EAT DRINK PRETTY: A fall-inspired dinner party, sponsored by ...

My Alexia Foods sponsored dinner party went better than I ever hoped. ?All the guests enjoyed the food and drinks and had a great time. ?I was really happy at the end of the night.

There were a few reasons why I believe the dinner party was a success. First, I had major help from my friend Libby. ?She arrived an hour and a half early and didn't stop helping me in the kitchen until we all sat down to dinner. ?I wouldn't have been able to pull it off without her. ?Second, Juliet went to sleep around 6:45pm and slept the entire party. ?I couldn't believe it because the house was LOUD. ?And she usually doesn't like missing out on fun so I was expecting her to be up. ?Third, I planned ahead. ?I had a Pinterest board for inspiration, made lots of lists and got all the shopping done ahead of time. ?And lastly, I planned a fairly easy menu. ?Nothing was too complicated or took a lot of time to prepare.

Erik and I invited 12 of our good friends. ?We absolutely love our new house and the fact that we can easily host a dinner party for 14 people. ?We've only lived here for 3 months and have already entertained at least 10 times.?Alexia Foods sent me tons of food for the party. ?I received Mushroom Bites, Mozzarella Sticks, Multi Grain Onion Rings, Sweet Potato Fries and Focaccia. ? I kept the decor simple and fall-inspired. ?I purchased flowers from Trader Joes and placed them in small mason jars tied with twine. ?I used white tablecloths with a burlap runner and purchased mini pumpkins to add to the tablescape. ?I also used bigger mason jars wtih votive candles. ? Here is the menu:

Appetizers
Cheese board with fontina, brie and blue cheese. ?Served with baguette and crackers
Alexia Foods Mushroom Bites
Alexia Foods Mozzarella Sticks

Soup Course
Butternut Squash Soup

Main Course
Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions
Garlic Smashed Red Potatoes
Green Beans with toasted almonds and garlic
Alexia Foods Focaccia?

Dessert (I made a dessert table, photos below)
Apple pie
Pumpkin cupcakes
Caramel apples
Candy (Whoppers and Candy Corn)

I didn't end up making a couple of the appetizers because I realized we had way more than enough food.
The Alexia Foods appetizers were great because they only took about 12 minutes in the oven. ?Super fast and really tasty. ? When I host a party, often-times I forget to sip wine and allow myself to have some fun. ?Because Libby helped I was able to mingle a bit and drink wine. ?I had a great time.? A few of our dinner guests.
I put together a dessert table with a few store-bought desserts. ?As much as I love baking, it's something that has taken a back seat pretty much since Juliet was born. ?I miss baking, but it's been hard to find the time.

Everyone ate so much that the desserts were barely touched. ?Here is a breakdown of costs for the party. ?Note, a lot of things are pre-owned, like the platters, mason jars, burlap and tablecloths.

Decor: $15 (flowers and mini pumpkins)
Alcohol: $75 (a variety of beer, red wine and white wine). ?We have a lot leftover.
Food: $175
Total: $265

Thanks to Alexia Foods for sponsoring this dinner party!

Disclaimer: ?I am being compensated for partnering with Alexia Foods as an Alexia Tastemaker. ?This partnership allows me to try their new products and incorporate their food into my everyday life and entertaining. ?All the opinions are my own. ?

Source: http://www.eatdrinkpretty.com/2012/11/a-fall-inspired-dinner-party-sponsored.html

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