For several years, I have wanted to host a Valentines dinner party at my house and finally got some interest this year. I kept it to a cozy and manageable group of eight, but it still kept me busy all day. It went really well and here are a few pictures. The floral centerpiece was from my favorite local shop, Lakeline Florist.
Michelle and Jim were one of the three couples who attended. She's my son's pediatric dentist. They brought us four bottles of Martinelli's sparkling cider...look out! Things might get a little crazy.
Shane and Jenn were also among the guests. They brought me a cheerful bouquet of flowers, something I can always be grateful for.
Buddy and Tom also joined the dinner party. Thank you for the very pretty note pad with the black tone on tone cover.
Lindsey invited her friend, Jenn, to spend the night and help cook and serve for us. They were a huge help and did an awesome job waiting on us so carefully and thoughtfully. Here's Lindsey preparing for the first course, spreading microgreens on the plates as a bed for the Pan-seared Scallops with Saffron Sauce, which were simply heavenly, cooked perfectly.
Here's Jenn, following instructions to a T, not flipping the scallops until the 3 minute mark had passed.
This was my favorite course and since it was in the beginning, I photographed it well. I must have been enjoying myself because the last course was the only other plated food picture I captured.
The next course was Tomato Basil Soup, followed by a salad course with Mixed Field Greens and Stilton, Blackberries, and Citrus Vinaigrette. Like I said, I only got pictures of the appetizer.
And the final service was a very delightful cup of Dutch Hot Cocoa.
One more round of photos before we had a long talk-fest, which was pleasant and relaxing.
Buddy and Tom, our fit for life models. Rumor has it, she'll be running a marathon next week. No wonder she looks so incredible.
The doctors, whom we've gotten together with over the years somewhat regularly. Kelly and Jim, engineers, always hit it off well. Michelle and I have always had an easy time liking each other's company too.
Jenn and Shane have lived here in Austin the shortest length of time and we are looking forward to getting better acquainted with them. The husband have already started making plans for that to happen soon.
And last but not least, I can't stand pictures of myself, but I told them I'd post some if they were okay. They're just that too. Who knows, in ten years, I might look back and say, "Wow, I was a babe back then." So here it is for posterity and my own good to look at in 2019 on Valentines Eve. Below, here's a shot of the women.
Now the men that we all love so much and who make our lives so full of romance and bliss.
And one more shot of my gorgeous flowers.
Here's the complete menu:
Michelle and Jim were one of the three couples who attended. She's my son's pediatric dentist. They brought us four bottles of Martinelli's sparkling cider...look out! Things might get a little crazy.
Shane and Jenn were also among the guests. They brought me a cheerful bouquet of flowers, something I can always be grateful for.
Buddy and Tom also joined the dinner party. Thank you for the very pretty note pad with the black tone on tone cover.
Lindsey invited her friend, Jenn, to spend the night and help cook and serve for us. They were a huge help and did an awesome job waiting on us so carefully and thoughtfully. Here's Lindsey preparing for the first course, spreading microgreens on the plates as a bed for the Pan-seared Scallops with Saffron Sauce, which were simply heavenly, cooked perfectly.
Here's Jenn, following instructions to a T, not flipping the scallops until the 3 minute mark had passed.
This was my favorite course and since it was in the beginning, I photographed it well. I must have been enjoying myself because the last course was the only other plated food picture I captured.
The next course was Tomato Basil Soup, followed by a salad course with Mixed Field Greens and Stilton, Blackberries, and Citrus Vinaigrette. Like I said, I only got pictures of the appetizer.
And the final service was a very delightful cup of Dutch Hot Cocoa.
One more round of photos before we had a long talk-fest, which was pleasant and relaxing.
Buddy and Tom, our fit for life models. Rumor has it, she'll be running a marathon next week. No wonder she looks so incredible.
The doctors, whom we've gotten together with over the years somewhat regularly. Kelly and Jim, engineers, always hit it off well. Michelle and I have always had an easy time liking each other's company too.
Jenn and Shane have lived here in Austin the shortest length of time and we are looking forward to getting better acquainted with them. The husband have already started making plans for that to happen soon.
And last but not least, I can't stand pictures of myself, but I told them I'd post some if they were okay. They're just that too. Who knows, in ten years, I might look back and say, "Wow, I was a babe back then." So here it is for posterity and my own good to look at in 2019 on Valentines Eve. Below, here's a shot of the women.
Now the men that we all love so much and who make our lives so full of romance and bliss.
And one more shot of my gorgeous flowers.
Here's the complete menu:- Pan-Seared Scallops with Saffron Sauce
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Mixed Field Greens with Stilton, Blackberries and Citrus Vinaigrette
- Shitake Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
- Potatoes Horseradish Gratin with Caramelized Onions
- Profiterole Puffs with Chocolate Glaze
- Dutch Hot Cocoa
I am going to bed now after an exhausting day. So worth it though!
Comments
Just kidding Kelly! You're an amazing hostess!
I love the plates and all the decor. So very classy and festive. Way to go big sis. Can I come to the next one? please?