Ladies Only Dinner Party
A dear friend had a milestone birthday, and I put together a dinner party for her on the patio. Key ingredients for this ladies-only soiree included a signature cocktail, cheese and fruit tray, games, music, al fresco dinner, toasts, and lots of laughter. Here are some of my tricks to make a visual, yet delicious celebration.
A simple cheese and fruit board includes sliced cheese for easy nibbling, and the rest of the block in case of emergencies. Tiny organic strawberries add a pop of color and are so sweet.
The table setting included two different china patterns, chargers and colored water goblets from Amazon, and assorted small arrangements featuring my climbing garden roses. I picked up the greenery and other flowers from Trader Joes, used antique cream pitchers and opaline vases, and put the arrangements together the night before. I found the topiary table accents at Hester and Cook and hand wrote the names. Strings of faux pearls add a feminine touch to the table.
My mother handed down sterling silver napkin rings to her four daughters - no two are alike.
My secret weapon for greenery is lemon leaves. I walk outside an snip what I need - the color is a vibrant, dark green.
Did someone mention dessert? The guest of honor loves chocolate, so we made Ina Garten’s Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes, which uses Hershey’s chocolate syrup. Simple piping with her initial gave them a personal touch. Red velvet cupcakes, also by Ina, were another offering with the icing in rose-inspired piping which was tinted pink - the lady of the evening’s favorite color.
