Last evening, I experienced the delight of hosting a small cocktail party in my home...nothing formal 'Twas an intimate gathering amongst the coolest friends and their significant others. At the end of the night, I was euphoric: from the spread, the libations and laughing (last night reminded me that it IS the best medicine).
As I developed my menu this week, I issued a self-imposed challenge: pull this thing off for $100 or less. In true TBS fashion, I met the mark. I left the market having spent only $94. If I could do that move where you jump up and click your heels together, I'd have been all over it.
Here's the menu:
*Crudite platter with homemade Caesar dressing
*Creole stuffed mushrooms
*Spicy shrimp skewers
*Deviled eggs with prosciutto and chives
*Two versions of individual macaroni and cheese: three cheese (ricotta, parmesan riggiano and cheddar) and lobster and bleu cheese.
*Cold shrimp salad with artichokes, capers and lemons (brought by one of my guests)
*Pinwheels (a veggie blend baked in phyllo dough and brought by a guest)
*Cheesecake (deliverd by a guest)
*Chocolate walnut brownie bites
*Louis Latour Pinot Noir
*Stella Artois (for the guys, of course...ok-and me)
I was thrilled that I was able to stay under budget. Dare I say that I was even proud of myself? Hey, I'm trying to do better!
Will any amongst us host any parties at home this holiday season?
I'm doing a small gathering next weekend. My guests are bringing a dish. Ihaven't decided what I'm providing. Something to compliment everything of course!
ReplyDelete@Babs..Sounds like a blast! Try bonapetit.com for great recipes!I was looking for a complementary side and used their recipe for the individual mac and cheese offerings.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great menu. I'll bookmark this!
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo! Food!!! This looks so yummy-tasty-good!
ReplyDeleteI am loving your menu! I am having a gathering at my home next weekend. I totally want to do individual mac and cheeses - sounds so divine!
ReplyDelete@Miss Ali D - I will be posting the mac and cheese recipe within the next couple of days.
ReplyDeleteDude...do we have the same table and chairs? Storehouse?
ReplyDeleteI wish I had time to host a little gathering for the holidays but we've just been swamped over here. 2010 look out because we have tons of events lined up.
ReplyDeleteOk, WOW! you did a stellar job of putting together a fab menu and staying within budget.
ReplyDeletei'm hosting a cookie party this year (mostly for the kiddies) but adults are invited as well of course and so i'm going to have a few "grownup" munchies and libations to serve too. i do want to keep it simple though - since that's my mantra for the season - so i'm in search of low-maintenance crowd pleasers!
PS
YAY Mama TBS! I'm so glad to hear that she is on the mend.