Tablescape...on a budget!

A few weeks ago, the family gathered at my home to have dinner. In the summer, we get together at least once a week, but around the Holidays, it always seems to be a bit more difficult. Getting together with family and friends is the best way to spend a weekend or weekday evening! Since we have lived in our house full-time for a little under a year, we are still working on collecting items to serve with, eat with, etc. I had to go out a purchase a few items (all within a strict budget) and here is the result...





The napkins were purchased from Pottery Barn (red, and on sale) and Target (white). I didn't have napkin rings, so I took some twine and tied it in a bow around the napkins. The table runner was from Pottery Barn (also on sale). And the votives were all purchased from Nell Hill's. The smaller gold and silver votives were $1 a piece and they are gorgeous! The bigger candleholder in the middle was about $4 and works great outside, too! (See below)


For an appetizer we served Baked Brie from Jenny Steffens. Very yummy, I needed to let mine cook for a little bit longer, but still quite tasty!!

For dinner, my sister made a fried goat cheese salad, and I made a beef tenderloin (courtesy of Jenny Steffens), and mashed potatoes.



We also had brownie ala mode for dessert, but no pictures of that (it was too tasty!).

Moral of the Story: Always keep your eyes open for sale items (especially after the Holidays!)

XOXO

Dog Days of Summer

So I realize that the "dog days of summer" are pretty much over; however, it just felt like a fitting title for this post. A few weeks ago my mom hosted a family get together where she made your classic summer fare kicked up a few notches: hot dogs.




This is an easy, fun and cheap option for entertaining. She picked up a variety of brats, hot dogs and knockwursts at here favorite meat counter, McGonigles Market.




The keys to making this meal special is great meat, buns and toppings. My mom made her own sauerkraut, relish and mustards. (sorry for the blurry picture) Sides for the meal inclue anything that makes you feel all summery inside: watermelon, pasta salad, green beans.



Happy last few days of summer to all!

Quick, Easy Dinner!

Tonight was the first chilly/rainy day of the season, so all I wanted to do was curl up and watch a movie, but we had to eat at some point. I thought back to a recipe I had seen on my Epicurious app on my iPhone. I couldn't find the exact recipe, so I recreated a similar dish. It is pretty simple, but very tasty.

Ingredients:
1 ciabatta loaf (my market carries the perfect size, you can find the size you need for the number of people you plan to serve)
1 6 oz. log of herbed goat cheese
1 chicken breast (sauteed and cut into pieces - this was not in the original recipe, but we wanted to add some more protein)
1 jar of roasted red peppers
1 handful of arugula
Balsamic Vinaigrette to drizzle

Layer the goat cheese, chicken and roasted bell pepper on the ciabatta. Place in the oven (350 degrees) for about 5-10 minutes, until warm. Add the arugula and vinaigrette, slice and serve. So easy and delicious!

I served the sandwich alongside some roasted asparagus! Yummy!


Tomorrow is Friday! Any plans for the weekend? I will be celebrating a fellow DinnerClub MD member's housewarming!

P.S. Sorry about the picture quality, not my best work!

Backyard Potluck Dinner

To me, nothing beats a night with good friends in a casual setting. On Thursday, a few of us decided last minute to get together for dinner at a friend's house. They have a beautiful home overlooking a pond, so why not eat out back? Last minute planning, combined with creative friends makes for a delicious dinner. Perfection.

Menu:

Salad with Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette

Garlic Baguette

Shrimp Salad

White Wine

Dressing for the Shrimp: It was delicious!! (Even when following a recipe, be aware of the amount of salt, it's always easier to add more)
Salad: Mixed greens with romaine. For the dressing we just used equal parts lemon juice and evoo, about a tablespoon of dijon mustard, 3 cloves of garlic(minced) and lemon zest. Easy and delicious!
Baguette with garlic: we just sliced the baguette, rubbed it with evoo and a head of garlic with the top cut-off. Yummy!


Perfect Setting.
Delicious Angel Food Cake Cupcakes for dessert!! So yummy and light. Perfect ending to a great meal!

P.S. We went to the The Farmhouse for breakfast this morning, followed by a walk through the Farmer's Market in downtown KC. Post coming soon.