Hi Reader 👋

Spring is officially here and that means one thing in my world — it's dinner party season. 🌸

I know a lot of you signed up for Dinner = Done, my Sunday weekly meal plan drop — but I'm so glad you're here for this one too. From My Kitchen lands in your inbox every Friday and I hope you love it as much as I do. There's no single theme — I'll share everything from the recipes that I'm cooking right now, what I'm reading, curated dinner party menus, recent purchases, and whatever else is on my mind. Think of it as your weekly seat at my kitchen table. 🤍

And this week? We are kicking things off with something really fun.

There is nothing I love more than gathering people around a table when the weather starts to warm up. I always think that the hardest part of hosting isn't the cooking — it's figuring out what to make. So I did that part for you. I put together my dream spring dinner party menu from start to finish including an appetizer, main course, side dish, dessert, and yes, a cocktail. Every single recipe on this list is make-ahead friendly, crowd-pleasing, and stunning to boot. I also curated a fun spring dinner party mood board, a menu (that you can go print out on fancy paper if you want to go the extra mile), and shared some of my favorite spring-inspired shopping finds.

So call your friends and set the date. You're going to love this one!

🌸 spring party aesthetic! 🌸

​Download and print the menu to complete your tablescape

I print mine at my local Fedex! :)

SKINNY ROSEMARY PALOMA

I love having a signature cocktail to serve to just make things feel more festive. This one is refreshing, a little herby, and feels so perfectly spring. Batch it ahead of time and you've got a stunning welcome drink ready to go the second your guests walk in.

SMOKED TROUT DIP

This one is my secret weapon. It takes about five minutes to throw together, you can make it the day before, and every single time I serve it, people lose their minds over it. It's inspired by the Honor Bar Smoked Trout Dip. Set it out with some crackers and crudité and let it do its thing while you finish getting dinner ready.

ONE PAN ROASTED CHICKEN

WITH LEMONY WHITE BEANS

This is THE dinner party recipe. One pan, minimal cleanup, and it looks and tastes like something you'd order at a really good restaurant. It has 20+ five-star reviews for a reason — it's the kind of dish that makes people think you really went for it, even though it practically makes itself.

Asparagus and Tomato Caprese Salad

with Burrata

This is literally spring on a plate. Burrata, fresh asparagus, juicy tomatoes, herbs — it's almost too pretty to eat. Almost. This comes together in minutes and is honestly one of the easiest, most impressive sides I've ever made. The colors alone will make your table look incredible.

CITRUS GREEK YOGURT CAKE

Bright, light, and just the right amount of impressive for a dinner party finish. This cake has that perfect springtime energy — not too heavy, not too sweet, and the citrus flavor is chef's kiss. Your guests will be asking for the recipe before they're done with their first slice.

scalloped napkins // perfect spring skirt and spring top //

​mint green wine glasses // spring loafers //

​my favorite braising pan

Whether you're hosting a full dinner party or just want to treat yourself to a really beautiful weekend meal, I hope this menu inspires you.

Tag me @thedefineddish — I want to see your tables! 🌿