Winter Dinner Party | Make Ahead Recipes | Flowers | Setting the Table

Hello everyone! In this episode I show you some of my favorite make-ahead recipes for a cold-weather dinner party. The menu includes Butternut-Apple Soup; Braised Short Ribs, and Chocolate Pots de Creme. Recipes are in the description below: #thanksgiving #christmas #entertaining
*Heat-Resistant Oven Gloves: amzn.to/3O1cCEE
*Coated Chicken Wire for Flower Arrangements: amzn.to/3ET0ouR
(Items marked * are from my Amazon shop where I am compensated on products sold at no cost to the consumer.)
Butternut-Apple Soup
Ingredients for 6-8 servings
A 3Lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and roughly cubed
2 'Granny Smith' apples, cored and roughly chopped
1 large onion, roughly chopped
Olive oil
5 cups (40 oz) vegetable stock
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 teaspoons garlic paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Grinds of black pepper
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Put the squash, apples, and onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Bake in the preheated oven until tender and caramelized -- about 30 minutes. Cool for at least 10 minutes.
Tip the squash, apples, onion, and 2 1/2 cups (20 oz) of the veg stock into the jar of a high-powered electric blender. Add the remaining ingredients, and blend until silky smooth -- about 30 minutes. Pour the puree and the remaining stock into a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you are ready serve the soup, bring it to a simmer over low heat on the stove top. If desired, garnish each serving of soup with a drizzle of cream and a light sprinkling of ground cinnamon.
Braised Short Ribs Recipe: www.agardenforthehouse.com/ma...
Chocolate Pots de Creme Recipe: www.agardenforthehouse.com/ro...
Kevin Lee Jacobs
Box 742
Valatie, NY 12184

[@ivorybow]

You've made me realize I can cook for my family like this, and set an elegant table. I have my mother's wedding china from the 1940s, which she never used for fear it would break. I am 75 now and I think it's time to bring it out and serve my son and granddaughter on these delicate plates. Thank you for reminding me elegance is for every day

[@kjmav10135]

Our family has been going through a lot (my oldest sibling was severely injured in a car accident), and my personal sanity preservation has included binge-watching your beautifully produced, warm, friendly videos. You just let me forget the stress for awhile. So, an extra-special thank you.

[@celestteazulee3527]

Same here ,Add my thank Kevin .👍❤️

[@Sally-nse2]

Sorry to hear this, hoping better times for you. My thanks also added for Kevin.

[@hippy9309]

So sorry to hear this. Blessings to you.

[@roadwayrona]

I also often watch these videos for their calming qualities, Kevin is so structured and confident and calm, the cooking unpretentious and very relatable and everything is just so nice in his house, a beautiful atmosphere!

[@marycook1644]

🕊 Sympathies to your family. Sorry that it happened so close to the holidays. Blessings and prayers sent !! From California. 🦃🎄

[@DarcieGlam]

I love how everything is so elegant and yet you break it down so that it's simple to prepare. Your videos are a calming respite to a stressful world. Thank you!

[@grandmag5577]

Oh lordie,braised short ribs !

[@cathynuytten798]

I so enjoy your videos. I, too, love to entertain. Your attention to detail is something that I fear many people have forgotten or possibly have never learned. Any meal can be an “event” with just a few simple items. Thank you for sharing your time and recipes with us. Blessings to your family.

[@kristinaginorio1344]

Your relaxed style is the best part of all. Wish I could be a visitor in your warm home.

[@solgirl3]

What a beautiful table you set when you say a recipe you say it in detail i love that

[@metrogurrl]

You are really an amazing individual, I thoroughly enjoy your make ahead tutorials, and I envy your prospective dinner guests as they are the lucky recipients of your labor of love.

[@carolavant3778]

Oh, what a lovely dinner party this is! Your guests are the luckiest in the world! I will be saving these recipes for my own guests, and know that I wish I lived close enough to be a guest at your table! Thank you SO much, Kevin!

[@ZalthorAndNoggin]

Hi Kevin, given how wonderful your Red Bell Pepper Soup was a couple of weeks ago I'm going to try your Squash recipe from today. I bet it's just as yummy. I don't recall ever having had Short Ribs, I will order some from my local butcher because this recipe is clearly a winner. I loved the reference to the Holy Trinity of Vegetables!! I love Cranberry sauce and Cranberry jelly but I've never ventured working with the fresh fruit. This recipe looks fantastic. I'm sold already! I happen to have some bitter chocolate in my cupboard and thanks to you I've now got a perfect recipe to use it. The result looks glorious. As a foot note, I made your fantastic Lemon Pudding Cakes a few days ago. I cannot get over how WONDERFUL they were. Thank you Soooo much for the recipe - no - for ALL your excellent and simple to follow recipes. You are now my Favourite Go To Cooking and Life Style Reference. Pure success every time. Thank you so much. Oh and you may that gorgeous pedestal bowl to me as soon as you like this week!! Ha! Ha! Ha! Love and Hugzz to You and Mr Fox xx

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Hi ZalthorandNoggin - I'm so glad you enjoyed the Lemon Pudding Cakes!

