Skinny Dinner Party Recap

Happy Monday and Happy four day week! Holla! I love when I forget it’s a holiday and it sneaks up on me and I realize it’s a short week. I always feel like weekends are too short (who doesn’t?) so a 3 day weekend is the bomb in my book. 

This past weekend was a great one, to say the least! Friday I had a date with my main man, then we called it an early night. I had so much to do Saturday to prep for the first Skinny Dinner Party! That’s right, first. We’ll be doing this again many times. More on the party (and a shit ton of photos) later in the post. 

I was up at 7am and went to Sam’s to pick up a few things for the party. I have a Business Membership so I can go several hours before regular shoppers. That was the ticket. Very easy and quick trip. Normally, Sam’s is crazier than the mall at Christmas on Saturdays, so I will definitely plan my Sam’s trips early Saturday mornings from now on. I got the rest of my groceries at two other grocery stores (Do you know how hard it is to find fresh basil? Damn.) I then went get the brows waxed. I am a freak of nature and LOVE getting my eyebrows done. It relaxes me. Weird. 

Came home, showered, cleaned like a mad woman and started preparing all the dishes. The menu was as follows:

• Edamame 
• Zea’s Mediterranean Hummus (I used store bought Sabra hummus and it was still yummy)
• Caprese Salad (was supposed to be Caprese Pops via this site but my cheese was all mis-shapen so it didn't work out. S had even made me a fancy Caprese Pop Stand for them, so I'll have to figure out another way to use it soon)
• SkinnyBuffalo Chicken Dip, served with wheat pita bread, carrots and celery
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Fruit with light Cool Whip
• Cannoli Cups (SO easy to make)

Sidenote: I bought the mozzarella from Sam's, already marinated and seasoned. All I did was toss in some cherry tomatoes. This is the brand:

 

 The Caprese Pop stand that never was...

All the food was wiped out. I somehow made just enough. We didn’t run out but I didn’t have weeks worth of leftovers. Win. Everyone brought their alcoholic beverage of choice and had a grand old time. Leigh Ann made a great point when she said that it’s hard meeting female friends at this age. You’re not going out, not still in college, where do you meet people? It was a great chance to meet some new ladies, and I think everyone got along perfectly. Sabrina, a friend from the running clinic we did, is hosting the next Skinny Dinner Party! I can’t wait. Here are a few photos from the night. 

 

I had some chalkboard paint so I bought these cheap wooden plaques from Hobby Lobby and painted them to label all the dishes. I can use these a million more times, too!

 

Great picture of my beautiful friends and of the food set up!

 

I just noticed my kitchen looks yellow in these photos. My kitchen definitely ain't yellow! Bad lighting I guess.

 All my centerpieces. 

I made these from a Target bouquet, some jars I painted with Looking Glass paint and a couple of succulents from a pot of them I keep at our front door. I'm no florist, but I thought they weren't too shabby!

I have to say, I was a little nervous it would be awkward or boring, and no one would say much, but it was absolutely awkward-moment-free! Everyone thought it was a fun idea, so you should try it! I’d love to hear/read all your ideas. I’ll definitely host this again in the future and we even discussed doing a party for couples and letting the guys come next time. I kinda had to kick S to the curb for the night. Just kidding, he was fine. He did come home early and hang out with us for a bit. Ladies love him, what can I say? 

Hope you’re all having a fabulous Monday, and if not, remember it’s a 4 day week and get over it! J