Last Thursday Clint & I played hooky together. Clint planned an entire day of surprises that just delighted me to no end.

Clint planned all this fun as a belated birthday present to me. The day started with gifts! Yay! Gifts!

Pretty! And the gift is nice, too!

What did I get? Oooohhh! Zombie cupcake cookbook and cupcake tins! I love it!!

I love it! Time to make with the spooky cupcakes!

It was fun until Clint turned into a zombie…

Oh wait! Clint was just making a scary/funny face to go with the book!

We then set out on foot for a stroll into downtown Atlanta. I had no idea where we were headed until we got to The Glenn Hotel for lunch at Glenn’s Kitchen. It was a super glam time with my super glam friend. I could have lingered here for hours.

Oh, wait. We did linger here for hours. Lucky us. We had yummy cocktails, delicious food, remarkable service and a view that put us in mind of NYC more than Atlanta. It was truly like being on vacation. Can’t wait to go back.

A perfect place to visit, lunch and imbibe.

Next up, we walked back to Clint’s place, but not before meeting up with sweet Nora, owner of the Wine Shoe, who opened up her shop just so Clint could pick out the perfect wine to go with the next surprise. If you’ve never been here, you should stop in and take a wine class. I have table envy.

We popped up to Clint’s for a glass of wine and a visit before we went downstairs to our next treat. What? Facials and Manicures at Iwi Fresh Garden Day Spa? Oh My Golly Gosh! This was the ultimate indulgence and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. My nails are still the prettiest red gumdrops ever. I love them! And we even received a mini massage before we left. Perfect.

Before Clint drove me home, we watched the sun dip low from his balcony, overlooking our gorgeous city. I was reminded once again, that I am the luckiest person on the planet to have one of the best friends ever. I love you, Clint!!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Andrew Gold – Thank You For Being A Friend

Although my birthday was in February, my dear friends over at Cake Hag have been trying to get my birthday cake to me.

I got it this weekend. The only stipulation? I had to guess what the cake was filled with.

Eric and I set about our task with glee. This is fun work. Maggie and Katie did divulge that under the chocolate shavings was a brown sugar frosting. Yum!

Here is the cake in it's entirety. With sides of champagne for good measure.

I almost hated cutting into it – it was so pretty. But, we must guess the filling. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!

Ready to taste.

Yum! Buttery cake with a filling that was part chocolate, part fruity? Hmmm…was it maraschino cherries? Figs?

No, it was a blood orange sangria marmalade with a chocolate ganache. A delicious and very grown-up version of the perfect birthday cake.

A million thanks to Maggie and Katie! I loved celebrating my birthday all over again!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Cake – Short Skirt, Long Jacket

As I sit here in my office at my tiny desk, on my birthday Friday (actual birthday on Sunday), I can’t help but be so grateful for everything in my life. My incredible husband, Eric, my amazing besties, my good friends, and all of you out there in tv land. Or blog land, I don’t judge.

Happy Birthday To Me!

But since I love you so much, I thought I should give you a gift. CSN has so graciously offered a $65 gift card to their massive online store. Last time we did a giveaway with them, my bestie Clint won and couldn’t say enough great things about the wine glasses and linens he received. Clint said everything was packaged in the most pristine way and both items were gorgeous. And they have virtually everything you could want. You could buy me an offset spatula! Or, holy Toledo, they have Le Creuset, too! Check out this set of bright yellow cookware – wouldn’t this make you smile everyday?

Just like sunshine!

So, my little darlings…comment away. I would love to hear your idea for my perfect birthday celebration. The winner will be announced on Wednesday by a random drawing.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Marvin Gaye – Got to Give It Up, Part I (because it’s my birthday and this is my favorite song, of all time..)

Yes, this is my birthday week, but last week we feted our darling Danny at McCormick and Schmick’s with some yummy seafood. There were 10 of us and we just gathered, drank, laughed and enjoyed our plates of seafood. I think the photos (snapped by our friend, Eric Rice) say it all.

