End Of Season Dinner Party Idea

Wherever in the world you are - we are are all shortly heading into a new season - here in Australia we are headed toward Spring ..

This is an ideal time to get your friends together to celebrate the new season and a time to showcase fresh produce that is at its best right now..

Enjoy

Chef’s recipe: Chai Raspberry Chocolate Affogato

Try this for an easy dessert..

Chef’s recipe: Chai Raspberry Chocolate Affogato - The Globe and Mail

Blogged with the Flock Browser

How-To: Set the Table for a Dinner Party

"Kelley Moore, a Seattle-based lifestyle expert, recently launched her web series, So Much Moore, to help fulfill her mission of empowering and inspiring people. Each week, Moore sets out to help enhance the lives of individuals through design and entertainment, whether it’s throwing a lavish prom for a friend who never had one to helping a couple throw an urban rooftop party."

I liked reading Kelley's tips - like forget napkin rings and flower arrangements.. it's time to be a bit more creative..

And yes - plan ahead so you're not flustered and running around madly at the last minute.. When your guests arrive wouldn't it be great to be cool, calm and collect? Yes - it is possible.. check out more in the article below..

Gloss How-To: Set the Table for a Dinner Party | yumGLOSS :: Food. Recipes. Entertaining.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

The recipe for dinner party success

So what do the professional chefs cook at their own dinner parties then? Based on this article it's food from the heart..

"Whether you look to Nigella Lawson, Gordon Ramsay or Jamie Oliver for guidance, most home cooks find a certain reassurance in following a recipe. Not so for the professional chef, who relishes the chance to abandon the recipe book and cook without restraint."

So, how fabulous to build up the confidence to really cook to please the heart? 

The recipe for dinner party success - The National Newspaper

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Tequila-spiked fettuccine is a sensational dish for a dinner party s

Wow - sounds pretty amazing don't you think?

"Serve this sensational pasta dish and you’ll get a very positive reaction. It will soon be part of your entertaining repertoire."

Imagine the anticipation of your friends if the knew they were going to be eating a dish with this name - unique don't you think?

Tequila-spiked fettuccine is a sensational dish for a dinner party - Winnipeg Free Press

Blogged with the Flock Browser

A Wok Dinner Party Idea

"You've heard of fondue, raclette and panini parties, but what about a wok party?"

A new concept that this article suggests.. could be fun..where you're not just seated at the table but you're a little more mobile..

"Picture it: Your guests are gathered around your kitchen island, chardonnay glasses in hand, as you toss shredded beef and broccoli spears into a hissing stove-top wok. Long-handled chahn in hand, you mix the ingredients with a showman's skill, regaling them with tales from your weekly Cantonese cooking class or recent trip to Guangzhou."

What do you think?

For your next dinner party, wok on the wild side - The Globe and Mail

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Cheat's dinner party - Telegraph

OK - it's been a while since I've been able to post anything so what a good way to start with the favorite Telegraph column I share when I can.

Why do I love the Cheat's dinner party ideas? Because they always offer great contemporary recipe ideas which are affordable. recipes are included as is the one hour schedule to get your three courses prepared..

How does this menu sound to you?:

Starter Pea crostini

Main course Lamb with almond and Dijon crust and Jersey Royals

Pudding Wine-steeped apricots and raspberries

Cheat's dinner party - Telegraph

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Dinner Party: Foodie knitters share fine eats, fun and friendship

I enjoyed reading this article about a group of women who come together to enjoy dinner and to knit..

"For almost eight years now, I have been getting together with a group of women from my neighborhood for an evening of food and knitting on a near weekly basis. The original draw that brought us all together was a common interest in knitting, but the evening has evolved to be more about food and friendship where some nights the needles aren't even taken out of the bag."

Just as dinner parties have made a huge come back - so has knitting!!

My friends call themselves guerrilla knitters because they use their knitting to create art on the streets.. knitting is no longer just a conservative pastime..

So - another dinner party idea for you to consider?

