You would call Eddie Ross a designer on Bravo’s Top Design, the former Senior Style Editor for Martha Stewart Living, Decorating Editor for House Beautiful, Contributing Editor to Woman’s Day and wildly popular blogger.

I am lucky enough to call him my friend.

When I learned that Eddie and his ultra fabulous beau, Jaithan, were going to be in town in July, they were so kind to set aside some time in their incredibly busy schedules to join us for dinner.

Okay, now that they have agreed to dinner – where do I go from here? This was not to be a wienie cookout with s’mores (though there is nothing wrong with that!), but needed to be warm, inviting and sophisticated – like the two of them.

Warm – check
Inviting – check
Sophisticated – let me work on that

The food is always important, but first you have to have the perfect mix of guests. This is key, my darlings, or else you will have a flop on your hands, no matter what fabulous food you are serving.

I wanted this to be a small, intimate dinner so my guest list was of the utmost importance. This was our group:

Eddie + Jaithan (of course!)

Eric and I (well, duh…)

Tami, my friend, food stylist and author of Running With Tweezers and her lively, fun friend Terri (you met her here)

Christy, CEO of Peas For Prosperity

Taruan, my beloved friend, who you have met here at the blog and was moving to NYC the very next day(!!) to go to Parsons School of Design

And at Eddie and Jaithan’s suggestion, the most delightful Kerry Howard (Eddie’s fellow designer from Top Design) and his bestie, Tyler

I invited Kerry and was beyond thrilled that he and Tyler agreed to join us. It was the icing on the cake.

Super Fab Guest List – Check

Now for the table and the food.

I set the table with my gorgeous gold embossed Moroccan-inspired glasses that I used as votive holders, gold chargers and a white milk glass bowl filled with green and yellow fruit as an homage to a centerpiece Eddie designed for Southern Living.

Table Set - Just Add Laughter!

If you notice, there are no plates on the table. Eric and I decided to plate the dinner for a little extra sophistication. A first for us, I believe.

Close Up of My Great Gold Flatware Sent to Me By My Sweet Friend, Allison

And I didn’t have 10 of any one gold charger, so I just mixed them up. It worked well.

And now, for the menu:

Endive Stuffed With Tabouli – Starter

Segura Vida Cava & Canton Ginger Liqueur or St. Germain – Welcome Cocktail

Grilled Lamb Chops

2006 Cynthiana, Three Sisters Vineyard

2006 Chardonnay, Three Sisters Vineyard

Tomatoes Stuffed With Corn, Bacon & Chiles

Oven Roasted Broccoli Florets

Onion Flatbread

With everything in place and the music picked by my darling husband (lots of upbeat tunes so no one would snooze…), we were ready to greet our friends. And away we go!

Endive Stuffed With Tabouli

A Bit of Canton Mixed With Bubbly Makes A Yummy Welcome Drink

First to arrive – Eddie  + Jaithan. With the sweetest hostess gift – salt and pepper cellars. Love them!

Crystal Salt & Pepper Cellars

Eddie and I Sample The Endive

I Get A Chance to Visit With Jaithan Before The Rest Arrive

I just love Eddie + Jaithan. I love how well they compliment each other. Eddie is ebullient, bubbly and fabulous. Jaithan is a modern day Cary Grant, debonair, well-spoken and fabulous. They are the best of the best. Just being in their company makes one feel better about life and all it has to offer.

Eric, Eddie, Jaithan and I got the last minute details in place before the rest of the guests arrived. Eric lit the grill for the lamb, Eddie styled the appetizers and he & Jaithan put together the welcome cocktails.

Eddie and Christy Enjoy A Beverage

Terri Samples A Little Nibble

Tyler and Kerry Join The Party

Upon seeing me, Kerry proclaimed that I looked like a big piece of pink bubble gum. I consider this a compliment. Pink! Bubble gum! What’s not to like?

Taruan Relaxes On His Last Night In Atlanta

I know I should have been nervous with all these interior designers in the house, but I wasn’t! Oh, the wonders of bubbly! lol

Tami and Eddie Get To Know Each Other

And then dinner was ready. Everyone, take your seats.

Three Sisters Wine Flowed...

It was exciting to showcase only Georgia wines at dinner. My friends Doug and Sharon really know what they are doing.

