I love putting together a party.
I get a secret thrill from creating the invitations, shopping for decorative accents, and thinking about who to invite.
Nothing is more titillating than planning the menu - unless it's the actual shopping. The suspense of shopping is a treat all its own. Will the price be right, the product fresh and lovely? Or will there need to be last minute substitutions because all the avocados are harder than my thick head?
Preparing the food can seem like a bit of a chore, but when the last plate is garnished and guests are tucking in to a beautiful plate, there is nothing better.
These days, however, I have less time for the DIY treatment. So, I've been looking for ways to save time, enjoy entertaining, and - of course - stay within my budget.
Hello, Fresh Direct Catering.
I decided to see what the folks at Fresh Direct could whip up for me on short notice for Father's Day. You might be inspired too.
And you can even order the wine too.
The Menu
serves 8-10
GRILLED FARM-RAISED SALMON $64.99/ea
served with lemon wedges, steamed asparagus and a dill cream sauce
BABY SPINACH & BLUE CHEESE SALAD BOWL $29.99/ea
BUTTER-GLAZED BABY CARROTS $5.99/ea
ALMOST PERFECT MASHED POTATOES $6.99/ea
Pair with
CHANNING DAUGHTERS ROSATO DI CABERNET FRANC
CROTEAU FARM VINEYARD 2008 750 ml $18.99/ea
This North Fork Long Island vintage is a pale, copper-colored Cabernet Franc-based rosato, crafted with fruit from the Croteau family's dry-farmed vineyard The grapes are grown exclusively for this rosé
Appealing wild-strawberry aromas lead to supple textured berry fruit flavors and a luxuriously soft, lengthy finish.
Dessert
CLASSIC TRIO CHEESE PLATE $79.99/ea
This platter is made up of Stilton, Ewephoria's sheep's milk gouda, and The Epoisse — a cheese famous for its rich, penetrating aroma and washed in Marc de Bourgogne, a fiery spirit made from the leftover pressings of Burgundy wine grapes. Accompanied by Nairn's oatcakes and a bounty of dried cherries, raisins, dried pears, walnuts, pecans and fresh grapes.
CHOCOLATE LOVERS' PLATTER approx 30 pcs $24.99/ea
Dense fudge brownies, rich double chocolate chunk cookies, creamy white and dark-chocolate chunk cookies, Bruce's chocolate rugelach, Asher's milk chocolate almond bark, Asher's dark chocolate almond bark and Asher's almond-butter crunch, finished with a garnish of fresh, sweet strawberries.
Pair with ALTHEA PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE NV 750ml - $16.99/ea
Grand total: $303.89, plus delivery.
orry but you still have to do the dishes.