You hang paper star lanterns that blow in the gentle breeze of the late afternoon.  They hang low over the tables you crafted from old doors, covered in vintage fabric and strewn with hand-rolled beeswax candles that will soon be lit. On each plate there is a tiny scroll of paper, an individual blessing for each guest. The orchard is to the left and the fire pit to the right. The wood is stacked like a temple to be in flames for post dinner dancing.

You play music from the Islands as you roll greens around thin slices of reds and oranges, a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of dried herbs from the garden. You stay barefoot because you like to touch the ground when you prepare food. Your hair is tossed up on top of your head messy and sexy and you smell somewhere between your lavender lemonade and the jasmine flowers your rubbed against your glowing bare skin after your bath.

The spread is big; raw goat cheeses from the farm next-door, herbal elixirs, salads, juicy heirloom tomatoes coated in coarse pink salt. He is chopping with you, and his hand touches yours. You get the chills. Soon the house will be filled with more love, full bellies, and dreams spilled by the fire.

Here’s a video of one of my new favorite tips ala Martha Stewart for you to try out in preparation for your next dinner party….

 with love and lanterns,

 ps I so LOVED all your stellar support and feedback from last week’s post…stay tuned for a very intimate update soon Xxo

Tagged: dinner party, earth empress, exquisite self care, garlic, martha stewart, natural health and beauty, raw food, raw foods, raw renewal, rejuvenation, sensual beauty, Shakaya Leone