dinner party flowers

First, I must announce the winner of the pve monogram giveaway. Jeez! This giveaway generated more comments and emails than I've ever had! And the lucky winner is: Babs Weinberg! Yay Babs!

And now, moving on to today's post…

I am totally into taking the stress out of entertaining, and I have found that a great caterer and a fantastic florist make up the perfect solution to my party planning stress.

Taking out those important elements leaves more time to worry about other things… like monogrammed linens!

And making sure everything is in it's place...

I dropped off a few small containers for Kyle Robino of Old Market Habitat, and as always, I was counting down the minutes for their delivery ~ filled with gorgeousness!

Sure, I could pick up tulips from Whole Foods, but there's something magical about the combination of mixed flowers Kyle puts together...

A few lily of the valley straight from my backyard...

With flowers in place, I put out the platters and serving dishes for the menu, complete with sticky notes to keep everything straight...

John Benker brought all our favorites…

Marinated and Grilled Tenderloin of Beef with creamy horseradish and tarragon and green peppercorn sauces

Sesame green beans

Bacon-wrapped Shrimp

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Skewers

At the bottom left are the Garlic Chive and Chicken Steamed Dumplings with pickled carrots and black vinegar sauce

Top right are the Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Also, passed around were Spinach and Artichoke Flatbreads with Fontina and Asiago… delicious!

Chocolate covered strawberries for dessert… Easy.

Of course the best part is spending time with friends, and we did just that ~ a very relaxing no-stress evening!