To start us off thanks to colorful imagery by DCPG Photography, "The Great Debate Date Night" takes the podium for those who met while debating together in school, those who work in or love the political world, those who can't help but be total 'MURICA! for patriotic holidays like Fourth of July, or those who just love having themed dinner parties, this date night is totally for you and another couple! Double dates means twice the amount of laughs and quality time together... especially when there are a great menu, fun games, and good vibes!
THE LOOK
From DIY spray-painted animals to golden details, there are so many ways you can set the table for the perfect debate-inspired party. Consider mixing patterns, glassware, plates, and flatware you might already have in your cabinet; you can unite these mixed elements by sticking with a color scheme such as red, white, and blue. White is a great neutral to help your table not look busy or cluttered! So whether that is your table or a tablecloth, definitely consider a white base for your tablescape.
When Adrienne of Heart's Content Events and Design styled our table, she was inspired by things that were readily accessible through her personal collection, local vendors, and shops. So look around your home to see what you already have before getting new stuff!
WHAT'S ON THE TABLE
• Red and blue vintage china
• Gold chargers
• Red napkins and table runner
• Blue and clear glassware
• Silver flatware with wooden handles
• Spray-painted gold elephant and gold donkey
• Glass votives
• Navy blue candlesticks
• Gold candlestick holders
• Laser cut wooden place card names
Roses and hydrangea are all easily found in your home gardens, local florist, and grocery stores. While we highly recommend your getting a floral centerpiece arranged by a local florist just to save you time and energy, you can likely also purchase loose blooms from your favorite flower gal or guy as well to make your own at home!
THE FLOWER CENTERPIECE RECIPE
• David Austin Garden Roses (Patience)
• Pittosporum or Pitt
• Red Spray Roses
• "Forever Young" Red Roses
• Blue Hydrangea
• Hypericum Berries
We love hunting around thrift stores and antique shops when it comes to the pretty things on the table. Whether you have an established collection, want to go on a special mission to find them for this dinner party, or just want the quick and easy way (such as renting everything from a local rentals company like Mad Hatter Vintage Rentals if you're in southeastern Virginia!), there are several avenues you could go to get the perfect Debate Night look for your tabletop. No argument about that one!
THE MENU
From delicious taters to sweet victory endings in the form of donut bites, this debate-inspired menu is sure to win over everyone at the table. Created by chef Andy Montero and his crew at Montero's Restaurant, this collection of hearty, savory, and global eats touches on all things simple and tasty in the spirit of red, white, and blue. The best part? The crew at Montero's is helping you with the DIY romance and has provided the Great Debate Date Night recipes for you!
OPENING STATEMENT
• Red, White, and Blue Salad •
grilled white peach arugula salad topped with raspberries and a blueberry vinaigrette
QUESTIONS AND ENTREES
• Domestic Affairs •
petit filet medallions with bleu cheese with maitre d' butter accompanied by combed potatoes
• International Relations •
soba noodle stir-fry with fresh asian-inspired vegetables and herbs
SWEET RESOLUTIONS
• 'Donut' Let Our Differences Divide Us •
cinnamon and powdered sugar donut holes with fresh berries
-- GET THE RECIPES ON MONTERO'S RESTAURANT'S BLOG --
THE ENTERTAINMENT
The key to having fun with a politically-inspired party is keeping it light and finding things that everyone can agree on like goofy games with a grownup spin and romantic presidential movies!
PRESIDENTIAL ROMANCE ON SCREEN
Snuggle up on the couch with those donuts from dinner and enjoy either The American President (1995) or Dave (1993)-- both some of our personal favorites when it comes to romantic comedies centered all around life at the White House.
PIN THE TAIL ON THE DONKEY (AND ELEPHANT)
Grab a white handkerchief and blindfold your partner while giving them two gentle spins as they try to pin the animal's tail on the poster of choice. You can draw an outline of an elephant and a donkey on some large paper or get these adorable Democrat and Republican posters from Etsy. Don't forget to give a kiss when your partner wins before you take the blindfold back off!
MAD LIBS FOR PRESIDENT
Find the quirkiest facts about our past presidents and DIY your own fill-in-the-blank shenanigans or grab this pre-made election-themed Mad Libs on Amazon. While there's no clear winner, it's sure to bust out some laughs and bring both parties together!
So no matter which election animal spirit you claim, we hope that you find this a reason to get-together for a entertaining night at home! And if you put your date night together, share your own date night photos on Instagram using #TidewaterDateNight for a chance to get featured in a future roundup!
VENDOR CREDITS
Photography and Menu Card: DCPG Photography | Venue and Catering: Montero's Restaurant | Coordination, Design, and Florals: Heart's Content Events and Design | Publication Partner and Party Guide: Tidewater and Tulle | Vintage Rentals: Mad Hatter Vintage Rentals | Chiavari Chairs: Waterford Event Rentals | Laser Cut Place Cards: LHC Calligraphy
