Honestly, you would think I would be done celebrating my birthday by now. After all, it’s been three weeks since I turned another year older. But, no, Crystal took me out for an incredible day on Saturday and it was delicious, precious and educational.

All I knew before Crystal picked me up was that I was to wear clothes that I didn’t mind getting messed up and comfy shoes. Hmmmm, I couldn’t for the life of me guess where we were going. Crystal arrived with fruit filled popovers fresh from the oven and coffee for us to enjoy on our way to the surprise.

So, what was our destination?

Who lives here?

Get ready for absolute cuteness overload! Crystal and I were at Decimal Place Goat Farm! We were going to spend the day with Mary Rigdon learning to make cheese and play with the goats. In fact, just a few hours before we arrived, 3 triplet girls had just been born. Crystal’s gift had the best timing ever! I had never seen a newborn goat.

Welcome to the world, little one!

Mother Mimi had just given birth and we were there for the kids’ first steps. It was miraculous.

I can do this!

Are they the cutest things ever?

Mama Mimi with her babies.

The neighbors are curious.

Really, curious!

After all this cuteness, we retired to the house to learn the intricacies of making cheese. I learned here that Mary provides the cheese to Miller Union for their incredible feta cheese with veggies I had fallen in love with during a lunch visit there with my friend, Tami, over at Running With Tweezers. Mary showed us how to make that very same feta, as well as cream cheese, cheddar and tuma (a goat cheese mozzarella). We also had a chance to sample some of these fantastic cheeses.

Mary explains the basics.

Feta, ready to be cut and salted.

While the cheese rests, we take another trip out to the barn to tour the facilities.

We get a chance to milk a goat.

My turn.

Crystal's turn!

Crystal, me and the goats.

We finished milking, went back to the house to wash up and then it was time for samples and a q&a session. Mary was very patient with all of our questions and answered every one.

Mary with the cheddar cheese press.

Freshly made butter.

Happy and filled with cheese, we left Decimal Place Farm and headed north for the Sausage Chalet, also known as Patak. Every foodie in Atlanta knows about Patak, but I had never visited. Crystal remedied that.

Doesn't look like much on the outside....

But, boy, was it bustling inside!

I chose a couple of big salamis. One for me, one for Denise, who was hosting us all for dinner that night. I think it was the perfect hostess gift!

One for me, one for Denise.

Nom nom nom...it's Patak, y'all.

Crystal and I left Patak and made our way to the German Bakery, where we picked up pretzel bread, black and white cookies and coconut macaroons, then headed home.

But not before we stopped by Tim and Becky’s house, where Crystal was chicken sitting. I had a chance to feed the chickens and gather the eggs. It was a fabulous day.

And night! Denise made a turkey and some potato cheese soup and we all showed up with yummy things to share. Six of us stayed up well after midnight, eating, drinking and hot tubbing in the rain.

It was the perfect day! Thanks a gazillion, Crystal! I love you!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Julie Andrews (on the Muppet Show) – The Lonely Goatherd

Whew, what a weekend. Lets get started with the recap.

Friday night we attended FLUX, the art installation in Castleberry Hill. It is more of an art installation than art festival because it is interactive and a bundle of fun. Called Le Flash last year, this year’s incarnation had a ton more partiers and more things to see. There were zebras running on buildings, movies projected onto high rises, singing heads, food carts and much more. Eric and I went with besties Crystal & Teague, said hello (and Happy Birthday!) to our friend Denise Jackson in her gallery, and then stopped for a drink at our other besties loft, Matt and Clint. It was delightful, exhilirating and cultured.

Roll the footage!

Crystal and Teague party down at Miss Jackson's gallery

These polo paintings will be in Denise's next exhibit. We were in her secret space in the gallery. Friends only! VIP!

With every map, you get a free glow stick. I liked the pink one.

Some folks took a whole bunch and made a trail to....

A room with three screens of what I think was running water...

Now, this is what I call a "green" flag. It was made entirely out of old clothes.

Some visitors partied on the moon.

While others were being chased by a giant mantis.

I don't know Stacy, but she set up a tickle suit as her exhibit. I did not try this on.

This photo loses something with the flash. It was all lit with black lights and she was dancing for the plants. This was my favorite of the night.

We stopped by Matt's loft where he was spinning the hits.

Our pretty friend Carole was there, with her equally pretty sister, Linda.

Eric stops for a beverage.

I get a chance to catch up with my bestie, Clint.

The Soprano was projected onto a concave screen, making her look like a bodyless head. Cool.

