Old Country Roses

 Old Country Roses

If you're hosting a special dinner party for family and friends, you may have a larger group than usual. But you can always create a memorable gathering by using just a few cost-saving ideas.

Instead of seating guests in the dining room, I moved the table to the larger drawing room where the red walls look lovely as a backdrop for the rose-covered plates and the floral arrangement. Pastels don't have to be boring. By adding red ranuculus to the pink and yellow roses in the garland, the pastels are energized. Because the setting is in the drawing room, I can accommodate more guests and play with fresh color schemes.





An economical way to vary place settings is to choose white plates for almost every occasion, dressing them with decorated dessert plates that enhance seasonal themes. Old Country Roses by Royal Albert is the versatile china pattern shown here.

Other money saving tips include re-purposing knickknacks as centerpieces. Bunnies and Faberge eggs, along with wicker chargers, are added to create a springtime feel. This tablescape would work beautifully for an Easter dinner.

Borrowing also helps to reduce expenses. This Battenberg lace tablecloth, a gift from my husband's grandmother, acts as an overlay with a taupe cloth underneath.







For an eclectic look, mix and match chairs. Otherwise, chair covers can be an inexpensive way to provide extra seating. Event rentals are another great resource.


The three following menus are budget friendly as well. For appetizers we serve bourbon praline pecans, deviled eggs, crudite, and fruit.












Chicken cassoulet, a traditional French stew, can be made ahead and feeds a crowd... even if some of the guests arrive late.
The cassoulet is paired with a fresh summer squash saute.  Pecans give a southern taste to the veggies. French lemonade or sparkling peach lemon soda are refreshing beverages that please everyone, including children.

For a more southern presentation, the chicken can also be shredded into the bean stew and spooned over buttermilk biscuits.

Carrot cake is a delicious spring dessert of which any bunny would approve. Add butter pecan ice cream for a taste of heaven.

As an alternative menu for a large group, substitute chicken salad sandwiches. Grapes, toasted pecans and watercress make this croissant divine! We present it simply on a bed of lettuce with a giant perfect red strawberry. The fruit adds a punch of color and flavor.

Mini coconut cream pies and coffee complete the meal. All of these dishes can be prepared ahead of your guests' arrival so you'll have more time to visit.

A third alternative is to serve chicken pot pie in individual pedestal bowls. By presenting a simple comfort food in an unexpected way, the meal is both welcoming and elegant.

With its beautiful color and taste, a chocolate fruit tart makes an ideal spring dessert.

Or lemon squares dusted with powdered sugar can make an equally sweet finish.

If friends are flowers in the garden of life, may you blessed with many. Happy Easter!