This is part 2 of my summer tomato dinner party, where we will deep dive into the nitty gritty details of planning, styling, and a walk through of how to pull it all together.
Personally, I am the queen of procrastination. Planning, prepping and time management have never been my best attributes. But if there’s one thing i’ve learned about hosting, it’s that the more proactive and organized you are, the less mishaps you’ll have.
In case you missed part one, there are 7 new summer recipes that are perfect for dinner parties, summer get togethers, date nights or even a seasonal weeknight dinner, so I’ve attached the article down below!
to preface, I am no professional when it comes to an over the top theme. I like being extra but also like to keep things practical.
There’s just something about a printed menu, I live for the small personalized touches. AND they can be small little keepsakes for your guests to take home with them too!
I started with a template on canva, made some adjustments to make it more personalized, and then printed them on a textured cardstock. I’ll be making them for every dinner party moving forward because they were so fun to make.
Links:
Printing: The cardstock is home printer friendly. Just make sure your printer model prints photos/cardstock. My home printer
In terms of what was on the table for decor… I have a very small table, so I knew I needed to keep things as simple and cohesive as possible. For the centerpiece I went with tapered candles, tomato shaped candles and a few extra heirloom tomatoes from the farmers market. Very mindful, very demure.
For the rest of the tablescape, I used my favorite off-white table cloth, natural woven chargers, clean white plates, and textured eyelet napkins.
My final thought was less is more.
Links:
I value having staple pieces that I can mix and match because living in an apartment means my storage is very limited (not to mention, serveware can cost a fortune).
If you are in the beginning stages of your hosting journey, here are my thoughts. Get your staple pieces first, then buy the more specific pieces later. Butter dishes and gravy boats are great, but you’re going to need the basics first. Thrift stores are THE best place to find serveware.
In terms of drinkware, the same applies. Start with one universal wine glass set, or a set of white and red (depending your budget). Then expand from there.
Links:
Vintage Silver Coupes -these are fun for desserts or filling them up with snacking items (olives, nuts, etc).
Silver Serving Platters -inexpensive and dishwasher safe.
Universal Wine Glasses - these have been the glasses I reach for the most.
A few prep staples that I can’t live without:
Deli Containers: Perfect for prep and for guests to take home leftovers
Kitchen Tape: Labeling is key
Here’s a breakdown of the what equipment you’ll need to pull out for each recipe.
Burrata with Peaches, Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil Oil
Small Sheet Pan
Small Sauce Pan
Grill/Grill Pan or Skillet
Blender
Fine Mesh Strainer
Pan Con Tomate with Fennel and Mussels
Medium Skillet/high sided skillet with Lid
Box Grater/Coarse Grater
Microplane/Fine Grater
Mandoline (optional)
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Medium-Large Prep Bowl
Tomato Pesto Grilled Prawns
Food Processor
Medium-Large Sheet Pan
Grill/Grill Pan or Skillet
Squash Blossom and Lemon Spaghetti
Large Pot
Large Skillet
Microplane
Grilled Peach Cheesecake Ice Cream
Ice Cream Maker/Churner
Sauce Pan
Medium Prep Bowl
whisk
Cucumber Elderflower Spritz
Blender/Juicer
Sauce Pan
Fine Mesh Strainer
Sun-gold Peach Shrub
Medium Prep Bowl
Strainer
a step by step of how I set, prepped and tied everything together.
my goal is to have under 30 minutes of active cooking time while guests are there!
Shopping, prep, cleaning
Buy produce, dairy, cheese, herbs, wine and cocktail ingredients
Gather ingredients for Ice Cream, and Sungold-Peach Shrub.
Print out Menus
Wash table linens, glassware and serveware
Start Sungold-Peach Shrub
Make shrub.
Chill overnight.
Start Peach Cheesecake Ice Cream
Make Ice Cream Base
Make Grilled Peach Swirl
Chill Overnight
Cucumber Elderflower Spritz
Make elderflower cordial
Steep overnight
Shopping
Buy seafood, bread and anything else left on your list from the day before.
Keep mussels in the fridge in a bowl covered with damp paper towels(never submerged in water/ice). Make sure the
Make Ahead
Burrata Prep
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