Dinner Party: Foodie knitters share fine eats, fun and friendship | The Burlington Free Press | Burlington, Vermont

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Set the table for a wine-tasting party | - New Jersey Magazine | Living in New Jersey | Inside Jersey - NJ.com

What an interesting idea and if you know me after all these years then a unique idea truly catches me eye..

This article is a start to the idea.. they say:

"Building an evening around a wine tasting offers all kinds of advantages over a run-of-the mill social. Perhaps most important, it provides focus — something all of your guests can talk about from the moment they arrive. Think of it as a built-in icebreaker."

My additional suggestion is that should you be planning a three course dinner party then you could secretly share one course with each couple. Say There were three other couples there, you could ask them to see if they can match the meal with an affordable wine for the course they have been assigned..

They will not know a thing about the other courses but each could present their wine as a start to their course?

Their choice will even be a secret to you - their host/hostess..

Set the table for a wine-tasting party | - New Jersey Magazine | Living in New Jersey | Inside Jersey - NJ.com

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Planning a Spring Dinner Party That Gives Back - Tonic

As we approach Earth Hour it's probably a great time to think about organising a green dinner party..

Check out this article.. "Prepping an organic, locally sourced feast is a great way to get your dinner guests to enjoy a sustainable meal, but it’s also a green conversation starter, sparking lots of talk about food politics, green agricultural practices and even just the joy of food shopping at farmers market."

You can read about the sort of plates and glasses that are recommended, the wine and also the lighting.. And of course let's not forget the dessert!

It's worth a read and provides some inspiration.. we should all be doing our bit don't you think?

Planning a Spring Dinner Party That Gives Back - Tonic

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Cheat’s dinner party: Salmon with crispy potatoes - Telegraph

Regulars know this is my favorite newspaper column from around the world when it comes to dinner parties..

Affordable, stylish food with recipes and a time schedule to follow - you can't go wrong..

The menu today is:

Starter Spinach and White-Bean Soup with Anchovy Froth
Main course Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Rhubarb Compote
Pudding Walnut Whip

Not bad?

Cheat’s dinner party: Salmon with crispy potatoes - Telegraph

Blogged with the Flock Browser

World's largest dinner party held for Lantern Festival

Wow - a dinner party for 55,000.. a super banquet in fact!

What did it take you may ask?

"It took a whole year to prepare the large banquet and more than 1,000 local villagers served as temporary chefs and waiters for the event, which used a total of 5,000 tables."

The banquet was held in Bejing's Taishun on Sunday to celebrate Lantern Festival

World's largest dinner party held for Lantern Festival

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Let the party begin

Yay - an article from my hometown of Sydney..

No matter what others may say.. I feel the dinner party is back and I have said this several times in my blog here..

Joel Sharpe, a former chef  agrees - he says "back in the '70s there were a lot of dinner parties … then in the '80s and '90s people moved away from that into restaurants. They had money and wanted to spend it, so they would prefer to eat out. But in the past five years I've noticed that trend totally reversing. People are wanting to have those private things at home and have their friends around."

People can express through food and their whole dinner party experience they way they feel about they guests.. is there anything as great as a successful dinner party when you know everyone has had a sensational night?

I have been watching "My Kitchen Rules" where contestants host a dinner party in their home and try to provide the perfect experience. I've really enjoyed it.. If dinner parties weren't so popular shows like this would be as popular as they are..

Let the party begin

Blogged with the Flock Browser

A Stress Free Dinner Party?

Well, when I read this article it sure caught my eye.. I am not one to stress and that's why I think I enjoy dinner parties so much.

I love and agree with Lady Macdonald's quote - she says:

"You don't want to impress people, you want scrummy food that you can do in advance. Nothing kills the atmosphere more than an exhausted host."

Don't you agree?

Dinner party recipes from Claire Macdonald - Telegraph

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Food for Thought: Host a romantic dinner party this weekend

I love the thought of a Valentine's Day dinner party some time over the weekend that doesn't interfere with your own romantic celebrations.

A dinner as stated in this article that "features all the traditional flavors of love (and passion!)".

Share your love with your friends too..

