The Modern Hippie Table Book

To Lauren, “Modern Hippie means a place where old meets new, simple meets sophisticated, and fancy meets fun. The recipes are simple, elegant and appealing. The definition of “hippie” as “fancy” is puzzling.

Hippie lifestyle meant and means “homegrown, simple and as back to nature as possible.” The very word takes us to our first meal in San Francisco when we landed from Washington, D.C. It was simple: fantastic Monterrey cheese, chardonnay and sourdough bread, all eaten outdoors. It was heaven. We kicked off our high heels and never went back.

Eating and entertaining the hippie way translated into food as directly from the farm as possible and entertaining as naturally as possible. It was not being complicated, fussy or “hip”

Lauren presents 70 recipes, most with the southern charm of her South Florida home with a twist. The ROASTED RED CABBAGE WITH GORGONZOLA AND HAZELNUTS is original, brilliant and unexpected with a combination of fascinating flavors and textures.

Most dishes, however, are part of themed menus plus elaborate tablescape ideas, a la Sandra Lee. They can be termed “homemade” if you happen to have a landscaped rose garden.

In this debut collection, Lauren shares favorite dishes that can be easily prepared for entertaining. They are pared down to allow hosts’ less time in the kitchen and more time with guests. MASON JAR SALAD DRESSING THREE WAYS is a perfect solution to healthy, interesting, delicious and varied dressing for family and parties.

Lauren’s WILD SALMON SALAD, combines shredded carrots, chopped snap peas and scallions and Sesame Ginger Dressing plus chow mein noodles which are mouth watering even from the recipe. It calls for tinned salmon, which we would substitute for the real thing.

Some of the recipes are made from scratch, while others make creative use of store-bought convenience foods and pre-made products that help save time.

For Lauren, the surroundings of the occasion are as beautiful as the meal is delicious. To this end, along with suggestions for practical flowers, linens, and surfaces there are suggested menus for occasions from intimate date nights to friendly gatherings.

THE MODERN HIPPIE TABLE offers detailed sections on entertaining followed by chapters organized by course.

Setting the Scene: Creating Intentional Spaces; A Love Affair with Hosting; Planning Ahead for confidence and ease, spending more time with guests);Planning Your Spaces to Entertain (the benefits and fun of changing rooms and locations); Tablescaping;  Setting the Move and Groove with music and lighting; (picking the right music and lighting sets the tone for the occasion), and, oddly, Breakfast.

Lauren Thomas began writing her debut lifestyle cookbook, The Modern Hippie Table, after her creative journey as a lifestyle blogger inspired women to feel good in their own skin, reinvent their passion for the home, and to have fun in the kitchen. Whether she’s working with flavors in the kitchen or setting the scene for a beautiful Lauren lives in south Florida with her architect husband, two teenage children, and Shar Pei pup, Simon.

Follow Lauren on instagram @the.modern.hippie.way & @collectivebookstudio, and on facebook: the.modern.hippie.way and for more information, please see @melissasproduce