Where It Began
Back in 2015, I found myself in a cozy little rental house in Charlotte, NC, with my talented roommate—an interior designer and fine artist—who was busy painting big canvas pieces in our spare bedroom. At the same time, I was diving into the world of cooking, exploring flavors, recipes and new techniques — realizing that food was my canvas. The idea for garden dinners sprouted from this creative environment, fueled by my desire to bring people together around the dinner table.
With the political landscape growing tense and divisions becoming more pronounced, I knew I wanted to create a space for connection and conversation.
So, I decided to host my first garden dinner, inviting friends to enjoy a meal made from the bounty of my own garden. Little did I know, this one-time experiment would blossom into something much more meaningful.
June 2015
July 2015
August 2015
A Decade Later
Fast forward ten years, and what started as a simple gathering has transformed into an annual tradition.
Each summer, I host a series of four backyard garden dinners, welcoming up to 25 guests each time. With the help of my incredible friend Allison, who joined me in 2016, we’ve crafted a unique experience that combines delicious food sourced from local farms and my garden with the joy of fellowship and laughter.
Over the years, we've hosted 36 dinners, each one a beautiful tapestry of flavors and friendships, reminding us of the power of community.
Our journey has taught us valuable lessons about planning, cooking, and creating an atmosphere that makes every guest feel special. All on a budget!
Who We Are
We are Julie and Allison, two friends who are passionate about good food and great company. By day, Julie leads operations at a tech startup, while Allison is a PR/communications guru. Our professional skills in project management, planning and execution have been a perfect complement to our culinary skills — as we bring this vision to life year after year.
We believe that anyone can host their own memorable dinner, no matter their cooking experience or budget. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, you can create a beautiful and meaningful dining experience. Our hope is to empower you with the knowledge and tips that we’ve collected over the last 10 years — along with inspiration to gather your friends around the table, break bread, and foster connection.
With a little imagination and some planning, you can build a tradition of your own — starting with this little blueprint we’ve put together.
Share your story!
We’d love to hear how you build your dinners with your people. Drop us a line!