I don't want to hear it guys and girls because you have a closet full of clothes and a kitchen full of delicious items to throw that dinner party tonight! It's Wednesday night, so celebrate and intoxicate!What will I make? Here are a few fall menu ideas, based on the items on your grocery list (see previous blog for list). Please email me if you want any recipes, otherwise this post would be 11 miles long. The recipes are a combination of my own, my mom's and recipes from some of my favorite sources like Barefoot Contessa and Cuisine at Home.
Menu #1 Dinner Party:
APPS
Goat Cheese drizzled with honey and rosemary, served with assorted rosemary crackers
Roasted, Seasoned Nuts
MAIN
Cranberry-Thyme Crusted Salmon
Spinach Salad with Easy Vinegarette, Pears and Blue Cheese
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
DESSERT
Chunks of Dark Chocolate
Fresh Berries
Menu #2 Dinner Party:
APPS
Hummus drizzled with olive oil, sea salt & sundried tomato garnish, served with crudite/chips
Assorted Cheese Plate with entertaining crackers, sliced prosciutto, olives, sundried tomatoes (and any other canned specialties you purchased...mini sweet gherkins are a hit)
MAIN
Gerry's Meatballs (adapted from Cuisine at Home) served with rigatoni
Breaded Chicken Cutlets with herb crust and red pepper sauce (I love serving two types of protein...adds interest and balance)
Sauteed Spinach with garlic and evoo
DESSERT
Homemade whipped cream served over fresh berries (add lemon zest if you want)!
Menu #3 Cocktails and Apps!
SAVORY
Spinach Dip served with crackers or chips and crudite
Figs stuffed with blue cheese, served with or wrapped in prosciutto (put them in the oven for 10 min so they're warm)!
Grilled Shrimp with spicy cocktail sauce (you can do this in the oven if you live in NYC and don't have a BBQ)!
Mini beef and turkey sliders
SWEET
Pound Cake drizzled with honey and fresh raspberries
Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies (make them mini...everything miniature is stylish)!
Entertaining Tips:
* Keep your cool and enjoy yourself -- prep most items BEFORE guests arrive so you're not having a panic attack in the kitchen. A calm host = a great party
* Keep an eye on your guests drinks and refresh them when needed. Food nearly always tastes good when you're enjoying it with cocktails. If you accidentally burned the dinner, make sure to serve a champagne toast before digging in! Hint, hint:)
* Styling Your Home -- this deserves a dedicated blog so stay tuned, but the basics are have a clean, comfortable home. Flowers and candles easily create an inviting mood and they're cheap. Another great anytime look: use a beautiful tray or cake platter and fill with a bunch of green apples or yellow lemons. Great fall looks: bowls of nuts in the shell, bowls of cranberries. West Elm has great entertaining items.
* Look the part! Before your guests arrive freshen up and find something fun and flirty to wear. As my good friend Amy Salinger would say, "Shop your closet!" Ladies: try finding a simple cotton mini dress, that you thought you had to retire for the winter, and pair it with dark opaque tights and stylish boots. My fav fall addition would be a chunky sweater (but no need to wear this inside). I'm also digging chandelier earrings and bringing back the french manicure (dark colors are fun, but everyone's doing it, so be different). Men: you guys are easy...keep it simple. Pair a solid t-shirt or polo with a dark pair of jeans and sweater (if you'll be outside). Great ways to add style to this simple outfit would be a large men's watch, patterned socks or stylish sneakers, rather than dress shoes (not really a fan of men's dress shoes). I also love my brother's loafers and cardigans. But that's Bri for you!
PS: How many times did I mention "drizzled?" Such a funny word!
PPS: Ladies if you're cooking in a hot kitchen, wear your hair back in a chic bun or pony. Unless you want frizzy hair and are working the Big Bird look.
xoxo
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