I got a little ambitious last weekend and decided to invite a small mix of friends over for a fall-inspired dinner gathering.
None of this would have been possible without pre-planning and babywearing but I pulled it off! Finn was not having it with his afternoon nap on Friday so I strapped him to me and he slept for the better part of two hours while I cleaned and cooked.
My very random table set up. I did decide to get out my nice china and glasses but I realized I didn’t have matching placemats…I have an eclectic mix of them thanks to food blogging!
I did a cheese plate, roasted brussels sprouts and a honey dijon salmon and everyone brought dishes to share. We also had chipotle sweet potatoes, a wheatberry salad, a spiced carrot tagine over couscous.
And of course dessert! One friend brought a selection of tarts.
And I made Ina’s Apple Pie Bars. They are just SO good!
It was such a lovely evening. I won’t say it was easy entertaining with a five month old and Finn had some moments but overall it went better than I could have hoped and it was nice to have friends gathered around my table.
Finn and I went to a neighborhood event on Saturday morning and then hung out with the pups. He’s starting to want to sit up a lot more. He still can’t do it unassisted but he’s getting there!
We met a friend for a long walk on Saturday evening and it was the best way to end the day.
Well, my day technically ended in bed cuddling with Finn and watching The Romanoffs. I was intrigued by it since it’s the same creator as Mad Men (which I loved). I watched the first episode and it was really strange but did suck me in.
We woke up to a cold Sunday morning! I put Finn in a jacket for the first time in his little life. So sweet.
I took the girls out for a walk, worked, ran a bunch of errands and got packed up. Finn and I caught an evening flight to Florida…which is where I’m writing this post from!
More from Florida later this week.
Do you enjoy hosting dinners or would you rather go out?
What fall activities have you done this year? I’ve seen so many pumpkin patch photos! The extent of my fall stuff has been buying a pumpkin and mums for the front porch.
I love to host dinners and you have me so wanting to plan one soon, and totally copy your menu! Yum!
Jen, please share recipes & maybe your friends’ recipes too, this sounds like a great spread, salmon, chipotle sweet potato & carrot tagine, would love the recipes!
Baby-wearing is the biggest lifesaver. I have 3 that I rotate, thank you garage sales and good friends! My best new mom advice to friends is to find a baby carrier that they love!
I love planning to have people over, generally regret the idea when I’m doing the preparations, am very happy when everyone arrives, and feel completely proud of myself when it’s over. Good for you for tackling a party with baby in tow! I did manage to get out to a pumpkin patch for photos (and it was actually pretty fun), but felt even more pleased about baking a stuffed pumpkin for company. It took the pumpkin experience to another level.
Try to stick with the Romanoffs…. it will continue to be strange but amazing!
Haha! I plan to!