Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Supper at the Semrad's

On our trip back to Texas, Jonathan and I made SOLID plans to attend a dinner party at Paul and 
Sara Jane Semrad's. If you don't know, both members of this couple are kinda Dallas Dynamos. We were lucky enough to go to a lot of these parties when we lived there, and I miss them. They are down-right-proper-dinner parties, assigned seating and all! Not to mention the homemade food usually prepared by Paul, who was a personal chef in a past life. 

If you reside in Dallas and have not supped at the Semrad's, you're missing out. There are 3 things that will always happen at one of these gatherings:

You will eat delicious, creamy homemade hummus. 

You will find your handcrafted name tag on their dining room table amongst floral vintage plates and vintage linens, and that is where you will sit. 

You will meet an amazing person (most likely with a creative mind) you've probably never met before.

It's the last thing that I like most about their dinner parties. I think SJ plots out her seating arrangements with great care, placing name tags where she thinks the resulting conversation will be most amusing. 

Lastly, if you've never been to their house before, you will most likely get the "art tour" which coincides with your typical "house tour". Because of SJ's work and passion for artists and the scene (see: Art Conspiracy, La Reunion, KXT) their collection is pretty damn impressive. 


Homemade hummus and Paul and SJ at the head of the table as always...wearing their crowns from our New Year poppers, one placed at each seat.

New friends we met that night and Scott and Nicole Horn (one of the best looking/most artistically talented couples in Dallas. Really...cut it out guys). 

The name cards are always themed, and Eva (her daughter) usually makes them.  SJ showed us her collection of every single one ever crafted. My favorite was the cat butt theme...stickers....of cat butts. 

I'm not going to explain this one. 

Art Conspiracy on it's 8th year, yes?

SJ's vintage camera collection, and scattered holiday cards...GAH we get it guys, you have friends!

One of quite a few pets, including chickens. 

Eva likes to do drawings. Yuri likes to do legos...and tell jokes. 

Group shot: Way to get into it PAUL!

 Eva, girl genius, plays piano. 

I wish I had the gusto to pull off dinner parties like these. Do you do dinner parties? If so, how the EFF do you pull it off!??!

21 comments:

  1. Beautiful pictures - the cat has made me melt a bit!

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  2. Thanks ladies! Yes, the cat is adorable...I can never pet it though. Damn allergies....

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  3. Absolutely beautiful, love the pics, and seems so much fun!
    You have a lovely blog, maybe we could follow each other?

    Ivana
    http://ruedetreschic.blogspot.com/

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  4. your photos are absolutely amazing, love it! And your cat is sooo cute:) haha
    xo

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  5. stunning pictures, really like your style in photographing!

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  6. Awwwwww! Looks ike you guys are loads of fun. Very lovely photos... where in Texas did you live? I've currently lived in Austin for a little over 5 years now and just love it. Hola back.

    xo
    http://nothingbutapigeon.blogspot.com/

    Taylor

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    Replies
    1. I LOVE Austin. Me and the hubs used to take mini vacays there all the time. We were in Dallas in the Deep Ellum area. WE miss it a lot, but Venice is tons of fun too.
      xo
      ashley

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  7. Amazing photos! Taylor /\ shared your blog with me. Love it!
    Nestled in Nostalgia

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  8. Oh this is great! You are sure to be one of my favorite blogs!
    xo jess
    www.stmurrie.blogspot.com

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  9. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  10. Looks like the sort of dinner party I would like to go! The place looks like my kind of place! Full of art and positive things :)

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  11. Amazing photos it looks so fun! Also you're cat is adorable.

    xo
    Tiffy
    www.CuteLA.com

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  12. I really liked these pics! So fun and creative- looks like you have quite a few artsy, fabulous friends :) XOXO! http://cupcakeobsessions.blogspot.com/

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  13. Oh gosh first of all I'm SO in love with your photo's! They're just stunning, the filter on it gives it such a great vintage vibe. Second the atmosphere IN the photo's seems like a hell of a great evening!
    I love dinner parties, unfortunately I only host one once a year haha. Maybe I'll change that in the future :p but for a student it's just too much work for now.
    I love this post <3 (and your blog)
    Maya
    archistas.com

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  14. And... the infamous horse head makes it's appearance. Lols. What a beautiful party <3

    XO, Michi
    www.hautemenot.blogspot.com

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  15. I really love these shots. So rad.

    Kristina Wilde

    btw, new followed. I love your blog.

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  16. I love this post, so familiar and lovely!!! it's too hard to describe a friendly moment, but your images is so good!

    Love
    C

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  17. Awesome!! I really love your blog!

    http://bellasstyle.blogspot.co.uk/

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  18. I'm loving the vintage feel of the photos! xx what camera did you use? :D

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