Holiday Entertaining Refresher Course

I don’t know about you but I’m a tad rusty on entertaining these days. I know I keep repeating myself about this point but it’s true. I went from hosting parties every month to hosting 4 times in past 3 years! To say that my skills are dull is an understatement. As you may have read from the last two posts, we recently hosted two small gatherings for friends and family, and I was actually nervous. For the larger one (just 8 people including us) I had serving platters spread out across the dining table, staring at them in a frozen state, unable to make a decision on what to use. Seriously, how pathetic. But as with any skill, practice is the key to keeping it sharp, and for regaining it.

So as we approach the thick of the holiday season, I felt like I needed a refresher course, and thought it might be helpful for you, too.

There are some key notes to keep in mind, so you don’t lose yours.

  1. Keep it manageable. Don’t try to take on too much. (I should take my own advice.) Make simple but appetizing platters.

A platter of dry cured meat with some cucumber slices makes a festive appetizer.

2. Prep as much as you can ahead of time. Whether it be cutting, chopping and placing in containers until needed, or cooking ahead time. Look at your whole menu and devise a strategy that spreads the work out.

Pre-cook whatever you can then just reheat.

Arrange your food items on the trays or pots and have them at the ready.

Chop, slice and place in containers or bags, then labeled for easy assembly.

3. Know when you need help, AND then ask for it. (Whether from your family/friends or if you need to hire an extra set of hands.)

Have everyone chip in helping to get the meal to the table.

4. Avoid trying new and untested recipes. It only adds to the stress. (Again, advice I rarely take myself)

Simple potato mash. Nothing complicated but still delicious.

5. When making the guest list think about the mingle factor. We may not have seen some of our friends and family for awhile but that doesn’t mean we need to jam them all in for one occasion. Maybe think about spreading your hosting events out. For instance, one year when we hosted Thanksgiving and were at capacity, we hosted a Friday after Thanksgiving dinner with a separate group. Smaller more manageable groups are easier.

Big dinner

Smaller group

6. Set the table days in advance. I have found this removes so much of the last minute stress. You could be finishing up in the kitchen when guests arrive but you don’t have to worry that the table isn’t set when they walk through the door. (Side Bonus: I love walking past a beautifully set today several days beforehand. It inspires me and plain ole brings a smile to my face.)

Set a pretty table. By doing this way ahead of time you can include all the details without being under time pressure.

7. Set up a Drink Station so your guests can easily help themselves. One less thing.

Keep it simple. You don’t need to provide a full bar.

Have enough glasses out so everyone can help themselves without having to ask where are the glasses!

8. Decor. This is a tough one for me because I love florals and making a space look beautiful and inviting. Naturally there are much less fussy ways to decorate your table or home. I always try to do this portion way ahead of time. Do what is within your comfort zone.

Fall Theme Centerpiece - a tray of visual interest.

I love creating big floral arrangements. I just can’t help myself.

9. Menu planning/Budget Planning/List making: All important elements to keep you sane.

And in case that short list wasn’t enough, below are links to some previous posts that you might find helpful.

Thanksgiving Reminders, Appetizers & More

Thanksgiving Table Settings - Casual to Elegant

Napkin Folding - A Few Festive Ideas

Napkin Folding - Five Basic Folds - Countless Options

5 Appetizers That Impress & Relieve Stress

I hope these tidbits help refresh your entertaining memory. I wish you all a thoughtful, grateful Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter, health and happiness.

If you are wondering about our plans, since we have been busy with a new business venture this year we aren’t hosting, but instead hoping for invites. If you need to fill in two chairs, we are available and taking requests. I promise I’ll bring something yummy.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Summer Lunch - All Day Eating with Friends

JuanCarlos and I are super fortunate in many ways. And when it comes to the friend category, we absolutely score. We have the most amazing friends, all over the country. One such lovely group lives in Princeton, NJ and are always willing to make the long drive to visit us. Given the time they invest in traveling, JuanCarlos and I make sure that we prepare an all day affair filled with delectable bites. The food ranges from easy and simple mixed with some other items that require a tad more prep. But the fun part is that we keep it casual and flowing, bringing out items as they are ready. It allows us to mingle, chat, and relax without any formal schedule yet with plenty of food from which to choose. It’s like a grazing event.