And how do you know it’s time to go home?

When they are sold out of egg rolls....

Castleberry Hill, you outdid yourself once again. Kudos!

And if you will indulge me, I would like to say hello to my friend, Betty Beasley – thanks a million for reading!!!!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Opus Flux – Careless Whisper

You all know how much I adore living in Atlanta. It’s a town filled with surprises. We are genteel, we are foodies, we love a parade, we love a spectacle. Sometimes we like  it rough.

Saturday night was one of those rough nights. Besties Crystal, Teague, Denise, Rick, Eric and I all packed up the food and tailgated before the Atlanta Rollergirls bout at the Shriners Temple. This was my first time seeing the Rollergirls in action, and what a treat it was. But first, we must eat.

Hanging With Denise and Crystal Pre-Game

Crystal prepared the yummiest homemade pimento cheese sandwiches (and I thought I didn’t care for pimento – I had just never had homemade). She also stopped by Popeyes Chicken for some crunchy chicken fingers. I made pound cake soaked in limoncello and Denise whipped up a gorgeous salad. There were chips, pretzels and salami, too. And of course, the cooler was filled with beer. A coconut rum with pineapple & orange juice cocktail completed the bar.

Pimento cheese sammies

Bless the Rollergirls, they allow you to bring your own coolers into the venue, so you are never without libations. I can appreciate that. So after getting pleasantly full on tailgating fare, we loaded up the cooler and made our way to the auditorium.

The Dirty South Atlanta Rollergirls

You have to appreciate all the contradictions of the evening. Here are a boodle of women all out for blood, circling a track in a room adorned with castle walls and chandeliers. It’s like the Princess Death Match. The crowd is also immensely diverse. Old, young, big, little, hip, nerdy – all converging for an evening of fun. And you might think in a room with so many tattoos that tempers would flare. Au contraire. While waiting in line for the ladies room, one of the referees very politely asked if she could cut in line so she could get back to calling the game. Everyone quietly stepped aside and let her pass. I can’t recall a more genteel group in recent memory. But that’s our Atlanta, full of surprises.

Some more fun shots of our evening out.

Crystal and Teague enjoy the game.

Our Atlanta Rollergirls beat the ladies from North Carolina soundly. We even saw a nosebleed. But the most fun for me were the names of the players. There were Celia Fate, Demi Gore, Wheeling Jennings and Nora Gretz. Aren’t they creative? I bet they throw one heckuva party.

And between bouts, there is live music, The King of Pops popsicles, and fun shopping. Something for everyone. I nabbed a Mexican Chocolate popsicle from the King of Pops and was very happy. Drippy, but happy.

Live music between bouts in the courtyard

All walks of life enjoyed the evening

Signing autographs for the fans

And then it was over. We only had tickets to the first bout so off we went. The last bout is September 25, so if you want to enjoy a fun, unusual night out, get your tickets NOW…..they sell out like crazy.

My love, Eric, as we pack up to leave

Everybody has a little freak in them....

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Elton John – Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting

Tuesday night I had the pleasure of attending a reception for my fabulous friend, Shameeka Shy Ayers aka The Broke Socialite. This gorgeous fete was held at the very prestigious hotel, The Mansion on Peachtree, in the heart of Buckhead. I implore you to peruse their website so you can feel the opulence.

From the moment bestie Crystal and I stepped out of the car, aided by the most pleasant Darrell, our valet, to the doormen on our way out, we were treated like royalty.

Once inside the hotel, you sense that no expense was spared to make this a spectacular getaway.  Designed by noted architect, Robert A.M. Stern, this 42-story beauty rises like a queen from her throne. And Tuesday night, the queen’s name was Shameeka.

Honoree Shameeka Takes A Moment For Photos

The occasion we gathered to celebrate was Shameeka’s empire building venture.  And I am not kidding when I say empire. Between her blog, her Sugar Coma tours (going national very soon, so look for them!), more fun foodie tours including Freeze! (ice cream, y’all) and Graze! (small plates – but if you are going to book this tour, do it soon – the afternoon tour is already booked), and the release of a new novella, Instantly!: How Quickly I Realized I Hate My Job, Shameeka has her Prada bag full.

In the luxe bar of the hotel, guests were treated to a cocktail created just for this event, the Wisdom Martini (which I renamed the Shameekatini, because I like how it sounds). The charming Celetia at the bar mixed vodka, lemon, fresh blackberries and lavender, shook it all up and into a martini glass it went, creating the loveliest color imaginable. And was it ever tasty!

