What a fun dinner this was! It's the people, not the preparations that make the event. I found out that our neighbors across the street knew my good friend Shannon's husband. Shannon & Tom's son is a freshman in high school and Sandy is a Counselor at his very high school...so, we invited both couples over for what turned out to be a delightful evening.
These dishes were purchased at Pier 1 Imports over two years ago. They had never been used until now as there was always some other event that caused them to be edged out.
The contrast of bright lime green and lily purple pleased me very much. It had just the impact I was hoping for. Flowers were purchased at my local nursery in hopes that they would compliment the setting. Dollar Tree bowls were purchased for the pots. I was so happy they didn't clash with my tablecloth! Both Sandy and Shannon were able to take one home as a hostess gift.
The pattern is called "Lily". Yvonne, from my FAVORITE BLOG IN THE WORLD, StoneGable, used them on a table setting of title Mother's Day Luncheon, for a completely different look. Click here to see her beautiful setting. If you aren't following her blog, you are missing out on the most visually beautiful and creative treats!
A close up of the napkins shows a Ralph Lauren paisley print napkin enveloped within a deep purple napkin, then secured by a dragonfly napkin ring. I was fond of this arrangement to kick off spring.
Creamy Chicken Marsala will now be a favorite offering of mine! We all loved it. It was well worth the effort it took to make. It didn't take that long, it was just a complicated recipe for me to follow. I used six pounded chicken breasts with the same amount of ingredients and it was perfect. I served it with oven-roasted and olive oil, salt & pepper marinated asparagus spears and petite carrots. OMG! I would like to have it again tonight!! I know a recipe is great when my husband raves about it too. :-)
Shannon is amazed that I experiment with recipes on my guests. Accepting an invitation for a meal at my house means you are a willing volunteer! Most times everything turns out wonderful...to my delight and surprise!
The grand finale was Mac Charles House Chocolate Cake! There is no better chocolate cake recipe on the planet! The frosting is like fudge. This has long been a favorite of mine. I acquired the recipe from someone who had purchased it many years ago. It's top secret. My husband loves chocolate, so he was a happy guy.
Because I doubled the recipe for the frosting, I had enough to insert into decorative jars and give chocolate sauce as hostess gifts. Great warmed and poured over ice cream, or anything!
If you want a menu that is sure to delight, this is definitely one of them. If you have friends and neighbors like mine, it is guaranteed to be a successful dinner party.
Hope you have a delightful week!
Hugs, Debbie