There’s something magical about gathering around a table. The hum of conversation, the scent of food drifting from the kitchen, the sparkle of glassware catching the light—it all comes together to create more than just a meal. It creates a memory. This season, I had the joy of bringing that vision to life with a very special evening in my home: a Season of Joy dinner with Marimekko.
Hosting has always been one of my love languages, but this dinner felt particularly meaningful. My sister, Dylana, and I wanted to celebrate the season not only with food, but with a sense of artistry and intention. For us, joy means connection, creativity, and color—and that’s exactly what we set out to weave into the night.
Setting the Scene
Every great dinner begins with the table. It’s more than a place to sit; it’s a canvas. With Marimekko’s bold, iconic designs, the table practically styled itself. Their vibrant prints brought energy and warmth to the space, instantly setting a celebratory mood.
Each plate, glass, and textile felt like its own little piece of art, yet when placed together, the setting told a cohesive story. It wasn’t about perfection or rigidity; it was about creating an atmosphere that felt alive. The table practically radiated with color, reminding us all that joy doesn’t need to be subtle—it can be bold, unapologetic, and full of life.
The Heart of the Night
Of course, no dinner is complete without the food. We were lucky enough to have a phenomenal chef take over my kitchen, transforming the night into more than just a dinner party—it became an experience. Each dish arrived like a small gift, carefully prepared and beautifully plated, adding to the rhythm of the evening.
The flavors mirrored the spirit of the night: comforting yet surprising, elevated yet approachable. As plates were passed and shared, the food became a natural bridge between conversations, sparking laughter and delight with each new bite. There’s something so unifying about enjoying a meal together—it strips away distractions and grounds everyone in the same moment.
The Gift of Friendship
What truly made the night unforgettable, though, were the people gathered around that table. The season always reminds me how precious it is to be surrounded by friends who feel like family. Between the clinking of glasses and bursts of laughter, I was reminded again and again of how important it is to slow down and savor time with the people we love.
This dinner wasn’t just about food or design—it was about weaving those elements together to create a space for connection. The Marimekko pieces added beauty, the chef brought flavor, but it was the presence of friends that filled the evening with soul.
Living in the Present
The holiday season has a way of moving too quickly. Between the shopping, the travel, the endless to-do lists, it’s easy to blink and suddenly find yourself in January wondering where the time went. That’s why nights like this feel so grounding.
As we sat together, surrounded by color, conversation, and comfort, I felt a deeper appreciation for the present moment. Joy isn’t always found in the big events or grand gestures; sometimes, it’s in a simple dinner where everything just clicks—the right people, the right setting, the right energy.
Carrying the Joy Forward
While the season itself may be fleeting, the spirit of that evening stays with me. It reminded me that creating joy is something we can do year-round, not just during the holidays. All it takes is intention: choosing a beautiful tablecloth, lighting candles, inviting friends over, and letting conversation flow as freely as the wine.
For me, joy is about designing moments that linger. It’s about surrounding yourself with color, flavor, and laughter, and letting those things become your definition of home. Hosting the Season of Joy dinner with Marimekko was exactly that—a reminder that joy multiplies when it’s shared.
So here’s to many more evenings like this one. To tables dressed in color, to meals that feel like celebrations, and to friendships that grow stronger each time we gather.
Because when I think back on this season, it won’t be the rush or the deadlines that I remember. It will be the warmth of that table, the sparkle of glassware under the lights, and the laughter of friends filling my home.
And truly, what could be more joyful than that?
