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:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, parsley, chives, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Place the ears of corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Remove the corn from the grill and immediately spread the herb butter over each ear.
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Poach the eggs in a pot of simmering water until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Spread a generous amount of mashed avocado onto each slice of toasted bread.
  4. Carefully place a poached egg on top of the avocado, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  5. 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:

  1. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices and fresh basil leaves on a serving platter, alternating and overlapping them.
  2. Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. 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:

  1. Arrange the cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, and bread on a large wooden board or platter.
  2. Add small bowls of mixed nuts and fruit preserves or honey
  3. Add small bowls of mixed nuts and fruit preserves or honey to the platter for accompaniments.
  4. You can also include fresh or dried fruits such as grapes, figs, or apricots for additional variety.
  5. 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:

  1. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, fresh dill, chives, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Spread a generous layer of the dill cream cheese mixture onto each slice of toasted bread.
  3. Arrange the thinly sliced cucumber on half of the bread slices.
  4. Top with the remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches.
  5. Using a sharp knife, cut off the crusts and slice the sandwiches into smaller pieces, such as triangles or rectangles.
  6. 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:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. 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:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Brush the garlic, lemon, and thyme mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.
  5. 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).
  6. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  7. 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:

  1. On a clean work surface, pour the flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add salt.
  2. Using a fork, slowly incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
  3. 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.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

  1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper.