7/25/08

Simple Dinner Party


I had a simple dinner party that went from 5 people to 7 and ended up being just perfect. I dressed the table in white and glass, with casual paper napkins from Ikea.

I bought some amazing heirloom tomatoes at the Farmer's Market and just dressed them with some olive oil and fleur de sel.

We had wine and mint-infused water.

The inspiration for the whole night were these peaches. I really wanted to do a salad and found my inspiration, making a mozzarela, peach, crispy prosciutto salad. I used the flower blossom mix from Maggie's Farm and added a bit of extra mint. I just made a simple vinaigrette and made sure to use plenty of balsamic vinegar.



I also made merguez sausage and cous cous but it was too dark to take pictures. Here's the whole Menu:

The Menu:
Fresh Olive Bread and Goat Cheese with basil, olive oil and sea salt
Heirloom tomatoes with Olive Oil and Fleur de Sel
Peach, Fresh mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Mint salad
Merguez Sausage and Cous Cous

To Drink:
Mint Infused Water
White Wine from TJ's: Novella Synergy Blanc

For Dessert:
Those Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies. And yes, they were every bit as good as everyone has been saying (and I only let them rest for 12 hours, so I can't even imagine how much better they could be.)


I consciously took it easy on the planning of the dinner party. Normally I think I overwhelm myself so once the evening is over it takes a while to motivate myself to do it again. This time it was totally manageable, i had time to talk with everyone and can't wait to do it again. And 7 is the limit, anymore and I start to feel like I'm running a cafeteria.

Do you guys have guidelines for dinner parties that help you to enjoy them more, and put them on more often?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh I love the colors of your apartment, especially in that first photo. I also love the picnic bench look of a dining table with the crossed legs. I'm hoping to find one for myself, but more rustic.

I haven't quite learned how to simplify what I serve so I can relax with my guests more. I think practice makes perfect.

laure said...

Thanks Ro!

Anonymous said...

Nice flower vase! Nice salad bowl! Great plates! You've got GREAT taste. And you entertain wonderfully!! Umi

lillie said...

your dinner party sounds so delicious & relaxed & lovely. i'm just getting into hosting and am happily taking tips on scaling back. rather than maxing yourself out & overdoing it, it seems that the beauty is in the balance. cheers!

loving. living. small. said...

Your party looks like it was so much fun! Love the white palette - simple and allowed your food to shine! :) Rebecca

www.la-rioja-3d.com said...

It can't truly work, I think this way.