Doesn't this sound great - "Your guests will swoon over the addition of passion fruit juice to the usual Cosmo recipe. The tropical fruit gives the drink just enough sweetness to complement the savory appetizers. The pink sugar rim adds a little sparkle."

There are some fabulous recipe ideas and the recipes are included..

I hope you have a happy Valentine's Day!!

Food for Thought: Host a romantic dinner party this weekend - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Homemade centerpieces add color to dinner table

I am all into setting the scene for your dinner party - the ambiance..

This includes the smooth music that is playing as your guests arrive, the delicious odors wafting through the air, the lighting, the table setting and more.. and yes - a fabulous centerpiece helps..

Check out this article for ideas..

"When planning a dinner party, you want the table to be just right. It needs to look inviting and be well appointed, but because accessories can be expensive, we need an idea that is both attractive and economical.How about a homemade yet professional-looking centerpiece?"

Homemade centerpieces add color to dinner table | The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Cheat’s dinner party recipes: cooking on a budget for six people - my favorite column

I like to share these with you..

How does this menu sound?

Starter Seared Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Lemon Dijon Dressing
Main course Oven-baked Chicory Risotto with Roasted Apple
Pudding Cardamom Yogurt Brulee

Cost, recipes and timing included..

Cheat’s dinner party recipes: cooking on a budget for six people - Telegraph

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Think You Throw A Good Dinner Party? Read On...

Australian dinner party hosts might find this article interesting..

It's about Come Dine With Me Australia which sees everyday Australians battling it out for the title of the ultimate dinner party host.

"The unscripted show follows amateur chefs competing against each other in hosting a dinner party for the other contestants. Each week over five nights, five total strangers take it in turns to cook up their idea of the perfect evening for the other four. Each believes they can cook up the perfect evening and hopes their unique style will clinch them the title of best host.

As well as cooking, there’s also a large helping of reality on the menu as the rival hosts snoop around each others’ houses and go to great lengths to win the competition. Granada is currently looking for people to take part in the new series. Log on to www.lifestylechannel.com.au to register interest."

Think You Throw A Good Dinner Party? Read On...

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Throw yourself a 'Golden' party

"While Golden Globe viewing parties aren't as prevalent as Oscar viewing parties, that doesn't mean you can't try."

And I have suggested the Oscars dinner party in the past but, hey - why not a Golden Globe dinner?

This article offers some fun ideas about how to create the atmosphere for the event - like each person come as one of the best actor or best actress nominees.

And rather than a three course meal - you could ask each guest to bring a plate of canapes to serve with cocktails or you could focus on a range of desserts..

Throw yourself a 'Golden' party | Washington Examiner

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Hosting the perfect party requires some knowhow

One is always learning don't you think?

For instance this is one of the tips from the article I've read recently. One of the tips in the article says:

"Place a drop of cologne on the light bulbs an hour or so before you turn on the lights."

I have never heard this one before and yes, I will give it a try. This is just one of many great tips to hos the perfect dinner party! Enjy

Hosting the perfect party requires some knowhow | hometownlife.com | the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Throw A Modern Potluck Dinner Party..

I though this article was great. I've recommended potluck dinners before where guests each bring a plate which helps with the expense factor.

They suggest to choose a theme just as I would and also to assign guests a course to bring. So you'll have each course covered.. Here are their tips which I think are very useful:

A few tips:

- Have each guest ‘introduce’ their dish: ask them to quickly tell everyone what they made and why it’s relevant to the theme (if it’s not obvious)

- Have each guest email you their recipe, so you can send out an email to the group the next day with all the recipes in case anyone would like them

- Have your own serving ware ready when guests arrive and ask them to transfer their dish to one of your platters. Then, they can immediately rinse out their dish and pack it up, so you’re not scrambling at the end of the night to clean and send off people with their platters or having to keep track of pieces left at your place.

- Check out PlumParty.com and OrientalTrading.com for affordable and fun decorations that go with your theme.

- Have some disposable take-away containers on hand so you can handout leftovers to anyone that wants them.