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

Last week I prepped for our Pad Thai dinner with John, John, Danny and Ken. Let me show you how everything went.

The table dressings – I wanted a masculine feel, with a little bit of an Asian influence. This is what I came up with.

For The Boys

Heavy wooden placemats were set on two overlapping white tablecloths.  Striped napkins set with chopsticks and red candle holders completed the mood.

My husband Eric is such a love. He got the pad thai started while I served up bbq on rice crackers, with a dot of hot sauce for those that dared.

Mr. Amazing - Worked All Day, Cooked All Night

We all gathered in the kitchen, naturally, and visited while Eric stirred and John and I put the sauce together.

John and John

Danny and Ken and Oscar Relax Before Dinner

It’s always great to have new folks to the house. John told me he had attended culinary school in Switzerland, so we had tons to gab about.

Patti And Ken

And then it was time to eat!  Thanks, Honey!

Eric's Yummy Pad Thai

No talking with your mouth full!  Time for dessert!

Homemade Brownies Topped WIth Homemade Caramel Ice Cream

Thanks, Guys! Can’t wait to do it again, next time not on a school night.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Thin Lizzy – The Boys Are Back In Town

This past Saturday night was the last stop in my birthday celebration tour.  And what a night it was!  My darling bff, John, took to the kitchen and whipped up the most amazing meal ever. I’m serious. If we could have had some judges there, he would have won a James Beard Award. And there was also a fabulous gift for yours truly!

The Maestro at Work

Plus, this was the first time seeing John’s new place, which is super chic, of course.  John, Danny, Eric and I gathered in Alpharetta for my last birthday hurrah of the year. It was the greatest time, we ate, we drank, we laughed – hard.  Oh, and the food, that swoony meal? Here are the photos!

First up, individual shrimp cocktails:

I Love Having My Own Little Serving!

Second course, steamed mussels in wine. Honestly, haven’t you had mussels in restaurants that come out all dried out – yeah, me, too. But these mussels were perfection. Every bite a juicy, plump morsel from under the sea. Spectacular.

Just Beautiful

I was even allowed into the kitchen to help a bit!

John and Patti, BFFs

After we had savored every last bite of those incredible mussels, we took a break and let me open my present. Yay, presents!

Look at the Size of That Bow and Box! Yippee!

And as John and Danny have impeccable taste, their present was so beautiful. They know me so well. And all of this came with cards that made me laugh so hard I almost…well, never mind. LOL

Hello Beautiful!

This decanter weighs a ton – it is so fabulous and I cannot wait to use it! Thank you my darlings!

Back to the dinner now!  Third course – bay scallops gratin. Individuals. Yumtastic. Take a look.

Oh.My.Goodness!

Really, this was unbelievable. The scallops were huge and perfectly cooked. The topping was sheer indulgence.  After this course we all needed a little break, because there is MORE TO COME!

Danny and Eric Ready For the Next Course By Playing Xbox

And John cooks on….

Our Chef For The Evening!

Two more courses, y’all.  And did I tell you the champagne flowed? Oh, yes, it did. I felt so pampered! What’s next, you ask? Why crab cakes, my darlings!

One Pristine Crabcake

At this point, we have almost fallen into a champagne and seafood coma. And really, would there be a better way to go? I think not! But there’s dessert….

White and Milk Chocolate Strawberries, Hand dipped By John

Pinky swear, I don’t think Caligula ate this well. This was one of the most spectacular dinners anyone has ever prepared for me. And since it was so obviously prepared with such love and care, you could taste it.

John, you are a constant joy to me. Thank you so, so very much! I love you!

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

On Saturday night, Eric and I were lucky to be invited to join our sweet Danny for his birthday dinner at The Highland Tap .  It’s a fun restaurant in a basement location of Virginia Highland here in Atlanta. It’s super cozy and a great place to meet our old friends as well as make new ones!

Underground Fun!

