A "Real" Dinner at Our House | A Casual Fall Dinner Party | Italian Beef & Vegetable Stew and Cranberry & Apple Crisp

Last week we hosted our first dinner party at the new house. It was soooo nice to be able to have our friends over for a casual meal in the middle of the week. We've been accustomed to only being able to get together for dinner with our close friends after a plane ride, so it was great to be able to send out a text and say - "Wanna come over for dinner tonight? Casual... I'm thinking soup."

I took a couple of behind the scenes photos so you can see what a "real" casual dinner looks like at my house. After all, just like you, when we have our friends over, there are not elaborate centerpieces, five courses or even fancy appetizers.

I do try to be pretty organized and prepared so that I can be relaxed, just as I want our friends to feel. I set out everything we'll need on a little table in my kitchen - bowls, spoons, napkins, water glasses, etc., so I'm not searching (or cleaning an extra spoon...) at the last minute.

I like to keep it really casual...