New Year's Feasts

Having just barely recovered from Christmas and New Year celebrations, I am already thinking of organizing a new event. In essence I never feel the need to create an event around an occasion, no need for an excuse to entertain or a reason to invite friends over. Any day is great, any weekend even better; it is all about effortless entertaining. 

A cozy lunch, drinks by the fire, tea with a friend, brunch after sports, a mid-day snack... any reason to meet, talk and connect other than through a screen is good enough for me.

And as always, making it easy, elegant and seemingly effortless is the only way I am able to do it over and over again. I rely on my collection of foods and my line of condiments that allow me to elevate everyday foods into elegant entertaining dishes. A New Year's drinks party is the perfect way to have your friends over, share a glass or two and have a bit of fun decorating the house... everything goes!  

Here are some ideas for a elegant drinks party:

Serve in espresso cups with a little grilled cheese sandwich. 

Mini Meatballs with Champagne Ketchup

In a saute pan, brown chicken meatballs, add 1 10 oz jar of champagne ketchup and heat through. Serve hot with toothpicks.-

Garlic Shrimp with Fine Herb Mayonnaise

In a saute pan heat olive oil and garlic until golden. Add the shrimp (with tails) and saute until cooked through and no longer pink. Serve with a bowl of Fine Herb Mayonnaise.

Spicy Feta

In a bowl mix together 1 cup of feta crumbles with 1 cup of Green Chilli Piri Piri. Serve with salted pita chips.