Our First Family Party | Pre-Father's Day Dinner, Ribs, Creamy Cilantro Corn, Tomatoes, Wilted Lettuce & Cheesy Bread

Are you ready for this?  An actual entertaining post - with recipes, from a real party at our home.  It has been ages since I've done a post like this, unfortunately, which is odd since this is what this blog is all about ; ) 

Mike's parents will be out of town next weekend so we hosted his family for a pre-Father's Day dinner last night.  It was our first time hosting dinner for a big group and gave us the chance to really see how the new kitchen entertaining space functioned.  

Here's a little mini tour of the kitchen.  I didn't style anything for the photos - just set up, ready for a family party.  I'm making an effort going forward to focus on less styled photos and more real life posts.  This slice-of-life style feels better for me these days and more natural for me to share.  I hope you feel the same about reading them.   All of these photos were taken before everyone arrived, except for a couple of the dads at the end.  Taking photos of food when the guests are here always feels a little strange to me.  It makes me feel like I'm at work instead of a party, so I really try to avoid it.  Sorry for no complete photos of all of the food ready to go, but hopefully you'll get the idea.

I like to set up a serve yourself drink station in a central location.  Here I have a pitcher of ice water waiting for glasses (that were in the dishwasher...), and some white wine.  I set out the small tumblers  (these Fleur de Lys Tumblers in my store) that I use everyday to be used for either the water or wine.  Beer for the guys was in the fridge since this was casual family party.   For a bigger gathering, I would have put out a big bowl of beers on ice.

I laid out all of the food along the baking counter, which worked perfectly as buffet.  

Since everyone naturally gathers around the island before dinner, I really like having an out of the way area to set out the platters ahead of time.

As you can see left to right :  I set out plates, a Blue Enamelware Platter for Ribs, Cheesy Bread on a baking sheet ready to go in the oven (and then on a Wooden Bread Board for serving after oven), big salad ready for dressing, then skillet with creamy cilantro corn.  I put all of this out before everyone arrived to make it easy on myself.  I used an assortment of Natural and Blue and Navy linens under each platter to protect the counter.  

Here is Emma helping me mix and spread/taste the cheese mixture for the bread.

Here's the first glimpse of our hearth room - we're waiting on rugs for this room.  Everything is so neutral right now, I'm getting anxious to add color with rug, throws and pillows.  Hopefully I'll be able to make some decisions by end of summer ready for Fall.  

The dining area set up and ready.  Again, still waiting on water glasses that were in the dishwasher : )

This rug will be replaced with a sisal rug in a couple of weeks.  I ordered one from Ballard, but it was backordered and should ship next week.  I'm anxious to get this heavy wool one out. 

Centerpiece is simple - three tumblers with Annabelle hydrangeas from our garden.  I'm obsessed with how large they have already grown in their first year.  We should have blooms all summer.

I mixed and matched various linen and unbleached blue napkins and I mixed our new Ivory Flatware with my old Pewter Flatware.   Emma set the table : )

Father's Day Menu :

BBQ Ribs

Cheesy Bread

Wilted Lettuce with Warm Bacon Dressing

Creamy Cilantro Sweet Corn
*recipe coming tomorrow!

Sliced Tomatoes

S'mores
*here is my link to oven s'mores if you don't have a fire pit!

I'll share the creamy cilantro corn recipe tomorrow - really good and really simple!  I made it early in the day and reheated on the stove just before dinner.  It could also reheat in the oven to make it even easier.

I figured a salad with bacon would be a good salad for dads, right?

Mike's favorite - cheese bread made the old fashioned way with Mayo, Cheddar, Butter and Garlic Salt.  I've never shared the recipe, but I assume everyone knows this one, right?  If not, let me know and I'll share.

I slow braised the ribs in the oven all day (followed this recipe) and then we slathered sauce on them and finished them on the grill for just a couple of minutes.

They looked great on the Blue Enamelware tray.

Very tender!

And here's Papi with his girls!

