Before I get started with this one, I have to thank my good friend Rachel for turning me on to Emily Henry. I currently only have one more EH novel left to read and I’m a little depressed about it. I picked up Funny Story at the Edinburgh airport a couple of weeks ago when I was on my way back home to LA. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to put this book down, which was perfect for an 11-hour or so flight. I read it in its entirety on the journey and barely got up from my seat. I was also smiling and giggling like a lunatic as I read, which is par for the course when reading any of Henry’s books, but, noted to maybe not read one on a flight next time to avoid awkward eye contact with your fellow passengers. Reserving judgment until I finish People We Meet on Vacation, but, Funny Story may be my favorite Henry novel.
I loved the set-up of Miles and Daphne’s story. Henry is a master at writing quick-witted banter, and building up tension and chemistry between two characters. I wanted to dive into Funny Story for my next post because I actually related/am majorly smitten with Miles, and need to relive this story all over again. I hope he’d approve of my fictitious dinner party because this one’s for you, Miles.
Drinks
With Miles working at a winery, it makes perfect sense to set-up a tasting for this imaginary dinner party. Jumbo Time Wines conveniently has what they call ‘lil jumbo’ bottles of wine, which is essentially, half a bottle of regular wine that they sell in a variety 4-pack. I actually love this idea and may just do my own tasting with these, this week.
[Image via Pinterest]
Menu
[Image via Pinterest]
I love that Miles enjoys cooking fresh meals, heading to the local farmer’s market where he seems to know everyone, choosing the best ingredients and whipping something up for sweet Daphne. When he made the pesto pasta in their apartment it felt so effortless and sounded so delicious. I found myself craving a perfectly parmesan-y herbaceous green pesto with a little zing.
There’s so many great pestos out there and honestly, just use what you have! I’ve made pestos with kale, mint, or any herb I have on hand, but this one from Bon Appetit is a classic go-to and serves as a great foundation.
Milkshakes and cherries for dessert. Farm fresh Michigan cherries to be exact. Either topped on top of the milkshake or enjoyed on the side. This felt too classic Americana-romantic to avoid the diner scene they had together at Big Louie’s. Rather than giving you a milkshake recipe I’m going to say go to your local diner / In ‘N Out to get one. Because really, who makes a homemade milkshake?! Some things should be left just as they are.
[Image via Pinterest]
The Tablescape
My one theme here was local. I took an arrangement I made from the farmer’s market, featuring seasonal Summer flowers that look a little wildflower-esque. I imagine if Miles bought Daphne flowers, or Daphne bought Miles flowers, they would get a bundle locally from one of their market stands.
I kept the tablescape simple with a sort-of farmhouse-chic aesthetic. Added in a more delicate wine glass because well, we had to for the wine merchant himself. And lastly, I included a unique piece of stoneware that felt like something Miles bought from his neighbor who just got into pottery, or dinnerware he picked up from the local general store.
SOHO Napkin, Heather Taylor Home
Stoneware Bowl, Sheldon Ceramics
Crystalline Stemware Wine Glass, Hawkins New York
Featured flowers: phlox, love in a puff, zinnias, cosmos, and xeranthemum
The Outfit
I confess it was a little more fun to focus on Daphne here. I’ve noticed that most of Emily Henry’s characters are very blasé when it comes to fashion, so it was nice to give Daphne a bit of a glow-up while staying true to her character. She mentioned she wears a lot of neutrals, blacks, and browns, and the scene in particular where she’s getting ready to go out to the winery with Ashleigh caught my attention. She ends up in what’s described as a ‘slinky black backless dress’ that she was supposed to wear to her engagement party, which made me sad - you deserve better, Daphne! So, I still gave her a backless dress, but with a silhouette and print that screams ‘wear me at a winery with a sun hat and cute purse in tow. And yes, Miles, I’m hot.’
Dress, Shoes, Earrings, Bag, Hat
The Playlist
Of course there’s songs about love, but also heartbreak, since the two go through that together. Honestly, TG for Peter & Petra because without them there would be no Miles & Daphne.
“It’s too soon. It’s too complicated. For once, I don’t want to be anywhere but in this moment, not thinking about what it all means or where it might go, and he makes that easy, this sunlit man.”
The Funny Story Mood Board
Top left photo by Nicole Schmiedl, all others via Pinterest or taken by myself at Philo Apple Farm.
Adding this book to my must read list!
Omggg I absolutely LOVE this!!