with those bright yellow San Marzano tomato cans, which also look super cute! Fill them with colorful flowers that feel a little wild and natural and not too perfect. Another option — fill them entirely with chamomile flowers! Or go all green with fresh herbs or eucalyptus in there instead. You can’t go wrong and the vases bring a lot of charm!
I think that covers it! Hope you enjoyed this one as much as I loved putting it together. I hope you give this menu a try and make sure to tag me if you do!
