Are You Ready For Alfresco Dinners Outside At Home?
Spring is here. Which means are you thinking about casual alfresco dinners at home? In Florida, we have already started.
Last weekend, we were in Tampa visiting friends. I want to share their lovely outdoor table setting, a comfortable but chic outfit to wear for a back porch dinner and what Howard and I are enjoying on television.
It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
Neutral Linen Napkins As A Hostess Gift
Since we were staying in their home, I wanted to bring Cathi and Eric a hostess gift. This isn’t as easy as it sounds as they have discerning tastes. Cathi is an interior designer and Eric is an architect.
So I felt safe bringing these neutral linen napkins. Nice organic texture.
I had them in light blue but gave those to my daughter (she needed them…what’s mine is hers…if you are a mom you know). So yes, I approve of them. I told Cathi that I shake them out of the washing machine, smooth them out and let them air dry…so no ironing.
Setting An Alfresco Table
The napkins came in handy when Cathi asked me to help her set the table Friday night.
The pretty table cloth is a few years old from Pottery Barn. Cathi used the jute chargers for her daughter’s fabulous wedding in Maui.
What To Cook For Your Alfresco Dinner: One-Pan Orzo With Spinach and Feta By Melissa Clark
This is a nice dish to serve warm or at room temperature. This is meatless but we have also added peeled cooked shrimp to it.
One-Pan Orzo With Spinach and Feta
Ingredients
- 2 tbs unsalted butter
- 4 large scallions
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces baby spinach leaves (8 cups) coarsely chopped
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta (3 ounces) plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup frozen peas thawed
- 1 cup fresh chopped fresh dill, pr parsley or cilantro and I add mint from our garden
Instructions
- Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium, then melt butter, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in about three-quarters of the scallions (saving some of the green parts for garnish) and garlic, and cook until softened, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes
- Stir in spinach, adding in batches if it doesn’t all fit in the pan at once, and ½ teaspoon salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo, lemon zest and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until orzo is nearly cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed, 10 to 14 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Stir in cheese, peas (if you like) and dill, cover the pan, and cook for another 1 minute, to finish cooking and warm the peas. To serve, sprinkle with more cheese and the reserved scallions.
More Alfresco Dining
This past week, our son, Tommy brought two of his longtime friends (since grammar school) to visit. It’s nice to live in a place that people consider a vacation. So, of course, we ate outside.
Many thanks to Howard for blowing and washing the pollen off the patio.
You may also like this popular post: Simple Tips And Menu for Outdoor Dining.
What To Wear For Dining On The Porch
This is an outfit that encourages you to wear a low pony tail with fun earrings in case it’s a little breezy.
- drop earrings by Sézane
- chocolate brown tee shirt. Fitted so I sized up.
- cozy cotton sweater.
- washable silk hair ties. I could use some more of these.
- versatile cane bag. I have one like this that I took to the wedding in Maui but also to lunch locally.
- cute espadrilles. I’d like to have these to wear to a Jacksonville Jaguar game or chasing after my grandkids.
- I wore these denim pants to the alfresco dinner in Tampa and a couple friends wanted to know where I got them.
What To Watch On Television
Howard and I are both enjoying by “The Madison” television series on Paramount Plus. “A heartfelt study of grief and human connection following a New York City family in the Madison River Valley of Central Montana.” It’s the contrast of NY City and the nature in Montana and the personal story that makes it interesting.
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Mary Ann love those napkins- and that cute white jean outfit!
Can’t wait to see you. x Kim
Mary Ann! I love your outdoor entertaining space! I can see why you love setting a pretty table out by the pool! It’s so comfortable! And you do set the prettiest tables…indoors and out!
Xx
What size in the white denim worked for you
a petite 27!
So nice and very good inspiration for me:-)