Mixing Up The Wisdom Martini

Ready To Toast Shameeka!

Orchestrating the entire evening were Miller Jackson, Marketing Manager of the Mansion and Dwight Sanford, Director of Rooms. Two of the most charming people I have ever met.

So many of Shameeka’s friends and family were there to support her. And lots of familiar faces, too. Tami Hardeman and Tony Clark, Spencer and Allison of Black Tie Barbecue, popped in to toast our girl. And there was the delightful Lynn from Mama Says, who I really enjoyed meeting.

Shameeka's Glamorous Aunt Karen (Glamour Must Run In The Family!)

A Bevy of Guests To Celebrate Shameeka

Tony Clark and Tami Hardeman

Making The Rounds - So Many People!

The Bar at The Mansion

The Bold and The Beautiful

Shameeka Visits With Denise, The "Wind Beneath Her Wings"

Listening To Shameeka

Toward the end of the evening, Shameeka read an excerpt from her novella, Instantly!: How Quickly I Realized I Hate My Job, a hilarious tale of two cubicle mates named Nia and Harper, who could not be more different.

Author Shameeka Reads Aloud From the Novella

Shameeka also introduced her two new interns, Brittany and Maggie, who are going to learn so much in their time with Shameeka. Lucky girls!

From the Left, Brittany & Maggie

Shameeka floated through the evening with style and grace. But of course, all the best loved queens do.

Congratulations, Darling!

xoxo, Patti

Today is my sweet Crystal’s birthday. And in honor of my adorable friend, I am going to post some of my favorite pics of her.

Crystal and I met in 2002, when Eric was working with Teague. The first day I met her I spied her vegetable bible and knew we were destined to be besties. When she married Teague, Eric became ordained so he could perform the ceremony. When we moved to our neighborhood, we were thrilled that they bought a house on the next street.

They have been our friends through thick and thin and it is such a pleasure to call you my little sister, Crystal. I love you!

The prettiest bride ever!

I cried when they said “I do” all the way through the Krispy Kreme wedding cake!

I cried when we sent them off on their honeymoon for a month

And I cried for happy when they returned....

We’ve gotten wiggy with it…

Pink, for Crystal...

And a black bob for me...

We’ve celebrated birthdays..

Sometimes with belly dancers...

Even our friends got in on the act..

Sometimes at home

And always, with

your wicked sense of humor..

Better the robot than us!

We’ve eaten and cooked together

Well, really, you took over the cooking duties this night...

Uh, you did all the cooking on this day, too...

We’ve partied…

The Great Chili Cookoff of 05

At Christmas

Other Christmases and that wig again..

We’ve enjoyed the warm weather…

Summertime

And we’ve relished the cold…

Wintertime

And everything in between. And you are anything but a fair weather friend….!!

Happy birthday, my darling girl!!

xoxo, Patti

I had the sweetest time in NOLA with my darling husband, but the birthday celebration didn’t stop there.  This past Friday night, 22 of us gathered to celebrate some more at Karaoke Melody, a terrific spot on Buford Highway that has private karaoke rooms. Most.Fun.Ever.

The photos really tell the story here, so lets begin!

Teague Checking The Mics

Lisa Arrives

Lisa Made Party Favors - Filled With Peppermint Patties!

Eric Checks Out The Stage

A Hug For My Sweetie

At first, Eric, Teague, John, Danny, Crystal, Holly, Lisa and I sang a few songs  before everyone else arrived. “Paradise By The Dashboard Light” is one tough song to sing. But we muddled through, giggling til the end.

Matt With Clint Laughing Through "Punk Rock Girl"

Me and My Girls, Crystal, Holly and Lisa

Tim, Becky and I, Wearing the Darling Apron They Had Custom Made For Me

Sweet Miss Diane

Teague Opens With La Bamba - "It's In Spanish!"

Shane In The Hall

Danny and I Belting Out The Lyrics to Something

New Neighbor Dean Brings Down The House With His Rendition of "Lets Get It On"

My Crooners - John and Taruan

Shane And Eric Take A Beverage Break

Holly and Danny Cut Up For The Camera

Val and Leila Share a Moment

In Honor Of Johnny Cash's Birthday, Eric & I Pair Up To Sing "Jackson"

Like All Good Southern Girls, Crystal and I Sing "Delta Dawn"

Diane and I Having A Giggle

Taruan and Chioke Enjoying The Evening

Shane and Teague Sing "The Time Warp"

and if you are going to sing The Time Warp, you know that right behind are folks that…

Are Going to Sing and Dance With You. Guaranteed.

and sing and dance some more…

More Time Warp Fun

Me, Getting A Chance To Thank Everyone For Coming

But there is one (maybe two…) more surprises to come…

Lisa Wrote Custom Lyrics To "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Just For Me!