Louisa & Rocco sampling the appetizers.

I actually love this type of entertaining because it affords me the opportunity to prepare a variety of different plates. Sometimes I get overly enthused, and just want to offer up the world… on a platter. It feeds my need to experiment plus have a group of food lovers to test out my ideas. I will admit that often times I have to reign myself in for parties. I get so excited, wanting to make more dishes than are humanely possible to consume, unless an army shows up. That said, I do a good job of keeping to amounts that makes sense.

I know I’m always giving advice about making a plan, having a budget, being organized, etc. All of which are necessary. Having a list, knowing what to buy, prep and what to make when, plus staying within your financial limits all are essential. I keep to the first rules diligently. List making, organizing, prepping; that’s my jam. Which is why I included a printable complete shop/prep/menu list at the end of the blog if you choose to replicate this menu. However, one thing I will admit openly; we rarely, if ever, follow a budget. JuanCarlos and I are both of the same mindset. If we are hosting, we will make whatever we deem is appropriate for the occasion and not be concerned about the cost. I don’t recommend this approach for everyone. Having a budget in mind helps to keep you on track and from over buying.

Ok, enough chit chat. This post is going to be chock full of food, so the least said the better. Although, I believe I’ve past that point already. Onward!

Table Setting

I’ve said it a thousand times, as my many posts dedicated to table settings will prove, and I will continue to say it. DO NOT skimp on your outdoor table. Plain and simple: Make it inviting.

Note: If you want me to stop saying it, send me some photo examples of your tables and I will dispense with the repetitive table setting suggestion.

I chose a bold green and black tablecloth that is similar to the one I recently featured Green & Black: A Graphic Table Setting.

I laid a neutral table runner with a bold, black graphic design across the wooden table that was used as a buffet. . I felt that the dramatic outline paired well with that of the tablecloth. I then kept everything else extremely simple.

I bought this khaki colored table runner from IKEA. It was the stark, graphic print that attracted me.

Big white plates, white napkins with a simple rectangle fold placed on the plate lengthwise with the utensils atop. Flowers were from Trader Joe’s. Nothing expensive or extravagant put a fresh pop of color that complemented the tablecloth colors.

Simple but still feels special.

I love the contrast of magenta and lime green. In a pinch, you can’t beat Trader Joe’s for flowers.

Drinks
Have a variety of drinks, but don’t go overboard. I can tell you from experience, people aren’t expecting to have every drink option under the sun. We used to offer a full bar, but through the years have pared down considerably on our offerings.

First tip, know your crowd. If most of your guests enjoy beer over wine, buy accordingly. Our groups are typically wine drinkers. No surprise there. So we offer a variety of wines, sparkling and flat water plus I usually make home iced tea as a non alcoholic option.

Second tip, be gracious; pour and refill your guests glasses. Sure, you would hope they feel comfortable serving themselves, but not everyone will. And it certainly makes them feel special when you are an attentive host.

Keep ‘em refreshed!

Starter | Appetizers

Have a 2-3 different dishes.

You all know that I’m a huge fan of the ubiquitous cheese/charcuterie platter. Since this was a warm August day I wanted to keep the starters less fussy without tons of cheeses melting in the sun. Instead I skewed this a bit lighter with a more tamed grazing platter.

Grazing Platter

Mortadella, French Breakfast Radishes with herb salted butter, salchichon, marcona almonds and dates.

Instead of the big cheese/charcuterie platter, I opted for a more simplified version I dubbed The Grazing Platter.

