Earth Party: A Twilight Dinner Al Fresco
Dinner parties are a great way to reconnect with friends and family and hosting it outside in the late summer months gets rid of any space restraints you may have in your home. Having an outdoor dinner party gives the hosts more space to accommodate all of their guests.The DecorThe rustic wood table can be set with natural colored linens and neutral plates and napkins. Guests can sit on long benches or a variety of different chairs you have in your home. Because the party will be held at dusk, your light can come from candles and lanterns hung from the trees. Late summer evenings can sometimes be cool, so a fire pit and extra blankets would be a special touch for your guests.
From top left: Patio Umbrella, Ladderback Chair, Acacia Tray, Fire pit, Emma Dinnerware, Alpaca Throw, Capri CandleCandle, Numbered Buds Pillow, Lantern
The PlaylistLaid back and casual music is a must at this outdoor dinner party. Think of tunes that will be fun to listen to and have that nostalgic feel. Look back at your old CD collections and pull some old Counting Crows and Dave Matthew's band songs, mixed with some music by The Fray and Kings of Leon.
The OutfitBecause earths crave comfort, I would choose a casual yet chic outfit for this party - a cozy tunic, comfortable boots in a rich brown color, some earthy statement jewelry, and an oversized bag.
The MenuThe menu can be simple and delicious. As appetizers, guests can snack on pita chips and crudites with garlic white bean dip. For the main course, I would serve:
- Beef and Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce
- Black Bean Couscous
- Seasonal Green Salad
- Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Free Form Apple Tart with Caramel Ice Cream
The Signature DrinkThis cocktail called Autumn's Cup is an all-organic recipe from Paul Abercrombie's book Organic, Shaken and Stirred and is an amazing blend of apples, bay leaves and herbal liqueur.
Autumn's Cup1 ½ ounces Calvados¾ ounces Benedictine liqueur5 thin organic apple wedges, unpealed2 organic bay leaves3 whole organic clovesSplash of club sodaPinch of freshly graded organic nutmegCombine the first 5 ingredients in a tall ice cube filled glass and stir to combine. Top off with club soda and a light grating of nutmeg.
