SUMMER BERRY SUPPER
The inspiration for the second dinner came completely from my home - specifically the wild Saskatoon bushes that surround my yard. Saskatoons are not only a superior berry in my opinion, but they also hold a lot of sentimental value for me as well. They also turned into an incredibly versatile menu ingredient - used across my four course dinner menu!
The dinner party vibe was tea party meets evening garden party.Shades of pink & purple were the accent to a romantic outdoor dinner table - featuring lace and vintage china. The soft colours of the table scape allowed for bold, colourful dresses - the dress code was “prairie belle cocktail hour” and “picnic princess”, encouraging purples, pinks, and floral prints.
THE INSPIRATION
the dress code
Once again, I was so impressed with the way everyone’s outfits perfectly balanced and coordinated with each other.
My absolute favourite online store to shop for occasion & party dresses is ASOS! Their variety of styles, trendy designs and affordable price points are are simply unmatched. My purple ruffle dress was purchased from ASOS, though no longer available. Shop some of my favourite ASOS looks to fit the Summer Berry dress code below.
the table
This table came together with a mixture of new and old. I had a goal to try and pull together a look without needing a huge budget. Here’s how it all came together:
Linens: a neutral queen flat sheet was the underlay to a delicate lace tablecloth
Chairs: Facebook Marketplace white distressed Bentwood chairs that are probably the best find I will ever have- $50 for 5 chairs!
Dishware: My husband’s grandmother’s china set, layered with thrifted pink glass plates
Glassware: both the water & wine glasses are acrylic patio drinkware. I found the pink ribbed water glasses at Walmart for under $2/piece. The footed “wine” glasses were found in the clearance section at Marshalls.
Cutlery: This was definitely more of a splurge item for me - though still very affordable - I just knew it wasn’t entirely necessary but decided it was worth investing in since I planned to continue hosting.
Rechargeable Gold Lamps: Only $20 at Canadian Tire and one of my favourite purchases for using around the house now!
Napkins & Florals were provided by some of my beloved dinner party guests!
Thrifting is absolutely my favourite way to bring together a dinner party table. Not only does it make your hosting decor much more affordable, but the unique pieces you find bring so much personality to each table.
the menu
SUMMER BERRY
SUPPER Menu
APPETIZER - Burrata with Pistachio Pesto
and fresh Saskatoon berries, lemon & honey
SALAD: Fennel, Cucumber & Saskatoon Salad
with citrus vinaigrette and fresh dill
MAIN: Herb Rubbed Roasted Pork Tenderloin
with Saskatoon Port Sauce
SIDES: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Charred Broccolini with Lemon-Saskatoon Glaze
& Hazelnuts
DESSERT: Saskatoon Glazed Almond Cake
with whipped orange scented mascarpone
If I were to host this dinner again, I don’t think I’d change a thing about the menu. Each course was memorable in its own way. If saskatoon berries are not something accessible to you, wild blueberries are very similar and would make a perfect substitute.
To start, this appetizer was fairly simple. As far as preparation, it was simply making a pistachio pesto and toasting crostinis. Everything came together in a matter of minutes and layered on the plate - burrata, pesto, fresh saskatoon berries, honey and lemon zest.
I’ve been told by one of my dinner party guests that this unconventional salad was one of their favourite salads from all of the dinners. thinly sliced fennel, cucumbers, fresh saskatoon berries, dill and a lemon-orange honey vinaigrette.
The main course was herb rubbed / crusted pork tenderloin with saskatoon port wine sauce. No notes, simply so delicious. I served this over roasted garlic mashed potatoes. I wanted to ensure these mashed potatoes weren’t simply a side dish and more of a hero in itself, so I used this recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
The dessert was not only visually stunning, but extremely delicious and fragrant. I’m extremely partial to almond extract, marzipan and the like - this flavour was balanced with the vibrant saskatoons and bright orange zset. And don’t forget the whipped orange scented mascarpone. That might have been my only regret - we needed more mascarpone and a drizzle of saskatoon syrup would have been divine. The recipe I used for this cake can be found here.
