In the case of Noble House’s Kona Kai Resort & Spa, the setting couldn’t serve as a more inspiring composition from which to draw. The property’s bleached-white facade topped with a red-tile roof pays tribute to the original Spanish colonial architecture, while the interior’s distressed beach wood and accents of gold, turquoise, and teal add a playful modern-day coastal vibe. We let that ambience drive the direction of a SoCal-cool inspired dinner party while presenting translatable tips to pocket for your next evening spent entertaining.
Heat causes flowers to unfurl, so warm any of your larger blooms (roses, dahlias, etcetera) in a steamy bathroom, and they’ll pop wide open for a luscious look. Start keeping some inexpensive potted plants, like Boston or sprengi fern, so you can cut greenery from them the day of for your centerpieces.The perfect cheese plate is a contrast of tastes and textures (of both cheeses and crackers) and savories. Try swapping go-tos, like cheddar for a dense Gruyère, and olives for flavor-packed caper berries.
A small-batch bitters, like Bittermilk No. 2, will add some elderflower notes to a vodka or gin drink. Truffle honey is not only delicious; it looks great served in small bowls or even as a smear directly on the cutting board. Cheeses should be served room temperature, so take them out of the refrigerator an hour before guests arrive. 
Don’t be afraid to use mix-matched glassware. It makes for a much more colorful and dynamic spread while also helping people remember which unique glass they were drinking out of. Favors aren’t just for weddings. Send guests home with a small token – say, a jam or candle inspired by the theme or design of the evening – to remember your event. KONA KAI RESORT & SPA
