Dining on the Deck

I love entertaining on my deck. It is a luxury to have outdoor space in the city and I try to take full advantage of mine! This photo was a very simple and casual Sunday supper from a few weeks ago. Not my fanciest of tables, as it was put together in about seven minutes.

The place mats are from HP DESIGNS and ideal for dining outdoors! They would also make a great gift. Here are a few styles I love.

The ones I have pictured above

A few other fun styles - but be sure to check out their website to see the full collection!

Perfect Weeknight Supper

While flipping through the current issue of Bon Appetit I came across this deliciously simple recipe for PAPPAERDELLE WITH ARUGULA AND PROSCIUTTO. I have now put it on my "must try" list for a simple weeknight supper or a spring dinner party. Paired with a salad and a chilled sauvignon blanc - yum!

Photo: Bon Appetit

Outstanding in the Field

 

I love warmer weather and the chance to entertain outside. It is no surprise then that I am dying to attend one of this year's OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD dinners. Since 1999 they have set their long table at farms, gardens, on mountain tops, on islands, in cities and at ranches across the US. Wherever the location, the consistent theme of each dinner is to honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table. Ingredients for the meal are almost all local and generally prepared by a celebrated chef of the region. After a tour of the site, everyone settles in: farmers, producers, culinary artisans, and diners sharing the long table. They are touring the country and seats sell out fast, so check the website for dates in your area.

 

 

 

Photos: Outstanding in the Field, Designtripper, Gastripper, Moormintues

 

 

Spring Dinner Party

Greetings my lovely readers! My apologies for the radio silence and thank you for your nice notes. No, I have not been on vacation, just slammed with my day job and not able to devote as much time and creative energy to the blog.

Last week I hosted a small fete for some of my favorite friends I wanted to share a few of the details with you. The flowers are roses, lilies, hydrangeas and snap dragons. One tip for you: I use the florist at Whole Foods and they do a beautiful job for 1/2 the cost of a high-end florist. I asked for a fresh and modern centerpiece to match my custom tablecloth from DWELL. 

The place cards are from ALEXA PULIZTER  Fun, right?

For the main course I dusted off an old classic - Chicken Marbella from the Silver Palate. RECIPE

Photos: Kate Todd, Susabelle Boutique, Simply Recipes