Happy Father's Day : )

Our First Week in the New House + Summer Shrimp Pasta Recipe

I don't know how it happened, but we've officially been living in our new home for almost three weeks now.  The last two months have been a flurry of activity and plain old stress.  After our first night here almost settled in my body and brain came down from a tightly wound last 8 months (year?) and relaxed, almost in an exhaustive breakdown.  Ok, so maybe not that dramatically, but almost involuntarily had to take a real break.   I've slept in way too late, read several chicklit books (which I've never done before) and allowed myself a recess from the world and just enjoyed easy living in our new house.

Now renewed a bit, I'm back at work and back thinking about the next steps with the house.  Of course, somewhere in my consciousness is a list a mile long of things we "need" (furniture, rugs, artwork...), but I'm doing my best to ignore the part of my brain that wants to do everything immediately.  There were so many decisions that had to be made over the last year that I'd really like to take my time with the decorating.  I want to hunt and gather and enjoy the process rather than just order everything at once.  

In the meantime, I will be working on organizing what we do have.  You don't want to know what   my pantry looks like right now... or the basement.  Tomorrow the organizing begins.  For now, I think I'll fix another cup of tea and think about what we're having for dinner.  There is something to be said for this (new to me) relaxing life : )

.....

This photo was from the first morning after we moved in - Emma and I breaking the marble in with scones.  This was one of those moments that I had thought about (maybe even planned the entire kitchen around?) while we were designing the house.  Wide open doors and windows in the morning while we made breakfast.

 

The light in here is amazing.  In the past I've always had to diffuse the light through our windows with a sheet, but the overhand from our back porch provides perfect shad for our kitchen windows.  Whew.

Cranberry Orange is our typical go-to, but in my haste at the store I forgot cranberries.  So, we made orange scones - completely delicious.   Still not remembering cranberries later in the week, we made blueberry orange scones over the weekend.  Maybe a new favorite for summer.

This nook in the counter was supposed to be for a counter stool, but turns out it has been the perfect spot for emma to keep her chair so she can stand and help me bake.

Our first dinner - lemon and rosemary marinated chicken.  You can still see boxes in this photo : )

This is what dinner looks like for us most of the summer - grilled chicken and vegetables with a side of heirloom tomatoes and burrata.

Our other staple is pasta with lots of fresh ingredients.  To keep it lighter in the summer, I try to add a lot of vegetables to the pasta and use a really light sauce.

Summer Shrimp Pasta
serves 4

1 pound of rigatoni
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
3 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup of white wine
2 tablespoons of butter
1 pint of cherry tomatoes (I like red and yellow)
fresh basil
parmesan cheese

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until almost done.  Remove from water and strain.

Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, cook shrimp in olive oil for 2 minutes on each side, then add garlic.  Cook for 30 seconds more, then add white wine.  Cook for 2 minutes, then add heavy cream and butter.  Reduce heat for and cook for 2 more minutes.  Add pasta, tomatoes and basil and toss with sauce.  Top with parmesan for serving.

More photos later this week of my organizing/unpacking progress and some yard updates, too.  Hope everyone is taking some time to enjoy these first weeks of summer.  There is always something a little magical in the air this time of year - embrace it and take a break : )

Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp Skewers | Grilled Summer Appetizer

These Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp Skewers were a Summer staple for me as a caterer- always one of the first things to go.  After I had served these a couple of times I had to raise the price of these on my menus because I was having to prepare so many of them to keep up with the demand of the guests... I never wanted to run out of anything.  

As I've mentioned before, I'm a stickler for making sure that everything on my menus goes well with each other... I find that these are much better to serve at a party than traditional shrimp cocktail because the flavors of the herbs and lemon go much better with a drink and other menu items than a strongly flavored ketchup based cocktail sauce.  They are perfect party food- flavorful, elegant, easy to prepare in advance and easy to eat.

This recipe was inspired by a Barefoot Contessa recipe - she served them as a main course with pesto pasta... also one of my favorite ways to enjoy them. 

You can find the skewers, here, that make these look great and perfect for a party.

Lemon Basil 
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
4 appetizer portions
1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
2 lemons, juiced
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 teaspoons of sea salt
1 teaspoon of cracked pepper
bamboo skewers

In a bowl, combine garlic, basil, parsley, dijon, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.  Combine well with a fork.  Add shrimp and toss.  If time allows, let the shrimp marinate for 1 hour or over night.



