Recently, we had fun hosting an outside inside Dinner Party in our new home. I’d like to tell you how we did that along with some exceptional hostesses’ ideas for outdoor entertaining. Their links are at the end of the post.
The night of our recent dinner party while the guys had Howard’s dirty martinis on the back porch, I brought the women up to my “Ladies’ Loft” for Limoncello Spritz’s.
Limoncello Spritz’ In The Ladies Loft
I used Juliet’s Limoncello Spritz recipe from “Make Mine A Spritzer” fame. It’s easy: basically Prosecco, Limoncello, and fresh lemon juice. Juliet always has interesting cocktail ideas.
I added sparkling water to the cocktail for the lightweights (me) but it’s better without it since it already has ice.
More about the Ladies’ Loft here.
Then we all came down for the Grilled Pepper Appetizer on the back porch followed by dinner in our air-conditioned dining room. I’m learning that the weather in Jacksonville, Florida can be “touch and go”…and it was hot that night.
Grilled Peppers With Marinated Feta Cheese, Tzatziki, Pita Bread Appetizer
As a first course outside, we had Grilled Peppers With Marinated Feta Cheese from Half Baked Harvest’s Recipe. It’s herby and lemony and even though I doubled the recipe, it was all devoured! I stacked small plates, forks, and cocktail napkins and let guests help themselves.
The tzatziki sauce served on the side from Costco was good. Trader Joe’s has a good one too. Or you can make it as I did here with turkey burgers: Light Greek Summer Recipes.
Main Course Inside In The Dining Room
Howard and I have a system where I set the table, make appetizers and dessert and he does the main course. We are still waiting for our new dining room table and extra chain for the chandelier. So I put two folding tables together with these Indian block table cloths.
For dinner that night, Howard made a Rack of Lamb (also from Costco) with Potatoes Au Gratin, and Roasted Asparagus.
Citrus Olive Oil Loaf For Dessert
We served slices of this Citrus Loaf with little scoops of vanilla ice cream and small glasses of chilled Vin Santo (it’s the not-too-sweet dessert wine that is in the cake).
Dorothy and Joy came to visit from Tampa and Mercedes lives less than a mile away! Chief is sort of a Ladies’ Man.
My cotton zebra print dress from the Gap is only $27 right now…big sale!
That was our first time hosting an outside inside dinner party in our new home. Hopefully, there will be many more to come.
Let’s check out my friends’ creative ideas…
Cindy Hattersley Design (Cindy)
Most Lovely Things (Annie)
Crazy Wonderful Blog (Shelley)
Finding Lovely (Jackie)
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Mary Ann you and your friends are so cute. Looks like you are living your best life in Florida. Love this menu. I am going to have Max try it. xo
What a great space. The ladies’ loft will get plenty of use. Your meal sounds delicious. Thanks for some great ideas.
Karen B.
Mary Ann … your new life suits you. Look at you at the grill! I love all your recipes, what a fun dinner party. Thanks for including my Limoncello Spritzers … hope everyone enjoyed them. You make them look so pretty with your bar set up. And that ladies loft … perfection. I’m pinning away. And suddenly hungry! xo
Hi Mary Ann,
Well it looks like you pulled the evening off without a hitch! Yummy menu, comfy in- and outdoor spaces, good friends! Perfect!
Do you have a problem with insects outdoors? I remember my mom telling me how bad they were in Orlando when we lived there (way back in the olden days.) Anyway it’s great that you can make use of both indoor and outside spaces. I like those kind of parties, they are casual and relaxed.
Xo Heidi
You and Howard make a great team! Your home, the menu, and your friends….perfect! xx
What a sweet gathering of friends! I love the idea of a Ladies’ Loft!
Me too, Jackie!!
Oh I am so in love with the Ladies’ Loft!!!! And what a fabulous dinner party! I just ate lunch, but all that delicious food makes me want to eat again 😀
Well, this was fabulous! I bet your friends are so happy to have the Martha Stewart (formerly of SF) back in their hood. Your girlfriends are darling, the meal looked amazing, and it is so fun to see you back with your old pals, and entertaining outdoors!!
But I miss my really good buddy in NorCal!!
Looks like you’re having so much fun! Love your zebra print dress….also love your friend’s gold sandals! Do you have a source for them?
Thanks
Nancy
I love Mercedes sandals…I can ask.
Mary Ann! Looks like a wonderful party. I am loving the set of glasses you used for the Limoncello Spritzers…Do you happen to recall who makes them? You look like you are loving your new home – great move.
Pottery Barn made them. I bought them last year and want to get more but couldn’t find them in the store. Perhaps online?
Thank you Mary Ann! Really great looking – will try to hunt some down. I appreciate your response.
Wonderful ideas I will use for our next party! I love your dress… did you pick it up on your travels in Italy?
Thanks! It’s from the Gap on super sale $27 <https://rstyle.me/+84uWHxTP1tNpSOHGnTAceQ>