This tickled me to no end. I was so thrilled.

I just wasn’t ready for the party to end. And so, six of us brought it on home.

Because no birthday is complete without…

a Pink and White Cake, Complete With Adorable Candles!

It was a fabulous birthday and I was so thrilled with all our guests. We have the best friends ever.

xoxo, Patti

I trust you all had a bang up Christmas.  We certainly did.  There were six of us gathered around the table this year and it was the one of the nicest Christmases I can remember. Oh, we had fun. But you knew that already, didn’t you?

First, let me list the menu:

Prime Rib, Dry Aged By Eric
Yorkshire Pudding
Mashed Potatoes
Peas
John’s Awesome Veggie Bake w/Brussel Sprouts, Portabellos, Broccoli, Wild Rice, Cheese (Everyone had at least 2 helpings of this!)
Beef Gravy
Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding w/Homemade Whipped Cream
Everything Cookies
Buckets and Buckets of Champagne

John arrived first and gifted us with the coolest photograph he took at our Christmas Party of the table decor. He photographed the mother of pearl easter grass and then played with it so it became the coolest piece of art ever. We hung it in the dining room immediately.

Since our first guest was here, it was time to pop some corks.  Earlier in the week I had picked up a case of champagne at Hop City so no glass would run dry during dinner and beyond. I like for our special occasions to be really special.  And it was.  Teague and Crystal arrived next, looking way too cute in their hats and rosy cheeks.

Looking Like A Christmas Card Photo!

Earlier in the day, Eric had trimmed the beef he had been dry aging for over a week and roasted them in a 220F oven for 3 hours. Right before serving, it gets a blast in the oven at 500F for 10 minutes.

Two Prime Ribs Ready For The Oven

In the afternoon I had mixed the batter for the yorkshire pudding and left it in the fridge to rest.  Although I missed a step (I was supposed to pour the batter into a heated pan), it seemed to turn out just fine.  Take a gander:

Yorkshire Pudding, Hot From The Oven

The table was set with pieces received by friends near and far.  I used the gold flatware from California friend, Alison and candle holders from both Vickie and Miss Diane. So I had a little part of them at dinner, too, which made me very happy indeed.

Personal Treasures Adorn The Table

We also included poppers on the table and Eric taught us all the proper technique.  Hold the popper in your left hand and the person to your right grabs the other side – you both pull and POP! it started the evening off with a bang! Inside each popper is a gift, a joke and a paper hat. You must wear your paper hat. It’s de riguer.  John made this paper had look incredibly fab – isn’t he handsome?

Dang, I've Got Great Looking Friends!

Here are some more table shots for your enjoyment.

Eric, John and Tracy

Teague Fashions A Tower Out Of Popped Poppers

John and Tracy Enjoy The Fun

Tracy had another party to attend so she gave us our gift before she left. She gifted us with a commissioned art piece of our choice. So exciting! It was an Arty Christmas!

Dinner was fab, but there were presents to unwrap. Dishes could wait til later, although everyone was so wonderful and helped clear the table before we moved on to gifts. Love my friends!

Gift exchange was a blast. Eric and I were making up for two missed Christmases and had so much fun with the giving.  John received a Paula Deen Family cookbook and a gift certificate to Cook’s Warehouse; Crystal, the stone planters she has been yearning for and Teague….well, let me tell you about Mr. Teague.  Teague has recently purchased a 2007 Mustang – it is crazy sporty and has been looking to outfit it with cool accessories.  We had Crystal tell us what he wanted most and it became our gift to him.  Teague wanted a turn signal flasher for the Mustang – official name – Sequential Tail Lights. Now this thing was delivered to us and looked to me like nothing but wires and plastic. But our buddy was thrilled. I do believe it was the best gift giving experience we have ever had. Photos!

Crystal and One Of Her Planters

A Very Surprised Teague

Then it was our turn – Eric’s gift from Teague was this hilarious shirt and a fab bottle of scotch from our darling Crystal:

Geeky Fun!

And as for me?  My darling Crystal hit the nail on the head with my gift – the most gorgeous soup tureen. So beautiful!

