Another dinner party

TarHeels&Rebels

You regulars might remember me having two parties back-to-back in May/June with pretty similar menus, but different groups (classmates and friends/neighbors).  This time I'm combining the groups and I figure 25ish out of the 40 invited will come.  I've tried to vary the menu from what both groups had previously, but still stay within my cooking comfort zone.

Here's what I have.  Tell me what you think.

Apps

Smoked salmon spread with crackers

Cowboy caviar with chips

Main

Pork tenderloin with blackberry-orange sauce

Cornbread muffins

Sides

Grilled veggies (squash, zucchini, eggplant, etc)

Avocado wedges with bacon-parsley vinaigrette

Neighbor bringing some sort of starch

Dessert

Friend bringing a cake from his bakery

 

Any ideas on how to make the dinner feel differently than the last two?  It'll be the same set up, same serving dishes, similar crowd.  Could music and flowers make an appreciable difference?

georgia_bride09

I think the atmosphere will be different anyway, since the two groups coming together will have a different vibe than the previous parties. I do think you could change it up with flowers and maybe change up what you serve to drink as well. Plus, even if you had the same group over twice, I don't think people would mind some similarities as long as they're getting along and having fun.

jimandmel

georgia_bride09:

I think the atmosphere will be different anyway, since the two groups coming together will have a different vibe than the previous parties. I do think you could change it up with flowers and maybe change up what you serve to drink as well. Plus, even if you had the same group over twice, I don't think people would mind some similarities as long as they're getting along and having fun.

 

I agree with this. Having the two groups together will have a different vibe.

Flowers or any nice decor with music would be good.

Will you have any ice breaker games?

wejustwant2:)

Hi!  How are you?  What is "cowboy caviar"?  Your menus are always great - I'm sure everyone will enjoy the evening.

TarHeels&Rebels

wejustwant2:):

Hi!  How are you?  What is "cowboy caviar"?  Your menus are always great - I'm sure everyone will enjoy the evening.

Hi there

I hadn't heard of cowboy caviar, either, until a couple years ago when a co-worker brought it for a work potluck.  She looked at me like I had just fallen off the turnip truck when I begged for the recipe lol  It's a really popular dip that lots of people are familiar with.

This isn't my recipe, but you get the idea.

6fsn

My only two thoughts: I'd consider throwing some potatoes on the grill for one more starch side.  Then again I'm a starch junkie so maybe that's just me.  I'd also consider having some small bite of something to go with the cake.  Something like nice chocolates or chocolate covered strawberries.  Some people may want just a bite of something sweet and not a whole piece of cake.

I agree with pps that just having a new mix of people will change things up. 

JennyQ1985

I would add another starch side and main dish.  I am allergic to almost everything on your menu so if I was a guest at your party I would be hungry.

wejustwant2:)

Thanks for the recipe.