Monday, February 18, 2008

Dinner Party

I LOVE entertaining. But, with two little tornados running around, we haven't done very much of it recently. Sadly, I miss it. I miss the creative element of the menu selection and the table design. I miss the fun we have when we have a cozy dinner party with dear friends.

So... last Saturday we hosted a casual dinner party for some of our closest friends who we don't see nearly enough. The menu was simple and intended to warm our wintery spirits: gourmet chili (a unique version with dill and lemon), homemade cornbread, sausage stuffed french loaves, and salad. The chili was delish - so much that a friend took home a doggy bag. I hope he's not too embarrased if he reads this!

Helping my sister register at Crate and Barrel for her wedding inspired me to set a smashing table. I adore the versatility of white dishes. With the help of new linens from Crate and Barrel and placemats from World Market, I was pleased with the result. The contrast of the brown placemats, salad bowls, and dark chairs against the white dinnerware and the mist tablecloth and napkins give me a feeling of balance and peace. If only I had a little more balance and peace in real life.





Oh yeah, here's what I don't like about entertaining. Ironing! It took forever to iron the tablecloth. And each napkin came out of the dryer like a shriveld up raisin. I spent at least an hour ironing. Next time, they go to the cleaners to be pressed.

6 comments:

Hayley said...

How fun Julie!! And yes with little tornadoes...I forgot what a quiet dinner and a table set like that looks like too...LOL :) Looks Gorgeous!!

Ali said...

Beautiful table setting Julie and I love the way you photographed it.

Julie Monacella Photography said...

Thanks Hayley and Ali! This table is usually buried in photography orders and packaging, so I had to excavate before I could even set the table. It's nice to have it back. But, I'm sure it'll be buried again soon.

Picture Perfect said...

You know, my napkins come right off the roll wrinkle free - lol. Beautiful table Julie. Sounds like a wonderful evening.

Laura Lynne Photography said...

Beautiful plate setting Julie! These look like photos from a mag! Martha Stewart who? She aint' got nothing on you! :)

Julie Monacella Photography said...

Oh Candy, you crack me up! Thanks Laura! You know, I'd love to have all you dear friends to dinner. And I don't iron for just anyone. ;)