Family Dinner

Fall is here!  It’s my favorite time of year. I tend to feel inspired and energized when the cooler weather arrives.   It was a lovely 54 degrees on Sunday during my morning run in the park.

There are so many posts around the blogosphere lately on Fall mantels and changing up your decor for fall.  Sorry to say,  I haven’t done any of that, so I have nothing to share on that front, except maybe this lovely pumpkin display I saw at Whole Foods.
Instead, last weekend I took a break from the home and decor projects and hosted a family dinner party, so I’ll share the details from that instead.

Once in awhile I like to really do it up and host a multi course dinner but this weekend I kept it simple with my go-to favorite cuisine -Italiano!   There’s no way you would know this, since I don’t think I’ve mentioned it on the blog before, but I love all things Italian.  I first went to Italy with my mom.  We had a wonderful time in Rome and Florence.  The second time I went to Italy was for our one year wedding anniversary.  I had just as wonderful a time in Venice and Pisa in addition to Rome and Florence. I love the food, the food, the clothes, the leather, the food, the linens and THE FOOD!    So I find that when I have people over, I often default to an Italian inspired menu.   I’ve even tackled timpano!  Do you know this?  You should try it. It’s a marvel.  But back to this past weekend.  My menu was simple:   spaghetti and meatballs with an artichoke marinara sauce and tilapia piccata, wilted spinach, and a caprese salad.     For dessert, I veered away from my Italian theme with a homemade banana cream pie with a shortbread walnut crust.
It is super easy, and to kind of make it fit in with the theme, I used amaretto liqueur instead of vanilla in the custard and the whipped cream.      I served a montepulciano for the red drinkers and a sauvignon blanc for those who preferred white.

My table settings were pretty simple.  In fact, a little underwhelming as I neglected to plan the proper tablescape.   I separated the guys and gals. The gals got the big table
and the guys were seated at the smaller table.
Everyone seemed to have a good time and the menu was simple enough that I could enjoy my guests!     I’ll be back to home projects next week. Hopefully.

Until then, Roomspiration is featuring laundry rooms today, so if you have already seen my laundry room renovation here, head over to The Mustard Ceiling to check out all the others!
-J