Pumpkin Dinner Party - Take 7

You know how much I love my traditions. This is one of my favorite fall traditions and it just gets better every year. Menu wise AND ambiance wise.

This year I didn't want to deal with roommates and a dirty kitchen and hurting feelings by not inviting everyone, so I asked my parents if I could do it in their backyard. Of course they said yes, because they are the best... not only that but my mom helped me cook the night before and helped me set up yesterday. So helpful! Ian and Tom also came early to help scoop out the pumpkins so we could use them as bowls.

When I started doing this dinner, I only started one item on the menu with pumpkin in it. Sassy Salsa Pumpkin Soup. I still make it every year. This year and last year... I stepped it up and made everything on the menu with pumpkin in it except for the salad.  So this year's menu...

Sassy Salsa Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Curry Soup
Spinach Salad with Avocado, Cranberries & Almonds
Pumpkin Cornbread
Pumpkin Spice Pudding Parfaits

Everything turned out great. My new recipes this year was the pumpkin cornbread and the Pumpkin Spice Pudding Parfaits. Loved them both. I will be sharing the recipes later.

My crew is awesome. I love that I have a crew. I love how comfortable we all are with each other. We can talk about anything without judgement. We all love each other no matter what. I love how much we laugh when we are together. It's hard not to be happy around these friends. I love that they love my dinner's and make sure they are there. I love that they go along with all of my ideas... like scooping pumpkins just so we can eat out of them because it's my tradition because I think it's fun. Or getting their food and then clearing the table so that I can photograph it. They don't make fun or ask questions... they just do it. ha ha. They are great. I just love them. We had a blast eating and chatting and being out in the great weather while it lasts. They loved my parents house. It's worth all the work and money to put on these dinner parties. That and they are so appreciative. Totally worth it. Plus, I love doing it. It's more fun than it is work for me.... although it does take work. Especially after work. Anyway, it was a wonderful evening.