One Plated Dinner

Taruan Pours A Glass of Chardonnay For Christy

For dessert? Well, Jaithan recently celebrated a birthday and since it was so close, I wanted to celebrate with him. Eddie told me that Jaithan’s favorite cake is red velvet, so off I went to the city’s best baker – Cake Hag and placed my order. They make their red velvet cake with a red wine reduction – tres chic. Like Jaithan!

Happy Belated Birthday, Jaithan!

The cake truly was as smooth as velvet. And the icing was not the extra heavy cream cheese type. This was much lighter. No one felt weighed down after indulging in a slice. The cake was paired with Three Sisters Georgia Port, a gift to me from my friends Doug and Sharon. It was the perfect match. The three candles represent past, present and future.

We Were Able To Surprise Jaithan

Thumbs Up All Around, Maggie!

Kerry and Jaithan Give Their Seal of Approval

Scoring A Hug From Kerry and Jaithan

Time to Change Chairs At The Table

Kerry and Christy

Tami and Eddie

Jaithan and Christy

Kerry, Tami and Eddie

The Remains of a Very Happy Evening

It’s rare to have television stars, interior designers, food stylists and fab guys like my Eric all at one table. But we did this night. And it was the greatest time. Filled with hilarious repartee, amazing wines and fine food. Eric, Honey, thanks for manning the grill in the hellish heat and for being the photographer for the night. You make my life a living dream.

One last shot.

So Great Having Everyone Here!

Eddie + Jaithan arrived with gifts and when they left for the evening, left me with two even greater gifts – Kerry and Tyler’s friendship. Thank you to my wonderful friends – I can’t wait for you to return so we can do it all again.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Dirty Dancing Soundtrack – Time of My Life

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

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

Last week Tami Hardeman and I had a chance to meet for lunch (we are all so busy these days!) Our choice of restaurant was the deliciously organic Miller Union. This beautiful spot is in a bit of weird area, if you aren’t familiar with this side of town. Happily, it is close to where we live.

Welcome To Miller Union

We started with the baby carrot and radishes served with a creamy feta cheese. So yummy! And good for you, too!

Who Knew Healthy Could Taste So Good?

And after catching up with each other, Tami and I both order the special salad of the day – smoked trout over greens with chopped cucumbers and radishes. It was really fantastic.

Miller Union's Wonderful Smoked Trout Salad

I don’t think it took either of us too long to clean our plates. It was that good.  So we sat, visited some more and took in the lovely patio on this lovely day.

Miller Union's Darling Herb Garden

Normally, I don’t like to critcize, but if you plan to sit on the patio for lunch during the week, you will inevitably encounter the many semi trucks barreling in and out at a deafening decibel.  We literally had to stop talking when a truck came by because there was just no hearing each other speak.  But the service was gracious, the food divine and as an added bonus – in the bathrooms they had two rolls for bathroom tissue – one rolled over and one rolled under. That really tickled me. I love those little details.

If you get the chance, please visit the nice folks at Miller Union. I promise they will make you very happy.

xoxo, Patti

A week or so ago, Miss Tami and I had a girls’ lunch at Miso Izakaya just to catch up. Pretty yummy, I must say.

Even though the rain was coming down in buckets outside, inside we were feeling sunny and warm. The sushi here is so beautiful. Take a look.

Don't You Just Love All That Color?

This sweet little outpost on Edgewood is finally garnering some much deserved attention. The space is sparse, but impeccable, with a couple of cool light fixtures that look like branches. The service, expedient but non-intrusive. The price tag seemed to be mid-range for a nice lunch. We both got out of there for $30 each. That includes a glass of wine and dessert, so that seems fair.

I got two rolls and Tami got a roll and a handroll. The only snafu was that they only serve their famous buns at dinner, so that was a bummer. But we can always return! The fish was fresh and the rolls were super tasty.

Tami's Handroll

Dessert was another dimension. Morelli’s Ice Cream. Salted caramel for me and roasted banana for Tami. Here’s a photo, but there is no way you can tell how awesome this stuff is. Go visit them on Moreland…or you can get it at Miso, too! I visited their tiny place the other day (when the temps rose to 70F!) and tried everything. And they encourage this behavior. But I digress. Here’s that photo I promised:

Salted Caramel Ice Cream From Morelli's Tastes Better In A Swanky Dish

That’s all the news that’s fit to print today. I hope you have a tremendous Tuesday!!

xoxo, Patti

A little while back, sweet Tami from Running With Tweezers invited me to a p.r. luncheon given by Bakeshop, a fabulous little spot in midtown that you simply must try.

Upon entering, we saw tables laden with pastries for our enjoyment.

