Spring Time Luncheon

I’m not really sure what day it is, what month or even what year…clap clap clap.

Ok, maybe it’s not time for a Friends theme song but in all seriousness, what day is it?

These past few months have been a complete blur. I wish I could say I’ve accomplished so much during quarantine, but unless you count watching almost every documentary on Netflix, baking until my pants no longer fit and being a taste tester while Steve masters his Old-Fashioned an accomplishment, I haven’t done much. Guess you could say slow paced environments are definitely not my jam.

While my motivation levels have completely tanked during this time, I did manage to get some creative juices flowing to create this simple, spring luncheon. This was actually Steve and I’s Easter celebration but again, motivation level = zero = no blog posts were completed = pants still not fitting from all the baking. You get the picture.

Plus, what better timing? It’s finally starting to feel like spring and while Chicago is still on lockdown, many other cities are slowly beginning to open which means back to hosting days! (small groups of course)

Hosting friends and family again is the top thing on my list to do once it’s allowed again. I knew I missed everyone, but I never knew how much I would miss welcoming and having people in my home. The process of prepping the home for your guests, planning the perfect agenda or meal during their stay and spending time making memories together within the home. Nothing beats that feeling and I can’t wait to have it again. First up will be recreating this luncheon that Steve and I got to enjoy during our first holiday at home.

The Decor

It’s no secret that I’m a HUGE fan of the Martha Stewart line at Macy’s so when creating this tablescape, I used the gold bird napkin rings and white chargers with the most fun swirl detail as my inspiration. I loved the idea of a mostly white table with just a few light hints of color. I originally was planning to do white tulips too but COVID, so I took what I could get. Which wasn’t much to choose from, but I actually loved the way the orange tulips ended up turning out. My favorite part about this tablescape is the centerpiece is very versatile to where you can use a lot of things you already own and it doesn’t require a ton of prepping. For the vases, I used a mix of single bud vases I had already and arranged them in a rectangular setting that worked best with my table. To add height, I added the gold candle holders and kept it simple with white candlesticks. For the place settings, I did a simple setting with a powder blue place mat, white charger, white napkin and matching gold napkin ring and silverware.

The Drinks

My favorite part! With grocery stores being a little limited at the moment, I opted for my favorite wine delivery – Martha Stewart Wine Co. for this luncheon. A quick, easy way to have your favorite wines and bubbles delivered right to your door. You can mix and match on your own or you can opt for one of their suggested boxes based on what you are looking for. I served a mix of white wines and mimosas since you never can go wrong with some bubbles. When it comes to brunch or lunch events, I suggest lighter wines such as white, rose or sparkling. Reds tend to be a little too heavy for that time of day and pending on the meal won’t pair as well. Since this meal has a few sweeter dishes, I also opted for more dry wines so it wasn’t too much on the palette.

The Menu

Starters: Arugula Salad, Prosciutto and Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus and Fresh Cut Berries

Mains: Ham (no recipe, a baked ham from your local meat market or grocery store using the heating instructions on the package) and Quiche (you can cheat and use store bought pie crust and add your favorite toppings to the filling. I love feta, spinach and mushrooms)

Sweets: Bakery Style Blueberry Streusel Muffins and Petits Pains au Chocolat