[@sagisli]

Kevin The first word that always come to mind as I watch your video's is FABULOUS

[@BrunieStudios]

Thank you for adding beauty to my day, I am very interested in tasting that wine you served and used for the short ribs, it would be fun to see a video on your wine pairings, if you don’t have one already. I adore that floral arrangement you placed on the table: soooo beautiful….😊

[@Sally-nse2]

At last, the chief palette cleanser of you tube is here. Classic, on point and deliciously prepared as always.

[@suzanne4258]

I'm always so nervous about entertaining guests for meals but love having people over. Your videos have given me confidence and many recipes to try. Thank you so much!

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

I'm so glad!

[@lorieastside1]

Wow!!! Love this meal and the fact that I can make ahead and not have the stress that usually occurs!!!! fantastic Kevin! and your instructions are perfect!! Made my mouth water!!!!

[@barblaidler5850]

My year has been stressful. With a grandchild born at 25 weeks and weighing in at 1 pound 1 ounce and the worry of her survival I found your channel. What a gift you have for making elegant meals. I envy your guests.

[@sonjafarnsworth6208]

I love to do dinner parties but have a bad back and can't work in the kitchen for very long. Delicious, make-ahead recipes are just what I need to prepare a good meal to share with dear friends. I'm so grateful I found your channel--not just for the recipes but for your kindly presence, thorough instructions, and beautiful table settings.

[@Katcocat]

I love your video's. They're so full of friendship. Very relaxing to watch. Thanks for posting.

[@lauriegilzow6602]

I love watching your videos. I am learning that entertaining does not have to be stressful if you plan ahead. Thank you. I love seeing your beautiful home and how easy you make hosting look.

[@tdioxin2658]

Just beautiful! Off topic: I never imagined a dining room in a deep magenta colour could look so beautifully stunning. It’s a colour that actually looks edible, and what better choice for a dining room than a juicy berry shade like that! Thank you and have a happy Thanksgiving !

[@bettyvorley1130]

I love how you do the make ahead recipes as I find I need to do this more as I get older lol. I adore your pedestal bowl. A delicious dinner in a beautiful setting. Thanks Kevin.

[@almaf5687]

I can't thank you enough for sharing your culinary delights with us! I'm especially grateful for the make ahead dishes! They're super delicious and easy to make! The atmosphere of your videos bring happiness to my life! Happy holidays! Love from Austin, Texas!

[@marilynmegibow9404]

What a marvelous winter dinner party. You always keep the host free to enjoy the company. You are amazing. As is your food. I've always been an accomplished cook including my creative table. However, I under your tutelage I have grown to new heights and been able to enjoy the fruits of my labors with my guests. Bravo Kevin!

[@juniperjames292]

Great time management tips so you can enjoy time with your guests & not feel pressured in the process of serving dinner. The pots de creme looks utterly decadent. You know, I wasn't hungry before watching your video, though I am now! 🙂

[@maryannchandonnait8094]

Your menu is impeccable. I love watching you cook because you make food that I would cook and eat that are not too complicated! Plus your table settings are so classic and tastefully done.Setting a pleasant table is half the fun of having guests.I love taking out my good china and silverware that I've collected over the years. Thanks for the great videos and recipes Kevin.

[@jendyson6729]

Maryann, I love setting the table too, you're right it's half the fun of having guests

[@redrooster1908]

Everything is perfect Kevin. 😊

[@dianecarver4018]

I absolutely love that this all can be done ahead of time so there is no same day stress. Thank you, thank you, thank you

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how’re you doing?

[@kathleenkolb3316]

My invitation must have gotten lost in cyber space! Fabulous dinner, instructions and presentation! Short ribs are so rich and delicious, will make this for Christmas dinner for sure. Thank you for the great idea and recipe. I have made butternut squash soup for years but add fresh chopped sage leaves, just love the addition. Perfection as usual!

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi 👋how are you doing?

