Welcome to ‘The Supper Club’ with Lydia Menzies

When like-minded creatives come together, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. In author Lydia Menzies’s new book, The Supper Club (83 Press), the gifted hostess and connector of people celebrates the members of her own supper club, a business group that exchanges inspiring ideas for entertaining, tablescapes, and more. Within the pages, stylists and designers showcase their own talents in the hospitality realm while empowering readers to fulfill their own potential.

Entertaining is the art of bringing everyone together while providing a stimulating background for stirring creativity. Whether its food, flowers, an interesting theme, or a unique venue, the key is to create an atmosphere that inspires. 

“My dream of capturing The Supper Club members in their creative element and sharing it with you comes to life in this book. You’ll meet the wonderful people who share their love of others through hosting.”

— Lydia Menzies

Lydia’s Tips for Entertaining

• Choose a theme. This can be as simple as selecting a color or playing up a motif.
• Mix, match, and layer. Create your own distinct look by mixing patterns and incorporating collectibles in unexpected ways.
• Add fresh blooms and elements. Whether you use florals, garden-fresh selections, or simple snips from your yard, incorporate a touch of nature into your design.
• Serve ready-made selections. Make it fuss-free by chilling a sweet liqueur and garnishing with an edible topper, or serve tarts and eclairs from your local bakery.
• Incorporate handcrafted elements. An unexpected element is always a conversation starter. Try a handmade place card or menu card.

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Lydia’s Favorite Seasonal Dishes

5-Minute Asparagus Salad

Bundle fresh asparagus
1/4 cup water (more if needed)
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Shaved parmesan cheese (or fresh mozzarella)

Wash asparagus well, and chop into 2-inch pieces. Add to a pan with water, and saute’ over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from pan. Place asparagus in a medium bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Squeeze lemon juice over asparagus and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place shaved cheese over asparagus. Serve warm or place in refrigerator and serve when chilled. Garnish with edible flowers before serving, if desired.

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Watermelon Margarita

YIELDS 32 OUNCES OR 4 SERVINGS

Place frozen watermelon pieces in blender, and add in all other ingredients. Blend until smooth. Using lime wedge, line the rim of the glass with lime juice and then dip the rim in margarita salt. Add ice to 8-ounce glasses, and pour drink into glasses. Garnish with a slice of lime.

4 cups frozen watermelon (cubed)
3/4 cup good tequila
1/3 cup orange liqueur (I used Patron)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/8 to 1/4 cup simple syrup*
3 to 4 limes
Margarita salt

Simple Syrup

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar

Mix water and sugar together in a pot over heat. Boil the mixture until sugar dissolves. Let simple syrup cool. Store in refrigerator for up to one month. 

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Summer Tomato Gazpacho

2 large ripe tomatoes chopped 
3 medium cucumbers
2 yellow onions chopped 
2 garlic cloves minced 
1/2 cup fresh cilantro 
1 (46-ounce) can tomato juice, refrigerated 
1/4 cup lime juice 
1/4 cup red wine vinegar 
2 tablespoons olive oil 
1½ teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon pepper 
2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional) 
Sour cream (optional) 
Ground red pepper 

Process first 5 ingredients in a food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Stir together vegetable puree, tomato juice, and next 6 ingredients. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours. Top gazpacho with sour cream (optional) and sprinkle with red pepper. 

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Join the Supper Club

Lydia Menzies is an entertaining expert with a knack for adding memorable creative details to everything from large parties to small-scale celebrations. Her mission is to make each event a unique experience for her guests. On her award-winning blog, Lydia teaches you how to achieve the same looks and goals through her “Supper Club.”

“The Supper Club is a chance for us to get together virtually and share ideas with each other,” Lydia says. “Each month, we will have a theme, new table setting ideas, 3 – 4 recipes a week, and a guest spotlight.” She will also feature your ideas within the community and on her social media. To become a member of The Supper Club community, visit lydiamenzies.com.

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