Good Morning, Darlings!
Thursday night I had the supreme pleasure of attending an exclusive, invitation-only dinner hosted by Steve McKenzie, CEO of Larson-Juhl in honor of Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar. Eddie is in town teaching a framing workshop and leading a shopping trip to the Scott Antique Market this weekend.
This swanky little soiree was held at JCT Kitchen in Midtown, not far from my home. As I drove to dinner, it started to snow, but the snow was not the most magical part of the evening. Although cold and snowy outside, inside was warm and inviting. In no time, I had 15 new best friends. I was immediately greeted by one of the wait staff, offering a glass of wine (chardonnay or sancerre), while another took my coat. How could one not feel pampered with this type of welcome? Sancerre in hand, I was ready to say hello to the darling Eddie and Jaithan. Great big hugs were in abundance with this group – I love that! And of course, I brought a gift (in this case, a copy of “The Art of the Table” , which, they might already have, but if you don’t, you must. It is the definitive tome to giving the perfect dinner party.) But I digress. My fellow dinner guests were the very best in Southeastern Blogging – I met the most wonderful people! Not only was my darling friend, Shameeka “The Broke Socialite” Shy Ayers in attendance, but new friends Tami Reed of Talking With Tami (this girl was all glamour!), ultra-sophisticated Marian Anderson of Haute Travels, the delightful Jennifer Jones of Fiddle Dee Dee (don’t you just love that name), elegant Rhoda of Southern Hospitality, acclaimed author and harbinger of joy, Kathy “Mary Kay” Andrews, as well as Eddie’s former castmate from the show “Top Design”, Kerry “Big Daddy” Howard. I was most fortunate to be seated next to our charming host Steve McKenzie who regaled me with tales of Paris and Belgium, where he will be traveling for work the first half of the year. Steve and I also discussed a common bond – growing peonies.
The food was divine and all southern, perfectly befitting this gathering. At Steve’s suggestion, I opted for the fried chicken with green beans and the luscious mac and cheese. It was everything fried chicken should be.
With the most interesting conversations, fabulous food, incessant giggles and a wonderful, generous gift bag from our hosts at Larson-Juhl – charming CEO Steve, the lovely Lynn and the effervescent Arlynn, it was a perfect kick-off to what is sure to be the most talked about design weekend of 2010.
And now, the photo portion of our show….
Our Table at JCT KItchen
Meeting Eddie, Steve and Jaithan
Gorgeous Fried Chicken
Brand New Friends!
Deb's Fab Find - Wouldn't This Make the Most Dramatic Napkin Ring?
With Charming Host, Steve McKenzie
Kerry, Shameeka & Eddie
Sharing a Laugh With Glam New Friend, Tami Reed
Adorable Eddie, As Imagined By Andy Warhol (or just Patti...)
The Fabulous Ones - Jaithan & Shameeka
One Deliriously Happy Group of New Pals
A Perfect Larson-Juhl Gift, Already Gracing My Home
I look forward to sharing the rest of the weekend with you. If Eddie comes to your town, you must, must, must meet Jaithan and him. They are without a doubt the most genuine people with a real interest in everyone they meet. A true power couple.
But for right now, I’m enjoying the snow.
xoxo, Patti
How fabulous, Patti! Sounds like an amazing time!
Patti,
I was hanging on every word of this post as if I wasn’t there…LOLOLOLOLOL! Seriously, this was one of the most remarkable dinner parties ever. I am so thrilled that we could share in the experience together.
It was so nice, Laura! What totally lovely folks.
SSA – You are too sweet! Without your intro, I would never have met all these fab folks. You are the Queen! xo
This was a great group… and meeting you was one of the highlights of the evening. Thanks for sharing your mac and cheese!
So much fun!
Marian, you are a total delight and I look forward to getting to know you much better in 2010!
I loved sharing this dinner with you! Thank you for sharing it. It was really fun and I’m so glad you got to go to a magical night of fun!
Patti! You’re just adorable & I love your writing skills. Girl, you described it perfectly, I’ll link over here once I do my recap. I made it back to B’ham safe & sound & I’m still remember fondly that fab dinner & all the fun of today. And of course, totally delighted with my winning prize of that beautiful print. It will take me a couple of days to get my pics organized, but you’ll see a nice recap from me soon.
SO nice to meet you! I’m just amazed at this blogging world & how much fun it’s been to meet so many wonderful folks out there, yourself NOW included. Hugs!
Oh, and I hope you don’t mind me borrowing your Group shot! I didn’t get one of those. I will have to look around your beautiful blog now!
Rhoda! You are a total delight and everything I think of when I think of “Southern Hospitality”! So glad you made it home to Birmingham safe and sound and I look forward to reading more on your gorgeous blog! xoxo, Patti
Thank you, Lady Katherine! It was the most fun! xoox, Patti
What good company and what a great event on yesterday! Hate we didn’t meet formally, but I look forward to seeing you in the near future! Thanks for stopping by!
Hey, Hey it’s my new pal! How are u girlie? I’m loving the blog! It’s so Pinktastic, keep up the good work and I can’t wait to come to your dinner party!
Hi Patti! Jaithan and I had such a blast meeting you!!! you are such a sweetheart! The Mirror looks AMAZING!
xo
Eddie + Jaithan
Erika, I look forward to getting to know you better in 2010!
Darling Jaithan and Eddie!!
The two of you brought together the most wonderful people this weekend. But how could you not? You are both the sweetest and it was my supreme delight to get to know you both. Can’t wait for our dinner party when you come back to Atlanta. It will be a blast!! Love you! P
hey, patti,
i enjoyed meeting you as well! lots of fun with totally cool people–i want to have a blogfest here in the ATL!!!!
love your site–i will learn a lot from it!
we’re not far from each other -let’s “do” lunch!
Jules, I would love that! And I do believe that Shameeka “The Broke Socialite” Ayers is cooking up a blogfest for the summer here in Atlanta. I will definitely keep you in the loop! xoxo, Patti