A Cozy Dinner For Two

Austin and I have been on one proper date since Piper’s birth 6 months ago – my sister watched her and we went out to dinner a few minutes from our house for my birthday. I wore a dress, got a cocktail and it was fun but I was glued to my phone the whole time worrying about Piper. Between the time it takes to get ready, find someone to watch Piper, my anxiety– not to mention my diet restraints — we’ve found that date nights in are much more our thing these days. 

Over the holidays I had the opportunity to check out Kate Spade New York’s new book “All In Good Taste” – which is such an excellent read for anyone who likes to entertain! One of the meal ideas outlined is a cozy dinner for two at home – right up my alley! I loved the idea of creating a smaller, intimate setting instead of sitting at one end of your normal dining table (as we typically do). Using Kate Spade New York’s new extended kitchenware line I brought this idea to life — and even used the outlined menu ideas. Austin lit a fire, I poured two glasses of wine and we enjoyed roasted butternut squash soup, kale salad, chicken marbella (my new favorite – can’t wait to serve it at a dinner party next weekend), chocolate cake and we finished with mullled wine served in the most adorable Kate Spade New York mugs. 

I’m so excited to ditch our old pots  & pans for these refreshing pieces from Kate Spade New York — the pop of color is so unexpected and since we hang our pots from a rack it’s nice to see them every day. I’ve been cooking with the 4 qt sauce pan and 2 piece frying pan set — I love the turquoise color. 

I have no shame in boxed cake mix — especially when paired with homemade buttercream frosting or coconut whip cream! Leave it to Kate Spade NY to to create a catchy & clever cake pan.…  

Ain’t that the truth! Always a reason to celebrate… or enjoy a glass of wine if you ask me. 

I discovered Chicken Marbella in the All In Good Taste book — and it’s so good. Seriously! And easy… since I can’t handle much more than easy these days. But it doesn’t taste easy, which is why I’ll be serving it at my dinner party next weekend. 

I moved our couch back and created a cozy spot on the floor using a coffee table + scrap piece of fabric for a tablecloth. Plenty of pillows, blankets and candles set the scene. I didn’t get fussy with flowers – instead using a few fresh blooms in small brass bud vases — and let my Kate Spade New York plates & bowls take center stage. 

Next week I’ll be sharing the recipes shown in this post — my roasted butternut squash soup is a staple in our house, I eat it for lunch practically every other week and it makes the perfect starter for a more formal meal. 

We finished our night off with mulled wine…by the fire. It really doesn’t get better – it’s been so unseasonably warm here that I’m so happy it finally feels like winter and I don’t need any other excuse to stay at home with a blanket on the couch having a date night — or cuddling my baby. Mulled wine has long been a favorite of mine, its synonymous with the holidays but I much prefer it after they are over, to cheer up those cold winter nights in January & February. 

Images by Anna Reynal 

This post is sponsored by kate spade new york – thank you for supporting the brands that keep this site running. 

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