Garden Party on the 16th Floor

Last Sunday I had very small intimate Easter dinner. For my party I kept it simple and casual, I wanted my guests to feel at home in their surrounding and linger for long hours of laughter.





I planted hyacinth bulbs in moss covered oasis for my window decor, I like that these have a different aesthetic than regular ceramic pots.

I have a fabulous New York City view so I did not want to put anything too large that would block it.

I covered the rest of my flat in white and blue hydrangea, to create that feeling of a garden party.



A gracious guest brought over these adorable Easter cookies for everyone, which I quickly snatched up made them into my napkin décor. Don't be afraid to be spontaneous it ususally works out to your benefit, as it did here for me.

For appetizers I served shrimp and more shrimp, fine hummus, and spicy guacamole.

The main course was lamb, chicken and mango glazed pork ribs, julienne carrots, fancy potatoes, string beans with almonds, and a variety of gourmet breads.

The star of the show was dessert of course!
We had cupcake spread consisting of cupcakes from 3 of my favorite places in the city ( yes 3), Billy’s, Magnolia, and Cupcake Bakery.

On top of that we also had banana pudding, truffles, chocolates and pralines oh my!


Here I am serving my guests a refreshing tropical smoothies with coconut milk, orange and lime juice. I always have fresh fruit smoothies at my dinner parties it is a great pick me up.

We also had 2 types of cider which were a total hit! They are definitely not traditional but trust me just as delicious!

Wassail
1/2 gallon apple cider
15 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
2 cups pineapple juice
2 cups orange juice.

This is good without the pineapple juice and orange juice too. Put everything in a pot and bring to a simmer ( don't let it boil)

Spicy Cider
I am not crazy, this is good and definitely unexpected.
1/2 gallon apple cider
about 5 Serrano chilies

Put them in a pot and bring to a simmer. If you add a little lemon juice you will have Hot and Sour Cider.

Finally to set the right relaxed mood we listened to Madredeus and Jorge Drexler, perfect with our NYC backdrop.