Creative Dining

For the latest issue of LPF Mag, I took on the greatest challenge yet. It's something that I had been longing to do for months and taking on the task certainly proved to require a lot of creativity and a little bit of craftsmanship. Creating a dinner party entirely of items found at your local hardware store (with the exception of food) was more fun than I ever thought it could be. So much so, that Rob even joined in on the adventure. I'm going to share some images from the party today and over the next couple of weeks let you in on the supplies used and the tips and tricks to creating your own gorgeous table scape with unconventional items just in time for Thanksgiving! Hope you enjoy!

**Tips and Tricks #1: I was not able to find silverware or something to use as silverware, so the entire menu can be eaten with your hands!

*Tips and Tricks #2: For serving pieces, I used different porcelain tiles and a duct cap turned upside down for the bruschetta.

*Tips and Tricks #3: To create more table space, I placed a 4 ft piece of wood painted brown on top of quart size paint cans. This allowed room for centerpieces and food! 

Transformers

I know Issue 4 of LPF Mag isn't even out yet, but I've already began brainstorming for Issue 5. It might seem a bit far off, but my idea for the issue has me so excited that I couldn't wait to share my inspiration with you now. The concept is a gorgeous rustic chic dinner party set in a open field with giant old oak trees all around. Sounds pretty simple, I know. The part I haven't told you yet though is that I want everything (with the exception of food) to come from a hardware store wether it be Home Depot or Lowe's. The idea is to take what you might consider to be industrial and tough and turn it into something soft and beautiful. I'm still working out some details but know that I want to take rough materials and transform them into something you would never guess came from a hardware store. While places like Lowe's and Home Depot have started to include some beautiful pieces in the store, I don't want to use anything in it's original state. For example, a PVC pipe could be turned into a vase, washers into a metallic backdrop, or a paint can as an ice bucket.

The possibilities are really endless and I can't wait to get started. I hope you all enjoy the inspiration behind the project and look forward to seeing the end result as much as I do! Have a great Wednesday!

Indulge In {Ravioli with Prosecco Cream Sauce}

This is what happens when I plan on making dinner, don't plan on sharing it with you, and it turns out to fabulous not to. You get Instagrammed photos. I know we all love Instagram but sometimes it's not the best means of sharing images, especially on a blog. But, sometimes you have to work with what you have.

Saturday night started out pretty typical. We skipped the football game because we were unwilling to sit in the pouring rain, and had planned on ordering take out as we do most Saturdays. That was until I stumbled upon this recipe that I couldn't pass up. So, during a break in the storms, I headed to the store to gather the supplies. With a few spur of the moment ingredients added, and the quick boil of a sauce and a package of raviolis, we had quite possibly one of the best, much fancier and complicated than it sounds, meals I've ever made. The Prosecco cream sauce had just enough flavor to compliment the raviolis (I used mushroom and four cheese) without being heavy and overpowering. Plus it was super simple to make! This is the kind of dish that takes no time, but makes a big impact on guests. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
2 Packages Store Bought Ravioli (I used mushroom four cheese.)
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Clove Garlic, minced
1 Cup Heavy Cream
1/2 Cup Prosecco
1 Tsp Tomato Paste
1/2 Cup Asiago Cheese, shredded (plus more for garnish)
Salt & Pepper to Taste

:: Directions ::
1. In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil adding garlic one oil is hot. Sautee garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add in heavy cream, Prosecco, and tomato paste. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook ravioli according to package directions.
4. Once sauce has simmered for about 10 minutes, add in asiago cheese and stir until melted.
5. Drain pasta and place in individual bowls. Ladle sauce over top, sprinkle with asiago cheese, and garnish with fresh or dried parsley.

*I additionally served mine with Italian seasoned grilled chicken breast.

Party DIY {Terra-cotta Pots}

I showed you last week the redo of my once dull back deck. But, what I didn't show you were the terra-cotta pots decorating the one corner. I wanted to save them and show them to you in a DIY post today. I love using terra-cotta for it's natural element and the price. Although, they can be a bit plain looking, so I decided it was time to give them an added stylish boost to make the bright buds I planted pop even more. Plus, they were super easy to make and can be customized to your design style. I went with white color blocking because it's simple, neutral, and modern. These pots aren't just perfect for back deck decorating either. I can imagine small pots in the center of the table at your next dinner party holding different herbs for guests to add to their entree. Here's how I made it happen!

:: Supplies ::
Terra-cotta Pots
Painters Tape
Spray Paint

:: Directions ::
1. Tape off the area that you want to remain the clay color. It's not necessary to tape off the entire area but just the edge of the area that you don't want painted.
2. Holding about 3 inches from the pot, spray 2-3 coats of paint on desired area. Remove tape, let dry, and plant blossoms!

Center of Attention {Dinner Party}

I talk a lot about amazing centerpieces and decor for large scale parties, but I spend relatively little time focusing on the daily celebrations. Even our slogan states that Life's a Party, and I haven't been emphasizing that lately. So, today, I am taking the opportunity to enjoy the true center of attention love of my life, the Saturday night dinner party. There is nothing I love more than gathering around a table with good wine, good friends, and good food. With such an event, simplicity is key. A simple arrangement of beautiful buds is really all you need. That and a loaf of warm bread accompanied by a bowl of fragrant olive oil and flavorful herbs. I like when the food takes the attention. If it's really that good, then you don't need other things to distract from it. Place loves every couple of seats with beautifully (or custom) designed bottles of olive oil and dinner guest will feel welcome and ready to enjoy the perfect low key Saturday evening!