Luscious Fruit Tarts

Everything looked divine.  And our tablemates were so delightful.  I met Lisa, a writer for the likes of Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living, among other publications and we found we had a mutual friend (this happens frequently in Atlanta – everybody knows everybody). I also saw the darling Marian from Haute Travels, whom I had met previously during that fab weekend with Eddie + Jaithan, so we took some time to catch up.

Me, Tami and Marian

Bakeshop’s chef, Jonathan St. Hilaire, was classically trained at the French Culinary Institute. St. Hilaire began perfecting his pastry technique through various stints in New York City’s finest restaurants including Terrance Brennan’s Picholine, Payard’s Patisserie and Bistro, Bouley Bakery and Danny Meyer’s Eleven Madison Park. Further south, in Atlanta, Hilaire worked in award winning kitchens such as 1848 House, Canoe, Spice, The Four Seasons Hotel and was the Executive Chef of the Westeye Group and Executive Pastry chef at Woodfire Grill. For the past several years St. Hilaire was proudly the Executive Pastry Chef of Atlanta’s Concentrics Restaurants.

During the past year, Hilaire turned his love of baking into a wholesale bread company, which will now be run out of Bakeshop, and boasts clients such as Tom Colicchio’s Atlanta CRAFT Restaurant. In 2000, St. Hilaire won the Gold Medal in the “Southern Pastry Classic” and shortly thereafter received the critics award as one of the best new chefs in the area, earning him the title of ”Best New American Chef in Atlanta” from Bon Appetit magazine in 2002. That same year, Atlanta magazine also recognized him for the city’s “Best Chocolate Dessert.” Hilaire was recently selected to be on the advisory board for Le Cordon Bleu.

And he was funny, too!

Chef Describing The Ideas Behind Bakeshop

As Chef Jonathan regaled us with pastry tales, we all indulged in some very tasty eats. Yummy panini, decadent pastries, perfectly baked croissants.

You must try them.

Piping time!

Tons of the most fragrant breads

Can't You Just Taste These Already?

I hear you running for the door to head out to Bakeshop. That’s fine. I’ll wait here for you. Could you bring me back a tart? Whatever looks delicious.

xoxo, Patti

Thursday night was my buddy Tami’s birthday party for her sweetie, Mike. It was so much fun!  Lots of cool new people to meet and you have got to check out the birthday cake!

It's Nacho Party - It's MIKE'S Party! Har Har Har....ahem.

This soiree was held at The Arizona Pub here in Atlanta. And that photo of the nachos was my dinner. Ok, not all of it, but most of it! Eric opted for the falafel and fries. So yummy!

Luscious Falafel!

Mike also shared a story of a very special gift sent to him by his dad in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was a microphone used by Elvis at a recording venue in Shreveport…isn’t that cool?

And some more party photos for you!

Our Fun Friend Jennifer

Celebrate!

Yours Truly, Enjoying the Festivities

The Always Elegant Tami, Our Perfect Hostess

So Much Fun!

Tami with Susie and Martin

What is Mike Doing?

Why, He's Blowing The Candles Out On His Awesome Doughnut Birthday Cake!

The cake was made by Sublime Doughnuts. They are loved by Atlantans and have some really unusual flavors – like Pink Lemonade! I had a chocolate iced with raspberry filling. Oh my goodness, it was tasty.

And, as always, Tami and Mike’s friends are super cool. I love spending time with them – they are both wonderful hosts and always so laid back and fun.

Happy Birthday, Mike!!

xoxo, Patti

Saturday afternoon I was treated to the most wonderful time by Larson-Juhl, those fabulous folks who hosted Thursday night’s dinner with Eddie and Jaithan. This event was a splendid afternoon tea and framing workshop with Eddie, and it was quite the fête.  Held at the gorgeous Larson-Juhl headquarters in Norcross, GA, a group of about 50 were lavished with the most amazingly presented food,  luscious sauvignon blanc and spectacular floral arrangements, created by Eddie himself. I also got a chance to meet reader Audra – Hi Audra! xoxo

Greeting everyone were the fantastically warm team at Larson-Juhl; Steve McKenzie, CEO, as well as the lovely Arlynn, charming Lynn and adorable Meg. I really fell in love with these folks over the weekend – they know exactly how to throw an incredible party!

