You don’t need to physically travel to a foreign locale to channel an exotic backdrop for a wildly romantic evening. Ditch the flight plans and hotel arrangements and devote your energy to manifesting a Moroccan dream right at home. With the right accessories, you can set the scene for a magical evening that will enchant the senses with the essence of the best of Casablanca.
First, think color and sumptuous fabrics and rich accompaniments. These wildly embroidered floor pillows had been patiently waiting for their big moment. It was now. Once a floor-seated meal had been decided upon, a low table was needed. This glass-topped coffee table provided a neutral background to build upon. Table and pillows were taken into a large area of the living room where the deep purple and gold Persian rug fit right in. Next, it was time to layer. I slithered around the house, from room to room, a ninja on a special mission, searching for treasures for the table. A lightly embroidered pink silk scarf from my dressing room. A jeweled green table runner from the linen closet. From around the master bath, I purloined the black quartz crystal votive candleholder. The mosaic glass vase was taken from the fireplace hearth. We were laying the foundation for our romantic Moroccan evening!
The glassware from Pier 1 practically whispered Arabian nights to me, and the deep gold capice shell placemats played well off the pink. To spotlight the placemats, textured clear glass plates were perfect. The petite abalone shells could hold dabs of spicy paste for those feeling the need for extra heat. Hammered stainless flatware somehow seemed fitting. And the fuschia napkins and turquoise stone napkin rings supplied the final dash of color.
What about the food? Alas, I have no recipes of my own to share until my friend Hassan from the airport makes good upon his promise to supply some from his family, but you can procure Moroccan stewing sauces and spice packets that make mimicking Moroccan favors a snap. Make spiced ground lamb “cigars” wrapped in phyllo dough. Stewed baby carrots. Eggplant as you have never had it before. Falafel. A salad of diced Cucumbers, onions, tomatoes. (Takeout from a local middle eastern eatery?)
Set the scene. Did you know there are more than twenty-five different types of Moroccan music? Choose one, my sultry friend. Turn the lights down low. Sway to the rhythm of the desert nomads. Don a caftan or a turban, but you can’t eat through a veil, so draw the line where you need to.
Welcome to the casbah!
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