We were joined by Danny’s besties Patrick, Andrew, Rose, Bruce, and another Eric(!) and of course, Danny’s sweetie and my bestie since 7th grade, John.  A great time was had by all and we visited, ate and drank our way through the evening. Being the only woman with 7 men was particularly lovely. Thanks for a wonderful evening, gentlemen!

Photos, please!

Andrew, Patrick, Danny, Rose, me, John

Dinner With Handsome Men Is Always A Good Thing

Our Darling Danny and My Bestie, John

Patrick, The Delightful

Bruce and Eric

My Love, Eric

Sweet, Sweet Rose

My Fried Chicken Salad...Yummy!

One Very Happy Birthday Boy, Surrounded By Love

The food was great, the company even better.  Our server, Debra, was fabulous – she kept the party moving. Thanks, Deb!

Happy Birthday, Darling!

xoxo, Patti

Thanks, Everyone! We love you!

Table Set With Goodwill Candelabra - You Can Find Anything There!

Need Place Cards? Grab Some Leaves and a Sharpie!

John and His 19 Lb Turkey Before Frying

Rolls Fresh From The Oven. Should've Waited to Bake These...

Holly and Danny Enjoying the Brisk Weather

Best Friends

Eric and His Fried Friend

John Presents the Bird to the Papparazzi

Holly and Patti Cutting Up in the Backyard

The Boys At the Sideboard

Everything is Better Covered in Gravy

John really went all out. He picked out the turkey, made collard greens, oyster dressing, squash casserole, a sweet potato pie, a pecan pie – it was all incredible. My offerings included yeast rolls (I really have to work on that recipe), sausage raisin dressing, green bean casserole, mashed sweet potatoes. Tracy and Isham brought mashed potatoes, spinach casserole, cranberry relish and a pumpkin cheese cake.

Yup, that was a lot of food. But after dinner Holly and John headed the clean-up (are my friends the greatest or what?) ala The Big Chill and after that the boys played Wii bowling while the rest of us sat at the table and visited.

I am so very thankful for all my blessings.

I’m thankful for you.

Happy Black Friday Darlings!

xoxo, Patti

This year, Eric and I are frying a turkey with John & Danny and whoever else we can drum(stick) up to join us.  Let me know if you need an invite!

As much as I love Thanksgiving food, I love setting the table even more. This year I’m thinking of sugaring fruits as the centerpiece (I always try to have a centerpiece that is low to the table -since I am short and can’t see over anything!) What do you think of these?

Photo by Taste of Home.com

Find the very simple how-to here.

Now that we’ve figured out the centerpiece, what am I going to use to serve my guests?  I am thinking gold chargers with white plates this year.  Check out this site for crazy cheap serving pieces (24 charges for $48.80!)  I love a deal and restaurant supply sites and stores are the greatest for these types of items.  These come from instawares.com The gold and white will look pretty together.

I’ve got some beautiful big white platters for the turkey and my French White Corningware with which to serve the side dishes.  I’ll use my cut glass dishes for the relish tray (you cannot have Thanksgiving without a relish tray!) and for dessert….hmmm….I don’t have that figured out yet. Any ideas?

Sides are the place where you can shake it up a bit each year. Everyone has their favorites (mine is my mother’s stuffing with sausage and raisins – I have to have it!), but usually no one minds if you conjure up a new dish here and there.  Here is a recipe that I am going to try again (for some reason, it just did not turn out the first time I attempted it) – Inside-Out Sweet Potatoes. I think they sound divine and I know all my boys will love them, too.

Lets talk more about this during the week.  I will bring you more ideas and hopefully you will share yours with me.

I’m thankful for you all!

xoxo, Patti

Also, John and Danny invited Eric and me to join them at the kick off party for Pride Weekend 09 last night at the Georgia Aquarium.  We had a blast!  John Walker, the adorable PR fella for the Aquarium, and close friend of John and Danny’s, had expected maybe 500 party goers. There were 3000! It was crazy!  We had never been to the aquarium and it was breathtaking.  You know I have to share the most fun pictures with you.

