:: steph chows ::: Luxury Dinner Party

Luxury Dinner Party

We've made it to round 3 of project food blog!! Thank you everyone for voting us on through! Now it's onto a luxury dinner party, would you like to join us? Voting opens Monday and you can vote here(click on the red heart to vote! you need to sign up with Foodbuzz to vote). Or by clicking the vote button in the top of the left hand column.

Here are a few steps on how to throw an amazing dinner party without any crazy stress.

Step 1: Figure out who you are inviting. This will determine the tone of the party. If you are inviting your friends who will only eat pizza and wings... don't make sushi. Even if you want to make sushi, make sure everyone is happy and comfortable, picky eaters and all!

We invited the in-laws over, they aren't picky eaters by any means so we had plenty of options.

Step 2: Now that you know who's coming, plan your menu. Write it all out by course and make a grocery list. Keep your meal plan handy, that way you wont forget to put something out only to remember once everyone has left. (not like that's ever happened to me before or anything...)

Butternut squash and leek soup is easy to prepare and freeze. (recipe to come) Keep a few containers in your freezer and you have an easy first course always on hand.

I decided to go with a fall flavors theme, pumpkins, squash, apples. Check out our menu.

Greens with honey crisp apple slices, walnuts, apple cider white wine reduction, and balsamic honey dressing

Step 3: Ask for help if you need it. Have a friend who lives next to the best bakery in town? Ask them to stop and pick up a loaf of bread on the way. A sister who makes the best chocolate cake? Ask her! It really is OK to ask for help! In my book it's preferred. When I'm asked somewhere and they refuse to let me bring anything I always feel bummed out (and end up showing up with something anyway).

Pumpkin gnocchi sounds crazy complicated but it's really easy to make. The best part is they freeze perfectly. Make them the day or week ahead of time, then all you have to do the day of is boil water and toss them in.

Step 4: Sit back and have a good time! Don't try to clean up the dishes while everyone is still there. They can wait until later. Enjoy your friends and relax!