Growing up in my family was always full of amazing gatherings and dinner parties, and every event took on a theme of its own. Weather it was a fall clambake out back, grilling out in the summer, or even a holiday dinner every detail was important.  Now I did not grow up with money by any stretch of the imagination, however what we lacked in funds we made up in taste and style. This brings me to a very special weekend dinner party that Matt and I co hosted with my aunt Ellen and Nana, on the most beautiful spring day. Aunt Ellen owns a beautiful store in Lebanon, IL that specializes in wine, cheese, tea & gourmet food. We were so lucky to have her input and knowledge to put together the most delicious cheese tray, and pair the wines for the entire meal. That night the menu consisted of:

Artisan Cheeses with flatbreads & crackers, cheese stuffed dates, and watercress for a garnish.

Arugula Salad with shaved Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes & drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.

Beef Tenderloin with roasted black truffle fingerling potatoes & haricots verts.

Apricot Tart with fresh Vanilla bean iced cream.

We all had so many laughs that night, and the grand finally was an  acapella performance of “Summertime” from my Aunt Ellen (she is a trained opera singer) All of this fun putting together a beautiful table combined with amazing food and wine brought back fond memories of entertaining back home with the family. What are some of your favorite family dinners?