Event Specific Outfits & Menus
When it comes to event-specific outfits and menus, the goal is to create a thematic link between what one wears to an event and the food that is served. This can be a delightful way to enhance the overall experience of both dressing up and dining. Generally, outfits for food-related events should be chosen based on the occasion's formality, the setting, and the expected activities.
In the following examples we are going to pair each event type with a suitable outfit and a corresponding recipe.
BBQ or Picnic:
- Outfit Suggestion: A lightweight sundress with a floral print paired with comfortable sandals or sneakers. Add a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Recipe Idea: Grilled Corn on the Cob with homemade herb butter
Ingredients:
- - 6 ears of corn, husks removed
- - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, parsley, chives, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the ears of corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the corn from the grill and immediately spread the herb butter over each ear.
- Serve the grilled corn on a platter and enjoy!
Brunch:
- Outfit Suggestion: A breezy midi skirt paired with a tucked-in blouse or a casual jumpsuit with a cinched waist. Complement the look with espadrilles or ballet flats.
- Recipe Idea: Avocado Toast with poached eggs, sprinkled with red pepper flakes and a side of mixed berries.
Ingredients:
- - 2 ripe avocados
- - 4 slices of your favorite bread, toasted
- - 4 large eggs
- - Red pepper flakes
- - Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
- Poach the eggs in a pot of simmering water until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 3-4 minutes.
- Spread a generous amount of mashed avocado onto each slice of toasted bread.
- Carefully place a poached egg on top of the avocado, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the avocado toast immediately.
Farmers Market Outing:
- Outfit Suggestion: High-waisted jeans with a casual t-shirt or tank top, layered with a denim jacket. Comfortable walking shoes or ankle boots are a must.
- Recipe Idea: Fresh Caprese Salad using heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic reduction.
Ingredients:
- - 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- - Fresh basil leaves
- - Extra virgin olive oil
- - Balsamic reduction or balsamic glaze
- - Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices and fresh basil leaves on a serving platter, alternating and overlapping them.
- Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Caprese salad at room temperature.
Wine Tasting:
- Outfit Suggestion: A chic maxi dress or a tailored blouse paired with a midi skirt, complemented by wedges or block heels for navigating vineyards.
- Recipe Idea: Gourmet cheese platter with a variety of cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, nuts, and fruit preserves.
Ingredients:
- - Assortment of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese
- - Assorted charcuterie such as prosciutto, salami, and pâté
- - Assorted crackers and bread
- - Mixed nuts
- - Fruit preserves or honey
Instructions:
- Arrange the cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, and bread on a large wooden board or platter.
- Add small bowls of mixed nuts and fruit preserves or honey
- Add small bowls of mixed nuts and fruit preserves or honey to the platter for accompaniments.
- You can also include fresh or dried fruits such as grapes, figs, or apricots for additional variety.
- Serve the gourmet cheese platter at room temperature, allowing guests to sample and enjoy a variety of flavor combinations.
Garden Party:
- Outfit Suggestion: A pastel or light-colored A-line dress with comfortable yet stylish flat sandals. Accessorize with minimal jewelry and a clutch.
- Recipe Idea: Mini cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese and dill on artisan bread, alongside lavender lemonade.
Ingredients:
- - 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Sliced artisan bread, lightly toasted
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, fresh dill, chives, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread a generous layer of the dill cream cheese mixture onto each slice of toasted bread.
- Arrange the thinly sliced cucumber on half of the bread slices.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches.
- Using a sharp knife, cut off the crusts and slice the sandwiches into smaller pieces, such as triangles or rectangles.
- Arrange the mini cucumber sandwiches on a serving platter and serve.
Coffee Shop Meet Up:
- Outfit Suggestion: Casual jeans paired with a cozy knit sweater or a chic blazer over a simple top, finished with loafers or ankle boots.
- Recipe Idea: Homemade banana bread or scones served with a selection of gourmet coffees.
Ingredients:
- - 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/2 cup brown sugar
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 teaspoon baking soda
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the banana bread and serve.
Dinner Party:
- Outfit Suggestion: A sophisticated jumpsuit or an elegant blouse paired with palazzo pants, accessorized with heeled sandals or pumps.
- Recipe Idea: Roasted chicken thighs with garlic, lemon, and thyme, served with a side of roasted rosemary potatoes.
Ingredients:
- - 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- - 4 cloves garlic, minced
- - Zest of 1 lemon
- - Juice of 1 lemon
- - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - Salt and black pepper to taste
- - Lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the garlic, lemon, and thyme mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs before serving.
Cooking Class:
- Outfit Suggestion: Comfortable, breathable clothing such as stretchy jeans or leggings with a tunic top, paired with non-slip closed-toe shoes.
- Recipe Idea: Handmade pasta with a simple tomato basil sauce, which participants can learn to make during the class.
Ingredients for Pasta:
- - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - Water, as needed
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Sauce:
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 4 cloves garlic, minced
- - 28 oz (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
- - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions for Handmade Pasta:
- On a clean work surface, pour the flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add salt.
- Using a fork, slowly incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding a little water if the dough is too dry or a little flour if it's too sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Roll out the dough with a pasta machine or a rolling pin until it reaches the desired thickness. Cut the dough into your preferred pasta shape, such as fettuccine or tagliatelle.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2-4 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Instructions for Tomato Basil Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper.