You would call Eddie Ross a designer on Bravo’s Top Design, the former Senior Style Editor for Martha Stewart Living, Decorating Editor for House Beautiful, Contributing Editor to Woman’s Day and wildly popular blogger.

I am lucky enough to call him my friend.

When I learned that Eddie and his ultra fabulous beau, Jaithan, were going to be in town in July, they were so kind to set aside some time in their incredibly busy schedules to join us for dinner.

Okay, now that they have agreed to dinner – where do I go from here? This was not to be a wienie cookout with s’mores (though there is nothing wrong with that!), but needed to be warm, inviting and sophisticated – like the two of them.

Warm – check
Inviting – check
Sophisticated – let me work on that

The food is always important, but first you have to have the perfect mix of guests. This is key, my darlings, or else you will have a flop on your hands, no matter what fabulous food you are serving.

I wanted this to be a small, intimate dinner so my guest list was of the utmost importance. This was our group:

Eddie + Jaithan (of course!)

Eric and I (well, duh…)

Tami, my friend, food stylist and author of Running With Tweezers and her lively, fun friend Terri (you met her here)

Christy, CEO of Peas For Prosperity

Taruan, my beloved friend, who you have met here at the blog and was moving to NYC the very next day(!!) to go to Parsons School of Design

And at Eddie and Jaithan’s suggestion, the most delightful Kerry Howard (Eddie’s fellow designer from Top Design) and his bestie, Tyler

I invited Kerry and was beyond thrilled that he and Tyler agreed to join us. It was the icing on the cake.

Super Fab Guest List – Check

Now for the table and the food.

I set the table with my gorgeous gold embossed Moroccan-inspired glasses that I used as votive holders, gold chargers and a white milk glass bowl filled with green and yellow fruit as an homage to a centerpiece Eddie designed for Southern Living.

Table Set - Just Add Laughter!

If you notice, there are no plates on the table. Eric and I decided to plate the dinner for a little extra sophistication. A first for us, I believe.

Close Up of My Great Gold Flatware Sent to Me By My Sweet Friend, Allison

And I didn’t have 10 of any one gold charger, so I just mixed them up. It worked well.

And now, for the menu:

Endive Stuffed With Tabouli – Starter

Segura Vida Cava & Canton Ginger Liqueur or St. Germain – Welcome Cocktail

Grilled Lamb Chops

2006 Cynthiana, Three Sisters Vineyard

2006 Chardonnay, Three Sisters Vineyard

Tomatoes Stuffed With Corn, Bacon & Chiles

Oven Roasted Broccoli Florets

Onion Flatbread

With everything in place and the music picked by my darling husband (lots of upbeat tunes so no one would snooze…), we were ready to greet our friends. And away we go!

Endive Stuffed With Tabouli

A Bit of Canton Mixed With Bubbly Makes A Yummy Welcome Drink

First to arrive – Eddie  + Jaithan. With the sweetest hostess gift – salt and pepper cellars. Love them!

Crystal Salt & Pepper Cellars

Eddie and I Sample The Endive

I Get A Chance to Visit With Jaithan Before The Rest Arrive

I just love Eddie + Jaithan. I love how well they compliment each other. Eddie is ebullient, bubbly and fabulous. Jaithan is a modern day Cary Grant, debonair, well-spoken and fabulous. They are the best of the best. Just being in their company makes one feel better about life and all it has to offer.

Eric, Eddie, Jaithan and I got the last minute details in place before the rest of the guests arrived. Eric lit the grill for the lamb, Eddie styled the appetizers and he & Jaithan put together the welcome cocktails.

Eddie and Christy Enjoy A Beverage

Terri Samples A Little Nibble

Tyler and Kerry Join The Party

Upon seeing me, Kerry proclaimed that I looked like a big piece of pink bubble gum. I consider this a compliment. Pink! Bubble gum! What’s not to like?

Taruan Relaxes On His Last Night In Atlanta

I know I should have been nervous with all these interior designers in the house, but I wasn’t! Oh, the wonders of bubbly! lol

Tami and Eddie Get To Know Each Other

And then dinner was ready. Everyone, take your seats.

Three Sisters Wine Flowed...

