Welcome parties and rehearsal dinners

The night before has its own job.

The night before isn't a smaller version of the wedding. It's the one meal where everybody finally meets, and it should feel like the place they flew to — citrus on the table, colored glass, something loud enough to start a conversation. I keep the restraint for Saturday.

Five of these across Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita, from a long table at Café des Artistes to a terrace in turquoise and lemon. Same standard as a wedding, spent differently: more color, and all of it on the table where people are actually sitting.

If you're bringing people this far, the night before is worth designing. Tell me the venue and the date.

Rehearsal dinner long table with pink florals at Café des Artistes
Tablescape with pink florals and vintage china at Café des Artistes
Coral arrangement on the bar at a welcome party at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Centerpiece with grapefruit, peach roses and taper candles
Welcome party table with citrus, peach roses and taper candles
Bar with coral and peach arrangement in a terracotta vessel at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Long table with white bud vases and turquoise glassware at a welcome party at El Dorado
Welcome party place setting with lemons and bright florals at Four Seasons Punta Mita
Place setting with turquoise glass and white blooms at El Dorado
Welcome party table with citrus florals under palms at Four Seasons Punta Mita
White bud vases and turquoise glass along a beachfront table at El Dorado
Yellow arrangement with pin cushion, butterfly ranunculus and lisianthus at Café des Artistes, Puerto Vallarta
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