A Movable Feast
Nestled in the heart of Texas, Round Top blends Southern hospitality with entrepreneurial spirit. This fall, The Southern Coterie—better known as The Southern C—gathered in this charming one-square-mile town for a few days of networking, insightful interviews, and exclusive events. The Southern C is a dynamic community of women entrepreneurs across industries, united by a shared commitment to supporting and empowering one another. I was honored to be invited as a guest speaker to sit down with Holly Phillips of The English Room for an in-depth interview, where I shared strategies for growing a small business and standing out in the competitive retail landscape.
To kick off the weekend, culinary instructor Marcia Smart and I co-hosted an intimate Presenter’s Dinner for panelists and founders, creating a space for meaningful connections and inspiration. The energy was electric, reflecting the inclusive spirit fostered by The Southern C’s founders, Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long. Their visionary leadership has cultivated a community where women come together, share stories, and leave empowered.
We swapped heels for boots and brought our best Western flair to Marcia’s stunning Kitchenette Farm, where guests were greeted with champagne under the Texas sky. As the sun set, we enjoyed a family-style feast that celebrated the flavors of the South—wood-plank roasted salmon with dill labneh, coffee and chili-rubbed flank steak with chermoula, farro and herb salad, collard green and kale salad, roasted green beans with a sesame-poppy crunch, and a gluten-free apple and cranberry crisp topped with mascarpone whipped cream.
The Tablescape: A Labor of Love
Planning this gathering in an open field took six months of careful thought and coordination. Every detail, from the tables and chairs to the linens, glassware, and lighting, was handpicked from around the world—Italy, England, Bulgaria, and India— and specially brought in for this day.
Meredith Ellis Textiles' French-inspired Alden linen, with its classic striped pattern, served as the perfect foundation for our 24-foot tablescape. We added warmth and character with antique hand-painted Hungarian earthenware and rustic Italian vases, all teeming with fresh greenery, herbs, and foliage harvested just hours before from the surrounding countryside. The earthy tones and simple arrangements echoed the land and the moment, creating a natural, cohesive display. Handcrafted Italian ceramic jugs in traditional terracotta glazes added a touch of craftsmanship and versatility filled with flowers, water, and wine. Marbled plates and bowls paired beautifully with our favorite fig linen placemats and hand-block-printed table napkins, while bodega glasses and playful coupes brought a touch of whimsy to the table.
Years ago, we hosted a dinner party at the farm, which taught us valuable lessons about setting an outdoor table beneath the open sky. This time, we embraced those insights with intention. Rather than risk candles flickering out in the wind, we opted for indoor lamps strategically placed along the table to cast a steady, warm glow. This unexpected choice created a uniquely cozy, intimate atmosphere that felt inviting against the pitch-black night. We carefully tucked the electrical cords inside vases—leaving them water-free, of course, and filled with resilient herbs
The dinner was a meaningful celebration of collaboration and connection. A sincere thank you to Cheri and Whitney for the privilege of hosting such a remarkable group of talented, creative women—your wisdom and camaraderie are a true gift. It’s always a pleasure to work alongside Marcia, sharing our passion for food and community to craft an unforgettable experience.
Photography by Kelli Boyd | Paper Design courtesy of Hinge Creative Co. | Wine provided by Rose Gold