It was exciting to showcase only Georgia wines at dinner. My friends Doug and Sharon really know what they are doing.

One Plated Dinner

Taruan Pours A Glass of Chardonnay For Christy

For dessert? Well, Jaithan recently celebrated a birthday and since it was so close, I wanted to celebrate with him. Eddie told me that Jaithan’s favorite cake is red velvet, so off I went to the city’s best baker – Cake Hag and placed my order. They make their red velvet cake with a red wine reduction – tres chic. Like Jaithan!

Happy Belated Birthday, Jaithan!

The cake truly was as smooth as velvet. And the icing was not the extra heavy cream cheese type. This was much lighter. No one felt weighed down after indulging in a slice. The cake was paired with Three Sisters Georgia Port, a gift to me from my friends Doug and Sharon. It was the perfect match. The three candles represent past, present and future.

We Were Able To Surprise Jaithan

Thumbs Up All Around, Maggie!

Kerry and Jaithan Give Their Seal of Approval

Scoring A Hug From Kerry and Jaithan

Time to Change Chairs At The Table

Kerry and Christy

Tami and Eddie

Jaithan and Christy

Kerry, Tami and Eddie

The Remains of a Very Happy Evening

It’s rare to have television stars, interior designers, food stylists and fab guys like my Eric all at one table. But we did this night. And it was the greatest time. Filled with hilarious repartee, amazing wines and fine food. Eric, Honey, thanks for manning the grill in the hellish heat and for being the photographer for the night. You make my life a living dream.

One last shot.

So Great Having Everyone Here!

Eddie + Jaithan arrived with gifts and when they left for the evening, left me with two even greater gifts – Kerry and Tyler’s friendship. Thank you to my wonderful friends – I can’t wait for you to return so we can do it all again.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Dirty Dancing Soundtrack – Time of My Life

Wow, did we have a crazy fun dinner party last night, so I’m a little slow this morning. But more on that next week.

Let’s talk about you. Want to do a movie night, but can’t decide on the movies? Have I got a treat for you!

Today’s Fun Find Friday is TOQ, or Tired Old Queen At The Movies, Steve Hayes. Steve is a wealth of knowledge on classic movies. And after listening to his reviews on You Tube, you will want to rush out and pick up a bundle of old black & whites for your friends to view. You could build a whole party around these classics, match them with the appropriate menu and have a swell evening of viewing.

Pop on over to You Tube to see all of Steve’s reviews. They are always fascinating and often hilarious.

You might even get your guests to dress up in their black tie best ala Cary Grant to watch, sip bubbly and nibble caviar. Your party will be a huge hit.

Enjoy your weekend, Darlings!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Elton John – I’ve Seen That Movie, Too

Today’s post will be a shorty – I am readying a dinner party for my darlings Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar tonight (can’t wait!!) But I had to share my lunch last Friday with you.

My Sweeties at Black Tie BBQ have started serving lunch on Fridays! And what a delicious lunch it is! I swung by last week to pick up the Smoked Chicken Sandwich with Pineapple Basil Mayo – oh my goodness it was fantastic! For $8.50, it comes with two scrumptious sides. I chose the mac and cheese & the fresh fresh salad.

Nom, Nom, Nom - Go On And Get You Some!

My Buddy Spencer!

The Lunch Menu - Yours May Vary

So pull on up to their new digs on Dekalb Avenue and say hey to LaToyin, who is back to work after bringing her living doll, Nevada, into the world (and really, LaToyin, how can you look so skinny?), Neil, Spencer and the sweet Allison, who will fix up all your lunch cravings. Tell them I sent you!

The Adorable Miss Nevada!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Grease Soundtrack – Summer Nights

My friend Dana, who is also a mama-to-be, invited me to her sweet home recently for some lunch to catch up. I jumped at the chance to be able to spend some quality time with her before her little one arrives.

Pork Chop and Apple Sauce and Thermos? What’s that all about? Pork Chop and Apple Sauce are the names of Dana and Steve’s dogs. Pork Chop is an english bull and Apple Sauce is a adorable little pug. Thermos is Dana’s friend’s boston terrier she is baby sitting. It was a lively afternoon!