Best Buddies

Then it was time for more champagne. One of my favorite lines of the night came from Crystal, “now I know what it’s like to drink my fill of champagne” – shouldn’t everyone?

I'm Standing On A Chair and Still Shorter Than John! LOL

SO Happy To Be Back In Atlanta!

Then it was time for dessert – a chocolate brioche bread pudding with english toffee and whipped cream.  For some unknown reason (champagne?) we never got a photo of this ready to eat. But I did photograph it earlier in the day as it came out of the oven.

Yummy Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding!

That’s a photo of how it looks above it. And it did look like that, only better. I took a recipe from Charlie Trotter’s Desserts and totally dumbed it down for my use.  In the recipe they expect you to make the brioche and the toffee. Uh, no, that is not happening.  What I did use was four huge chocolate chip muffins and toffee from Trader Joe’s.  You can’t tell me mine was not as good. And Eric’s homemade whipped cream was a triumph.

It was the best Christmas ever.  Not too many casualties (2 champagne glasses), so I’m thinking we were wildly successful. Full tummies, joyous smiles and wonderful friends.

I could not ask for more.

xoxo, Patti

Warm and Inviting, Yes?

Good Morning, Darlings!

It is a very rainy day here in Atlanta. I understand there will be snow up north. But here, not so much.

But it has been cold! I thought some soup was in order.  Miss Diane was sweet to pick up a gift for us and swing it by, so I thought she should have dinner with us.  She called me mid-afternoon to let me know that her beau Jonathan would be flying in from assignment in Columbus, Ohio early evening.  How exciting!  We would finally meet her mystery man.  Jonathan is a well-respected videographer and we couldn’t wait for him to join us.

And to add to the mix, we invited Crystal and Teague to join us.  I love a party!

Dinner was very simple.  Vegetable and meatball soup, dinner rolls and homemade peach cobbler made with peaches Crystal canned this summer. Yum! Oh, and wine – we have a ton left over from the party. I hate for it to go to waste.

As for the evening?  It was made fabulously sophisticated by the presence of our new friend and dinner guest.  Full of tales from the frontlines of what we only see on television, we listened intently to Jonathan’s stories.  I have to say, my husband and friends are much more in tune with politics and current events than I am (although I set a mean table!), that I pretty much sat back and enjoyed the conversation.  Not only was Jonathan interesting, he was genuinely delightful.  A great combo.  And we feel like he has hit the jackpot with Miss Diane (she’s such a catch!) They are so cute together.

So, without further adieu, here are some shots from our cozy little dinner last night.

The Best Conversation Happens in the Kitchen!

Happy Dinner Guests!

Jonathan, Teague & Crystal Enjoy Some Stimulating Conversation

The Blogger Photographs The Media Mogul and the President of Adair Park

And on top of all this fun, Teague, who is our neighborhood association President, has asked me to sign on as the official Social Director of Adair Park! I am so excited and flattered! I will be planning events for the neighborhood, all the while learning about permitting and all that goes into a public event.  I can’t wait to take on the challenge!

Keep warm and dry, my Darlings.

xoxo, Patti
PS – For a little extra treat today, you have GOT to check out NotMartha and these too cute for words gingerbread houses that sit on the side of your cocoa cup!

Tuesday brought downpours and so I stayed in and managed some household minutae. I wrote thank you notes, did the laundry, stripped the guest bed and washed the linens since Holly is staying the night with us on Saturday after the party (she is the most delightful houseguest!) I half-heartedly cleaned the bathroom and straightened up.

I also pulled out all the serving trays for the party and placed the appropriate plates into the two three-tiered servers.

I’m not sure if I mentioned this, but on top of everything else Crystal has done for the party, she made me two of the most scrumptious rosemary wreaths. They smell so heavenly! My first thought was to hang them in the kitchen separately, but then got inspired to tie them together and hang them from the mirror over the mantel. Take a look – I love it!

Mantel Decorations Done

Rosemary Wreaths!

Eric voiced some concern that there will be no surprises when the guests get here because I have blogged about it all. My point was that all the photos are being taken in daylight, so there is no way it will look the same way at night. He agreed. Plus, we haven’t even started on the dining room, the bar, the backyard. It all still needs to be done.

Taruan and I will meet soon. I’m sure of it. Before Saturday perhaps. Maybe on Saturday. But it will get done.

Day Three is usually the day when I sit down for a few quiet moments and ask myself – what if no one comes? what if there is not enough food or wine? why did I want to throw a party in the first place? wonder if it is too late to cancel the whole thing?

