Planning & Execution: A Fall Luncheon in Rhode Island
Remember this menu? Well, planning pays off. Instead of being tired by the time our guests showed up on Sunday, PB and I were energized and excited. Why? …Keep reading.
The luncheon was a success!
The table:
Fresh figs, courtesy of my dad:
Roasted tomatoes:
Cucumbers, peppers, wheat pita, hummus, and lebneh = heaven:
Baked brie:
A slice of baked brie:
PB and my new little cousin!!!!
To me the key to hosting a successful party/luncheon/dinner/tea etc. is to PLAN. Planning is a key factor in any successful event. By planning the menu, planning the grocery list, and planning the actual execution list, I was never overwhelmed or overtired.
Let me take you through the weekend’s preparations..
Friday I went to the grocery store and bought everything that would not go bad. Then I set to work peeling and chopping the vegetables for the Roasted Vegetables on the menu. Often times the peeling, cleaning, and chopping of the vegetables takes the longest time. Then I actually roasted them, as I knew they would taste even better when heated up on Sunday.
Saturday I cleaned and chopped the raw vegetables for part of the appetizers (the cucumbers and peppers):
Then did the same with the mushrooms and onions for the mushroom risotto:
Last, I set the table and planned where each item would go and in what dish. That might seem like a lot of work, but it really helps to not only make a beautiful tablescape but to be able to enjoy my time with our guests instead of rushing around to look for a serving platter or looking for room on the table:
Aren’t the roses we bought for the luncheon just gorgeous?! I can’t help but share a few of the photos…
By Sunday morning we only had a few tasks left. After church my dad and PB picked up the fruit tarts and chickens and when all the guests arrived my auntie D and I made the mushroom risotto. And then lunch was served! It was a great afternoon spent with those we love.
With a little planning and a little prep, all parties can be easy and fun for even the hostess.
I look forward to sharing my next hostessing event with you: the post-race party after the Philly Half Marathon on November 22! Our fellow runners, friends and family will begin coming over around 10:30 AM, but will likely stay all afternoon. Feel free to share any menu ideas!
And last, have some exciting news to share tomorrow…. Want to take a wild guess about what it is?!
20 Responses to “Planning & Execution: A Fall Luncheon in Rhode Island”
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Looks like a very successful lunch! Everything sounds amazing.
Those tomatoes look divine!
This looks amazing! Have you ever considered opening a party planning business or catering company? I think you’d be the perfect planner!
It was a lovely dinner. Thank you cuz!
The luncheon looks amazing! And I am loving the roses.
I bet you are pregnant!!!!
I love this. I love it so much that I would hire you to do this. You should really consider starting a catering business. Seriously.
Hey girl! Everything looks fantastic. That baked brie? Oh my goodness. Is it job news?
LOVING the pre-planning and organization. I am the same way.. t he more you do ahead of time, the less stressful a big event can be. Looks really pretty!!
Perhaps you have some job news coming up?? hmm.. keep us updated 🙂
Can’t wait to hear your good news!!! I can’t take the suspense!
The Type-A planner in me just had a field day with this post, LOVES!! The diagram of the table?! Genius. Looks like a great lunch!
New job? Pregnant?
Here is an idea for an appetizer- Slice and lightly toast a baguette, half a clove of garlic and rub the toasted slices. Spread some goat cheese and top with some roasted petters, finish with fresh basil and some evoo.
I am hoping you might be expecting a baby! I am expecting right now (due in March) and I am a New Englander like you and I would be excited to follow your pregnancy eats & experiences!!
OMG that bakes brie is calling my name! Hmmm I want to know the exciting news! 🙂
That all looks amazing! Especially the brie!
Lunch looks delightful. I love roasted vegetables!!
Did you win a sponsorship to the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival??
YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m taking notes b/c I need to start on things for my halloween party. you are a great party planner.
What a gorgeous spread! Your little cousin looks scurrred, though 🙂
ummmm….you left us hanging…what’s the news?
What a joy to find such clear thinking. Thnkas for posting!