Watermelon Salad

Watermelon Squares topped with feta, pickled red onions & mint drizzled with balsamic vinegar over a bed of arugula

Nothing more refreshing than watermelon. Up the ante and top it with tangy feta, sharp pickled onion and the fresh herbaceous hit of mint, a drizzle of balsamic adds sweetness. It’s a party in your mouth.

Stuffed Endive

Endive stuffed with whipped cream cheese & goat cheese two ways:
Strawberry | Grape tomato | Basil
Sautéed Peas | Shallots with Pea Shoots.
Click here for recipe

Endive are the perfect vehicle to deliver food into your mouth. I love stuffing them with tons of fillings. These offerings were perfect for a hot summer day.

Intermezzo

This is a small course that we like to serve in between the appetizers and the main meal. I know what you are saying… Food in between the food courses? Well, I did say it was an all day eating affair. For this occasion we served a surf and turf tasting of scallops and grilled meats.

Butter Seared Scallops with Peas/Shallots

These scallops were seared in a cast iron pan on the grill. I used some of the pea/shallot mixture leftover from the endive dish to accompany the scallop. It was a beautiful pairing, and a tasty bite.

Seared scallop with peas

If you can’t get fresh, use frozen peas.

Grilled Meat

No explanation necessary. Grill up some of your favorite meats and serve it family style on a wooden board.

My husband loves, loves, loves to grill. He also loves to have his friends around him while he grills. So offering up both the scallops and the meat right off the flames is right up his alley.

Pluma is the end of the pork loin from an Ibérico pig from Spain. It is moist and tender, and quite the special bite of grilled pork.

My happy grill master, JuanCarlos, chatting it up with Ivor.

Dinner

Salmon Burgers

with Buns & all the fixings (raw red onion slices, pickled red onions, heirloom tomato slices, basil & pea shoots. People can choose whatever floats their boat.

Click here for recipe.

Build a burger station.

Heirloom tomatoes in big slices, raw and pickled onions, fresh basil. Just that is a great salad!

My gluten & egg free salmon burgers. On this occasion, I encrusted them in cornmeal to give them an extra crunch.

Pea shoots and micro greens are more delicate for the salmon burgers. Plus I had leftover from the endive appetizer, so use what you have.

Our friend, Louisa, has celiac intolerance, and I am wheat intolerant. The gluten & egg free salmon burgers were ideal for us and the rest of our guests. While they enjoyed the burgers with a bun, we each choose a different way to stack our burger using a tomato slab; making it our own.

All the other guests enjoyed the bun.

Tomato on top…

Tomato on the bottom…

Spicy Slaw

I love serving this salad because it complements so many dishes. It pairs great with grilled meats or fish. It’s a natural with burgers. So it made sense to sit alongside my salmon burgers.

Click here for recipe.

Spicy Slaw, a crisp, refreshing and hearty salad.


Smashed Baby Potatoes with herb garlic oil

Nothing hard about this one. And the best part is that the majority of this can be made ahead. I use new potatoes, but you really can use any potato you like. Boil them up fork tender but not overdone. Drain well and let them cool slightly on a baking tray. Then using the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup press down on each potato smashing them flat but still keeping them together. You don’t want to fully smash or they will completely fall apart. If making ahead, refrigerator until you are ready to fry them up. To finish them, you can either bake them at 400 degrees in the oven with a drizzle of oil, salt and pepper. You can fry them in a cast iron pan on the stove or on the grill, as we did.

I love serving these with either my marinated feta or a simple herb garlic oil, much like a chimichurri sauce. Simply mince cilantro, parsley, basil, chives, crushed garlic, lemon zest, squeeze of lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. If you want to kick up the heat, add red pepper flakes. You can add whatever herbs you like or have. Make it your own.

Nothing better that the crispy skin of a potato with the soft interior. Slather with herb oil and you are in heaven!

Grilled Asparagus

If you have grill fired up, might as well throw on some asparagus. It’s a great summertime green BBQ vegetable.

Dessert was a variety of my ice cream sandwiches. More wine and after dinner drinks. We ate. We drank. We talked. We laughed and ate and drank some more. We love spending time with our Princeton pals, and feel so incredibly fortunate that they make the drive to our little haven in Westchester.