Soak wooden skewers in water for 1 hour.  Skewer shrimp onto the sticks.  Grill for 1 minute on each side until pink.  Serve warm, at room temperature, or refrigerate and serve cold.  If the weather isn't cooperating for the grill, they can also be prepared in the oven- just roast them at 450 degrees for 5-7 minutes. 

For the complete menu and all of the recipes from my Ladies Night Patio Party, click here!

Stop by Everyday Occasions, The Store for more of my favorite entertaining essentials that make entertaining easy.  

Summer Vegetable, Sweet Corn & Chicken Chowder

Last week during Emma's summer break we were treated with storms here - almost everyday.  Typically a big bowl of soup doesn't sound fabulous during the first week of summer, but when the rain was coming down in buckets, this fresh sweet corn chowder packed with vegetables was a comforting dinner. 

The soup was inspired by a lunch date Emma and I had at Classic Cup (as in... she fell asleep in the stroller while we were shopping, so I actually got to sit an enjoy lunch!).  They called theirs a Green Chile Chicken Chowder and served it with tortilla chips.  I combined that soup with one of my favorite Barefoot recipes for Lobster Corn Chowder, that uses corn cobs to sweeten and thicken the soup... and added lots of vegetables.  So really, it is nothing like either soup... but the result was very good, and rather healthy.

I'm so glad to finally have peonies gracing my table!  I found these at the Brookside Farmer's Market on Saturday - not my favorite varieties or colors, but any peony will do!

Summer Vegetable
Sweet Corn Chowder


2 Chicken Breasts (skin-on/bone-in)
olive oil
salt & pepper
....
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 carrots, peeled, small dice
2 celery ribs, peeled, small dice
1 small white onion, small dice
1 sm can chopped green onion
1 sm can of diced tomatoes
4 cups of chicken broth
4 cups of water
4 ears of sweet corn
Sea Salt
.....
1 small zucchini
1 small yellow squash
cilantro

On a baking sheet, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 350 until cooked through.  Remove from oven and let cool.  When cool, remove meat and shred into bite-size pieces.





In a large stock pot, saute onions, carrots and celery in olive oil until soft.  Add green chiles, tomatoes, chicken broth and water.  Season with 1 tablespoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.  Bring to a simmer.



Cut corn kernels off of cobs and add cobs and half of corn kernels.  Reserve the other half of the kernels to add just before serving.  Continue simmering the soup uncovered for 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.  (I later added a 4th cob per the recipe, after I took this photo!)



Before serving, add shredded chicken, zucchini, squash and reserved corn.  Simmer until vegetables are tender. 

Taste for seasoning and add salt as needed.  Garnish with cilantro for serving.

Summer Entertaining Collection | Enamelware, Nautical Cookie Cutters, Easy Linens, Classic Essentials, Cake Plate...

It is my complete pleasure to be back at work this morning.  And by "at work" I mean sitting at the very same counter you see above.  I've been so anxious to get this Summer Entertaining Collection up, but wanted to wait until I could photograph them in our new kitchen.  

For the last 8 months, I've been staging my photos in a corner of our, gulp, bedroom.  I really don't like staging.  It feels ungenuine.  I want what I do here to be real and for the first time in a long while, I was able to shoot photos of my products in a real setting.  In a real kitchen.  Our real kitchen.  I didn't have to alter the light (no sheets hanging from the windows) and I didn't have to create a make believe place.  Just got my camera out and shot in my kitchen.  It was amazing.  

The Summer Entertaining Collection

This collection is all about classic and easy.  It is everything I want at my finger tips this Summer so we can enjoy our new home.  Along with new discoveries, I've included favorites from last summer - back by popular demand.  Yes, Enamelware and Whale, Lobster & Sailboat Cutters are back.  Enjoy browsing and I hope you find something that inspires you to entertain and enjoy your Summer.  Tomorrow I'll be back with some photos of our first week in the house - unstaged and real... along a new recipe (I know...!) that's quickly becoming a favorite. 

Browse the entire Summer Entertaining Collection, here.

Theiffry Linens

Theiffry Linens are produced from in France - a family run business since 1837.  They produce high quality, classic linens.  I love the natural flax linen with the white stripes down the bottom - so classic.  I've been searching for this look everywhere and I'm so pleased to have finally found them.