[@buttercatpaws9674]

Oh my Kevin, I am a mess cleaning and holiday stuff this morning, I have listened to this presentation four times, so cozy and delightful. Now I am gonna watch ya ..love from Memphis 🐈🐾🎶🎶🎶

[@roxannedaly279]

Kevin, that was a nifty tip to get all the soup mix out of the blender!🎉

[@davidshep45]

Mouth watering as always and the table setting gorgeous. The raspberry wall color is a perfect backdrop to the blue and white china and floral arrangement..

[@janettemasiello5560]

What a superb dinner ! The candles and the flower arrangement add such warmth to the table. Well done as usual, dear Kevin 🤗

[@lindaeaster896]

I always look forward to your next posting. Love your gracious style - so inviting with wonderful food. Your guests are very lucky.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how’re you doing?

[@captainnathan3690]

As so many often say of your vids, they’re just so enjoyable for their calm, happy attitude with wonderful recipes. And your use of household items like big bowls for flower arrangements is just brilliant. I’ll share a little hint about using tongs to remove hot ramekins from water baths: wrap each side of your tongs with a rubber band. That way you have a really good grip on the bowls or cups and are less likely to have them slip. This is a wonderful winter meal! Thanks!

[@lindawoods4822]

Oh, my! Kevin, you care so much for your guests! I thoroughly enjoy visiting with you!

[@KS-ts3le]

You are a pro. That dinner party is lacking nothing. Elegant as always.

[@melodypanek448]

Mr. Jacobs, I love your smile! I love your channel too! You are lovely! Thank you so much for sharing your homemaking skills! I only recently discovered your channel and enjoy all the great videos you make! ❤

[@clemenciarodner2339]

Blessings and wishes for a good ending to Kathryn’s family difficulties. And many thanks to Kevin, as always. “Holy Trinity” indeed! That is what mirepoix is. A holy combination. 😊

[@mariongould4173]

Everything, in particular the ribs, looks delicious.

[@BOMBAY_CAT]

This dinner looks fabulous and I can't wait to try your recipes. The table settings are just gorgeous and I love the 19th century candle holders! Also again I love the blue china dinnerwear. The flower arrangement is stunning!! Thank you Kevin!!!

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@celestteazulee3527]

Bueutiful table ,flowers, dinners, thank Kevin ,and you have a GREAT TIME WITH YOU HUSBAND ,FAMILY AND FRIEND IN THIS NEXT THANKSGIVING DAY.👍❤️🙋.

[@globalguys284]

Found your channel recently and love all your tips and cooking recipes. I love cooking and having friends over for dinner parties too. Great job. Have your pet in your videos.

[@bruced8]

Great recipes . Spiced cider goes well with winter and autumn meals

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

I love spiced cider!

[@SBooher1]

Looks marvelous. I wish I could join you for dinner sometime. Such elegance!!

[@aimeeolivieri3480]

Another exquisite dinner party ❤Mr Kevin, you are such a blessing and bring so much joy to your subscriber friends, thank you ❤️

[@jelsner5077]

Short ribs are one of my favorite Sunday dinners. That soup looks marvelous. We're trying to do more soup dinners so I will definitely give this a go. I did not know ginger came in a tube! I'll have to look for that. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Mr Fox 🍁🦃🍂

[@greenmacaroni8872]

Hi Kevin, your table looks gorgeous! I’m going to give the soup and cranberries a try for sure. I try not to eat meat very often, but those ribs looked like I need to try them. My mother used to make ribs quite frequently and it would be a nice way to bring back memories of my good, mother. I need to mention that I tried your blueberry smoothie and it was wonderful. I only used to use strawberries, but I prefer blueberries now. I’ve never eaten as much salad as I have lately, since I tried your red wine vinegar soaked, apples on top. It’s absolutely delicious. I add a little bit of sugar to cut the sharpness of the vinegar and even get seconds. I appreciate all of your easy, thoughtful and delicious recipes. I’m so glad that I found you. Hugs, Julie 🥰

[@s.m.2535]

😊 SUCH a feel-good video…I love your dinner parties! Your recipes and menus are always perfection … and your home’s warmth and elegance, the music, and the crackling wintery fire…Your channel is so soothing and lovely. It always inspires me. ❤

[@adriaschumann9641]

I wish I could jump into this wonderful dinner and yum it all up! Delicious looking.

[@GraceCanadaful]

Coppola claret is my favourite wine - to drink and to cook with! As always - wonderful cooking class! Thank you Kevin.❤🇨🇦

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

So glad you know Coppola Claret -- it is my favourite red as well!