My chocolate chip cookie with vanilla chocolate chip ice cream. All homemade, of course.

Chocolate crisp cookie with vanilla chocolate chip ice cream.

Lemon spice cookie with strawberry basil ice cream.

Now this may feel like a ton of food for 6 people. But remember we paced ourselves and were nibbling all day. You don’t have to make all of these. Try a few. But if you do want to tackle this entire menu check out the printable Prep list document for the entire shop, prep, to do rundown.
I hope you have friends that you would enjoy spending all day with. If you do, make it special. It’s worth every minute!

 

Table Settings - A Multitude of Options

I am forever staring at my linen collection contemplating the different combinations I could piece together with what I have on hand. As with my cooking, repeat performances are rare. I love to mix it up. I also like to find unconventional items to use. For instance, I’ve cut the ribbon, strings or ropes from boutique shopping bags and used them as napkin ties. Or I’ve used one of my silk scarves as a table runner. I often find remnant pieces of material that can be overlays or runners. This practice of using what you have is a lesson in buying restraint and making due with what exists. You don’t always have to run to the store for new items in order to finish your table. So, putting that idea to use, if you like some the choices I show below, I encourage you to scour your brain and your home for interesting pieces that could emulate the style. This post is all about the mix and match, focusing on how swapping out a placemat, a plate, a napkin, or even changing how to fold a napkin can make a dramatic difference.

I pulled out a variety of dishes of all shapes and sizes along with cloths, runners and napkins so I could play around.

A napkin sampling: from gray to beige, burgundy and blues and deep green

Placemats: different colors and textures create a completely different mood

Silver and gold chargers, plates and bowls…mix and match

Various materials used for runners or even tablecloths. From the raw and rustic to the chic and elegant.

In order to not drive myself crazy, for demo purposes I only created a single place setting for each style. No need to create an entire tablescape in this instance. The goal is to show the various styles, then you can build around the place setting, repeat for the number of guests and finish the table as we usually do with candles and florals.

Here we go.

Black & Gold

Using a textured black placemat and a black napkin, here are 3 napkin styles for different occasions.

Black Napkin Rosette
Place a a strip of neutral colored material down the center of the table as a table runner. I used a silk remnant I bought at a garage sale. Then add the black placemat, gold charger and white plates. I happen to have a crystal cut glass trimmed in gold to use for water. Use what you have to enhance the theme. Then, swirl the black napkin around to create a rosette and place it inside a small bowl.

You can use my simple swirl method to create the rosette or the fold and roll method (see videos below).

Tied Black Napkin Drape
Using the same set up, but maybe adding a tad more bling by adding a gold rimmed dish, fold the napkin in half, grab it at the center of the fold, let it drape and tie it off with a decorative ribbon.

Black & Gold Candy Cane
Fold the napkin in half and roll it up, then using a ribbon or rope wrap the napkin roll in a candy cane fashion. I like placing it horizontally.

 

Whites & Grays

In the unconventional items category, this one features a velvet and silk scarf of black and deep red tones with small silver beads for sparkle. Start by laying the scarf down the center of the table as you would any runner.

Whites & Gray Rosette
Use a stack of pure white plates and bowl then tuck a gray linen napkin rosette into the small bowl. (See video below for napkin demo). The white plates sandwiched between the dark colors create a balanced contrast. Add clear, simple glassware.

Whites & Gray Flat Flower
Same set up, this time creating a large flat flower petal to place between the plates. (See video below for napkin demo)

Whites & Silver
Keeping the same white plates and the gray linen napkin rosette style, swap the black runner for a silver one with some sheen. Change the glassware to more elegant crystal and now this place setting has upped its ante.

Soothing Blues & Whites

With Spring sprouting up, and Easter a week away, this next set could easily be used for the upcoming festivities.