A special menu with a special message for our birthday boy.

Our group

Holly, Eric and Me

My sweeties John and Danny

My boys and me sharing a giggle.

Patrick and Andrew.

Eric, Danny and Bruce

Bruce, Danny and Sweet Rose

It was a fabulous night with some of my most favorites!

Happy Birthday my darling Danny! I love you!!!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Johnny Cash – Oh Danny Boy

Last week my good friend and neighbor, Shane, celebrated a landmark birthday. Yes, he is now 21……

And of course, all the neighbors were there to toast him. We love a good party, you know. So Shane ordered up some pizza, we brought wine and beer and showed up. We are always good for bringing the adult beverages. We’re good like that.

With my buddy Shane.

Not so bad.

Shane seemed happy enough with it.

And so we gathered and ate pizza and cake, washed down by wine and beer. A good time was had by all.

Lovely photo of Valerie and Shane....

...photobombed by Justin. lol

Tracy and Crystal

Jay and Rick

The guys enjoy a slice.

Humphrey was so good all night!

It was another great night in the neighborhood. Happy Birthday, Shane!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to the Paul Weston Orchestra – The Theme From Shane

Poor Eric has been on crutches this past week due to a bad ankle, so he gave Danny a lesson on balancing on crutches when we arrived. Hilarity ensues.

Danny had never used crutches before. It's kind of a balancing act.

Our John is a seriously amazing cook. He goes to such lengths to make sure everything is perfect. Me, I put a drink in everyone’s hand and hope they don’t notice the dust bunnies under the kitchen table. I mean, really, why would I sweep the floors?

Anyhoo. On this crazy cold night we were treated to a warm-your-tummy-and-soul meal. We started with some gorgeous brie and crackers, and a gorgeous glass of red. Danny had built a huge, crackling fire in the fireplace (our fireplace only burns candles…), so this was a gigantic delight.

I think I surprised John here, cooking away.

Dinner started with a delectable butternut squash soup. Just perfect for the season. So yummy.

Butternut Squash Soup. The perfect autumnal dish.

The soup was accompanied by really tasty, crusty bread. Just the thing for scooping up the last of the soup.

Our salad course was a chopped veggie salad that included cucumbers, tomatoes, mushroom and topped with fresh feta cheese. So good.

Our sweet Danny.

Nom nom nom...chopped salad!

After the salad plates were cleared, we took a break. It’s always good to get up and move around during a multi-course meal. John and I took to the kitchen while Danny & Eric talked video games.

John and me, cooking up some fun together.

It is always fun to be in someone else’s kitchen as the helper. I cut up the rosemary polenta(!!), while John fried it to get that crispy exterior. Short ribs were already out of the oven and the spinach and gruyere stuffed vidalia onions were waiting to be plated. This was some serious comfort food, my darlings.

Happy campers.

Even happier when we got to dig in.

Ohhhh, I can’t eat one more bite…..so we watched the Halloween episode of Family Guy. Hilarious. And we digested. Because there was more to come.

How beautiful is this pound cake with berries and fresh whipped cream?

Once again, John outdid himself. We were simply wowed. And on top of it all, he sent us home with leftovers. Which we devoured last night. And it was almost as good as being there with John and Danny.

You all are the pinnacle of greatness. We love you both!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Queen – You’re My Best Friend

Yesterday was a wild whirlwind of a video shoot, but today, it is time to celebrate. It is my perfect husband’s birthday. Tonight we will celebrate by recreating all his childhood faves. Chili dogs, Groovy Mike Sells Potato Chips, Onion dip, Real Coca-Colas in glass bottles. A group of our besties will gather together in our home and it will be a ball.

And macaroni and cheese. Apparently it’s everyone else’s childhood favorite. What was yours?

Anyhoo, I am going to indulge myself by posting some of my favorite photos of Eric from the past year. Happy Birthday, Honey. I love you madly.

xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Three Dog Night – Celebrate

and…Etta James – At Last

On Friday, Anatomy of a Dinner Party, will be one year old. I can’t believe how quickly the year passed. So many new friends, so many fun happenings, parties and vacations!