One of the four whale sharks

Mr. Stingray taking a nap

John, Danny, Me, Eric

Dorie and Hermione

Me with my new friend, Pinhead – what a sweetie!

Adorable John Walker of the Georgia Aquarium
and equally adorable new friend Ken

More New Friends!

Beloved Danny and Me – Close Up!

More Party Folks!

Oh my goodness, we had fun.  But all good things come to an end and by 10 pm, the party was over.  On to the next place!  Eric and I weren’t ready to go home and we hadn’t had dinner yet.  My thought – Lumen! Of course!  We rode over to the Ritz Carlton and went in……but Lumen was closed. Bummer.  So we moved it upstairs to the Atlanta Grill and had a beverage and decided what our next move would be.  We were lucky enough to catch Chef Bennett Hollberg before he left for the night and had a chance to say hello.  But we were looking for more than a bar menu tonight. Where to go for a great late night nosh?  Where do the chefs go when they get off work?  Holeman and Finch, of course.

Now Holeman and Finch is in Buckhead and we consider that a drive. But we were up for it and cruised on over.  It was hopping!  And decorated deliciously for Halloween.  Here’s the sign in the entrance to the kitchen.

You know I love spooky!

There was nothing spooky about dinner, though. Eric ordered both the cheese board and the charcuterie board. Both winners.  The cheeses were sumptious, the sheep’s milk being my favorite. The charcuterie board had luscious cuts of cured meats – pepperoni, bresaola, smoked lardo, corned beef tongue (it was really light – honestly!).  My meal consisted of a plate of Connecticut oysters and an arugula, beet, candied pecans and shaved goat cheese salad.  It was all so good.  You need to see some photos, don’t you?

Cheese Platter

Beet Salad

Fresh, Briny Oysters

Charcuterie Board With the Famous H&F Bread

By now it was approaching 1 a.m. and it was time to go home.  Sated, with happy tummies, we arrived home, proud of my gay friends celebrating their diversity and proud to be an Atlantan again.

Be safe tonight, my darling revelers!

xoxo, Patti

Cheese Board, including Brie and a German Bleu
Butternut Squash Soup
Individual Beef Wellingtons, topped with a Red Wine Mushroom Sauce
Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
Steamed New Potatoes with Butter and Parsley
Fromage Blanc with Fresh Raspberry Sauce
Assorted Red Wines

I am more than pleased to report that this was definitely one of John’s greatest triumphs. Wow.  It is so wonderful to watch as your friends develop from little kids into the most amazing adults. When did we grow up and start giving such sophisticated dinner parties?

As much as I adore cheese, I tried to limit myself so I would have plenty of room for dinner. I’m so glad I did.  The butternut squash soup was so delicious and creamy – thanks to John’s new immersion blender (what else can we blend!?)  You can always tell by the silence at the table that the food is too good to do anything other than keep eating.  We saved a lot of conversation until after dinner, it was that good.  The beef wellington was just perfect. A savory brown puff pastry cradling the perfectly cooked beef inside, topped with a slice of foie gras and a mushroom duxelles. We all just melted over this dish.  And keeping the wellington company on the plate were more gorgeous creations – pristinely cooked asparagus with hollandaise sauce (who takes the time to make hollandaise anymore? John, that’s who) and the tastiest little new potatoes bathed in butter and parsley.  Ready for some pictures, Darlings?

The butternut squash soup before John whipped it into shape

Darling John getting ready to bake the Wellingtons

Asparagus Grilling (thanks to my Sweet Eric for the photo!)

John and me in the kitchen

The beautiful table setting

One perfect plate of goodness

Our adorable Danny

Even the Simpsons know a swanky dessert when they see one!

So sophisticated! John and Danny even made playing with Simpsons toys swanky!  Ok, so maybe we’re not as grown up as we pretend, but we are still having the most fun ever.

John and Danny, we love you both and we’re so incredibly honored to have been the recipients of your gracious hospitality. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

xoxo, Patti