I decided I want to start hosting some dinner parties at my home. I like to socialize, and it just doesn’t seem to happen enough that my hubby and I get together with other couples, but when we do, it is SO much fun! So I decided to take matters into my own hands, and invite some couples over, and hope to be able to have different groups over each month. I assigned out certain menu items, and gave recipes as needed. I wanted the meal to be spring-y.
I pulled out the dishes I got about 7 years ago for .99 cents a place setting. Yes, you read that right, .99 cents for 3 plates and a mug with daisies on it. Throw in a few serving bowls, and I got 12 place settings for under $20. At a store. New. I digress…At the time, my kitchen was royal blue and pale yellow and it was heaven sent to me. I was thrilled! Now, it’s not my scheme so much, but it worked for our springy meal.
It just so happened to be the night after my daughter’s Lalaloopsey party and just a few days before I left town for SNAP, so I didn’t put a ton of effort into the decor. I put my hubby to work at his least favorite spot before socializing: the grill. He just gets so warm, and doesn’t ever seem to cool off. But he does it because he knows I’m afraid I’ll burn my face off at the grill–maybe slightly afraid of that thing…
I’ve also come to the sad realization that I’m not much of a food photographer. It is a skill I’d like to better figure out. I can’t seem to make food look pretty! But I have put together a little collage of the food we ate:
To make it easy for everyone, I assigned out menu items. I made the chicken and dessert, which was easy because I marinated the chicken hours before, and the dessert had to be chilled, so I was fairly relaxed before the arrival of our guests. Oh yeah, a few hours before, one couple couldn’t come because of an illness, so I threw together a green salad.
Here is our Menu:
Glazed Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1-2 tsp. fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp. ginger powder
- 2 minced garlic cloves or 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 c chopped green onions
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Place chicken breasts in a gallon zip lock bag
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Combine all of the remaining ingredients in a bowl, stir to combine, and then pour over the chicken.
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Seal the bag and let the chicken marinade in the fridge for a minimum of on hour. Overnight is best.
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Grill chicken until cooked through.
My friend said this is a family recipe and oh. my. goodness. I loved it so much, I made it a week later. I didn’t even realize there was such a thing as “basil-sun dried tomato feta cheese”
Hearty Green Salad
Romaine lettuce; baby spinach; avocado; grape tomatoes; slivered almonds; sliced carrots; sliced cucumber
Rosemary Rolls oh so delicious. Made with rhodes rolls.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad I’ve loved this for forever. Just found this food blog who has the recipe typed up.
Creamy Lemon Bars found from Our Best Bites, this Lemony treat with a Nilla wafer crust was a BIG hit!
After we chowed down our meal, we moved to the couches and played some fun conversation games (the Logo Game and Buzz Word–my two faves) I like conversation games. I need more laughter with friends, and that is just the right amount of medicine. I often find that have a date with my hubby with other couples involved, I see a new side to my hubby and find out stories that I had never heard before. Strange how that happens, but it really makes me want to have more couples dates. It’s just fun and different, and this made it so enjoyable! So go plan a dinner party, and feel free to use this already mapped out menu!
