planning a dinner party.

For at least a year now, I've been saying things like "we should buy these lucite napkin rings... For when we have a dinner party," and "these would be great for when we have people over, babe.". And yet, nine times out of ten, it's me, Kristen, and the cat on a Saturday night.

"We're going to do this shit.  We're going to have a dinner party," I decided last week.  

So, I started off with the menu:

• Homemade garlic herb bread with butter

• Farmer's market salad: fresh arugula, dandelion greens, spring mix greens with sautéed mushrooms, avocados, goat cheese, center cut bacon.  Salad dressing made with onions, garlic, sautéed mushrooms, cilantro, parsley, basil, and thyme, lemon juice, orange juice, garlic olive oil, hint of balsamic vinegar.  Roasted almonds on top.  Fresh ground salt and pepper.  (veg/vegan option available)

• Gnocchi with homemade cream sauce: gnocchi al dente.  Sauce made with sautéed onions, basil, garlic, pine nuts, italian canned tomatoes, fresh roma tomatoes, and olive oil puréed.  Mixed with heavy cream and Gorgonzola cheese.  Parmigiano Regiano shavings, fresh ground pepper, toasted pinenuts, rustic diced heirloom tomatoes on top, and basil garnish on top.

• Dessert from Little Door Next Door and Sweet Lady Jane.  "Oreo cookies" and lemon bars.

Now for the plates.  These are the ones I have & have ordered:

  

       

I already set the date a month ahead of time and informed 10 of our closest friends.  If you want a great turnout, plan ahead!