My Good Friend Pork Chop

Dana prepared a lovely spread – sliced cantalope and strawberries, ham and turkey roll ups with a fresh green salad that included mangoes and a fantastic salad dressing made with lemon and mango. And fresh lemonade. It was all so beautiful.

Mama To Be, Dana - Isn't She Adorable?

Dana's Table Had A Touch of Whimsy For Our Luncheon

Everything was incredibly delicious. We were joined by our Editor-In-Chief of Design Is, Walt, who brought the yummiest cookies stuffed with mini candy bars. Mmmm.

I Chose The Turkey Roll Up...Okay, I Had The Ham, Too

The Dressing Was So Tasty, I Used It On My Salad And My Cantalope

Loved Dana's Monogrammed Napkins!

It was a wonderful afternoon of fabulous food, darling dogs and fantastic friends.

Thanks, Dana!!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Steve Martin – The Thermos Song

This past weekend we were so happy to host a dinner party for my bestie, John. Conjured up by his sweetie, Danny, we planned and plotted to have 10 of his favorite friends gathered to fete our darling birthday boy.

For this occasion I decided to leave the table bare (I tend to forget how pretty it is…) and set it with silver chargers, white plates, white napkins nestled into silver napkin rings and a small arrangement of white and red roses. It was elegant without being fussy.

Simple Is Sometimes Best

John knew he was joining Eric and me for dinner, but didn’t know there would be six others! So he was very surprised when he walked in. Everyone pitched in to make it a fantastic night. Patrick and Andrew picked out the red wines, Rose chose the bubbly and Danny ordered the yummy ice cream cake. Bruce and his Eric (two Erics in the house this night!) took a ton of photos. Holly baked the most delicious pastries filled with brie & caramelized onions and another filled with cheddar & bacon. She also brought dips, bagel chips and yummy baby carrots for dipping. Eric and I were responsible for the main course, which was:

Roasted Beef Tenderloin

Steamed Green Beans Dressed with Butter & Lemon

Au Gratin Potatoes

It was such fun. Eric started everyone with a simple cocktail of Canton liquor (ginger flavored), splash of gin (or vodka, depending on preference) and topped off with peach juice. A couple rounds of these were consumed while we chatted and waited for Danny and our guest of honor.

Eric, John, Rose & Bruce

When John and Danny arrived it was more cocktails and all of the goodies Holly prepared. Patrick set out the red wines (with a descriptive list!) and we opened them to allow them to breathe.

My Co-Conspirator, Danny!

A Bevy of Beautiful Red Wines

One of the highlights of the evening was Eric’s custom wine charms. As in the past, we used tags purchased from the office supply store (remember when we first used them here?) Eric created a special one for everybody. Mine was a heart (awwww, so sweet!), Bruce had a Captain America tag, Danny – a lover of video games – had a charm with a Playstation controller on it, a Rose for Rose – you get the idea. This really puts a fun spin on things. Even when a glass got broken (oops, that was me!), the charm stayed intact. Opa!

The Wine List - With Descriptions. I Loved This Idea!

My Gorgeous Besties, Holly & John

Plenty Of Time To Pose While The Roast Is Resting

A Handsome Trio - Patrick, Andrew & Rose

Finally, dinner was served and we all took our seats. The food was served family-style on platters. Only one problem – when serving 10 guests, the trays get too heavy to pass. So both Erics took a platter and served everyone. Thanks, gentlemen!

Bruce and Eric Are All Smiles Tonight!

Andrew and Patrick At The Table

Another Fab Eric For Me To Pose With - Yay!

BFFs Forever!

Holly and Bruce, Looking Marvelous

All this heavy fare usually makes one want to sit and rest. But not John and me! Nope, we were up for some dancing – to ABBA!

Dance Like There's No One Watching....Even If There Is

While back at the table, Patrick educated the others on the virtues of wine…..

This One With Beef, This One With...More Wine....

As our guests got up and started moving about the cabin, my Eric and Andrew visited out on the front porch, when Andrew told a story about making mint tea for his family. “We have mint”, my Eric countered, ‘I would love to have you make some for us, if you would like…”

Andrew, looking adorable in my yellow apron, did just that.

Too Cute!