Classy Checkerboard
No runner necessary, just a rich blue placemat. Use a silver charger and white plates with a long rectangular napkin fold placed vertically to create contrasting visual lines. If you have glassware that can add to the blue notes, great. If not, opt for simple glassware.

Checkerboard Roll
Keeping the same set up, this time make a chubby little roll with the napkin and place at the top of the place setting.

Circles & Squares
Swap out the white salad plate for a deeper blue square plate, swirl the checkerboard napkin into the rosette to be featured in the center small bowl. If you don’t have a square blue plate, maybe you have a plate with florals that could compliment the blues. Think Springtime.

Pointed Blues & Gray
Swap out the white salad plate for a deeper blue square plate and mimic the angles with a long triangle folded gray linen napkin.

The Regal Velvets

Burgundy & Gold
Velvet makes anything more elegant. Deep hues like burgundy and hunter green continue that royal feel. A simple napkin roll adorned with a gold napkin ring, paired together with gold and crystal glassware all amp up the elegance factor.

Silver & Gold Grounded in Green
Swapping the gold charger for a silver one makes both the plate and the placemat pop. Replacing the burgundy placemat with a green one to match the napkin then using a ribbon that repeats the silver tone in candy cane wrap method completes the look. This silver and gold with green approach is elegant with a touch of contemporary.

Silver & Gold

This series is all about mixing silver and gold pieces together.

Sparkle & Drape
Silver shimmer runner with silver charger and gold plates. Gold glassware and a neutral beige napkin delicately draped to the side. I love this place setting. It’s elegant with sparkle and would make a lovely Easter table setting that is a tad off the usual trend.

Sparkle & Abstract
A simple switch of the same napkin creates a different mood. Lay the napkin in an abstract puddle on the center of the plate. (See video below on easy it is to create this effect.)

Elegant Daytime
Swapping out the silver runner for a white sheer fabric lightens the feel. Place the salad plate to the left and a gray linen napkin tucked in a large water goblet. Still elegant but more daytime feel.

Gray Triangle
Keeping the same set up as previous but folding the linen napkin in a large triangle then tucked between charger and dinner plate.

Gold Take Charge
Swap the silver charger for a gold one and create a rosette with a deep rich burgundy napkin.

Gold Take Hold
Using the gold charger and runner with golden hues, add a gray/silver napkin in a fluted fold under the salad plate

Freshen Up with Yellow
Brighten the whole setting up with a burst of yellow. A simple long rectangular fold is all that is needed to bring on the freshness. This is another lovely Easter setting.

The Floating Table
I have several pieces of remnant materials that I use either as a runner, a tablecloth or an overlay. For my birthday this year, JuanCarlos said he would make me a special dinner. And since it was a special birthday, I wanted to create a pretty table. I used my silver and gold theme to create an elegant table for two. But as I said, it was a special celebration, so he and my sister, Alyssa, surprised me with a dinner party that included some of my family. See how easy a table for two transformed into a table for 8. This is a perfect example of how to take an idea and expand it out.

And what would a celebration be if not for the food, glorious food. I snapped a few photos of the meal. All my favorites things, with some of my favorite people. And yes, I made my own gluten free carrot cake adorned with candied carrot shards.

I know this might have been a lot of options to digest, but really they were variations of a similar theme. The goal was to demonstrate how changing a charger or a napkin or even the placement of the items can alter the look and feel. I hope these gave you some ideas and jumping off point to decorate your next table-scape.

For more table setting and napkin ideas, don’t forget to review some older posts:

Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

Creamsicle Table scape

Easter Ideas - A Refresher Course

An African Flare Table Setting

 

Green & Black: A Graphic Table Setting

To say I was nervous about hosting a small dinner party during the pandemic would be an understatement. I know most people have ventured into this territory many moons ago, but JuanCarlos and I have been super cautious. And rightfully so, since we know plenty of people who have had COVID, some of whom we were attempting to meet with until luckily we found out their positive status prior to gathering. We’ve had a few of those close calls so you can understand our hesitation. Thankfully, everyone we know has recovered and is fine.

