NYE Dinner Party

Dress: Velvet Occassion Maxi Dress by ML Monique Lhuillier (size 18) via Nuuly

Tights: Snag

Shoes: Mossimo, thrifted

Earring: Kerala Rose

Necklace: Green Goddess Vintage

Bracelet: Vintage 

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 43-41-57

This $600 dress was pretty...but was in NYE worthy? I probably would not have chosen it had I had other choices...but it fit me, which was much better than wearing a too big on me dress out of my closet. So, not a ringing endorsement for this party outfit. Also, this brand fits small by at least 1-2 sizes. The velvet flowers on tulle fabric was gorgeous, my objection was the shapeless ruffle up top & the tie straps...had that been a v-neck & form fitting, it would have been ideal. 

My shoes are covered in sequins...which is difficult to see black on black.

This is my first wearing of this lovely pearl necklace made by Gayle. I also love any chance I get to wear this beautiful bracelet that belonged to my grandma. Decades ago, I lost it in Lake Superior & Shane found it hours later. I will never stop being amazed at that. If I believed in such things, I would have to say my grandma had a hand in it. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Alkaline; Kat von D eyeshadow in Bloodmilk, Medusa, & Prophet; Burgundy lipliner by MAC; Tannin lipstick from Bite Beauty; & OPI nail polish in Visions of Love. 

Brian & I spent NYE day last minute grocery shopping (seafood & bread, things you can't buy ahead) & preparing food for the party. Lots of yummy cheese & local salami for the charcuterie boards. All the ingredients for a new appetizer, caramelized fennel & brie dip, that I will definitely be making again. Prepping the whole roasted fish & making Mac & cheese. 

The curried deviled eggs I always make, & some new fancier ones, crab stuffed deviled eggs with caviar & tarragon on top. Me right before the party. Kate, me, & Brian in the kitchen. 

The table set up with waaaaay too many appetizers...what was I thinking?! We barely put a dent in this. We had: a variety of crackers, bread, blue tortilla chips, pita chips, smoked salmon, artichoke hearts, hummus, marmalade, jam, stuffed grape leaves, many cheeses & meats, various olives, pickled things, Brian's artichoke cheese dip, deviled eggs, caramelized fennel & brie dip, olive tapenade, different kinds of nuts, & caviar. This would have been perfect if this was all we were eating. 

elly! I am quite sure I haven't seen e since 2019...so I was extremely excited to SEE her. Our first guests in our newly set up living room. A wonderful drink that e's husband Josh made...he has been honing his craft cocktail game during the pandemic...much better than baking bread, if you ask me. This was a milk punch made with 3 different rums, chai simple syrup, milk, Madeira, cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, & allspice dram...I'm sure I'm leaving some stuff out. 

David, Kate, & Jason...awwwww...

Roasted squash that Kate brought...it had a tahini sauce to put on top. Alison Roman's Mac & cheese...sooooo good, hasselback potato gratin (I still have both of these in my freezer). 

The star of the evening...porchetta...I would make this again & again. It is a superb dinner party main as you prepare it the day before & just need to stick it in the oven day of. Kate curated all the champagne & sparkling wine for the night...so, of course it was all excellent. 

Whole roasted fish with lemongrass & ginger...Brussels sprouts with pomegranate & pecans. The toppings for Kate's mushroom Bourguignon & a bottle of Amaro that Josh & e brought. 

The other side of the table...dessert, ginger cake (that David whipped up some ginger cream for) & Meyer lemon tart with raspberries & blueberries. 

After the feast...there was SO much food...& I forgot to make the crab legs. However, this was my first time entertaining since 2019...so I was out of practice. 

Relaxing in the living room...it was a wonderful evening & even though it was a lot of work...I like this better than going out to a fancy restaurant on NYE...it could become a yearly event.