Steve was so generous to take a group of us on a tour of the facilities – and what a facility it is!  The highlight of the tour was the workshop upstairs where the magic is made.  This is the Artaissance section of Larson-Juhl and so worth a look-see.  Some information on Artaissance:

Artaissance was born from a love of art and a passion for experiencing life to the fullest. Whether you’re choosing one special piece or looking to transform your entire living space, Artaissance will help you write your story – the story of what you love and who you are.

Our collection spans the art scene, from traditional landscapes to hip, contemporary abstracts. We continually update our portfolio to keep it fresh and exciting, and we look for artists who offer a unique voice in the art world. With thousands of images to choose from, we believe you will find several that speak to you.

With Artaissance, you also have the option to choose canvas or paper to give your selection just the right look. We also understand the importance of having your art in the size you need to fit your unique space. We are here to make sure that whether you choose large or small, your art is presented in a way that will inspire you.

This is a brief synopsis. I encourage you to visit their website and see how they can enhance your home. Because you wouldn’t want to have a dinner party without your home being just-so, now would you?

After the tour and some yummy treats, Eddie spoke to the group about framing and all it can bring to not only photos or canvas art, but 3-D art as well. As usual, Eddie was completely engaging and adorable. My only regret is that he and Jaithan do not live closer. And more gifts! This was the giftiest weekend ever. Each attendee was gifted with a lovely print from Larson-Juhl as well as a botanical print dating back to 1800. Both will make stunning additions to our home.

But enough talk, I know you are anxious to see the photos:

Eddie's Art, Framed Beautifully by Larson-Juhl

Precious Centerpieces

Glorious Table Setting

Lovely Looking As Well As Delicious

Tarts Posing for Their Close-Up

Long Time Friends Steve & Eddie Open The Workshop

The Always Fab Tami Reed with Eddie & Steve

It was a remarkable afternoon of sheer indulgence. I cannot thank my new friends at Larson-Juhl enough for their hospitality.

xoxo, Patti

Fresh, Tasty Spring Rolls!

Good Morning, Darlings!

Yesterday I had a great time with Tami and Shameeka at lunch.  Our original destination, Chateau Saigon, apparently has closed, but Shameeka knew just where to take us.  She took us to her favorite pho restaurant, Pho Dai Loi and soon we were all tucking into cha gio, spring rolls and the most delicious noodle dishes ever. We were so hungry that we forgot about pictures, but here is a nice review from The Blissful Glutton. Not only was it incredibly tasty, but so cheap!  I paid for pho for Eric and me (Eric was working, so take out was in order), and an order of cha gio and it was $16. I sure love Buford Highway. If you are in Atlanta and want the lowdown on how to Eat Buford Highway, try the website….Eat Buford Highway!

Shameeka was on fire yesterday and after lunch, took us all to a cupcake place she has been wanting to try. Caryn’s Cakes is the place where we all chose a cupcake (or two!) This was accompanied by champagne at my house and then our visit was done. It was all so quick!

But today I am off with Morgan to shop. If you don’t recall, Morgan is the niece of my bff, Vickie and she is staying with us until Christmas Eve. So I am enjoying all the time I can with her.  I know you understand.

But tomorrow I am back to discuss the Christmas Tablescape. Have a wonderful day, Darlings!

xoxo, Patti

Yesterday I had the good fortune to lunch with sweet friend Tami, of Running With Tweezers at Bocado, a new restaurant on the Westside of Atlanta (not too far from my house!) Apparently, I am Tardy For the Party***, since I am the only person I know who has not been there yet.  It was wonderful. Full of great conversation and great food.

Tami ordered the salad with cranberries, goat cheese and pecans.  I ordered the cubano – their cuban sandwich, made with homemade pickles! Yummy. And we split a order of the decadent garlic fries – fabulous! Some photos for you:

Tami's Salad With Goat Cheese and Cranberries

My Cubano, With Those Homemade Pickles

The Oh So Bad For You, But Taste So Good Garlic Fries

It was the nicest visit. It was so lovely that we are doing it all again on Tuesday, but this time with the incredible Miss “Broke Socialite” Shameeka.  We will be traveling to Buford Highway, and that’s always an adventure.

Since it was Wednesday, you know what that means – dinner with Miss Diane.  Last night I was kickin’ it old school with a simple meal of fried pork chops, mashed potatoes and fresh steamed green beans. And champagne, because if you get the chance, you should always drink champagne.

More cooking fun tomorrow, Darlings!

xoxo, Patti

***In no way endorsing those awful “Real Housewives of Atlanta”, but I thought the title was funny….