[@gwenbergeson4825]

Thank you for this menu..I’m planning a Christmas dinner party and couldn’t think of what to make. This will be perfect 🙏🏾❤️

[@iwonagrzeskowiak1069]

Przepiękne!!!Oglądając ten film można pomyśleć:CO ZA RADOŚĆ ŻYĆ😊! 👍👍👍💖💖💖💎💎💎✨✨✨

[@lentilgoddess]

Thank you, Kevin, for another lovely video. I love the way you balance the food preparation with the creation of the table and the "game plan." I will be stealing this entire game plan with both hands!

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how are you doing?

[@suzannemuliolis6066]

No sage? 😉😁🤗Wonderful as always Kevin. I've made pumpkin soup for years! I haven't used butternut squash yet, but I'm sure it's going to be wonderful! Salut!

[@HeismyShepherd1]

Kevin, your floral arrangements are a work of art. I love using well loved table linens, much better than new. This menu sounds delicious as always and the dessert doesn't seem to be at all complicated. Thank you so much for another lovely video!

[@larissaredman]

So glad I have found your channel, Kevin! All your videos are beautiful, calming and relaxing. I love the menus you suggest - very easy and appropriate for entertaining. Thank you!

[@shess1640]

Oh Kevin, you bring such joy with your lovely videos. I am definitely going to make those short ribs! I think you’re relatively sensible economically with your approach to all things. Thank you for all the time you put into making these videos and sharing your life with us.

[@marcyeaglecloud7345]

Im making the entire menu for Sunday Supper. As usual everything looks beautiful! Your floral arrangements are to be envied! Mr. Fox is super lucky and very spoiled by you! Hopefully he has a secret up his sleeve for your Christmas gifts! Thank you for sharing your recipes and lovely home with us - your followers.

[@grnwillow4632]

What a lovely dinner, and the table is stunning! This looks and sounds fantastic, thanks.

[@Tiffany-vj1tv]

Absolutely lovely as usual! Thank you Kevin appreciate you so much for sharing your lovely home and recipes with us❤️🙏👨‍🍳you are the best.

[@marycook1644]

🐿 What a scrumptious dinner and DESSERT !! I especially love adding the apples 🍏 to the soup ! Thanks for the easy to follow directions. Blessings from California. 🦃 Enjoy a very special Thanksgiving !!

[@gwendolyn7462]

LOVE your blue China dishes. They go very well with your 1700s house

[@lynnallen1315]

I love cranberry sauce and this version sounds delicious. Lovely table, luscious meal, lucky guests...can't beat that!

[@stargoddess2344]

And we all appreciate your very reasonable and timely shortcuts, Kevin, they are always extremely helpful. Thanks so much!

[@seer1026]

Brilliant ideas for host friendly dinners. So nice and pleasant vibes in your videos, as well.

[@ManceyJG55]

Greetings from West Sussex, UK. The cranberry sauce looks delicious - one to try for my Christmas table. Looking forward to seeing your Christmas ideas as I am intrigued as to your choice of table setting and also what pudding you will choose.

[@kristietoothfairy]

What a lovely dinner, from the savory soup to the delectable chocolate dessert! Thank you, Kevin! As with all your dinner parties, I would have enjoyed being a guest. Your recipes look so delicious and the details in the floral arrangements and table settings make for a very elegant evening.

[@GohAhweh]

Loved this episode!! Outstanding! 💛

[@willowmoonlight6401]

Everything is so beautiful and elegant. I will definitely be giving these recipes a try. Thanks!

[@janegardner604]

I love how you give all the tips for how to prep and serve so it’s not stressful when the guests arrive!

[@chaotichousewife5929]

This looks delicious!! thank you for the recipe!!

[@mavep2855]

Your winter dinner party looks delicious! Your table scape blends very well with you dining room decor. Thank you Kevin🙏🏻❤️

[@mrs.rosylady7176]

I enjoy your videos so much! So inspiring and full of helpful ideas as we head into the holiday/entertaining season. I love the silver you use for serving and on your dinner table. So nice to see polished silver!

[@colleenbraun5792]

Love watching you, Kevin. You have such a soothing voice. Keeps my BP low...LOL

[@tukitoria01]

Kevin, I'm sure you are re-incarnated from another century! I just love your style and your personality! ! You are awesome!! Thank you💖💖

[@donnawatson845]

Happy Thanksgiving Kevin! That cranberry sauce definitely got my attention!! Every recipe sounds delicious. Your guests are lucky!

[@mariapepper6175]

Thank you for bringing elegance and peace to the world! I see you as a special, precious gem!! Sending prayers and love! 🙏❤

[@pippenlapue9643]

I wish Utube was around when I had dinner parties ohh bout 25 years ago. I was up as early as 6am that day. Everything had to fresh and perfect, crazy right. By the time dinner was served I was exhausted. Now that you've given me "Make Ahead" receipes. I may start having dinner gatherings again. I hope your book will include a "Make Ahead" Chapter. Thank you.