With our caution has come both a sense of safety and a deep sense of isolation. Therefore, it was time to step out of our shell, out of fear and into joy again. And so we did. And indeed joy we felt. I spent the day preparing food and thinking about a table setting. (Well, it only took me that long because I had to stop to photograph everything, not because I made a feast.) Even though our dinner party total would only amount to 4, I wanted to make it feel a bit elegant and momentous given it would be the first time I’ve set our dining room table in over 2 years!! It’s the dead of winter here in NY, and the temps have been frightful. I have plenty of tablecloths that evoke Spring and Summer, even Fall vibes. But oddly enough not as many for Winter. I wanted the setting to be appropriate for the temperature but not feel cold.

I settled on a very graphic green and black table cloth that set a strong tone. Next was figuring out all the other elements that would complement without becoming overwhelming. Believe it or not, I had a hard time deciding on what napkin to choose. And that is saying a lot since I have a fairly large collection of napkins.

Please, no judgement. I’ve collected these over the years. And pre-pandemic, we entertained ALOT.

The black napkins seemed like an obvious choice but quite frankly there was plenty of black in the main cloth. Plus they wouldn’t have added anything to the party in the way of color dimension. White was clearly too stark and didn’t blend at all. Orange, as you can see, was way too shocking and garish, and would have been too many strong colors competing. Sometimes choosing a napkin is instantaneous, but this time around it took some thinking.

The orange and white ones felt too harsh of a contrast to me. The black might have worked but just felt Blah.

I landed on a multicolored stripe cotton napkin that softened the tablecloth’s intensity and added a whimsy of muted colors. Even though these napkins tend towards a springtime feel, their tonality was the ideal softening agent. To bridge that creamy base color in the napkins I decided to include a soft beige placemat.

Like Goldilocks and the Bears. This choice felt “just right”.

Since this was not going to be a formal dinner party, but an easy Saturday night with my sister, Alyssa and brother in law, Peter, no charger plates were needed. But a little bling was essential. Choosing white plates with a gold rim would help with that. Now that gold was introduced, adding the votive candle holders that I hand painted would finish off that golden touch.

Yes, those are OUI yogurt jars that I saved and hand painted with gold. I have a ton in silver too. I like how the design works with the movement of the tablecloth. Happy coincidence.

Votives provide a lovely low light glow, but I also like height. Which brings me to the candle sticks. Simple cut glass would add the height I wanted and also some sparkle without pulling attention away from everything else going on. Ugh, but now what color candle stick??? I must be out of entertaining practice because these decisions usual come to me in a flash. However, I do think showing this process helps to serve as a great demonstration of how a simple choice can change a look. And that there are no wrong decisions here. Just preferences. I had several choices; greyish silver, maroony purple, yellowy gold, or green. I chose the yellow gold, but any one of them would have worked just as well.

I might have immediately chosen the green since it was a perfect match, but for some reason I only had one.

Ok,
Tablecloth, check
Napkins, check
Napkin rings, check
Plates, check
Glassware, check
Candles, check
Let’s set a table…

When using placemats, sometimes I like turning them in other direction so they don’t cover as much of the tablecloth.

Gather all your elements. Once you see them all together the picture becomes clearer.

First layer down. I started with all the place settings in the center of the table, but right before our guests arrived I rearranged the seating.

To add some additional height, I went vertical with the napkin. Using a simple napkin ring and pulling the center of the fabric through to create an octopus-like vibe. It’s super simple but makes a visual impact.

This is a simple napkin style. For more options, check out my post entitled: Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

I wasn’t serving any fish or seafood, but I did think the napkin resembled an octopus. It created the height I wanted and was playful.

I love how the whole table came together. It’s elegant but not fussy.

Finish with silver and glass ware, some florals and my first in-house pandemic table setting was in the books.

Some random thoughts:

I absolutely love the movement of this tablecloth. The big, graphic swirls are so eye catching. When you take in the whole print from above, with the flowers perfectly centered, the roots of the tree really come alive.