I thought you might like to read the top four posts of the past year, so we can remember the good times together. Number four is our macaron making class with Helen of Tartelette. It was a super fun day with 12 of the most lovely women I have ever met. It was also the day after Sugar Coma, so we were all in tasty sugar mode.

Jennifer and Wendy filling their pastry bags

And now, without further adieu, I bring you the Merry Macaron Party With Tartelette. Enjoy!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Beatles – Birthday

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

It was the weekend of birthdays this past week. Fun! First, we had Valerie’s birthday wine tour, then it was time for dear friend Tami H. of Running With Tweezers to have her big day.

And what a big day it was! Set up by her sweet boyfriend, Mike, who took great pains to keep it secret. Mike even put together a Chopped Challenge as part of the party. You know what Chopped is, right? It’s a reality/challenge show on Food Network where chefs compete for the highest score from the judges.

Mike chose all the ingredients for the Chopped “Slider” Challenge. Three teams of two competed in the kitchen of friends Brian and Terri. It was a hoot.

But first, Tami had to arrive. A ruse was invented to get her to Terri and Brian’s house and we were all gathered when she arrived, including an dear friend of hers from NYC who had flown in especially for the party. Don’t you love those types of surprises?

The cake was made by Christina Arpante of Mele Cotte. It was the coolest cake I have ever seen.

Camera Cake. Yes, That's Cake.

You would think that making a camera cake would be enough for one person. Well, you don’t know Chris. She had to bake cupcakes, too. Gorgeous  cupcakes. Filled with yummy things cupcakes. OMG. Cupcakes.

Cupcakes!

Brian and Terri did a great job of keeping us all happy before Tami arrived. They fed us and we hung out and talked about, what else? Food.

Nosh, Nosh, Nosh...Gab, Gab, Gab

And finally, the main event – Tami Arrives! Yay! She was so surprised. Um, really surprised. She thought she was going swimming. But she looked super cute all the same!

Surprise!

Oh, she was so thrilled to see everyone there. Especially her best buddy Mike.

Surprise Guest Mike

But before the challenge, Tami must check out that incredible cake!

Tami & Chris

And then the Chopped Challenge began. Just like on television, but with cocktails. It’s a party, after all.

Team 1 – Tami & Mike
Team 2 – Chris & Erin
Team 3 – Martin & Brian

Emcee – Mike Boutte (Tami’s beau)

And we’re off!

Mike Explains The Rules

The teams pick their ingredients.

Decisions

Erin and Chris Plan Their Strategy

One Group Of Ingredients - Banana Chips?

Martin's Secret Weapons - Schlitz Beer & Wasabi Peas

While The Kitchen Heated Up, Terri & I Giggled In The Dining Room

And boy, was the kitchen busy! We were told not to get in the kitchen during the challenge, but, hey, there was cooking going on and pictures to take. Sorry!

Tami Has It All Under Control

Or Was It Mike That Had It All Under Control?

Anyhoo, it was fun, fun, fun.

Mike Lights The Grills - Don't You Love The Tee?

Mason & Margaret Arrive

Now, it’s time for the judging. I thought everyone was going to be super sweet – we’re all friends here..but no. It was brutal. Funny, but brutal.

Terri & Zack Judge The Turkey Burger by Mike and Tami

Looks like a thumbs up from Judge Zack.

Next up – Chris & Erin’s burger with a cabbage slaw on top. Looked yummy.

And Erin Juggles, Too!

The judges really liked this one. They deemed it tasted like a “swedish meatball.” Then it was Martin & Brian’s turn for judging.

Martin & Brian's Buffalo Burgers

Judges said it was perfectly cooked, but flavorless and the green beans on the side were dry. Brutally honest. Foodies. LOL

Winner? Erin and Chris’s swedish meatball burger. A round for everyone!

Happy Birthday, Tami – this was the coolest idea for a party and we had a ball!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Debbie Reynolds – Tammy