Opening Ceremony Viewing Party

Posted on August 8th, 2016

From underneath the clouds of nasty domestic and international politics, the Olympics burst forth as a most welcome ray of sunshine.  I always love the Olympics, and they feel particularly poignant this year.  Ian and I were excited to do our part in ushering them in with an Opening Ceremony viewing dinner party this past Friday evening.  Eighteen of our friends came over wearing red, white, and blue, and noshed on our all-American food while witnessing the spectacle in Rio.

Not very #blogger of me, but I didn’t want to interrupt our guests’ experiences, so our photo situation is a bit limited, but I captured a lot of the food and that’s the important part, don’t you think?

Greek yogurt caramelized onion dip was a fabulous start.  This recipe is actually quite healthy, and serving it with a mix of veggies and kettle chips enabled guests to pick their crunchy poison.  We also started with my signature mini pigs in a blanket because mysterious meats and Pillsbury dough is incredibly American.

I worked all day on Friday, so I knew the main course needed to be something I could get going in the slowcooker in the morning.  Pulled pork, duh.  Four pounds of meat turned into the perfect amount of leftovers.  How darling is this Draper James platter?  Red, white, and blue fruit salad and apple coleslaw paired nicely with a corn pudding and Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets.  Yes, we did.

And the goodness in the frosty mason jar?  Chunks of watermelon frozen in vodka.  Served with Fresca (basil or mint optional), it’s a light, refreshing, and crazy easy summer cocktail.

Even though baking is my favorite, I decided to leave the centerpiece of this dessert spread to one of my favorite professionals, Alexis of Baked by Lexie.  If you’re in the Seattle area, let me assure you she is the best, and if you’re not, she ships nationwide!  (Let her know I sent you!)  Her cookies are not only gorgeous, but taste fabulous.  Combined with sweet PB&J pretzel sandwiches and a Patriot Popcorn mix, we may have saved the best part for last.

Let the games begin! The only event in which I’ll be competing is Olympic Hostessing, and I’m going for the gold.