I absolutely love a night with friends, dining over wine, and talking and laughing for hours. It is good for the soul. It is nice to go out, but there is something more intimate, cosy and inviting about cooking at home and having your close ones over. This month I put on an intimate dinner at my home with a handful of friends. I have received a lot of questions regarding the details, so here they are:
I decorated the table with flowers, homewares and an abundance of candles, my husband and I cooked for 7 girls, and for drinks, we served the new 2012 Champagne Penfolds made in collaboration with Thiènotwhich was a delightful treat.
On the menu:FOOD –
We started with Nonna’s special polenta recipe, set over night, baked and served as chunky fries garnished with Parmigiano Reggiani cheese, a variation on a Caprese salad with a mix of varied fresh tomatoes, Italian burrata and fresh basil. We also served this with a selection of roasted root vegetables.
For mains, we served crispy skin barramundi with a burnt butter sauce served on a bed of mashed peas, a side of sea salt air fried chips and a green salad with avocado and roasted pine nuts.
I am lucky my Mother-in-law makes our favourite desert when we have people over. Her homemade meringues (which are unbeatable in our eyes!), are chewy in the middle and crunchy on the outside. She makes her own berry compote and serves them with fresh berries and creme.
DRINKS –
2012 Champagne Thiènot x Penfolds Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Cuvèe(Penfolds newly launched Champagne made in partnership with Thiènot to celebrate 175 years of winemaking innovation).
Penfolds Bin 311 ChardonnayPenfolds Reserve Bin17a ChardonnayPenfolds Magill Estate
In the room:
We ate in my dining room which consists of a vintage rosewood dining table from Vampt, Vestervig Eriksen dining chairs, a Bruno Mathsson chair, Eileen Grey lamp, a Dunlin Home light, MCM House mirror, Five Fables bar cart and Cadry’s antique rug. I decorated the table with natural linen, brass candle holders from Fourth Street Homeand Mitchell Road Antiques, french glassware from One French Summer (Mosman store) and a bunch of lemons from my local grocer.
and,
On the playlist:
I am an old soul when it comes to music, so my playlist consisted of tracks from the 50’s and up. A few of my favourites are Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, The Supremes, Arethna Franklin, Fleetwood Mac, Ray Charles, Bill Withers…the list goes on.
Wearing – Paris Georgia Basics dress and Celine heels.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask below.
Shot by Jacopo LancioniShot in collaboration with Penfolds