And it was delicious with the birthday cake.

Full of Special Wishes For The Coming Year

Watching John Make His Wish

We ended the evening by playing Lets Dance on the Wii…even shy Bruce got in on the action.

Dancing Up A Storm

While our darlings watched, looking most amused.

Oscar Cozies Up To Patrick, Andrew & Rose

In the wee hours after midnight, everyone sauntered home, sated and happy.

Happy Birthday my darling friend! I love you!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to ABBA – Does Your Mother Know

This week’s treat comes to us via my buddy, Eddie Ross, who turned me onto these awesome personalized plates. So adorable!

Of course, I’m partial to this one:

La Plates are made of melamine, which means they are dishwasher safe. They are not for use in your microwave, though. Lara Shelton is the force behind these gorgeous settings for your table. She has tons of colors to choose from and much more items to try other than plates. There are cups, placemats, trays, flatware caddies – just everything awaiting your monogram.

And since they are so durable, they are perfect for all those outdoor fetes you are planning this summer. You can tote them to your family reunion, picnic, outdoor concert, even take them on the boat!

There is no reason not to be stylish just because it’s summertime.  You have every chance to be stylish with La Plates!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Jason Mraz – I’m Yours

Louisiana, home of creole and cajun cooking, southern mansions and the unbreakable spirit of New Orleans. They have seen hard times, yet always bounce back with graceful resiliency. From Katrina and now the BP crisis, you might be wondering how the Paris of North America is faring.

They are faring quite well, thank you. And you should go and see for yourself. Party on Bourbon Street, enjoy the Garden District, listen to some down home music in Faubourg Marigny and don’t forget the beignets at Cafe Du Monde. With New Orleans only a 7 hour drive from Atlanta, you could be there in no time.

The Party Never Stops!

I have been in contact with my friends in New Orleans, Char Thian at the Ritz-Carlton and Kelly Schulz with the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. who tell me that all is well in their fair city and the best way to support it is to come and visit! Now, how many other ways can you give back by eating the country’s best cuisine and drinking up a storm? Only in New Orleans.

Take a look at this link. Honestly, the time has never been better to support New Orleans and have a dang good time in the process. The folks there are the friendliest anywhere and that food…OMG, that food. I am dieting right now in anticipation of my visit at the end of July. Can’t wait to drink sazeracs and eat all the luscious treats at Galatoire’s Friday lunch. You can even walk around with that Pat O’Briens Hurricane, as they encourage drinking and walking. But please grab a cab or a fab street car if you need to go further than your feet will take you.

But if you can’t get there right now, our own Pacci, in Atlanta, is supporting the cause with “We Cook While They Clean”.

We are very proud to announce that we will be joining the relief efforts in the wake of the devastation caused by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill with our “We Cook While They Clean” fundraiser.
 

Beginning Wednesday, June 23, $1 from every seafood dish on our lunch and dinner menu will be donated to the Gulf Relief Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to providing relief to the fishing community of the Gulf Coast and their families. For more information on the Gulf Relief Foundation visit www.gulfaid.org.   “We Cook While They Clean” will continue until fishermen are back in their boats.

You could even plan to go down on July 30 – Aug 1, when I’ll be there. I would be happy to meet you at Tujagues for a evening of tippling. Come on down!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Buckwheat Zydeco – On A Night Like This

On day one, after spending the afternoon on the Crush Pad with Doug, Sharon and Chef Dairen, we drove home to Atlanta where Eric had made dinner reservations at Abbatoir. It was a splendid affair, although no pictures. A couple needs to have some private time, after all.

But on Sunday, we made our favorite baked potato salad and headed over to Jay and Valerie’s house for their fabulous fried chicken, and Curtis’ world famous pulled pork and lots of other goodies. And of course, I brought my camera!

She's A Grand Old Flag, She's A High Flying Flag....

Jay and Valerie are masters at frying chicken and there was bunch of it! Curtis made his pulled pork, (you met him here), I made potato salad, but there was also pasta salad, deviled eggs, Taruan’s amazing baked beans, Chioke’s wowee jello shots(!!), watermelon (of course – it’s July 4th!), cobbler and I’m sure lots of other dishes I am forgetting. I blame the jello shots.

