I love Mondays (when there is no school)! There’s something so relaxing and comforting about not having to jump into the swing of things until Tuesday. And I especially love Mondays off when I entertain the night before.
Last night I had a special birthday dinner for my mom and my aunt. They are sisters, both born on October 5th, and they are five years apart. Try trying to explain that to a bunch of 4th graders. It was blowing their minds! So in honor of them, I made a nice dinner and created a fall tablescape perfect for the occasion.
I went with my gold placements again. I love these! They are perfect when you don’t want to use a charger, and the detail and size is right for our large, square table. I had a menu full of new recipes I wanted to try. I highly recommend the Creamy Apple Cider Vinaigrette and the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. When making a dinner for thirteen people, I choose recipes that can be made before and just heated in the oven. I also like to have a clean kitchen when my guests arrive. Plus, I went with pretty paper napkins to eliminate the need to wash and iron thirteen cloth ones.
For a favor/place card, I made candy with saltines, chocolate and brown sugar to create a heavenly sweet and salty treat. Each person got few pieces with their name attached. The kids were chomping at the bit all weekend to eat them!
The centerpieces were actually candle holders from Michaels. I found them in fall clearance section and they came to about $2 a piece! Score! The tops come off and I used them as vases. My mom, aunt and Joe’s mom each got to take one home, along with the candle insert that they can use at another time.
As one of the appetizers, I tried this baked ricotta cheese dip. It was good, but I can’t say it was excellent.
Overall, it was a special night filled with fun conversations, the same stories told again and again, and two special ladies being able to blow their candles out together.
Enjoy your Monday! xo
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