I also adore the details of this print. Every time I see the figures on this cloth I can’t help but to think of the famous Robin William’s line in The Bird Cage: “Who sets a table and doesn’t look at the bowls?” For those who know and love this movie, no explanation is needed. For those who don’t, I implore you to watch this very funny movie.

I hope this has inspired you to take a chance on setting a table with a super bold, very graphic, intensely strong tablecloth print. With the right complementary elements It can be fun and is sure to make a statement that will impress. The first thing my sister said was, “Wow!” Unlike me, who is clearly very wordy, she is a woman of few words, but in this case, only one was needed.

And in case you were wondering what we served… Here are a few images, and the menu.

Cheese Board

(Hot Peppers, Olives, Mini Bread Sticks, Majorero Pimentón Cheese, Mary’s Gone Crackers, Murcia al Vino Cheese, Dana’s Nuts: Spiced & Candied, Goat Cheese with dried herbs, Jammin’ Onion Jam, Manchego Añejo, Apple Paste)

Tomato Tartlet

Tomato/Avocado/Hearts of Palm Salad

Cauliflower, Sweet Potato & Chick Pea Curry with Basmati Rice

Roasted Spiced Carrots & Onions

Oven Roasted Chicken

Apologizes, I didn’t take photos of the last two items to share.

 

New Year's Eve - A Private Party

This was way back when pressing our heads together was a natural, safe thing to do.

Ok, Christmas down. Onto New Year’s Eve. And just as with these past few holidays this year, some adjustments might be required. Smaller gatherings, more intimate, less in your face screaming, yelling, raucous partying to ring in the New Year. Who am I kidding? I have never done that. New Year’s Eve or any other eve, raucous partying just isn’t my scene. Which is why two years ago before the shit hit the fan, we invited our dear friends, Tecla and Scott, to enjoy a quiet, food filled festivity to usher in the New Year. Happily they agreed, and we had the most fabulous time. They stayed the night and then we continued to fill our bellies with brunch the next day. This is how I love spending time. Intimate, one on one, quiet gatherings so that the conversation can be meaningful and intended, and not having to jump from guest to guest. Who knew that New Year’s Eve 2019 would be practice for the small gathering existence we have been living for the past two years.

 

This year, as with last, JuanCarlos and I will spend it alone by the fire, together counting our blessings, feeling grateful for how safe we are able to remain in our home, working at careers we both love that afford us comfort, security, health and joy. And we can reminisce of celebrations past, and dream of the next New Year Eve’s that we can spend with our friends and family.

If you are able to gather safely with loved ones this year and need some entertaining ideas, here’s a jog down memory lane of what we served that evening. The time when we thought 2020 would be a year of clear vision. Well, it certainly did open our eyes, just maybe not realizing what we would see.

On to the offerings. Tecla and Scott are such joys to be with. Salt of the earth types that are just darn good people. They appreciate good food and wine, and good conversation and laughs. It’s always such a treat spending quality time with them. Clearly, you can see that Tecla is the life of the partying. She wore a boa!

Me, Tecla and JuanCarlos. Scott was taking the picture. Photo Credit: Scott

We decided to start the party in the kitchen, which we never used to do since our kitchen had some serious circulation issues. But months before we completed a small refresh in the kitchen that helped the flow and allowed us the ability to sit around the center island/table. So, we began with a few starters there.

Removing the island that was originally attached to the wall and centering it completely modified the kitchen’s functionality. Now we can host in the kitchen. So we did. Just for appetizers. Photo Credit: Tecla

  • Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes

  • Crabmeat Cocktail (Lump Crabmeat with diced red pepper, avocado, cilantro and lemon juice)

  • Carrot Ginger Soup

Crabmeat cocktail. You can swap out the crabmeat for shrimp.
Photo Credit: Tecla

JuanCarlos engaging in some sort of deep discussion.
Photo Credit: Tecla

 

Simplicity of ingredients. When you use the freshest, best quality, that’s all you need. Photo Credit: Tecla

Carrot, Ginger, Coconut Milk Soup is so soothing and a perfect way to start a meal. Photo Credit: Tecla

Then we had dinner in the formal dining room. Personally I am a fan of a separate dining room, and not of the open concept craze. I could explain in depth why I feel so strongly on this topic, but better to save that for another time. Back to business.

