I love the memories that a dinner party creates. This was a menu we put together to celebrate Spring when we had just started Habitual Hostess. All of the recipes we posted were already go-to’s in our hosting repertoire! The sauce for the pork takes a little time (all in advance, obviously) but is inspired by a favorite recipe from Frank Stitt, an amazing Alabama chef and James Beard winner who has influenced our cooking from day one. (Fun fact - Alston’s grandmother made his bread and worked in his kitchen in his early years.) Spring is the sign of new beginnings, so invite some (new) friends over and host a fabulous dinner party that brings together people from different parts of your life. Who knows who will hit it off!?
Spring Dinner Party Menu
White Dragon Margaritas
Snap Pea & Whipped Ricotta Toast
Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Sauce
Baked Cheese Grits (recipe available below to subscribers)
Roasted Asparagus (we use Ina’s recipe)
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie
‘Elegant yet Easy’ recipe (subscribers only): Shrimp & Grits with Spring Vegetable Ragu
Spring Party Hosting Tips:
Send out a cute invite on HiNote to get friends excited about a special night. We also love inviting people who aren’t necessarily all best friends, but are people you think will get along well!
Purchase cute place cards so guests aren’t wondering where to sit. It puts everyone at ease. See our essentials for some cute spring options.
Fill your table with little bud vases filled with single , double or triple spring flowers. Tulips and calla lilies are great options for the table because they don’t have a strong scent.
To batch out the White Dragon margaritas, throw all of the ingredients into a blender right before guests arrive. This will allow the egg whites to get frothy.
Want to simplify your cooking schedule? Instead of making a pie, pick one up from the bakery! Or serve really good vanilla ice cream with store bought salted caramel sauce.
Line your table with spring-colored taper candles in different shapes and textures in small candles holders (see our suggestions in essentials) to add some fun seasonal colors to your table. There is nothing that sets the mood for a dinner party like lots of candles on the table.
Spring Dinner Party Essentials:
For Subscribers Only:
NEW ‘Elegant yet Easy’ Recipe- Springtime Shrimp & Grits with a Spring Vegetable Ragout
Spring Dinner Party Shopping List & Prep Timeline
Our March Elegant yet Easy (yes, part of the joy of the title is that it makes us feel like a 79-year-old Southern Lady) recipe combines two things we love - southern recipes and bountiful spring produce. This recipe is outstanding as well as versatile! Don’t want to serve shrimp? This is also perfect with seared scallops or cod (notes on that below) and if you are serving while hosting, it is easy to make almost all of the components in advance so you can enjoy your company instead of spending time in the kitchen (notes for prepping ahead are also included in the recipe). My husband’s comments on the recipe - “POST IT! SO GOOD!” We hope you will join our community of subscribers aiming to make delicious, fabulous food fun and attainable.