Staying In With Take Out

Saturday evening we had dear old friends, Catherine & Steve, over for supper in town. Us entertaining could be challenging on that night, as we both always work the shops that day–me at the Market and TPS in the office at the Home store. But with a little planning ahead and really good take out, it can be done and a really good time can be had by all. Hosts included. I am always looking for ways to inspire us all to spend time with our friends at our home. We love dining out, but there is just a specialness about dining in your home with friends that just can’t be beat.

Setting the table the night before or even the morning of, is a must. It takes a ton of stress off of you and it is pretty swell to come home after a busy day of work and see the table all set! Plus it gives the flowers time to settle in and start to do their thing. For the other evening we put out pâté with a few cheeses, baguette, along with cashews and grapes. All enjoyed with a glass of Champagne while the cassoulet from Cafe Campagne heated up in the oven. I had made a shallot vinaigrette in the morning for an arugula salad along with haricot vert. A yummy bottle of red had time to breathe along with the flickering candles. More baguette with really good French butter and we were off and running. Actually, make that laughing and storytelling and having a grand time.