Entertaining Inspiration + A Book Recommendation
I have been busy this week planning the details for a baby shower I am hosting for one of my best friends next weekend. I love planning a party. Especially that moment when I can finally see it all come together in my mind. Sometimes it takes longer than others, but then all of a sudden I'll have some sort of epiphany and I can visualize it all ~ the table setting, the food, the games and crafts if it's a child's party ~ I will start to sketch out the table and scribble down ideas right down to what servingware I will use for each recipe. I always start with the menu {unless it's a bday party for my children, then I usually start with the theme}. Thinking about what makes sense for the season, the number of guests and the time of day. I also like to try make different things from one party to the other. More for me than anyone else because that keeps it fun for the cook. This time it will be a lunch for about 20 girls in January, so things like tea sandwiches didn't feel right - too springy and things like soups or chili sounded messy and not very showerish. I also need to keep in mind the guest of honor, who in this case has a serious sweet tooth and a rather unadventurous palette. Here's the menu I've planned.
Katie's Baby Shower Menu
Baby Greens with Roasted Asparagus + Lemon Vinaigrette
Tomato + Basil Tart
Arugula + Bacon Quiche
Potato + Leek Gratin
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Petits Fours
Chocolate Layer Cake
Sparkling Raspberry Cocktails
I will share all the recipes after the shower, since I'm likely to change my mind a time or two before it is here. The good news is that EVERYTHING can be made ahead. And everything, except the gratin, is just as good at room temp as it is fresh from the oven.
When it comes to parties I go to Ina for food inspiration {I swear I'm not getting gratuities mentioning her name again!} and Martha for table set up and food presentation ideas. The images in this post are from her newest entertaining book. {click here to find it on amazon} Is is a heavy, gorgeous, sit by the fire with a cup of tea and get lost in it sort of book. It was a Christmas gift from Jimmy and by far my favorite Martha book in my collection.
I hope you are all bundled up and settling in for a cozy weekend. I had one more post planned for this week that will have to wait. Charlie has boycotted all his naps this week so I was robbed of precious blogging time. Wishing you a happy weekend! xo
