Hey everybody! Is it just me or is this year ZOOMING by? I cannot believe it’s already July. Where has the time gone? Well, my family just had our summer staycation and I certainly wish it was much longer. Be honest, if you have children, does it seem like your vacation is still just WORK? I mean I adore my (big) angels but cooking and serving folks don’t really seem like a vacay to me. To get away, the hubby and I frequent our backyard where we hang out until the weee hours in the morning in a screened tent strung with bistro lights. Basic yes, but I swear it seems to transport us. We have the best conversations there and I’ve grown to long for our Friday Nights in the tent.

While on vacay, we went to two restaurants and I must say I was extremely underwhelmed by the food. I don’t know if being on lockdown and preparing our own “restaurant” food at home has something to do with it but I found myself constantly tweaking the food and service in my head. Soooooo one day I decided to just plan a nice date night in our backyard to provide the service I think we both deserved in our favorite Friday night location.

I used items I had on hand at the house to pull off this casual chic tablescape. It was crisp enough to feel special but so laid back and comfortable. White cotton tablecloth, ivory and black napkins, black candle holders and black stoneware dishes. If you asked for one tip to romance -up a table, I would tell you to use candles. Candles are special.

We began with some light nibbles and cocktails. I grabbed some mozzarella and cheese wrapped in prosciutto, olives and cut up a baguette loaf for dipping. Just enough to enjoy before and after dinner.

Hubby had a craving for fried fish and grits so we added some asparagus to shuzh it up a bit. I also added chopped scallions to my grits for drama. lololol. This is backyard comfort food at its finest!

We finished our meal with a champagne toast and some cheesecake, then we talked until the candles burned out.

I really enjoy his company and I’m so glad we have our sweet Friday nights. I know I’m going to do dates like this more often because we had such a nice time. My goal going forward is to create a home and a life I don’t need a vacation from. One step at a time.

Until next time,

-K