i'm having a party for about 15-20 people and need help with food and some other stuff...

[Heathcliffscathy]

dh has said leave it to him but.....

I'd really like it to be sit down, and it would be wonderful if it could be in the garden but i'm not going to count on it.

I had a thought about having it on the ground with loungey cushions, but that isn't that comfy.

I've made a list of all the things I love to eat (selfish, but tis my bday and you gotta start somewhere):

caviar
smoked salmon blinis
smoked cods roe tarama
prawns
crab linguine
raspberries
figs
carpaccio
wild mushrooms
mozzarella di bufala
tomato salad

I was thinking with the exception of the caviar (which would be v expensive for that many people) all of that could be done in advance. I was thinking blinis with smoked sea trout or salmon as nibble, maybe oysters too (but someone would ahve to shuck and neither dh nor i are confident enough i don't think).

and then a table that everyone sits round (two tables joined up it will ahve to be) groaning with peaches and prosciutto, wildmushrooms in white wine and garlic and butter, carpaccio, tomato and mozza salad, maybe some other types of saladiness that can be done in advance (no leaves i guess) etc etc.

then some desserts. so a sit down spread rather than a buffet (which I hate)?

is there a thing that will cover your garden up so that if it rains it doesn't matter and what is it called?

any other ideas for fabulousness?

thanks

you need a gazebo or a marquee

food sounds fab by the way!

on the other hand, if it is hot, don't need one, and if it is cold, better inside no?

If it's hot, gazebo for shade. Or for shelter if it rains. We're having a bit of a do at the weekend and will definitely have a gazebo.

I'm getting a gazebo for dd's birthday party a week Sat - not sure BBQ food would cope if it rained without one!

any fabulous ideas for food/drinks/anything at all else.

i'm thinking i need pph, carmenere, prufrock, probably mallory...and loads of other people i've forgotten...

you rang madam?
Ok Drinks - I LOVE Bellinis and Lidl prosecco with Lidl peach nectar makes a damn fine one and cheap enough to be very generous. Likewise you can make a strawberry puree with sugar, fresh strawberries and triple sec or some other orange liqueur and top that up with prosecco.

As for salads, keep it simple, offer a few well made delicious salads that will last well when made in advance.
Puy Lentil salad is fab, easy to make and is better if made in advance. Just cook the lentils in water and then drain and toss in a garlicy vinaigrette made with plenty of sun-dried tomato puree. Add basil, black olive and roasted peppers.
A selection of antipasto is very easy to buy and display nicely. Make a big bowl of aubergine caviar to serve with cumin scented pitta chips too.
As you like mushrooms (although they won't be in season) you could make a thick, creamy mushroom bruschetta topping with lots of garlic and parsley that you could top the pre-prepared bruschettas just before serving.

HTH

i have found these which look v lovely indeed

saw them on mn the other night. can't remember who, but thank you!