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entertaining

Summer Progressive Dinner – Easy, Elegant Appetizers

Progressive Dinner Menu_edited-3

Welcome to a fresh, Summer Progressive Dinner! I’ve joined with 5 of my favorite bloggers to host 5 courses in 5 beautiful settings for a dinner that you and your friends can emulate this summer.

Progressive dinners are a fabulous way to entertain because you only have to prepare part of a meal, and you get to enjoy your friend’s homes…  food + design = the perfect evening!

The menu above shows the courses and the hosts for the evening. The first stop of the night is appetizers in my courtyard. I chose 3 easy, elegant appetizers and a show stopper drink that will be sure to impress your dinner guests. Serving a few simple, bite sized recipes is a wonderful way to spoil your guests without a lot of fuss.

I set a simple, elegant table in my kitchen for guests to grab their appetizers and visit before heading outside to relax in our courtyard.

 

Easy elegant summer progressive dinner party

Gold lanterns from my Mother’s Day Brunch, serve as vases for a simple floral display with coral and cream roses, paired with peach tulips and purple wild flowers.

Mini lanterns and candles were lit for ambiance.

Easy elegant appetizer recipes

The simple, rustic lines of the Cantaria dishware by Skyros Designs, looks so elegant accompanied with the flowers.

Easy elegant appetizer recipes

Once guests fill their plates, they can settle outside to kick back and enjoy the outdoors.

outdoor summer dinner partyOutdoor summer dinner partyOutdoor summer dinner partySummer outdoor dinner partyElegant outdoor summer dinner party by Randi Garrett DesignElegant outdoor dinner party by Randi Garrett Design

Courtyard dinner party by Randi Garrett Design

Each recipe I chose incorporates fruit which helps unify the course. Here are the easy, elegant appetizer recipes for the evening:

 

Apricot cheese appetizer recipe

Easy elegant apricot appetizer

Pear Crostini RecipeCant aria cake stand styled by Randi Garrett DesignPear crostini on Cantaria Skyros Design salad plate

Stuff Figs with Goat Cheese

Stuffed fig elegant appetizer

 

Raspberry Peach LemonadeSkyros Designs Eternity Glass Goblets with peach raspberry lemonade Skyros Designs Eternity Glass Goblets with peach raspberry lemonade

I used a gold glass display box to elevate some of the glasses to create a sense of drama and interest. Skyros Designs Eternity Glass Goblets with peach raspberry lemonade

I used fresh peaches from our peach tree to make the lemonade, but you can use peaches from the market or even frozen peaches if they aren’t available where you live. The raspberries give the lemonade the most magnificent color! A show stopping statement for your table. It was simple to make and can be made ahead of time so you don’t have to rush around preparing before your guests arrive.

The lemonade looked spectacular poured in these Eternity Glass Goblets also by Skyros Designs.

 

Elegant outdoor dinner by Randi Garrett DesignRestoration Hardware outdoor furniture, elegant outdoor dinner by Randi Garrett DesignElegant outdoor dinner by Randi Garrett DesignElegant outdoor dinner by Randi Garrett Design

I hope you enjoyed an evening in my courtyard! You are invited to join us for the next course in our progressive dinner by heading over to Kris from Driven by Decor for a delicious Strawberry Poppyseed Salad.

Spring tablescape - Driven by Decor

Here is a list of all of the hostesses…

Randi Garrett Design – Appetizer

Kris – Driven By Decor – Salad

Kelley Nan – Main Course

Jenni – Dear Lillie – Dessert

Sarah – Our Vintage Farmhouse – After Dinner Drinks

Sources:

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Dishes by Skyros Designs: Cantaria Salad Plates, Medium Rectangular Baker, Rectangular Tray, Large Cake/Fruit Stand

Shop this post:

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xo

Randi

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I teamed up with Skyros Designs for this post. All ideas, and thoughts were my own.

Thanks to these talented bloggers for their delicious recipes

Raspberry Peach Lemonade – Damn Delicious

Pear, Walnut & Ricotta Crostini – Martha Stewart

 Stuffed Figs with Goat Cheese – Tori Avey

Join the Conversation

27 thoughts on “Summer Progressive Dinner – Easy, Elegant Appetizers

  1. Hello there-your appetizers and setting are absolutely lovely! Can you tell me how to keep the pear slices from browning? And how far ahead of time can you slice them prior to serving? Thank you so much
    Susan in Charlotte

    1. Hi Susan! Thank you for your comment. I served the dish pretty quickly after I prepared it. The pears didn’t turn brown, I think that the honey helps preserve it! Give it a try, it’s easy and delicious! xo

  2. Randi, your courtyard is ridiculous and those apps are stunning! So sophisticated!! Oh, I absolutely loved my “course” with you, friend! Xo

    1. Thanks so much Kel! You are always too sweet to me! This was a dream to do together! xo

  3. What a beautiful setting. Love everything from the pops of color in the flowers to the delicious yummy apps to the roaring fire outdoors. Perfection!

    1. Thank you Lauren! This was such a fun project. I wish you could pop over and enjoy with me!

  4. Wow! Every detail is stunning! And I love how you wrote out the recipes! So beautiful!!!! I can’t wait to try some of these.

    1. Thank you Jenni! This was so fun to do together. I can’t wait to try your beautiful cupcakes.

  5. Randi!! My mouth is seriously watering! Those all look delicious! Your table and outdoor setting are absolutely stunning and so inviting! I wish I could come over! Your entertaining skills blow me away! Love it all sweet friend. xo

    1. Erin thank you sweet friend! I wish you could come over too! I think you need to make a trip to AZ!Thank you so much for your generous compliments, you made my day! xo

  6. What an absolutely gorgeous spread you have prepared, to be showcased in your fabulous surroundings! The pairings are perfect!

    1. Thank you so much for the lovely comment! I hope you enjoy your week! xo

  7. This post just oozes elegance and class. I love your outdoor space, particularly your fireplace sceen. Where is it from?

    1. Thanks Mandi! I found the fireplace screen online at some random place. I can’t remember the name. I googled fireplace screens and happened upon it. I’m sorry I’m not more help. Best wishes! xo

  8. Such a beautiful setting Randi! I love your gorgeous Skyros pieces with your Anthro lanterns!!! So perfect together! xoxo

    1. Thank you Jennifer! They look like they were meant for each other! Thank you so much for your love and support! xo

    1. Oh wow Kris! That is so nice of you to say that! This was so much fun to do together. I’m so happy we get to meet in person soon! xo

    1. Thank you Sheila! Fruit and cheese is such a delicious, elegant combination. xo

  9. Beautiful, love your courtyard. I am in middle of courtyard remodel, can you ship me one of everything to SC!! Would love to know manufacturer of furniture, absolutely love. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Oh how lovely for you! My furniture is by Restoration Hardware. We absolutely love it. The fabric is incredible. Best wishes to you and your project! xo

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