“She is a lady”

Nothing Says “Welcome May” More Than Roses!

I miss the rose bushes from my garden in Seattle so much —I had more than 20 varieties, each more fragrant than the last. Every spring, I would fill my home with freshly cut bouquets, and it’s a tradition I still cherish.

This month’s themed dinner party was inspired by my favorite flower and flavor. I wanted to weave roses into every aspect of the evening, from the menu and décor to the guest favors.

The Tablescape

Creating the tablescape brought me so much joy. I layered white and pink linen tablecloths with red and green candles to create a romantic, garden-inspired setting. Layered plates added texture and elegance to each place setting.

For the centerpiece, I used beautiful red roses from my garden and finished the table with delicate floral paper napkins for a charming touch.

The cherry on top was placing a handmade guest favor on each salad plate. I made rose petal scrub for each guest to take home—a little reminder of our evening together.

The Menu

The entire menu was inspired by the delicate flavor and aroma of roses. From homemade rose syrup and Turkish delight-inspired notes to rose-glazed meat, every course celebrated this beautiful ingredient. My guests were so impressed, and it made the evening feel even more special.

If you’ve been looking for a reason to host a themed gathering, consider this your sign to throw a rose-inspired party at home. It doesn’t have to be a formal dinner—even a simple afternoon tea would be lovely. But whatever you do, please make the brownies!

As always, you can find the detailed recipes and step-by-step videos over on my Instagram account, @foteini.at.home.

Love,

Foteini