Dinner with Friends 101

our inspirations for a simple dinner with friends

because you should invite some friends over for dinner

WE ARE INSPIRED BY

Our monthly menus are inspired by the French way of life, generous hosts, and beautiful tables. We believe bringing people together around a dinner table creates fulfilling connections that last longer than an evening. Because life is meant to be enjoyed!

to set the mood

THE CONVERSATION

I love to set conversation cards and handwritten menus on the table. Putting a little care into curating the moment, but not overly directing really makes a gathering special.

THE PLAYLIST

Nothing sets the mood like the right music— let us help. Find tunes here.

on the menu

The Apèro Hour

It’s our favorite part — serving and experiencing — a long, drawn out dinner where conversation slowly builds. The apèro hour is an ice breaker, designed to help everyone settle into the evening. This could mean the chicken can still be roasting or the meat is resting — or maybe you just want that extra long cocktail hour.

Bonus tip! The apero hour can be used to buy a little time when hosting! Because there’s a spread out, your guests feel taken care of and dinner doesn’t need to be rushed to the table.

recipes for you

APERO HOUR: THROW A PINTXOS PARTY!

The invitation doesn’t always have to be dinner. “Come over for cocktails and snacks” is completely acceptable!

GET THE RECIPES

ENTREE: HERB CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB

A rack of lamb is a great way to show off your skills for a dinner party or even a date night at home. Serve it with a side of carrots in carrot butter.

GET THE RECIPE

to drink

DESSERT: STONE FRUIT CLAFOUTIS

Have your guests “ooh!” and “aah!” when you bring out a clafoutis. The best part? You can make the batter ahead of time and start baking it right before you sit down for the entree.

P.S. It can be made with stone fruit, berries, or apples. Also doubles as breakfast.

GET THE RECIPE

SOMMELIER NOTES

Every month Bill Summerville writes beautiful notes about pairing wines with our menu. Choose the wrong wine? As he says, “It takes a bad pairings to appreciate the good ones.”

COCKTAILS ANYONE?

The problem? Who wants to be the bartender all night? You’re stuck making drinks for everyone!

The solution? Batch make Martinis.

GET THE RECIPE

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ZERO-PROOF?

Our friends at Marigold put together a selection of nonalcoholic pairings each month.

(dinner) party with us

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Hosting an event? We’d love to help! See catering options here and our In-Home Dinner Party Package here. We do weddings too:)

“The world is magic, and people are magic. Let’s gather over beautiful tables and live life deeply. ”

— Jamie Malone