Easy Entertaining

The Christmas decorations are finally packed away, and it's time to reconnect with friends for an easy mid-week supper.

A Fresh, Inspiring Tablescape

Cheerful Colors Lift Mid-Winter Doldrums

Pretty dishes in pastel colors, colorful glasses, and simple bouquets of fresh white stock create a refreshing tableau designed to make guests feel special.

A Cheerful, Feminine Place Setting

Dinner napkins in mismatched patterns and edged with rick-rack trim provide a boho touch. Guests choose their seats based on the place card that best resonates with them.

On the menu: easy mid-week fare. The entree is quiche two ways--one featuring ham, gruyere, baby portabellas, cherry tomatoes, shallots, and green onions and a second all-veggie quiche featuring red peppers, asparagus, shallots and two types of cheddar. The trick to bringing out the flavors is to sauté the vegetables for a couple of minutes before baking them in the quiche. Cous cous and salad are quick-fix accompaniments. Dessert is vanilla cupcakes topped with fresh strawberries and Belgian chocolates.

It feels great to take a break from the bustle of the New Year to catch up on holiday adventures and plans for the coming year. It's a nice reminder not to let a busy schedule interfere with meaningful social time with friends.