A dinner party you can host without wasting days of your life freaking out over the details. (Or maybe that’s just me?)
This rustic French dinner party hosted by Clare Vivier is EVERYTHING, and not just because Martha Stewart thinks so, too.
OMG the details.
They had me at vintage kitchen towel napkins and a chocolate-or-cheese finish! (The proper answer being “Both,” OBVS). I’m also totally into the casual arrangements of garden roses, crisp striped linens, and simple white serving pieces. (Tell your china and silver to take five for this party.)
Make-ahead everything FTW!
I’ll never forget this interview with Ina Garten where she confessed to freaking out on Jeffrey the last fifteen minutes before every dinner party she hosts. Feel better times a million? Yeah, ME, TOO.
To cut down on the last-minute fretting, Ina makes as much of the meal in advance as possible, which is why ratatouille, little gem salad with walnut vinaigrette, and chocolate mousse are all brilliant choices. (And you just buy the cheese and sausage at the market ready-to-go. It doesn’t get easier, you guys.)
Easy to scale for last-minute changes to the guest list.
Don’t sweat running into a friend you didn’t know would be in town — just add a seat! And if someone’s babysitter cancels, NBD. Ratatouille and sausages freeze beautifully, and who DOESN’T want to eat couscous, salad & cheese for lunch all week?
Did I mention Rosé and Ratatouille?
My mushy vegetable-averse husband just CAN’T with tajine and ratatouille, so when I want to indulge my thing for luscious stewed vegetables (#sorrynotsorry) it has to be for a crowd. Also, this meal would be nails with rosé. ROSE, you guys.
So what do you think? Are you as inspired as I am to copy the sh*t out of this dinner party? If French rustic isn’t your jam, I’m also thinking of finishing our summer with a Kitchen Clambake and finding any excuse to make Smitten Kitchen‘s righteous Cucumber Raita Salad again.
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photo courtesy of martha stewart
