Success!!

Dinner was an absolute success!  Yahoooo! 
(high-fives for Eeeeveryone!)

We hosted 13 people for a seated dinner at my house tonight and it was FABULOUS!  I can't take all the credit for this, I had some mega-help from some mega-awesome peeps - they deserve mad props.
(okay - I can take credit for the stellar decor, but more on that later *heh). 

Marc was absolutely incredible and played a vital role in pulling this off...in addition to the caterer, of course.  I don't know what I would have done if he hadn't been home helping direct everyone - hats off to the awesome hubs for this one!

The folks over at Serendipity Food did a spectacular job.  The food was superb, the service was great, and we had an amazing time.  AND it wasn't overly expensive!  I could totally see us doing this for some future fancy dinner down the road if we had to.  I highly recommend them if you need a caterer in the Denver area - fantastic job!!

The folks at Serendipity should expect a stellar, 5 star Yelp rating from me =)  What an honor!

Not only were they an absolute pleasure to work with to plan the event, but they executed flawlessly.
(I'm sure the event planner must think I'm nuts - but she just played along and acted like I was totally normal and not a crazy control freak...even when I would randomly call during the day to tell her "I had another dream about the dinner" and I wanted to make more substitutions and additions...)  

They brought in all their own rentals including chairs, china, flatware and glasses and it was so great to not have to worry about any of that.  Everything was clean and very professional - I was so incredibly impressed with the way they handled everything.  Serendipity has definitely earned my future business - I'm sold!

Here's a look at our menu (no jealousy!):

• Appetizers:
• Artisan cheese platter with figs, fruit and assorted crackers
• (omg.  fabulosity.  there was a smoked gouda, something infused with wine, something infused with basil and other herbs and so many others...we got to keep the leftovers...darn *heh)
•  Artichoke tartlet and lemon aoli
• (i mean...artichoke and puff pastry.  what's not to luv?  and not canned artichoke...this was the real deal.  that says a lot coming from an artichoke snob like myself)
• Smoked salmon and chevre "lollipop" with dill and lemon
• (i was most hesitant about this one, but i love smoked salmon and trusted them.  glad i did.  these were like little salmon-cheese-balls of joy.  with dill and lemon.  they should change the name)
• Main Course:
• Spinach salad with strawberries, red onions, roasted pecans, goat cheese and balsamic dressing.
• (another salad with fruit that i thoroughly enjoyed.  look at me growing up!)
• Beef tenderloin with a mushroom and red wine reduction
• (fab)
• Grilled portabella mushrooms stuffed with breadcrumbs, roasted red peppers and feta
• (for the veggies.terranians.  i had some.  divine)
•  Grilled asparagus
• (i ate a ton.  looking forward to peeing later tonight *hehe...gross)
• Risotto with peas
• (i don't want to know what they made it with.  it was perfect)
• Dessert:
• Assorted desserts including mini eclairs, raspberry cheesecake, chocolate macaroons and basically all other heavenly treats =)

Once again, I wish I'd gotten pictures of the spread and set-up - they displayed the food like works of art.  It was fantastic and it was so fun to see our tiny little dining room turned into an upscale restaurant for the evening.

Also, the lack of dishwasher was not an issue and Mickey most certainly did NOT make an appearance, for those who were concerned (myself included!).  Thank you for your calming prayers
(assuming you sent some my way...because I was very calm today!). 
If not, thanks anyway =)

I'll definitely provide an update on the fall decor (my "fall-scape" as I kept referring to it today), but for now, I'm going to go sit on the couch with the hubs and pup.  I feel like this:

Full and satisfied belly.  Can't you tell?

Hope everyone had an awesome Monday!!  Have a great week =)