I'm wondering what are the typical courses for a fancy dinner? I
would like to prepare a dinner for my widowed mother and her best
friend. Here's the draft menu I've come up with. Suggestions?
Deletions/additions? I really want to do this up right: Printed
menu, nice linens/tableware, crystal, candles, the whole schmole. I
would very much value your commentary.

Menu
Amuse bouche: Stuffed mushrooms
Soup course: Chestnut and Sherry Soup
Salad course: Avocado and Prawn Timbales
Palate Cleanser: Meyer Lemon Sorbet (. is this the correct order?)
Main: Veal Marsala OR Veal Saltimbocca ala Romana
Sides: Roasted Asparagus and baby potatoes
Dessert: Poached Pears with ginger cookies (thin crisp little guys)

I would ordinarily try to pair wines with my courses, but these lovely
ladies don't drink much. So I will serve a bit of sparkling wine in a
celebratory spirit, and then sparkling water/still water and
coffee/tea at the end.

comments very much appreciated,
Jo Venus (currently in the Pacific Northwest but soon to return to
Hawaii)