Recently, we hosted a dinner party in honor of a summer clerk who has been working at my husband's law firm. In the summer months, John's firm hires law students in an effort to give them a feel for practicing law and to help them decide which firm is the best fit for their personality and lifestyle. It really makes for a fun summer for everybody involved; and since I adore dinner parties, we hosted a first year law student and his beautiful wife for a little "get together."
Normally, there are lots of cookouts, wine tastings, and baseball games, all of which, are outdoors. So, I decided it would be nice to have a seated dinner inside with the AC blasting. I love the outdoor thing, but who are we kidding - temps here in Birmingham are in the 90's long after the sun has gone down.
So, with my mind on keeping it as cool as possible, I planned a menu (love planning a menu). Honestly, when someone says, "We are having people over for dinner. What should I serve?" My eyes light up!
The Menu
Chilled Corn Bisque
with an avocado shrimp relish
Chilled Salad of Mixed Baby Lettuces
with spiced pecans, blue cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette
(served on a chilled plate)
Crab Cakes Topped with a Citrus Butter Reduction
paired with Asparagus Risotto and sautéed haricot verts/baby carrots
Homemade Peach Ice Cream
served with a small butter cookie
I made the peach ice cream (recipe is here), but the rest was catered. So, no recipes this time. But, if you love the idea of planning a fabulous menu, here are a couple of my secret weapons for planning a party. I love to mix in some new ideas with some tried and true favorites just to make the party more interesting.
Here is just one example of the many menu suggestions included in this book.
Another favorite is this one by Michael Leva and Nancy Parker. It is full of menu ideas, flowers, and table settings for entertaining. . . Not to mention is makes a great coffee table book.
So in addition to my chilly seafood menu, I decided to keep the theme going with my table.
Do you remember the DIY post on painting shells for a fabulous accessory?
Well, I actually did a variation of that for my table. I picked up five of these shells from Home Goods (they were in the discount area for $12 each).
TIP: When creating a table scape, always repeat the accessories to tie the table together.
But when I initially put them on the table, it seemed like it was too much white. When I took this picture I had yet to place the flowers, but they too were white, so I knew it needed something.
Well, I actually did a variation of that for my table. I picked up five of these shells from Home Goods (they were in the discount area for $12 each).
TIP: When creating a table scape, always repeat the accessories to tie the table together.
But when I initially put them on the table, it seemed like it was too much white. When I took this picture I had yet to place the flowers, but they too were white, so I knew it needed something.
So, I ran outside and gave them all a dose of glam with some left over gold spray paint. Here's what I ended up with for the final table scape.
The flowers are from the grocery store and I had everything else.
Oh, I also did some fun chocolate treats on the table for nibbling between courses. I think these are also a fun alternative for those who don't want dessert and would rather have coffee and a simple piece of chocolate.
The flowers are from the grocery store and I had everything else.
Oh, I also did some fun chocolate treats on the table for nibbling between courses. I think these are also a fun alternative for those who don't want dessert and would rather have coffee and a simple piece of chocolate.
I will see you Friday. I have redesigns for the rest of this week and then I plan to finish up a few additional projects. My kiddos are at camp so I'm totally focusing on interior design for the next few weeks. I will try to remember to snap some pictures so I can share a few projects with you. Have a great day. M.
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