Dinner for Gramma

I invited my gramma over for dinner tonight.  Her birthday was this week so I wanted to do a little something special for her and I knew she would really really enjoy coming over to my house for dinner.  I really enjoy having people over and don't get the chance to host very often.

I switched up the flowers on the table from my dining room post for some sunflowers and mums mixed in with the hydrangeas and a few pieces of wheat to give it a little something extra.

I put a leaf from out trip to North Carolina on each napkin.  Because it seems like something Pottery Barn would do.  Tablescapes are not really my thing so I struggle in the creativity here.

I also made a caramel apple cake with cider buttercream frosting.  I found the recipe on pinterest and while I'd love to share it with you, it just wasn't that great.  It was a bit dry and just did not blow me away.  It was pretty so that was a pretty big letdown.

We also had a pear and goat cheese salad with praline pecans and bbq shrimp and grits for the main course.  I kept the food really simple because when I'm cooking for someone else, that's when I always tend to screw things up.  Am I the only one?  I just knew the cake out end up dry because I was making it for someone else. 

Sorry for the iphone picture- Our appetizer was a hit though and I'll definitely be making it again!  I just baked some brie (cut the top off) for 5 minutes, spoon a bunch of whole berry cranberry sauce on top and stick it back in the oven until it's bubbly.  Top it with grated orange zest and praline pecans.  I served it with apple slices and crackers.  We loved it!

We spent a lot of time sitting out on the porch working on the details for Thanksgiving.  I'm feeling a little more relaxed about  hosting a major holiday for 35+ people. 

Tomorrow we are going to pick up what is possibly my best Craig's List find to date!  Stay tuned!