A Darling Recap: Hedley & Bennett Darling Dinner

We recently hosted a beautiful Darling Dinner at the apron factory and shop, Hedley & Bennett in Los Angeles. The naturally lit space — with colorful aprons hanging on the walls and twinkly lights draped from the ceiling — provided the perfect place for readers and supporters to gather for a family-style meal and engage in inspiring conversation.

As the sun set, guests began to arrive and enjoy delicious wines from Club W as they mingled around the beautifully styled tables. The whimsical flower arrangements were created by Layered Vintage, as well as the foraged bundles on each place setting. The lovely table settings were styled and provided by Hostess Haven.

After a time of sipping and socializing, guests took their seats and began the scrumptious family-style dinner prepared by Chef Felix of KTCHN DTLA. Plates were filled with a refreshing salad to start, followed by exquisite sea bass that left no empty stomachs.

Editor-in-Chief Sarah Dubbeldam began the table conversation with thoughtful questions challenging guests to be vulnerable in self-reflection. The room filled with the sound of women sharing personal trials and triumphs while encouraging and uplifting one another. These women so quickly created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, that no one was left a stranger.

Dessert was served and guests were thanked for attending, though many stayed long after appetites were satisfied. Some expressed their desperation to find a positive community of women, which they had found at this dinner. With so many women craving authenticity and connection, Darling seeks to provide a platform to cultivate both of those things by hosting these dinners.

With so many women craving authenticity and connection, Darling seeks to provide a platform to cultivate both of those things by hosting these dinners.

Vulnerability is synonymous with courage, though in our society it is often not treated as such. Yet, the women who attended were daring in their willingness to share those vulnerabilities with other women they had been acquainted with for but a few hours. The result was a close bond between attendees who had created their own community by the end of the night.

A big thank you to our Chelsea Carter for curating the event and the ladies of Layered Vintage and Hostess Haven for styling the beautiful tables with flowers and place settings. Also, a shout out to Chef Felix for never disappointing and Club W for some delicious wine. Lastly, a huge thank you to Hedley & Bennett for providing such a wonderful space!

Article written by Darling Events Intern Lauren Rudinsky; Images via Jess Isaac