The Dinner Party | Ilana Eck gives you her tips for an adult dinner party

THE DINNER PARTY
FORGOTTEN WHAT IT’S LIKE TO ENGAGE IN ADULT CONVERSATION, FINE FARE
(READ: ANYTHING BUT MAC AND CHEESE) AND GOOD OLD-FASHIONED FUN WITH YOUR
FRIENDS? YEAH, US TOO. HERE, ILANA ECK, AKA THE HIP HOSTESS, GIVES YOU HER TIPS
FOR AN EASY, AFFORDABLE AND MUCH-NEEDED NIGHT AT YOUR ROUNDTABLE.

The Dinner Party'

During the month of May, when mothers are most celebrated,
throw a spring-themed dinner party to celebrate the most
important mother of all: Mother Nature.

SETTING THE SCENE

The beauty of a Mother Nature–inspired party is that you don’t need any complicated or fancy decorations to complement your theme.

Spring Flowers
Seasonal flowers are perfect for the occasion. May is the best time to get beautiful branches of sweet lilacs. Display lilacs in a pitcher for a rustic look or in a recycled glass vase for an earthy vibe. May is also the only time of year when lily of the valley is in season in the Northeast (they are available in other months, but the price will be about four times more expensive, so May is the month to get them if you are looking for a deal). Place the lilies in a short clear square vase for a sweet arrangement.

Herb Bouquets
As an alternative to flowers, buy bunches of fresh herbs—such as dill, parsley, basil, rosemary, cilantro and chives—and use them in place of flowers. Mix the herbs to create small mixed herb bouquets or place single bunches of the same herb in different containers. Put the herbs in small vases, juice glasses or empty glass jars with the label removed (reuse clear glass spice jars). Group several herb-filled jars together in the center of your table or space them out along the center of a long, rectangular table. Intersperse unscented tea lights for added ambience.

Eco-Friendly Centerpiece
For a nontraditional and super-simple centerpiece, let your farm-fresh bounty take center stage. Use a simple white or clear glass bowl or cake stand as your centerpiece and pile on some seasonal veggies for a fresh, eco-friendly display (remember to use those beautiful veggies for another meal!). Look for some unexpected varieties like candy-striped radishes, bowling ball eggplant and yellow squash blossoms. Vary the texture, color and size for visual interest.

	Hip Tips
•	Use green as your main color and mix with brown, pink, yellow, orange or purple if you want a natural but coordinated look.
•	Use terra-cotta flower pots to hold napkin-wrapped utensils for a more relaxed vibe.
•	Mini flower pots are great for holding toothpicks, nuts, olives or other snack mixes.

Party Goods
In the spirit of preserving Mother Nature’s beauty, use real plates, utensils and cloth napkins instead of disposable alternatives. If you really aren’t up for any extra cleanup, use eco-friendly disposable products like bamboo plates and recycled plastic utensils.

	Hip Tips
•	Find smooth, flat rocks and use them as place cards for a more formal table setting. Write guests’ names on the rocks using Wite-Out or chalk.
•	Tuck a fresh flower or herb sprig into folded napkins at each place setting.

THE MENU

As far as food, anything seasonal and fresh will complement your theme. Make a trip to your local farmers market and you’ll find all the veggies that are in season in your area. Using good, seasonal ingredients gives you an edge in the flavor department—even if you don’t make any elaborate recipes, your food will still be packed with flavor.

The menu below is designed so that you can make several components in advance to minimize your cooking time during the party. The spiced nuts can be made up to two weeks in advance; the dip, oven-dried tomatoes and biscuits for the cobbler can be made up to two days in advance; and the wheat berry salad and basil pea puree can be made one day before the party.

Mother Nature’s Spring Menu
Crudités (assorted raw veggies) with Creamy Dill Dip*
Maple Spiced Nuts*
Wheat Berry Salad with Arugula, Goat Cheese and Green Olives*
Seared Scallops over Basil Pea Puree with Oven-Dried Tomatoes*
Herb Popovers*
Mango Rhubarb Cobbler*

	Hip Tips
•	Use chopped herbs and/or edible flowers to garnish your food.
•	For a simple dessert, make or buy vanilla-frosted cupcakes and embellish them with edible fresh flowers, such as pansies or lilacs.
•	Freeze mint leaves with water in ice cube trays and use in water, iced tea and cocktails.
•	Instead of offering a full bar, serve wine, beer and a signature drink, such as mojitos or white peach sangria.

All recipes are available at www.hiphostess.wordpress.com.