Lunch with Dani Kates
From the first bite, we knew Dani Kates's corn salad was a winner.
Nothing pleased us more than to be featured in Nashville Lifestyle Magazine this month. The article captures some highlights from a recent lunch with StyleBlueprint associates and friends who gathered to celebrate the onset of summer. It was a gorgeous day (so much more delightful than our current July soaring temps), and we were entertained royally by some of Nashvilleβs top-shelf party planners. We hope youβll grab a copy of the magazine and read all about why we think taking time to have lunch with friends is worth the effort. Today, weβre going to share a little behind-the-scenes about the delightful, talented people who made it all happen as well as the recipe to the incredible corn salad served!
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Libby Page hosted us for lunch in her beautiful Richland-Central home. Her skills as event planner extraordinaire were evident Β everywhere, from the cut flowers, fresh from the garden, the memorable chilledΒ rosΓ©, unusual appetizersΒ and aΒ simply gorgeousΒ table setting.

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Libbyβs other half, Ben Page, wasnβtΒ there, but his presence was felt in every corner of the garden. Benβs reputation as one of Nashvilleβs premiereΒ landscape architects speaks for itself, and if you donβt believe me, thenΒ pick up a copy of this monthβsΒ Elle Decor. What struck me wasΒ the harmony of his gardenβall the plantings, while great individually, played off of each other to create an unforgettable symphony of colors.

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Ashley Hylbert,Β StyleBlueprintβs ace photographer, captured the meal beautifully. I donβt think Iβve ever seen a more beautiful appetizer than the hibiscus flower and goat cheese β so vibrant are her pictures!

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Dani Kates stole the show with a delicious lunch of roasted salmon, corn salad and tossed greens. Since everyone begged for the corn recipe, we twisted Daniβs arm until sheΒ cried,βuncleβ and sent it to us.
(Kates Fine Catering is Dani Katesβ company and she can be reached at [email protected]. Libby Page can be reached for party and/or wedding planning at [email protected])

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Of course, the entire afternoon seemed effortless (it wasnβt), but the moral of this luncheon goes something like this:
- Use the bestΒ quality ingredients available.
- Create a feel for your party that isΒ authentic β mix up your silver,Β use your favorite china and donβt be afraid toΒ be adventurous withΒ your menu selection.
- ShareΒ your recipes β spread the love and itβll come back to you in spades!
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Thanks Dani, for sharing this incredible cornΒ recipe. WeΒ promise to only share it with about 10,000 of our favorite StyleBlueprint buddies.

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What goes around, comes around! So, add a luncheon just for friends to your future and be paid back with joy of your fabulous company!
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Dani Kates' Corn Salad
IngredientsΒ Β
- 6 ears corn cooked, taken off cobb
- 1 pint baby heirloom tomatoes cut in half
- 2 avocados cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 2 T chopped basil
- 2 T chopped mint
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette or champagne vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
InstructionsΒ
- In a large pot, bring at least 6 cups of water to a boil.
- Place corn in pot and boil about 10 minutes, or until tender.
- Remove corn from pot to cool slightly.
- When cool enough to handle, cut kernels from the corn cob with sharp knife.
- Place cut corn in serving bowl along with the remaining 5 ingredients and toss with vinaigrette.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
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