Anatomy of a Dinner Party: a day in the life of a hospitalityaholic
 

dinner parties

...now browsing by tag

 
 

Dinner Parties 101 and Traveller Bar

Tuesday, April 4th, 2017

Good Morning Darlings!

With spring in the air, I am dying to start planning some outdoor parties. Our new (100+ year old) house has a gigantic front porch that faces a very busy and loud road, but I’m still determined to throw a porch party (or three) this spring to bring together friends old and new for adult beverages and fun conversation.

What do I do for inspiration? Why, I do the same as you – I read dinner party blogs! I love this one, Cup of Jo, who gathered tips from tons of party givers. I even learned a new tip or two.

Warmer weather makes us want to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Or a drive to somewhere indoors. Recently, Eric and I enjoyed a night out at Saltwood, the hotel restaurant at the Loews Atlanta. I am swoony for a hotel bar and restaurant and Saltwood did not disappoint. Incredibly charcuterie, and gorgeous craft cocktails at their new Traveller Bar, which may be gone by now. It’s a pop up! Take a look.

Traveller Bar, as seen in LA. It looks the same in Atlanta! 🙂

And here in Atlanta. Photo credit, Eater Atlanta

I will admit, instead of having dessert in the restaurant, we retired to the bar for another cocktail. So good. Special thanks to our sweet friend, Rachel Peavy, who is the PR Maven for the Loews Atlanta. It was so much fun running into her and catching up.

Go forth, and entertain your friends. Mix up some fresh lemonade and add a bit of grenadine to make it pink and then some vodka to make it boozy. It is such a lovely springtime cocktail! Here’s a great version!

xoxo, Patti

 

 

Night of Ten Thousand Gods

Wednesday, October 28th, 2015

Good Morning Darlings!

This weekend was a whirlwind. Whew. Tons of parties.

I have to admit, the book release party for my friend, Jim Hodgson, was really special. His darling, Meghann and he hosted the loveliest evening and made us all feel like, well, Ten Thousand Gods (that’s the name of his newest book. Click the link to read Episode 1).

Besties Melanie and Mike rode with Eric and me up to their house in Suwanee. When we arrived, we were in for the biggest treat. Take a look at their backyard. Swoony.

20151024_180757

How pretty is this? And there were 3 stations of nibbles. Eric met some new buddies while Mike, Melanie and I grazed and drank for a bit. Here’s one of the lovely appetizer set ups.

 

20151024_180851

Take a close look at the purple. I thought it was silk – it’s CABBAGE! How gorg is that?

Our host and hostess were just the mostest. Love them to pieces.

20151024_180723

 

Aren’t they beautiful? Inside and out.

We met the most wonderful new friends, including Jim’s dads, Jim Sr. and Steve. They are the best! They live in Montgomery and love to entertain as much as me. We were like peas in a pod.

20151024_210917

 

That’s Steve in the middle with Meghann and their friend Bear, from Asheville, who I swear had the best southern accent I have ever heard. It was like music. Golly, I love the south.

The food and wine was divine. No one took their cell phones out (except me, to take photos, only) and everyone talked about books and art. It was the kind of dinner party you wish you could create, but only happens organically. And when you invite the best people. These were the best people.

20151024_184008

 

My handsome husband and new friends Seth, Mary Beth and Emily.

There might have been some illegal moonshine proffered later in the evening after coffee and dessert, but I will not confirm or deny. It might have come from a toothless bootlegger in North Carolina, but again, I just cannot say. I would like to be invited back.

Each place setting had a gift for every guest – a piece of art created by Bear of the book cover. Take a look.

20151024_180835

 

The centerpiece was filled with tiny pumpkins, lemons and pomegranates. Fabulous.

We laughed, ate and drank until it was time to gather up the posse and head back to Atlanta. Thank you so much for the absolutely perfect evening, Jim and Meghann. And thank you for allowing us to toast your success with your newest book – we are all so proud of you!!

xoxo, Patti

All I Hear Are Cricuts

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

Good Morning Darlings!

No, I haven’t stopped using my spell check. The cricuts I’m talking about are not the creepy crawly kind, but those swanky little machines that allow you to blow everyone away with your creativity!

You have to see what they can do!

Monstrous Dinner Party Fun!

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

As many of you know, I have started a business teaching etiquette called Dazzling Manners. It’s tons of fun, and every once in a while I like to bust out and have a little more fun. Sometimes not in the best of taste, but I can’t always be sitting around with my elbows off the table.

What could I possibly be talking about?

A Stylish Evening With Stephanie Johnson

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Oh, how I love a good dinner party. I love every aspect of it. The planning, the menu, the cooking, and especially the guest list.

How did this one come together?

FFF-Pyrex Easy Grab

Friday, April 8th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Sometimes I receive things in the mail that are a surprise. This little package was one of those days.
This is the fun stuff!

Spring in My Step

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

I am so excited for spring to be here. Easter, in particular, when Eric, John and I will be hosting dinner at our house.

To get ready, I have taken large square votive holders, filled them with potting soil and grass seeds and now I wait. The grass-filled votive holders will line our dinner table, enveloping the table in fresh, green grass. But for now, I am tending to my little charges.

Would you like to see what’s inspiring me today?

Guest Post – Is The Dinner Party Dead?

Monday, March 14th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

I have a very special treat for you today!! Our guest blogger is none other than the simply charming Mary Kay Andrews, the author of the New York Times bestselling SAVANNAH BREEZE and BLUE CHRISTMAS, (HarperCollins) as well as HISSY FIT, LITTLE BITTY LIES and SAVANNAH BLUES. She and I were discussing the state of the dinner party on Facebook after someone had posted an article saying the art was dead. She and I disagree with the article and I asked if she would like to write a little something for my blog. Mary Kay was so very kind to write this post and I am thrilled to welcome her to Anatomy of a Dinner Party. Please put your hands together for Miss Mary Kay!

You must see what Miss Mary Kay has to say! Come on in!