Tuesday, December 1, 2009

My First Dinner Party

Hey Bloogies! I'm so sorry that I haven't done a post or been doing much commenting recently. I feel a little out of whack! I think its because after our wedding and honeymoon we came home to a full Holiday schedule! I've been feeling more stressed and less inspred as of late, but I hope that change that this weekend! I have Friday off work, and I hope to get my house in order, my decorations up, the rest of my Christmas shopping done, and host my first ever dinner guests!

My sister and her boyfriend are coming for dinner on Saturday night! This is the first time we'll be hosting another couple for dinner. I plan to make a roast (in my new roasting pan), a salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted brussel sprouts (which I've heard are delicious), deviled eggs, and a homemade pumpkin pie! I'm so excited to use my new crystal and flatware! I was planning to use my china, but after thinking about it, I plan to use my Martha Stewart Christmas dishes instead. I will post some pictures this weekend! B bought the dishes (I think they are last year's pattern) at TJ Maxx for $40! What a steal!

I have to ask for some advice on one part of my planned meal. I've never made gravy! I know it can be done with the juices from the roast. Anyone have a great recipe or any tips? I'd really appreciate some blogland wisdom here! :)

Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway! Time is ticking! HAHA!

15 comments:

Wifer said...

Can you please post the link for the pink and green Republican symbol of happy? Thanks!

LPC said...

Roasted brussels sprouts are great. Sorry I can't help with gravy for beef...when I do it for poultry I like to separate the fat from the juice, make a roux with a little bit of the fat and an equal amount of flour, then add the juices and some wine as the liquid to thin the gravy. I like thick gravy. Can't wait to see photos.

Always Organizing said...

We are having our Christmas party Saturday night, cheers to both our evenings! I'm no help with gravy. I think I'm a pretty good cook but that is one thing I can't seem to really master. Have you tried Food Network to see if they have any good recipes?

ps. I made a beef tenderloin with a red wine sauce for a dinner I threw for another couple we are friends with, I linked to the recipe on my blog. The sauce is very thin though because it has no real thickener in it, but it was very tasty. And easy ;)

Randall @ Happy For This Moment said...

Sounds lovely, I so enjoy hosting friends for dinner!

Here's how I make gravy and it turned out delish for Thanksgiving:

Take the big pan that you did the roast in with all the juices in the bottom. Skim off the big pieces of junk or fat. Put the whole pan on a stove burner on medium heat. Add a can of stock (I used chicken but if you're doing a roast use beef). It's okay if the whole pan isn't all on a burner. Let it heat up stirring and scrapping all the good bits off of of the bottom and sides of the pan. Get it up to a nice simmer for a bit.

While it is heating up take a few tablespoons of flour and a few tablespoons of water and mix it into a paste (like one of those yogurt smoothies). Pour the paste into the pan and whisk it all together. Heat through and add salt/pepper as needed.

Also good to have extra stock to add if it looks bit thick.

Good luck!

Jessica Ryan said...

that is exactly how I make it as well and it is deelish!!! It's really quite easy!

Good luck with your party!

Suburban Princess said...

Have a great time with your dinner party!
I love roasted brussell sprouts! Even my little guy loves them - poor little thing cries when they are all gone!

Lipstick said...

Your menu sounds fabulous and good call on the Christmas dishes!

Red Lipstick said...

Wonderful menu! I adore roasted brussel sprouts, in fact, I had them for dinner tonight! Sorry, I've never made gravy.

Unknown said...

Your menu sounds perfect! And I suck at using the pan juices to make gravy. I always end up opening up a can of consume or demi glace.

Miss Janice said...

I would add some Swanson's Beef Broth and some chopped mushrooms to the juice and voila...gravy! Enjoy your dinner party!

Minnesota Girl said...

I love hosting people over for dinner =) Joe and I tend to have our friends over a lot. I feel like if we didn't host, no one would.

Julie said...

Oh my goodness - that all sounds delicious! :)

Lamp Tramp said...

Your dinner will be wonderful! Do as much as you can before and enjoy your company and the evening.
As far as gravy, we never do gravy. How about Bernaise sauce...it is so yummy and wonderful with fish, beef, anything! It has to be made at the last minute, but if you can do it...it will WOW your guests & HUBBY forever. I have always made homemade Bernaise for Christmas with chateaubriand. You can get Bernaise sauce in Knox packages for easy fix. It is so yummy too....good luck, I know you will be a culinary DIVA!
xoxo!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Deviled eggs. A party staple if you ask me!

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