A guest at my recent Toast Night generously described the evening as poetic. That gathering and sharing so intimately gave the night a truly healing and calming spirit.
Many years ago, one of my former bosses ran a life coaching company where she helped people find their purpose. She walked clients through a course that culminated in a personal life statement, one that reflected their core values and unique gifts. I still remember the statement she gave me, and it feels just as true today as it did then:
“To create beautiful environments where people can feel seen and loved.”
Throughout my business, with my mostly female team, alongside my friends, and now through these Toast Night events, that has remained my main goal whether we are in the studio working, having girls’ night, or hosting a Toast Night. I want people to feel seen and loved while also experiencing beauty around them.
The theme was Summer Memories and Intentions. We shared stories about childhood, grief, transition, motherhood, and work vs. play. Guests read from their published poetry books, novel drafts, and Substack notes. There was an immediate sense of intimacy as everyone shared.
A reading from one of my guests, Zoe Johnson:
A reading from one of my guests, Sarah Ingle:
Nights like these create space for real connection, which is something I feel is often missing from branded events. While it can sometimes push you out of your comfort zone to share something heartfelt with people you don’t know well, the result is meaningful connections with interesting people. These nights are beautiful, and I love sharing them with you.
If you’d like to host your own, I encourage you to read my original Toast Night letter! I also highly recommend The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. That book sparked this entire idea for me back in 2018 and continues to inspire me today.
June’s Toast Night was sponsored by Anthropologie, and I loved decorating with their pieces. Not only was the table filled with Anthro, but everyone wore Anthro (hello cute Victoria), too. It was so much fun!
The Table:
Linen Tablecloth - the sweetest posy print!
Linen Napkins - love matching my tablecloth and napkins
Sabre Bistro Cutlery - finally got my hands on a set! The pop of red is so fun
Dinner Plates - so beautifully made, can’t wait to use these every day
Vegetable Side Plates - very cute veggie plates we used for our strawberry buttercream cake! Love mixing the different styles
Martini Glasses - not all martini glasses are created equal, and this one was perfect for our tomato basil martinis!
Ribbon Stripe Tumblers - a perfect water glasses and love the pop of color
Woven Rattan Taper Basket - I styled these down the table with tomatoes spilling out!
Hanging Wicker Wall Basket - these were the baskets I gave to all my guests. Love the thought of these hanging in their homes!
Garlic Garden Vase - very fun statement vase. Also have my eye on the tomato one
We also had an amazing cocktail menu from Dirt Martini:
Strawberry Basil Gin Smash - Gin, wild strawberries, fresh basil, lemon, soda
Vine & Ash Martini - tomato water, mezcal, tequila, lime, salt, basil oil
Strawberry buttercream by my sweet friend From Lucie.
The Outfit:
Dress - the perfect light summer dress!
Kitten Heels - love a pop of red with brown
Earrings - so easy to wear!
Watch - I almost never wear a watch, but loved this one
I am thrilled to continue hosting these events with inspiring people, gathered around a table, building relationships through intimate conversations. What a gift!
Thanks so much for reading! To support, you can leave a comment, share this post & follow on Instagram XX
With kindness,
Molly
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