Summertime Dinner Party

Inspiration for a party can come from anywhere.  We recently hosted a dinner party focused around summer foods.  They are all so full of flavor and color, I really wanted to let the food be the focal point so I set the table with crystal candle sticks and wine glasses, white plates and pale yellow flowers and napkins with yellow, white and green stripes in order to let the bold colors of the dishes stand out.  

It can be easy and affordable to use flowers to decorate your table.  These flowers, alstroemeria, were under $5 for a bouquet which were enough to fill four bud vases.

You don't need to buy vases, either - check this out...It's a Smucker's caramel sauce jar.  It's free and you're recycling - that alone is a reason the throw a party! 

Our menu included: 
Hors D'ouverts: Antipasta Platter (See Inspiration Italia)
~ Great smattering of green and black olives paired with red sliced meats and golden and white cheeses


First Course: Watermelon & Feta Salad (See entry)
~ Nothing says summer like hot pink watermelon


Second Course: 
Black Bean and Corn Salad (See Pic -->)
French Green Beans (Haricoverts) 
Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Buttermilk Biscuits (a tribute to my southern roots!) 
~ Great balance of bright yellow corn and red and green peppers with golden brown fried chicken and bright blanched green beans!




Dessert:
Strawberries
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brownies
~ The bright berries were refreshing after hot from the oven baked goods!