An Ojai-Inspired Gathering

Stillness Is The Move

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Perhaps even more renewing than a spa day is any kind of quality time with close girlfriends. Our trip to Ojai inspired us to combine the best of both worlds for a relaxed afternoon of chilled out yoga, fresh beverages, light snacks, pedis by the pool and plenty of girl talk. Memories of the twilight sidewalk scene at Azu, the lightness at Spa Ojai, the sun-dappled picnic perfection of Boccali’s and the casual upscale cool of The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room graciously guided our gathering. 

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The Menu

“Spa Day Afternoon”

Infused Spa WaterSlow-Roasted Hummus

Inspired by our friends at Spa Ojai and Azu, the citrus spa water plays off an unctuously good chickpea dip.

Cool Cucumber Soup + Grilled Chicken & Vegetable Salad + Fresh Lavender Lemonade

This luncheon spread is light on calories but full of flavor. The lavender lemonade offers a tangy-sweet contrast.

Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits + Ojai Sauvignon Blanc

Savor a sweet ending with a bite of Boccali’s-inspired dessert paired with a crisp glass of sunshine.

The Palette

LAVENDER        –         OLIVE      –          POTTERY          –         PIXIE

The Florals

“Fit To Be Tied”

Lavender hand-tied with twine is simplicity, bundled. Try a small bunch at each lady’s plate and in jars or vases wherever you’re entertaining. Sprays of olive leaf and tangerines, lemons or other small citrus (like these cute kumquats) gives the table a botanical feel.

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The Agenda

“Souls and soles”

Yoga is a low-pressure, feel-good activity for a group. Bring in an instructor from a local studio or a particularly proficient friend to lead you through sequences. Diffuse a little lavender oil and light candles while soft music plays. Reward yourselves with a hearty, healthy lunch. Then it’s time for pedis, essential reading (and maybe a splash of vino!), and you’ll have the recipe for a sweet little afternoon.

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The Tunes

“A little bit soothing, a little bit introspective”

Yoga Music, Yoga Workout
Change of Seasons, Sweet Thing
Ojai, Ray LaMontagne
Midnight, Coldplay
Leaving It Up To You, George Ezra
I Think Ur A Contra, Vampire Weekend
Northern Sky, Nick Drake
California, Rogue Wave
Sweet Thing, Van Morrison
Where I’m Going, Cut Copy
Another Story, The Head And The Heart
She Lit A Fire, Lord Huron
Flame Turns Blue, David Gray
Diamonds on the Inside, Ben Harper
Walking On A Dream, Empire of the Sun
Outro, M83

Looking for more Ojai stories? See the full Gather collection.

 

© The Gathering: An Ojai-Inspired Spa Party