Theiffry Linen Napkins
Theiffry Linen Tea Towels 


Seagrass Carafe

Each season I look for a new favorite vessel to hold flowers.  As I'm always a fan of natural materials, this Seagrass Carafe instantly made me think of summer.  Instead of a cold ceramic or only glass pitcher, the softness of the seagrass seems easy.  Summer.  Bunches of hydrangea, dahlias... or sangria.  

Seagrass Carafe, $18.50




Classic Napkin Holder

You all know that I love linen napkin, but I am also very normal I assure you.  I love using paper cocktail napkins with drinks and appetizers, especially when as lovely as this.  The pewter finish holder comes with the simple round weight which makes it great for outside entertaining - to keep those beautiful napkins from fluttering away.  A set of the lovely blue and white paper cocktail napkins is included with the holder set, as well.  I'm completely obsessed with the napkins themselves and will need to get ahold of a large supply in future.

All of the Classic Mariposa items are packaged in a lovely blue box.

Classic Napkin Holder, $48

Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware

Brought back by popular demand, a favorite from last summer's collection - Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware.  

Nothing says summer entertaining like enamelware - especially, in this perfect Robin's Egg (better known as Seaside around here) Blue color.  It is the perfect lightweight service-ware for using outdoors or on picnics.  Every time I use these, I love them even more. 

Browse Enamelware Collection >

Nautical Copper Cookie Cutter Collection

Each season I feature a collection of copper cookie cutters.  Last year these nautical themed wales, sailboats & lobsters took off like crazy.  They might be my very favorite, too.  They are so much fun to decorate - and very simple!  They look especially festive with these Anchor Tags & Cards.




Lobster, Whale & Sailboat Cookie Cutters >

Unbleached Blue Linens

Summer.  Easy.  I can't say it enough. They are synonymous.  This collection of Unbleached Blue Linens is everything I love about summer entertaining - casual, easy and classic.  They will look great on our dining room table for Tuesday dinners, or outside on the picnic table for our annual seafood boil.  They are inexpensive and beautiful.  Summer.

Napkins, Set of 4

Tea Towels, Set of 3

Tablecloth, 70" Square

Unbleached Blue Linens >

Seafood Set

I'm not particularly into having specialized utensils.  I make an exception for Seafood.  Every summer we host a Seafood Boil - it is a special occasion for us.  A tradition.  I love that every year I get out the same seafood crackers to set the table.  As I do, I think about the fun memories and how our group of friends keeps growing and evolving.

Seafood utensil set >

Pewter Finish Cake Plate

Cake plates have always been a favorite item for me to collect.  I have a lot.  Glass, ceramic and pewter.  I love that this cake stand is low, not too ostentatious.  It could host cheeses and berries, or a homemade chocolate cake.  I love pieces that are diverse and beautiful when used in every way.

Pewter Finish Cake Plate >

Maple & Pewter Cheese Board

I'm so glad to actually have my hands on the Classic Collection of platters and trays.  This Maple Cheese board is going to get a workout this summer.  It doubles as a shallow bowl when the board is removed - you know I love dual purpose essentials.

Ivory Laguiole Flatware

I've been in the market for new flatware recently.  Something casual, but elegant.  Something a little more than simple - and something different than what I see everywhere.  When I stumbled upon this collection of Ivory Laguiole I loved it.  It is classic, French, casual and special.  It is a bit expensive, so I have purchased one set of 4 place settings for now and will happily mix and match it with my current pewter, silver-plate and stainless collections.  I love how the ivory looks with my white everyday dishes.

We used it last night for the first time with our Steak Frites and I have to tell you that Mike went crazy for the knife - very sharp.  It cut our steaks like butter.  He was thoroughly impressed.  Such a guy.

Creamware Batter Bowl

Lazy Saturday morning pancakes (with real maple syrup!) were one of the things we dreamed about while planning our new home.  A big kitchen with a cozy hearth area to enjoy lazy mornings.  This creamware batter bowl will be taking center stage while we mix up waffles and pancakes.  Sometimes it is just the little traditions that provide so much comfort in our lives.





Thank you for sharing your time to browse this collection of favorites for Summer.  I hope you found inspiration and enthusiasm for entertaining your friends and family this Summer.  See the entire collection, here >