Labor Day is for hanging out with friends, dining al fresco and SEAFOOD! The ladies of Be Inspired PR produced a beautiful backyard clambake at the stunning Franciscan Gardens. Chic Celebrations took on the design — featuring rentals from Borrowed Blu, Found Rentals, and Mod Mix Studio — while flowers by Hidden Garden brought in the softer colors of fall. With plenty of thoughtful details (like calligraphy by Calligraphy Katrina, Smthng New paper goods, and Delovely Details), it’s one of the prettiest events ever and has sparked a few ideas for the long weekend ahead. (If only we all were in Southern California to take advantage of 24 Carrots DELICIOUS menu.) Take a look at the beautiful photos, snapped by Sanaz Photography, in the slideshow. And for tips on recreating this at home?? Well, we’ll let the ladies of Be Inspired PR take it from here:

Pick Your Menu: We went for an oyster bar sampler, pasta course and clam bake. If you don’t have access to a pit, not to worry, you can create the “bake” over the grill or stove-top. There’s so many ways to personalize this summer favorite – switch up the butters, swap in different seafood. We went for Little Neck Clams + Fresh Main Lobster + Whole Shrimp + Scallops on the half Shell + Andouille Sausage + White Summer Corn + Red Creamer Potatoes with a trio of drawn butters of lemon and saffron, fresh herb, and plain salter.

But if you prefer mussels over clams? Want some extra corn? The world is your oyster!

Here’s our menu for inspiration:

Oyster Bar Sampler
Chunu Oysters with Shaved Fennel, American Sturgeon Caviar, Chive
Mattaki Oyster with Pickled Cucumber, Fresno Chili, Yellow Kiwi
Minter Sweet Oyster with Pickled Watermelon Rind, Watermelon Reduction, Crispy Shallot

Pasta Course
Basil Linguini + Prince Edward Island Mussels
Served with Grilled Rustic Ciabatta

Clam Bake
Little Neck Clams + Fresh Main Lobster + Whole Shrimp + Scallops on the half Shell + Andouille Sausage + White Summer Corn + Red Creamer Potatoes

Served with Bay Biscuits and a Trio of Drawn Butters:
Lemon + Saffron
Fresh Herb
Plain Salted

Get Messy: Don’t forget that this is a traditionally-messy dish! Shell buckets, bibs, and an endless supply of napkins will be much needed.

Dress Your Table: We draped the table with a retired fishing net and mussel shell garlands were so fun and the perfect blue tones complimented the soft sunset toned floral arrangements. We decided to use an extra long dining table and benches instead of chairs for a warm, family style feel.

Create a Fun Place Setting: Ditch a fancy napkin fold and tie the napkins in a loose knot instead, it feels a little more casual but looks so fabulous. Personal crab-crackers at each plate encouraged guests to “get crackin’” and dig in. Copper flatware and blue water goblets were perfect for adding color and a little sparkle to the seaside hued tabletop.

Keep It Going: After dinner offer your guests a cozy place to enjoy dessert and talk the night away. A soft lounge accented with fishing nets and oversized oyster shells is perfect. Just add a few throw blankets and you’re set!

CREDITS:
EVENT DESIGNER: Chic Celebrations
FLORAL DESIGNER: Hidden Garden
CATERING: 24 Carrots
PAPER GOODS: Smthng New
PHOTOGRAPHY: Sanaz Photography
RENTALS: Found Rentals
CALLIGRAPHY: Calligraphy Katrina
DETAILS: Delovely Details
TABLETOP RENTALS: Borrowed BLU
PRODUCER: Be Inspired PR
LINENS: Mod Mix Studio
VENUE: Franciscan Gardens