[@KarenMcIntosh1]

I loved every single second of this video! Thank you for the clear instructions and inspiration! I’ll be making these dishes soon.

[@bc927]

I can't THANK YOU enough for your wonderful and beautifully presented videos. You are always so calm and your stress-free manner in cooking I always find so relaxing and inspiring. Love your channel! Thank you for sharing with us!! 💗 💗 💗

[@user-xl4zr1xw1o]

How superb to serve dinner to guests so they do not have to drive to a restaurant. I love being the restaurant to my friends! They do too! That cranberry sauce is my new go to!

[@jeanne17118]

Kevin, I love hearing you say “okay” because it makes me feel like I’m in the room with you, having a conversation. ❤

[@rosymylene1878]

Perfection. After traveling for a while, coming home and being treated to a new dinner party video by Kevin is such a treat! God bless Kevin, Mr. Fox and their canine and feline family. ⭐⭐⭐🤩

[@patticooper1600]

Oh Kevin how beautiful and delicious! Thank you so much for sharing. Your guest are in for a real treat. I have made butternut squash soup but am definitely giving your recipe a try along with all the other dishes you've shared. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@barbiec4312]

What a soothing balm you are to us all. Thank you.

[@Janice_1979_]

Kevin this is so wonderful. You are such a joy to watch. Your recipes are great. Keep up the wonderful videos. Happy American Thanksgiving 🌼🇨🇦

[@jacquelinestewart3157]

Kevin this entire meal looks wonderful! Also the table is so beautiful. I must try some of these recipes that you shared. Thank you. Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season.

[@g.christelbecker6349]

How beautiful and delicious is this!!!! Thank you!

[@LucyJ1900]

Kevin, I have been "binging" on your videos. I absolutely love them; I love your style... and the touch of class you add to everything you touch!♥️ Whether you are warming a cold day with a hearty winter meal or preparing an afternoon tea you are always spot on!

[@beethechange257]

I love that you include the game plan, timeline for when guests arrive, when to turn on oven, etc. entertaining is so scary to me and these tips help immensely. Thank you!

[@tlyn1642]

You are the Mr Rogers of the culinary world (and who didn’t/doesn’t love Mr Rogers!?!)! Your videos are absolutely delightful. You are always so calm and comforting, welcoming and inclusive, next level educational and truly inspiring! You’re a wonderful, gifted teacher- and I can’t wait to try several of your beautiful recipes! So happy I found your channel. Thank you for sharing your talents. Blessings to you and yours!

[@sandraloes6707]

Que bonito e muito elegante

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

I am doing a rehearsal of your cranberry sauce tonight! And I’m so excited! I think it’s going to be like one I’ve been searching for a long time. We had a killer cranberry sauce at a restaurant the only time we have ever eaten out for Thanksgiving dinner! The cranberry sauce slayed me and I’ve been trying to recreate it ever since. Wish me luck! I wanted to share one of my favorite tips: I’ll put the cranberry sauce in ice cube trays. After they are frozen I can dump them all into a plastic bag to keep in the freezer. Then when anybody makes a turkey sandwich (or really almost any kind of sandwich with meat) we can pull out one of these cranberry sauce cubes. They thaw quickly and are the perfect amount to spread on a sandwich. Instant elevation! Love you, Kevin! 🤎

[@noneavailable9121]

This meal looks amazing! I've gone back through some of your previous videos and tried several recipes. Everything has been delicious, and your prep videos are easy to follow. Thank you!!!

[@zoraida5420]

Thanks Kevin for this marvelous dinner recipes

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello 👋how are you doing?

[@laurac.b.devlin8605]

That bright blue is perfect for you. Im sure you know this Kevin but I'm just adding my praise. Thanks for another great video. I'm def making those cranberries.

[@Phyllyps-Levine]

Oh pure snowy joy! (Resonant applause)!

[@faithkerry4050]

2:02 I love Kevin! His voice is so calming, and his personality is so warm and friendly. He is a de-stressed! Beautiful home, garden … love his recipe. God has blessed us with Kevin!! 😊

[@mchandra66]

A warm, comforting and cheerful combination of Martha Stewart and Mr. Rogers. My two favorite people. You make it so simple to follow and it is not as daunting as it looks. Wonderful recipes, and even table setting - good refresher.

[@astriddsarangomuneton827]

So good everything, Oh my!.. I would like to learn how to cook a turkey 🦃 for Thanksgiving. Thank you so much Kevin and happy Thanksgiving for you and your family 💗