I was pleased with the winter wonderland feeling of the ivory tablecloth peppered with cranberry colored velvet place mats and hunter green napkins corralled by gold tasseled napkin rings for a touch of elegance. Small floral arrangements of the same color scheme balanced out the table with candle lights everywhere for a warm glow. Plus the magnificent flowers that Tecla and Scott brought was a perfect addition.

I had made small floral arrangements but Tecla and Scott brought this amazing floral bouquet to adorn the table. It was stunning and perfectly complimented my table setting color scheme. Photo Credit: Tecla

Dinner consisted of:

  • Pappardelle with Osso Buco

  • Sauteéd Shrimp

  • Roasted Beets

  • Marinated Feta

  • Butter Lettuce Salad with Parsley Leaves & Sliced Pears

Osso Buco is rich and decadent. Sauteéd shrimp with lots of garlic and herbs are always so satisfying, and easy to make. Photo Credit: Tecla

Seriously, is there anything better than a steaming bowl of pasta? NOTHING Photo Credit: Tecla

Let’s eat. Photo Credit: Tecla

Then we had dessert and after dinner drinks by the fire in the living room. I love moving around and utilizing as much of our home as possible to entertain. I think it keeps the evening interesting and you can create separate environments for each stage.

Our large Indonesian coffee table has been the ideal landing spot for appetizers, dinner or desserts.

Dessert was simple and easy. I made a variety of flavors of homemade ice creams, homemade Christmas cookies, our Italian family tradition, Struffoli. What is really interesting is that Tecla was born and raised in Florence Italy. One year I sent her struffoli for the holidays thinking that she would enjoy an old Italian tradition. Much to my surprise these were not part of her holiday tradition. My grandmother was from Salerno, in the south, near Naples. Food and traditions are quite different from region to region. Yet, somehow it doesn’t matter north, south, east or west, tradition or not, once you try struffoli they will become part of your new tradition.

Stuffoli: fried dough balls soaked in honey. What’s not to love?

Not fancy, just scooping out homemade ice creams.
Photo Credit: Tecla

Traditional Christmas Cookies

The next morning, I utilized much of the previous night’s table setting to serve brunch. I had pre-made most of the items a day or two before, so it was mostly a matter of placing everything out for us to enjoy.

When you are hosting a brunch for overnight guests, it’s important to think the menu through so you aren’t overloading yourself with having to prepare too much. Buying some items that require nothing more than placing them on a plate or bowl mixed with homemade items that can be prepared well in advance is the stress free way to go. A Tortilla Española is perfect method to serve up eggs and potatoes without being a short order cook. A Leek & Onion Goat Cheese Tart provides another warm, rich dish that compliments everything else. Both these can easily be made a few days ahead. I am always making my Crunchin’ Coconut & Seed Granola for customers, so that was readily on hand.

Tecla enjoying a few morning treats and good dose of coffee. A bountiful table that had a wide assortment from which to choose.

 

Alright, maybe we did cheer a little bit. Photo Credit: Tecla

 

We had so much fun that night. When I look at these images now I am filled with two contrasting emotions. One of sadness at the thought of how clueless we were about the hell storm that was about to besiege us. Two, of great joy and pure gratitude for being able to spend such a wonderful time together. And for the sheer, carefree feeling we all felt that evening. I look to these photos and envision the day when that kind of untroubled, happy-go-lucky, merriment can enjoyed again.

Wishing you all health, health and health for that is the greatest wealth of all. And love.

 

The evening sealed with a kiss, and a promise of more to love to come.