What inspires you? Who influences you? Whether it be a role model you aspire to be, a creative dish placed in front of you at dinner, or a stunning piece of art that captures your attention…it’s fair to say that we are faced with new things each day that are inspiring! I decided to have a few girls over for dinner and feature pieces that influence me. Hence, “All That Inspires.”
The table setting featured a vintage mini mannequin as the centerpiece that is usually in my bedroom {I thought it would be just perfect on the table!}…it always reminds me that anything {in that case, clothes!} can be created from nothing. Draped with beautiful flowers, silver candle votives from The Dotted Line in Nashville, and classic pearls twirling about, the scene was inspiring in itself!
I found these beautiful candlesticks up in Woodstock, NY. They were handmade and strategically aligned with fabulous glittery love!
Each place setting consisted of different books that feature people who inspire me…Jackie O., Chanel, etc. Serving as a base, the books were topped with plates for each course served that night!
The menu was filled with inspired dishes from places this girl could never go to on a regular basis! I decided to take the restaurants’ delicate preparations into my kitchen for a fraction of the price. I featured dishes that were inspired from Park Avenue Autumn, Gramercy Tavern, Daniel, and Locanda Verde. It all turned out really delicious!
Inspired by Daniel. I chose to serve a delicious Butternut Squash soup shot!
Inspired by Locanda Verde’s Local Tomato salad with watermelon and smoked ricotta {I substituted the ricotta by sprinkling feta on top, and then drizzled the dish with a bit of olive oil, mint, and arugula!}.
Inspired by Park Avenue Autumn’s Scottish Salmon with Baby Beets, Pear, & Horseradish {I couldn’t help but add steamed Brussel Sprouts in with the concoction!}. This was our favorite of the night!
Inspired by Gramercy Tavern’s tart selection for dessert. This Plum tart, purchased at Whole Foods for about $4, was accented with dollops of whipped cream…the flavors were a fabulous ending to the meal!
My favorite part about the evening was being surrounded by three of my absolute best friends. Dinner started at 745pm and throughout the night we were all laughing, venting, crying from the laughing, and chatted until 130am!
You can be inspired by all the things in the world, but having great friends to laugh with you on the ride make them the most inspiring to me of all.
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