A Holiday Dinner Alternative
The task of preparing a full turkey dinner at Thanksgiving or other elaborate holiday meal can feel overwhelming. This holiday season, why not try something a little different? After all, you don’t have to live in the Lowcountry to enjoy a low-country boil. We asked the Brokers from our Wilmington, North Carolina, office to turn this beloved Southern dish into a stylish dinner party entrée that will warm you up from the inside out.
Beginning with the perfect setting, JordanBuilt Homes graciously opened their Deep Creek Run home at the Mason Harbor Yacht Club. The large gourmet kitchen was the ideal space for Zest Catering to prepare their low-country boil (see recipe below).
Forgoing standard flowers, we created petite arrangements of freshly cut grasses, leaves, and moss.
On the table, we placed a subtle striped runner with round wicker placemats and napkins with a classic nautical stripe. Square plates and serving platters gave a modern edge, while the stark white allowed the food to take center stage.
Warm gray pillar candles on carved wooden candle sticks and a silver lantern cast a romantic glow.
Moscow mules are a simple and refreshing cocktail to prepare as guests arrive—vodka, ginger beer, and instead of limes, we opted for the sweet tartness of Meyer lemons.
Crowlers (can + growler) from favorite local brewery, Wilmington Brewing Company, were kept chilled on ice until dinner was served. Their Jalapeño Saison paired perfectly with our spicy entrée.
For dessert, a simple shortbread with strawberries, homemade whipped cream, and a sprig of mint, paired with a glass of white wine, was the perfect ending to a Nesty-Zesty evening.
Recipe
Enjoy this delicious recipe from Zest Catering. Click here to view a printable recipe.
Styled by Jasmine Bible + Taylor Von Herbulis, Photography by Andrew Sherman
We shared this story with you in our Fall/Winter 2016 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here!