Post-wedding gathering a chance to catch up
I’ve hit a new milestone in life: hosting my first get-together as a newlywed (oh, and getting married, of course). During the craziness of wedding festivities, long, in-depth conversations were nonexistent.
Needless to say, I wanted to have friends over to catch up. They couldn’t wait to hear about my honeymoon to Napa and Maui, so planning a gathering postwedding was a must.
This also presented the opportunity to use all the beautiful serving gifts I received from guests (like china, new glassware and my first-ever set of cloth napkins).
I’m a big believer in bringing out the good stuff as much as you can, whether it’s toasting the end of a work week with champagne or bringing out said china for a semi-casual dinner party.
In fact, I was just as excited about finally getting to use my new china as I was about the menu. For reference, I registered for a pattern called “Butterfly Bloom” from Wedgewood. It reminds me of a grown-up tea party from Alice in Wonderland — floral, feminine and lavish.
But the menu is a knockout all on its own. It starts off with my latest obsession, avocado toast (I mean, avocado bruschetta with balsamic drizzle). Part smooth, part chunky, the avocado pairs nicely with a toasted, garlic-rubbed baguette. To finish it off is a store-bought balsamic drizzle that is thick and sweet.
The main dish is a grilled ahi tuna steak on top of a bed of sautéed vegetables, including fingerling potatoes, mushrooms, eggplant, tomatoes and olives. This fish couldn’t be easier to cook. I like mine cooked medium, so I had to sear it for only two minutes per side. If you like it rare, sear for only a minute or so.
For a beverage, I discovered a cocktail that is now my new favorite signature drink. It’s called a Parisian punch featuring Chambord vodka and St. Germain.
I’d been hearing about St. Germain for awhile (I even tried it in a champagne cocktail at Lake Park Bistro). It’s an elderflower liqueur that originates from the French Alps and has notes of tropical fruit, pear and grapefruit. It smells like a secret garden.
This cocktail also includes fresh lemon juice, ginger ale, mint and raspberries. Upon looking at the recipe, it seems pretty boozy, but this is actually a soft and refreshing drink — perfect for summer and toasting our new life together.