About seven years ago, I remember seeing a photograph in a Bon Appetit magazine with some famous chef holding a fish covered in what looked like a white blanket. I couldn’t figure out what in the heck it was until I looked more closely. And when I did, I knew I had to make my own Salt Crusted Whole Branzino. Now one of my most requested dishes and a secret weapon of mine for entertaining, it makes an impact on guests every time I serve it. Read on for my blue and white Greek dinner!
Can you spot my sidekick Palmer in the background waiting for me to drop something?!
I wanted to channel the Greek islands with this party, so naturally, blue and white were the obvious choice for my color scheme.
The Decor
When I walked into my local West Elm store a few months ago, there was a display of blue hurricane glasses that I instantly fell in love with. That display, combined with my desire to make this branzino dish, inspired the dinner’s tablescape.
West Elm made it very easy to find everything I needed for the decor — they have a beautiful collection of coastal-inspired pieces!
No flowers here, just the beauty of the blue glass hurricanes
The beauty of this centerpiece is that I didn’t use a single flower, which means every single item can be re-purposed (my favorite word around here). The pure glass hurricanes collection has all the rich blue hues of the Mediterranean ocean, and I used all the sizes and colors available to make this a sea of gorgeous glass wonder.
Pro Tip: Small hurricanes can be re-purposed as vases, votives, or even drinking glasses.
The Dinnerware
There couldn’t have been a more perfect dishware selection for this Greek-inspired occasion. These reactive glaze dinner plates and bowls made the table a real stunner. I can’t wait to use them again and again! Modern and minimalist, the stainless steel black flatware is both dishwasher safe and scratch-resistant, making them super functional, not just pretty.
A set of this dinnerware is on my wish list — I love the transitional blue hues
The Linens
Good table linens can really anchor your settings, which is why I love this chunky, thick center stripe cotton table runner. Easy to care for, it can withstand a heavy centerpiece, like these hurricanes.
With all the gorgeous blues of the Mediterranean, this tables setting was made for a Greek dinner!
I chose napkins from the same center stripe linen collection, but in a slightly different hue to make it interesting. Tucking it under the bowl keeps it fresh and current.
I could see using these chambray/white napkins for many occasions to come
The Food
The ultimate Greek dinner spread: Salt-Crusted Whole Branzino, Greek salad and grilled pita bread
Greeks are traditionally masters of the grill, and their cuisine is known for its colorful array of fresh herbs and produce, and high-quality ingredients.
Whole fish can be intimidating for sure — that’s why I did a step-by-step pictorial for you! With some help from your local butcher or fishmonger, you can make this and look like a total pro to the delight of your dinner guests. It’s practically fool-proof, I promise!
Check out my Salt-Crusted Whole Branzino recipe here!
Make sure your bakeware is oven-safe. This pretty platter from West Elm is — one dish to bake and serve on!
What would a Greek dinner be without a Simple Greek Salad recipe? Here’s my favorite version, mostly because it only requires a few ingredients and can be made several hours ahead. It’s even better that way, allowing the flavors to marry.
Greek salad — the epitome of fresh produce
Simple grilled pita bread makes an impact and gives some substance to a light meal. It’s easy, but there a few tricks to making it look good…
Pro Tip: Lightly brush the pita bread with olive oil and place on a very hot grill. Press the pita bread with a heavy pan or cast-iron skillet to create grill marks.
Grill marks on pita bread give it extra texture
Nope, I didn’t make this dessert. I actually bought it from a local Greek restaurant because I knew it would taste better and be fresher than anything I could find from a grocery store. These sweet treats are called Koulourakia — traditional lemon cookies, usually made around Easter. What a perfect ending to this fabulous Greek dinner!
When in doubt, call in the experts. This dessert is from a local Greek restaurant.
Lory,
The fish looks delicious. I cannot wait for my heirloom tomatoes to ripen so I can make your salad. Your post reminded me that I “used to” make salt encrusted new potatoes. It was always a big hit…..not sure why I haven’t made them in a while!!
Your photos and table setting is beautiful as always.
Thanks Mary! This was a fun one to create. Have never heard of salt encrusted potatoes! Would you mind sharing the recipe??