February Dinner with Friends

our february inspirations for a simple dinner with friends

because you should invite some friends over for dinner

the inspiration

THIS MONTH WE ARE INSPIRED BY HAUTS-de-FRANCE.

Pronounced "oh de Frahns," Hauts-de-France is a new region in France created in 2016 from the merger of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. Translated to “Heights of France” the region is located in the northernmost area of France characterized by serene beaches, rolling hills, pear and apple orchards, and fields of artichokes and endive.

It also holds significant historical importance with WWI battlefields, war cemeteries, and memorials. Lille, the largest city in the region, has a combination of modern and Gothic architecture and is close to London via the Chunnel and Paris and Brussels by train. The region’s food and drink has Flemish and Welsh influence. Beer is the common beverage and is often added to dishes like the Welsh rarebit and carbonnade.

“I think careful cooking is love, don’t you? The loveliest thing you can cook for someone who’s close to you is about as nice a Valentine as you can give.”

— Julia Child

to set the mood

RECOMMENDED READING

A Bite Sized History of France: A history of France told through the lens of food!

WHAT TO WATCH

The Taste of Things: Just in time for Valentines day, a very French, very sumptuous love story for all of your senses. In theaters and streaming.

THE CONVERSATION

I love to set conversation cards and handwritten menus on the table. Use this month and don't forget to check out our past months as well. Putting a little care into curating the moment, but not overly directing really makes a gathering special.

THE PLAYLIST

Nothing sets the mood like the right music— let us help. Find winter tunes here.

MOODBOARD

You know I love moodboards! They’re a fantastic way to visualize ideas and set the tone for a dinner party - or any project! See my February Pinterest board here.

for the table

THE FLOWERS

White roses are the epitome of romantic flowers. I always have a vase by my bedside.  Try this trick to make them even more lovely.

THE SETTING

Vintage Champagne Buckets!  A perfect Vday gift, filled with flowers, or champagne ;) . Also just a perfect thing for anyday!  Chez Pluie has some really special (and aspirational!) ones,  but there are always great finds on ebay & etsy too.

on the menu

THE FEBRUARY MENU

Our February menu is inspired by the Hauts-de-France region and is a beautiful spread for a weekend date night or Valentine’s Day for your loved ones. The ham wrapped endive gratin with bechamel is a classic dish of the region along with Welsh rarebit. Mimolette is one of our favorite cheeses and comes from Lille. The bright orange cheese looks like a cantaloupe and has a nutty and fruity flavor with notes of caramel, similar to a mild cheddar. And of course we had to include Chantilly with dessert as its namesake comes from the Chateau de Chantilly located in this region.

MENU HIGHLIGHT: Passionfruit Curd with Chantilly & Vanilla Meringues

Passionfruit is, beyond a doubt, my favorite flavor. Rich, creamy chantilly folded together with passionfruit curd is the perfect top to light as air vanilla meringues. It’s an elegant dessert that we just don't see enough of in this part of the world.

recipes for you

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb is a stunning centerpiece for any date night or dinner party. Find the recipe here or just order it!

GET THE RECIPE

Les Chicons Gratin

Endive gratin is a classic dish of the Hauts-de-France region. Endive is wrapped in ham and covered with a bechamel or mornay sauce.

GET THE RECIPE

to drink

SOMMELIER NOTES FOR DECEMBER

This northern region is just a little too cold for red wine, but it is perfect for champagne, cider fruit and Belgian style beer, thus it is the land of bubbles, which is perfect for Hauts-de-France’s rich cuisine. Read Bill’s full wine notes.

COCKTAILS ANYONE?

Introducing the original French shandy: the Picon Bière

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ZERO-PROOF?

Our friends at Marigold put together a selection of nonalcoholic pairings each month.

THE MEMBER GIFT

Each season, our members receive a complimentary hand-selected gift. This season’s gift is perfect for entertaining— Love & Victory Diver Cocktail Picks from Shop Senti. We can’t wait for you to show them off!

Learn more about Membership Benefits.

(dinner) party with us

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive invites.

Hosting an event? We’d love to help! See catering options here and our In-Home Dinner Party Package here.

Find us around The Cities for unique dining experiences. Happenings are listed here.

“Instructions for Living : Pay attention, be astonished, tell about it.”

— Mary Oliver