Hosting a Pizza Night

Pizza by a Duraflame fire, the perfect way to spend a week night evening.

This post was sponsored by Duraflame. All opinions are my own.

One thing about Colorado weather is that she can never seem to make up her mind. We have had some gorgeous spring like days these past few weeks but now there is snow on the radar for this week. As excited as I am for spring entertaining, enjoying al fresco dinner parties at the new house’s patio, cozy nights in by the fire on a cold spring day are just as perfect. The ease of lighting a Duraflame fire makes for a cozy and simple entertaining atmosphere at home! One of Jeremy and I’s favorite way to spend an evening together is picking up a pizza from down the street and popping a bottle of champagne! I don’t think there is a better combination than pizza and champagne by a Duraflame fire!

A simple party idea, while the weather continues to try and make up it’s mind, when having friends over is to host a pizza night! This also makes for the perfect date night! As easy as delivery pizza can be, making pizza at home is just as easy and fun! This wild mushroom spinach pizza is inspired by one of my favorite restaurants in Fort Collins, Colorado, Cafe Vino. It’s absolutely delicious, especially with the hint of salt and parmesan on top of the spinach. The perfect spring pizza.

Wild Mushroom Spinach Pizza

INGREDIENTS

1 recipe your favorite pizza dough or store bought, at room temperature
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
Handful chopped fresh spinach
Top with fresh parmesan and coarse sea salt

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Spread the dough into a circle on a lightly oiled sheet pan.
Brush oil onto pizza dough. Sprinkle on evenly the garlic, cheese, and mushrooms. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden.
Remove from oven and top with spinach, parmesan and salt.

This party is so simple to set up and host! Light your Duraflame fire ahead of time so your log is burning once guests arrive. I recommend 15-20 minutes before everyone gets there. Put together a simple salad to serve along with the pizza and have everything set out on your coffee table by the fire. The best part about making pizza at home is that you can make it ahead and throw it in the oven once guests arrive. I also like setting out olives and mixed nuts to munch on while waiting to eat dinner. Depending on how many guests you are hosting you can throw together an array of different pizzas to serve! Another great idea for hosting a pizza party, have a pizza potluck! Ask guests to bring three of their favorite ingredients to put on a pizza. Pre cheese a few pizzas and have them add their ingredients on top for an easy DIY pizza night! Most importantly, don’t forget the champagne! Keep it cool in your fridge until your guests arrive and pop immediately to get your evening started.