Trending From L.A.: Red Hot August Inspiration
Hello! Alexandra again, Mary Ann’s daughter. Here is some trending red inspiration. While really never out-of-fashion, red seems to be having a moment.
It’s VERY hot here in Los Angeles (and basically everywhere else) so it feels only natural to share a few red hot tips for things I’m loving right now…
Chili Pepper Table Scape
After a month in Florida, I was eager to host a dinner party with friends in our garden. I’d been admiring a few organic table scapes and decided to try and do something fun with red peppers.
Full transparency, I went to 3 different markets for the peppers (the asian market had the best selection). I stacked them on red bell peppers and big tomatoes for height along with flowers from Trader Joes and… voila!
The assembly itself was pretty quick and you could easily do this with other seasonal vegetables or fruits.
The red also inspired a Spanish theme (my husband is from Madrid and this was also post the World Cup Championship), so I added some inexpensive carved wood fans to the table as well as these fun chocolate sardines from TJs.
Red Wine Cocktail & Tapas
We started with Spanish tapas and cocktails. ‘Gildas’ are traditionally a quick bite with an olive, pepper and fish (I swapped for cheese). ‘Tinto de Verano’ is a light and refreshing drink with just a few ingredients: (think: sangria but with far less chopping and fruit).
Tinto de Verano Ingredients
- Red Wine: Equal parts dry red wine, such as Tempranillo
- Lemon Soda: San Pellegrino Limon or Sprite
- Ice and Garnish: A slice of lemon or orange
What To Do with All Those Peppers?
I handed them out as party favors, but there were still a lot left over. Remembering the bushels of peppers you see hanging in the Southwest or in Italy, I decided to dry them in the sun myself. After a few days, they’d deepened into a lovely, darker color.
That transformation sent my husband down a TikTok rabbit hole of tutorials on stringing pepper bushels, and he spent a Sunday morning happily tying them all together.
When I posted this picture on IG a surprising number of friends replied that they wanted to come over and help… Don’t you think they would be fun gifts?
A Pop of Red for You
I don’t normally wear a lot of red, but I do love a bright red mani/pedi and red accessory!
Here are few fun things I’d like to add to my wardrobe to use as a pop and not all at once.
And Some Pops of Red For Your Home
Same idea – just a few bright color pops for some added fun in your home. Also, you just cannot beat the Tomato Candle scent from Flamingo Estates (headquartered in my neighborhood, actually!)
Ok, that’s some trending RED inspiration from me… what are you feeling inspired by these days?
You may also like: Everyday Dining Table Decor Ideas.
Very, very clever and FUN!!
I thought so too! I want to hang some dried peppers.
What a great post! Such clever and fresh inspiration.