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Finding Entertaining Inspiration

Finding inspiration for your next dinner party (or a way to jazz up your Tuesday night dinner) might be just a day trip away. 

 

Two years ago, my husband and I were bored.  We had a very comfortable life and with a predictable routine- a routine that started feeling like a rut.  We wanted to shake it up- we wanted to feel inspired in our daily life.  Our solution was to pick up and move 1,500 miles from the place we'd always known as "home."  Yikes!  
 
We've spent the last two years exploring New England.  Almost every weekend, we set out to conquer a new area, new restaurant and a different way of life.  Some of our weekend trips have included hiking in Vermont in the spring, a bed and breakfast in the Hamptons, a resort on Martha's Vineyard, a clambake on Cape Code, and a weekend to Maine, just to name a few.  
 
 
From each and every journey we come back refreshed with new inspiration.  
 
Sometimes the inspiration would come from the interior decor or the design of the local architecture, but almost always we were inspired by the food!  Each and every time we sat down to a meal, be it casual clam-shack on the Cape or waterfall-front lunch in the mountains, we took something away from our experience that we couldn't wait to share with our friends at our next dinner party.  Inspiration!  
 
Now as our voyage out East is coming to a close, I have a slew of new ideas to bring to our "new" old life back home.  Not only do we have new ideas to bring from our journey, but we have a refreshed spirit of exploration that we have vowed to continue in our own hometown.  Here are a few entertaining menus that I'm bringing home with us.  Maybe they'll be a good inspiration for your next party!
 
  • Brunch with Real Vermont Maple Syrup inspired by our trips to Vermont French Toast Casserole, Maple Glazed Bacon, Vermont Cheddar Omelets & Green Mountain Coffee
 
  • Fireside Pot Roast inspired by dinner in Boston Braised Beef Roast with Roasted Root Vegetables, Herb Mashed Potatoes & S'Mores
 
  • Lobster Roll Picnic inspired by our time on The Cape Seafood Salad made with Shrimp, Scallops & Lobster on buns, Avocado Salad & Whoopie Pies
 
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"Terry, Thanks so much for the comment and I am glad you are still taking folks to Arlington ... your tour was certainly a memorable o..."
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"I feel fine except for my excessive weight. Food, especially chocolate and sweets are my best friends. I see the doctor next month and..."
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"My gracious Lord of SHoes- You'll be pleased to know that I took a group of six to ANC on Saturday--sort of a Memorial Day warmup. ..."
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