Mr. Photo, please!

Mmmm, Fried Chicken!

Baked Beans and Deviled Eggs

The Aforementioned Jello Shots

No, Chioke did not make one type of jello shot – he made three! The green is a margarita shot, the dark red are Jack Daniels and black cherry and the last offering was Tropic Thunder – Malibu Rum, pineapple and cranberry juices. That last one was my favorite. Oh yes, yes, it was.

One Perfect, Carb Laden Plate

Curtis even made his own bbq sauce. Yum, yum, yum.

World Famous Curtis, Our Own BBQ KIng

Sweet Denise

Tim and Becky, Cutting Up

Our Buddy Rick

Taruan & Valerie, Kicking Back

Darling Chioke and Me

Mr. Perfect and Me!

Shane, Showing Off His Neighborhood Gear

I Love The Impish Look On Valerie's Face Here....

Always Adorable Marcus and Shawn

I'm Pretty Sure This Was Later In The Evening...

It was a perfect way to not only celebrate July 4th, but to celebrate Eric and I moving home to Atlanta just one short year ago today.

Thanks again, Jay and Valerie, for hosting – you all are the greatest!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Zac Brown Band – Chicken Fried

Isn’t it great to have an extra day off? Since Eric had Monday off we were able to squeeze in some extra fun this weekend. Friday night found us at Farm Burger in Decatur for the yummiest burgers this side of your home grill (actually, better than home burgers). Saturday we decided to go back to Dahlonega and visit our friends Doug and Sharon Paul at Three Sisters Vineyard & Winery for a special treat. We started with the wine pairings – my favorite was their Blood Mountain Red paired with Cheetos! Cheetos! Don’t you love Cheetos? Me, too.

Have No Idea How Doug & Sharon Thought This Up, But It's Great!

Three Sisters is such a fabulous getaway. Awesome wines, the quiet calm of the vineyards and my friendly, yet wildly vinocentric friends.

My Sweet Eric

Outside on the crush pad held more surprises. One was meeting the delightful Chef Dairen of Pig-N-Chips BBQ & Catering, who was formerly the yacht chef for Jimmy Buffett – don’t you just love Jimmy Buffett, especially in the summertime? Anyhoo, Chef Dairen has dreamed up the perfect portable summertime dish – a BBQ Sundae! This fun concoction is a clear cup layered with bbq beans, slaw, pulled pork, more beans, more slaw and topped with a cherry tomato! So delicious and so adorable!

Chef Dairen. Got Pork? Love The Tee.

Are You Ready For Some Sundae?

While We Waited for Sundaes, I Snapped More Photos of My Sweetie.

Nom, Nom, Nom! It's A BBQ Sundae, Y'all!

Doug and I are banding together with Chef Dairen to bring you a special Key West inspired dinner at Three Sisters for 40 folks. Please leave me a comment if you would like to make a reservation for this fun evening of conch fritters and other south Florida delights. We will be holding the dinner in September, with more details to follow.

And of course, there will be music. This day’s music was bluegrass. It paired perfectly with the bbq, the wine (Fat Boy Red-perfect for bbq) and all that bucolic scenery.

BBQ & Wine, Made Better With Bluegrass Music

A special hello to Val and Jim, our new friends from our afternoon on the Crush Pad and as always, the biggest thanks to Doug & Sharon, the most wonderful hosts ever.

xoox, Patti

Today blogging to Seals & Croft – Summer Breeze

I know it’s Saturday, but Eric and I went to Farm Burger last night in Decatur. The burgers were incredible. Truly. Nom, Nom, Nom can-I-have-another-please delicious.

Go, if you are in the Atlanta area. Even if you aren’t. Just go.

Today! Go say hi to George, the owner. He’s a peach! And you can get the burger like Eric did – with caramelized onions, gruyere and bone marrow on it. Yes, bone marrow. You can thank me later – and the fries, you need those, too!

I’ll be right here when you get back to tell me all about your special burger. So freaking delicious. You know it must be if I’m writing to you on a Saturday!

Are you still reading? Go to Farm Burger!

Have a happy and safe July 4th. I’ll see you on Tuesday!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Rascal Flatts – Summer Nights