Number 32. Hold a dinner party every 3 months!

When Rund and I first got together we had regular dinner parties with friends and now all we do is have friends/family for lunch or tea which is still lovely but we have cast aside what we used to do!
This hasn't been intentional, I think as we've had a family and time is spent in different ways this is just something we haven't had the time to keep up, but as the kids are now older it would be nice to get back to more 'civilised' dinner parties!
The only thing I'm worried about is my cooking skills!!
The first dinner party is set for Saturday 2nd March....can't wait! xx

Saturday 2nd March. Dinner Party with Helen & Alv, John & Cat, & Caroline & Rich, really lovely evening spent with good friends. I enjoyed the preparation although I was exhausted on Sunday, but was worth it and felt a real sense of achievement as its been a long time since I cooked a 3 course dinner, all new recipes!
The menu was mostly all home made:
Arrival: Absinthe, champagne, and nibbles.
Starter: Leek, potato and bacon soup with crusty bread.
Main: Beef wellington with red wine and shallot sauce, Duchess potatoes, carrots with rosemary, brocolli, sugar snap peas and green beans.
Dessert: Warm chocolate torte with fresh raspberries and double cream.
Cheese and biscuits.
Coffee and mints.

Now to plan the next one!!

Saturday 13th April. Dinner party with Tony & Sabrina, fab night really enjoyed it! Again most of the menu was homemade but I tried to make it a little easier on myself so that I could spend time chatting and enjoying the company not just spend most of my evening in the kitchen...and it went according to plan!
Menu:
Arrival: Absinthe, pink champagne & nibbles.
Starter: Brussels pâté, farmhouse pâté, crusty bread, feta, soaked peppers, prosciutto.
Main: Venison with Cumberland sauce, green beans with bacon and mushrooms, potato, carrot & parsnip gratin with horseradish.
Dessert: Chocolate torte with fresh raspberries and Cornish thick jersey double cream.
Cheese and biscuits.
Coffee & chocolates.

This is becoming more frequent than every 3 months, quite simply because I've rekindled my enjoyment of entertaining!

Saturday 11th May. Dinner party with Tony & Nicki and Rob & Sarah. Such a lovely evening and took inspiration from previous evenings to make things as easy as possible on the night so that I can be with everyone and enjoy it too!

Menu:

Arrival: Absinthe, champagne & nibbles.

Starter: Brussels pâté, farmhouse pâté, crusty bread, feta, mini stuffed red peppers, prosciutto.

Main: Beef Wellington, green beans with bacon and mushrooms, potato, carrot & parsnip gratin with horseradish. Red wine sauce or Mushroom sauce.

Dessert: Chocolate torte with fresh raspberries and Cornish thick jersey double cream.
Cheese and biscuits.
Coffee & chocolates.

My Beef Wellington!

Saturday 22nd June 2013.

Dinner party with Isabel & Nick & Debbie & Martin, a long over due get together and was a great evening. Played a little game of consequences and thoroughly enjoyed the company. Stuck to tried & tested menu as I'd had a busy week which definitely makes life easier! Also enjoyed sharing the Boozy Infusions over dessert!! 

Menu:

Arrival: Absinthe, prosecco & nibbles.

Starter: Brussels pâté, farmhouse pâté, crusty bread, feta, mini stuffed red peppers, prosciutto, tomatoes. 

Main: Beef Wellington, green beans with bacon and mushrooms, potato, carrot & parsnip gratin with horseradish, red & green cabbage. Red wine sauce. 

Dessert: Chocolate torte with fresh raspberries, double cream, raspberry sauce & chocolate sauce.

Boozy infusion tipple served over ice! Choice of Cherry Bakewell Tart, Jamaica Ginger Cake & Sticky Toffee Pudding. 
Cheese and biscuits.
Coffee & chocolates.