A Popular Palos Verdes Event Inspires a Tablescape Dedicated to Nature

The annual Palos Verdes Pastoral, a garden-to-table event held under the moonlight at Terranea Resort, supports the work of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC). This organization focuses on preserving the land and oceanside trails, restoring the habitat, and protecting the native flora and fauna.

The picturesque Terranea setting, coastal breeze and spectacular views under the moonlit sky make for a one-of-a-kind experience. The gourmet menu, prepared by Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra, is paired with excellent regional wines and a signature cocktail.

This year’s theme, a nod to foods from the land and the sea, was curated by event chair Diana Heffernan-Schrader, founder of Palos Verdes School Gardens, and will focus on raw, local and handcrafted ingredients. The menu (inspired by the Ishibashi family farms), the native flora and fauna, and the heritage of the Peninsula create the perfect foundation for a unique, delicious dining experience.

The October 27 event sells out quickly, but donations to PVPLC are welcome throughout the year. To create your own “land and sea” dining experience at home, we have detailed everything you need.

Table Arrangements

The long, trailing centerpiece is a signature look for the Palos Verdes Pastoral event. For a sustainable, garden- style arrangement, we started with a base of living succulents and added a mix of hardy flora and ornamental kale to accent the piece. After the event, remove any cut greenery and supplement the succulents with living outdoor plants from the PVPLC nursery for a long-lasting, native arrangement.

Source the Look

We used seeded eucalyptus, baby blue eucalyptus, kale bulbs, white and purple waxflowers, hardy sea holly that attracts butterflies, snow on the mountain, green/pearl millet and California buckwheat. Available at Boulevard Florist in Lawndale boulevardflst.com and the PVPLC nursery.

Table Décor

For the Palos Verdes Pastoral signature look, use a white table linen and long, farm-style table seating that includes a trailing centerpiece with eucalyptus and floral accents.

Pedra ceramic dinner plate, bowl, mug and Palu round woven placemat; Crate and Barrel, crateandbarrel.com. Shay black and gold cutlery; Cost Plus World Market, worldmarket.com.

Neutral napkins with lace border tied with string, salt and pepper shakers, green millet, California buckwheat, white waxflower and California sagebrush; Pier 1, pier1.com.