The Hollywood awards season starts next Monday, January 15, with the Golden Globe Awards. My favorite part of any award show is getting a glimpse of the amazing dresses, jewelry, and hairstyles that the stars wear. Instead of watching alone, I plan on inviting a small group of my close girlfriends over to dine and watch the show with me. Although the event will be low-key in comparison to the one we watch on TV, I want to make a luscious vegetarian meal full of flavor for the girlies to enjoy. To see my Golden Globes dinner menu, read more.

Since the event will be attended by an all female crowd, and because several of my girlfriends are vegetarians or only eat fish, I will make a mostly meat-less meal. While we watch the pre-show and discuss the best dressed actresses, I'll serve a warm Crab Salad on Tiny Toasts. I don't want to miss any of the entertainment by having to slave over the stove so the dinner will consist of prep-ahead food. I'll dish out a hearty bowl of Cheddar Vegetable Chowder and plate up a Marinated Mushroom Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes. The day before the party is Sunday and I'll take advantage of having the day off by making a Lemon Tart for dessert at the Golden Globe viewing.

If you've got an awesome recipe that is perfect for me to serve during the Golden Globes, I would love to hear about it.

Stay tuned here because everyday this week I'll tell you about another aspect of this party. Tomorrow I'll discuss the drinks that I'll pair with the above meal.