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

You know what warms my heart?  By now, I’m sure you know that it’s Eric and my crazy dogs. But my friends come right after that. And tantamount to that is getting to see old friends after a long absence. I always consider this a precious gift.  One of those precious gifts recently came in the form of seeing childhood friend, Maureen. Bestie John, Eric and I met up with Maureen at Park Tavern in Atlanta while she was visiting our city with Carly, the daughter of another of our classmates (honestly, where has the time gone?)

I picked Park Tavern for their view of Piedmont Park and the city. There really is no better view in town.

Our Beautiful Atlanta

Rain was forecasted for our dinner together, but all the tables are under umbrellas, so no worries. Eric and I arrived first, then John and then our guest of honor, Maureen, with sweet Carly.  We picked a table with the best view of the park and the skyline. Frankly, the food wasn’t really a consideration here. But we did have a few nice plates of hummus and wings.

My Darling, Eric

Hummus and Flatbread

John and Me

Maureen and Carly

Maureen and her siblings, Eileen & Kevin, are the most creative people I know. Maureen is the owner of a video production company, Eileen is an accomplished photographer and Kevin is not only a fantastic voice over talent, but also acts in high end productions in Washington, DC.  When Maureen, Eileen and I were in elementary school our playtime included our own filmmaking company, Rolling Ball Productions. We still laugh about it.

We had the most wonderful visit. Maureen has kept in touch with everyone and caught us up with all the news. I thought I was doing well to keep up with two friends from school and a few others on Facebook, but Maureen is astonishing in her ability to maintain all these friendships. We talked about friends I hadn’t thought of in years. It was the greatest reunion.

And Maureen seemed exactly like the same redheaded girl I knew from so many years ago. I mean, we were girl scouts together!

Maureen & John Recreate Their Homecoming Photo

Yup, Maureen and John were each other’s date for CHS homecoming.  I went with a group of girlfriends. Maureen, if you have the original picture, I bet John would love to see it! Me, too!

Three Childhood Friends

John, Maureen & I Ham It Up By Someone's Rolls Royce

Maureen, thanks so much for visiting!  Hope to see you, Eileen and Kevin all on Labor Day.

xoxo, Patti

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

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

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

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