I always keep infused water chilled in glass bottles, this one is Thai basil blooms, lime thyme blooms and mint
From a young age, the flavors, smells and conversation that were built around meals fascinated me. People seemed to get closer, open up and relax their personas around a good meal. I have always enjoyed going to restaurants but there is something more comforting and alive about cooking for others and having them sit and enjoy your food around the dinner table.
As a teenage mother I became independent. Although I worked 2 jobs, there wasn't a lot of extra money to go out or to treat others with gifts. Yet my refrigerator and pantry were always stocked, and that was the start of my dinner parties
Always keep a variety of drinks available including non alcoholic beverages
With common staples in your pantry and refrigerator, you can create delicious and easy to prepare dishes. Simple things such as candles, cloth napkins, mood lighting and the company of loved ones around a table of things prepared with your own hands and heart make for a lovely evening!
Kale salad with pumpkin seeds, cranberries, lemon zest and horseradish dressing
I have always felt that taking some time off your schedule to do something nice for others is a great way of showing them how much they mean to you. Serving them something you've made with them in consideration and being a good host/hostess shows you care and their comfort and enjoyment is your priority.
Shirley Temple Cake with Mint
I never stress about decor, I use what I have around. Wine bottles and rosemary sprigs in water make minimalist centerpieces as you can see here when I converted this folding party table into an extra eating area for my guests.
Being able to welcome those I care for into my home to gather around a meal, planned or unplanned, will forever be for me a way to show them they are important to me, and I appreciate having them in my lives.
What do you like to do for others?
spanish chorizo breakfast hash