What’s the saying? Build it and they will come? When we built our garden, I never imagined it would draw in so many talented collaborators and creatives. It has truly been the best gift!

This time, I met Cortney of @cheesegal in the garden to do what we do best: eat, laugh, and drink champagne! I got to watch Cortney create one her Instagram famous boards (crudite this time) and it was truly like watching an artist at work.

Cortney handled the incredible crudite board and an insanely delicious blackberry lavender champagne cocktail that we dressed up with fresh herb bundles. I took on dips, desserts, and decor. To accompany all the fresh veggies, I made a trio of dips: Creamy Jalapeño Ranch, Baba Ganoush, and Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus. Y’all. we couldn’t decide which was our favorite. Even some of our team who usually avoid veggies were going back for seconds because of these dips!

For dessert, I brought back a favorite from my first book, lemon whoopee pies with lavender frosting. Using herbs in desserts can sometimes be overwhelming, but the acidity of the lemon combined with the richness of the frosting keeps this one in perfect balance. Plus-they’re so pretty!

For the design of this party, I wanted to create the feel of a dreamy secret garden, but still keep things comfortable and inviting.

I was recently introduced to the Heirloomed Collective and fell in love with their modern classic pieces that can easily ground any tablescape. I tied their floral linen table runner off at the ends with more herb and flower bundles-which was such an easy but unexpected touch!

To keep things relaxed, I brought in some of my favorite vintage pieces to help things not feel quite so perfect and a little more lived in. The wicker standing tray used as a bar, tin cooler, and huge rattan serving board brought the perfect amount of texture. I kept the florals loose and wild, highlighting some of the blooms from my garden. Wicker baskets were at the ready for veggie picking for guests to take home.

Thanks for coming to the garden, Cortney!

Links: Runner, Napkins, Melamine plates, Lanterns, Tray, Katie’s dress, Cortney’s Skirt, Cortney’s top, Cortney’s earrings