How Catering And Clothes Shopping Came Together Today

Catering and clothes shopping are normally worlds apart. But today those two activities came together in one conversation.

Many of you already know I HATE to shop for clothes, but today I found myself waiting in line for a dressing room. I am quick to strike up a conversation in almost any circumstance and today was no exception. I began to chat with Carol, the lovely woman in front of me. 

I’m sure it will come as no surprise that COOKING came up quite early in our discussion. And that’s when Carol told me she wished I had been around several years ago when her Maryland home seemed to be the event center for every party and gathering for her large family. Carol asked me if I ever did catering. That question brought back memories of the one large catering event I organized several years ago. And that’s when I decided to repost that story here.

My friends are always asking if I will cater their events….and I almost always say no, since the food prep, setting up, and tearing down a large party are all time consuming, and it’s VERY hard work! But one summer evening I agreed to do it for a friend in our neighborhood.

The fresh herb garnishes are from my own herb garden, and the appetizers ranged from fresh bruschetta to chicken salad “pinwheels”.   The party host gave me total freedom to choose the appetizers and to arrange her home for the event.  (My FAVORITE kind of party!)

When planning a party, I like to make sure I prepare many types of foods that will satisfy ALL the party-goers.  Since this group of guests included a large number of ballet dancers and choreographers, I needed to make sure I prepared several low-calorie, healthy options as well as high protein and “splurge” foods. 

I also set up several food areas in the home so all the guests didn’t have to crowd around one table for food.  That arrangement also forces the guests to meet new people and “mingle” in various areas of the home. And after all…that’s the main reason to have a party…to mingle and enjoy good food, good wine, and good friends! 

Enjoy the tour…

A cheese and fruit board in the living room

 

Chicken salad pinwheels stuffed with fresh spinach and dried cranberries… And garnished with fresh sage

 

Bruschetta…waiting to be assembled at the last minute

 

A wine bar arranged on a sideboard in the kitchen…  (I filled the home owner’s beautiful vase with ice and used it to chill the white wine)

 

Hummus with assorted “dippers”

 

My famous “Texas Sheet Cake” on the main table

 

A variety of foods…with a variety of calorie counts. (Remember those ballerinas?)