Cloth & Flame redefines connection through outdoor events A long table dressed with vibrant flowers and modern décor stretches beneath a canopy of softly glowing string lights. Twilight melts into a star-speckled desert sky and guests begin to arrive — navigating dusty trails that feel like they lead to the middle of nowhere. They have no idea what’s waiting for them. As they pull up to the site, sweeping views of rugged desert peaks unfold before them. The landscape is bathed in golden light from the setting sun, and it feels almost otherworldly. But this isn’t just dinner — it’s an experience, one that lingers in memory long after the last plate is cleared. BY MICHELLE JACOBY A Table in the Wild This is the magic of Cloth & Flame, a company that has redefined outdoor dining and event planning. Co-founded by Matt Cooley, Cloth & Flame didn’t start as the polished brand it is today. In fact, it began with something entirely different: hot air balloon rides. Originally known as Float, the company started with a passion for offering one-of-a-kind experiences that left an impression. “We ran a hot air balloon ride business for about three years,” Cooley said. “It had a dining component that people really loved. Over time, we noticed that guests were coming for the dinner more than the ride. That’s when we knew we were onto something.” KEY TO THE GOOD LIFE FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 27