Spring Dinner

Spring brings to mind the color green and a feeling of cleanliness. Thus, I recommend using these themes to establish the look for a seasonal celebratory dinner. A wood table adds an earthy, rustic, and informal feel to the meal. Cover it with a crisp white runner and set with bright green plates and fresh-pressed napkins. Place low vases filled with green flowers down the middle of the runner and dot with small green votive holders. Display both the punch bowl and cheesecake on nearby tables. A single colorful tulip makes a lovely place setting and wonderful finishing touch.

While some people believe that punches, especially the sparkling sort, should only be consumed around the Winter holidays, I happen to disagree. A beautiful and bubbly punch is too good to only enjoy once a year! I serve sangria, pitcher drinks, and other punches no matter what month it is. A celebratory dinner that honors a new season, like Spring, is the perfect occasion to bust out the punch bowl and ice block. This effervescent recipe combines red wine with brandy, Champagne, and fresh fruit. It calls for strawberries and raspberries, but I recommend using rhubarb instead of raspberries; they scream Spring. Want the easy recipe? Please read more.

Nothing says Spring more than strawberries, and since the markets are getting flooded with a surplus of ripe, red berries, it's a no brainer to serve a strawberry dessert as the finish to a seasonal dinner. Instead of topping a regular cheesecake with berries, this lovely recipe combines roasted berries with mascarpone and cream cheese. This mixture is poured into a classic graham cracker crust before being topped with a layer of rich vanilla cheesecake. It's important to make the dessert in advance, so get started the day before your party. Want the recipe? Please read more

Everyone knows a friend or family member with a birthday in Spring, so why not celebrate your loved one with a meal that honors the season? Keep things light and casual by inviting guests over for an informal Friday night dinner party.

Serve an easy, crowd-pleasing menu that highlights the bounty of green produce at the farmers market. Start with asparagus and ricotta toast canapes.

Then sit down to a hearty braised chicken and artichoke fricassée with morel mushrooms. The creamy and flavorful fricassée can be paired with pasta, rice, potatoes, or polenta, so select a side dish that suits your hosting needs. For these delightful recipes, please read more