Yes, Darlings, I have a case of the jitters. Bad jitters. It happens every time and I drive my closest friends batty with my petty insecurities. But bless their hearts, they put up with me and the soirees almost always come off without a hitch. It is always fun and having all our guests here, eating, drinking and laughing is tonic for my soul.

But for that little window of time, I fret. I sincerely hope that this time I haven’t bit off more than I can chew with food prep and I remind myself that having Wallace tending bar and Farzana tending to the kitchen will ease my anxiety. So if you are out there planning a party for the first time and feel yourself freaking out – please take solace in knowing that even seasoned party givers like me freak out, too.

I wonder if Martha Stewart and Preston Bailey get the pre-party jitters?

Art Director Tracy is feeling a bit better and she & I will meet at Michaels this afternoon to peruse last minute things that glitter for the dining room decor.

Today’s temps will soar to 64F today. This makes me wildly optimistic for Saturday until I check weather.com and realize that the high for party day is only 41F. But we have a heater for the tent in the backyard so it will be fine. Speaking of the tent, I sit and muse about the possibility of doing a cigar and bourbon area back there. Will this fit into the budget? I am really getting close to the bone with my spending and almost every penny is accounted for. So the cigar tent may have to wait for another time. Plus, I don’t even smoke cigars. But I like the thought of it – it seems to go well with black tie, doesn’t it? Classy, in a smoky Casablanca kind of way.

Anyhoo, there is plenty to do today with Tracy. Tomorrow Lisa and I will shop and cook for the party. Friday I will clean again and Saturday we will have a bundle of friends in and out helping with set up. I am so grateful for all our terrific friends.

For now, I will sip a cup of coffee and fight the jitter demons. On Saturday night, I will don my gay apparel and party with our nearest and dearest.

Stay tuned.

xoxo, Patti

Hmmmm.  You know things cannot go smoothly all the time.  Yesterday found my little Art Director, Tracy, sick in bed. Without Tracy I would be decorating with construction paper chains and cotton ball snowmen.  I hopped over to Tin Drum and picked her up some pho with the directions to stay in bed until she’s feeling better or Wednesday – whichever comes first. Here’s hoping she will be 100%  soon. Then I came home, let the dogs out and Karen jumped the fence to freedom.  Took about 20 minutes to get her to return. Little minx.

Taruan and I keep missing each other to discuss space planning. But Mondays are tough for everyone and I’m sure we will see each other soon. Oh! I just remembered, I need to send him info on the tuxedo place. Ok, that’s done.

Tami sent an email to let me know that Nigella Lawson would be signing books at Borders in Buckhead on Friday – could I get away? Unfortunately (and that’s a BIG unfortunately….) no. Rats, I would love to meet Nigella. But there’s a party to give. Sacrifices must be made.

Phone calls were as follows:
Lisa and I discussed grocery shopping and cooking together on Thursday. And she is not even able to make it to the party! How sweet is that?
My adorable bff, John, and I discussed the game plan for Saturday and everything we needed to accomplish.
Becky and Tim are darlings and are lending us their stand up heaters for the tent in the back.

Champagne has been picked out and bought. A case split between NV Segura Viudas Champagne and Aria Estate Pinot Noir Brut. I love the Aria for its lovely red tint – it just smacks of Christmas! This was all purchased with the help of wine guru Celine at Hop City. I love those folks. They are so nice, helpful and knowledgeable.

The mantel is decorated with all the gorgeous greenery that Crystal provided – and the lit garland is hung over the doorway in the living room, also courtesy of Crystal. It’s shaping up, Darlings! Crystal gave us her LED battery-powered lights because she didn’t care for them. I know they don’t have the golden warmth of the tree lights, but Eric commented that it looks like moonlight on snow – I agree. They lend another element to the light in the living room. We turned out all the lights last night except for the Christmas lights, and I must say, everyone is going to look like a movie star on Saturday evening.

Mantel - Decorated With Fresh Greenery

Entranceway Lights

Highlight of the day brought a delivery – 4 boxes of treats from my dear friend Alison in Santa Monica. Boxes of lovely Walbrzych china from Poland that had belonged to her mother-in-law. It is so pretty and delicate. There were also gold chargers from Italy and beautiful gold flatware. After the party I am going to take each item out and admire it closely, and find a very special perch for it all. Thank you, Alison!!

I cooked a simple dinner of meatloaf, steamed broccoli and leftover mac and cheese for dinner. At around midnight, I fell into bed, ready to do it all again tomorrow.

xoxo, Patti