Dallas’ Most Mysterious Garden Party Turns Into a Rainforest

You never quite know what you’re getting yourself into with House of Plates. The anonymous Dallas music and food blog is known for being mysterious. That’s what makes its events so fun.

Last time I went to a House of Plates party, the location was sent in riddle form an hour beforehand. It wasn’t easy, but eventually we found it in an unassuming warehouse off Singleton Boulevard. The barren space had been transformed into an eclectic dinner party with flowers, piles of old books and tall candles. Then, between the first and second courses, the Dallas Fire Marshall crashed the party and made us move everything (from the long dining table to the DJ booth) out to the adjacent lawn. Despite complications, it was really fun.

That’s all to say that when I RSVP’d for House of Plates Garden Party, I knew to expect the unexpected and be prepared to roll with it. Luckily, that was the right attitude for the night ahead.

There was no riddle this time (apologies to everyone I lured into joining me with promises of riddles), but the lack of mystery was for good reason. The Garden Party was hosted at a private space this time, an arty loft in Deep Ellum.

The modern home had artworks scattered throughout the front garden and winding through the building. Animal Collective was on the decks as the event’s official DJ, while neighborhood favorite Niwa served up Japanese barbecue on the lawn.

Then came the unexpected: Despite a sunny forecast, the garden quickly turned into a rainforest. Luckily, the guests didn’t mind getting a little wet among sculptures or seeking refuge indoors, where the cocktails of the evening (Moscow mule and old fashioned) were being served.