i don’t even know where to begin.  this dinner party was so incredible.  i just wish you had been there, that’s all.  if i had more than 8 chairs, i would have invited you.

which brings me to an issue i have about this whole food blog thing.  i think my recipes, when you read them, don’t really seem very interesting.  in my opinion.  i would much rather just cook and bake these recipes FOR you and have you over to my house to try them.

can i just start a restaurant at my own dining room table?  i want to cook for you!

and speaking of dining room tables ~ here’s my springy set-up for saturday’s dinner party…

i love those juicy orange napkins.  aaaaaaah.

and i also want to show you my lilly pulitzer gold-rimmed champagne saucers from target!!!

so colorful and festive and fun!

and now for the menu:

BEFORE-DINNER COCKTAIL (crafted by master mixologist: the hub) ~ MARTINIS WITH BLUE CHEESE STUFFED OLIVES (there’s a trick to these, so i posted a quick recipe!): http://pixyskansascity.com/2015/05/12/martinis-with-blue-cheese-stuffed-olives/

CHILLED ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH GOAT/YOGURT CHEESE: http://pixyskansascity.com/2015/05/12/chilled-asparagus-soup-wgoat-yogurt-cheese/

LOBSTER STUFFED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS: http://pixyskansascity.com/2015/05/11/spring-dinner-party-lobster-stuffed-portobello-mushrooms/

PESTO ZOODLES (ZUCCHINI NOODLES) WITH ARTICHOKE HEARTS AND TOMATOES: http://pixyskansascity.com/2015/05/11/pesto-zoodles-wartichoke-hearts-and-tomatoes/

LAVENDER CREME BRULEE W/FRESH BERRIES: http://pixyskansascity.com/2015/05/12/lavender-creme-brulee-wfresh-berries/

here’s the bad news:  i was so excited about my company that i only took one picture of the food!  and it’s really not that appealing.  here it is…

it was much prettier in person.  i made up both of these recipes, and was relieved and thrilled that they both turned out GORGEOUS!

not sure how “CLEAN EATING” those mushrooms are ~ ha ha.  there was butter involved in the making of that delicious dish, along with parmesan cheese and rich lobster tails.  hey ~ it was a special occasion.

but my favorite thing about the party?  the people.  wow.  such fascinating conversation, such laughter, such beautiful people at the table.  3 top-notch choral conductors (i’ve always been a sucker for a choral conductor), an amazing pianist/vocal coach, a voice teacher and maybe the best tenor i know, a brilliant guy studying to be a minister, a man who makes prosthetic limbs (even noses!) ~ and little ‘ole me.  humble to be in the presence of these incredible people.

i am stunned by life’s beautiful moments.  shocked when they happen, and spinning with absolute joy afterwards.  what did i do to deserve such beautiful people in my life?  what did i do to deserve this house?  this table i can share with friends?  i am in awe of life.  period.