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

January, 2010

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This was SUGAR COMA!

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

I know I have been a bit incommunicado lately, but I have been so darn busy! This weekend Eric and I kicked off Friday with a very quiet evening for just the two of us. Saturday was an up and at ’em kind of day busy with Sugar Coma, the first of many event-based soirees planned and executed by my friend, Shameeka, also known as The Broke Socialite, and the “Gail to her Oprah”, the adorable Denise. We had to be at the site by 8:30 a.m., and if you didn’t know, we are not really early riser types. But this was also Holly’s birthday, so it was well worth it. Chioke and Taruan picked us up by 8 a.m. and we were off. Sleepy, but on our way.

For More Sweet Stories, Click Here

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French Onion Soup

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

This past week we were craving comfort food that was a bit more sophisticated. I felt that onion soup would be just right. And easy, too. Except for the fact that I baked my own bread for the top of the soup (there are plenty of gorgeous loaves of bread out there to buy), this came together in a snap.

Soup Recipe After The Fold

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Playoff Cuisine

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

If you are a lover of football, you must be in your glory, with all the playoff games every weekend.  Although the college season is over (sad goodbyes to Tim Tebow and Bobby Bowden), I reluctantly move my interest to the pro teams.  Mainly for the food.  Football party food is the greatest, right after funeral food. At least here in the south….

Ready For Some Football – Right After The Fold

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Just Dance (Party)

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Listening to Lady GaGa while writing this post. Still reeling from her amazing concert on 12/28. So, when I saw an ad for a new Wii game, “Just Dance“, I knew this would make for a great party evening.

With the snow keeping the majority of our neighbors inside recently, I decided to make a few calls last Friday and invite a few buddies to come by, and, well, just dance.

More Dance Party After The Fold

This game is hilarious. Not only is it a blast to play, but even more fun to watch.  There were six of us gathered at our house around 9pm and the fun started.  Taruan, Chioke, Eric and I took to the living room floor and got moving. I believe we started with “Hot and Cold” by Katy Perry.  You just follow the dancer on the screen and do what they do. This sounds so much easier than it is.  But in no time, Taruan, The Dance King, was killing. He was trouncing all over everyone. He could not be beat. Val and Jay joined us a bit later and the party was in full swing.

Taruan, The Dance King
Taruan, The Dance King
Chioke Challenges Taruan
Chioke Challenges Taruan
Chioke and Karen Take A Break
Chioke and Karen Take A Break
Twix Break!
Twix Break!

All that dancing works up an appetite, so I pulled out the homemade twix bars I had made the night before and they were devoured. Time to mix a few adult beverages and back to the dance floor.

We didn’t stop until 2am, when I decided to whip up some biscuits and sausage gravy. Not everyone eats pork, so I put out some raspberry/jalapeno jelly and the beloved honey bear. Chioke had the grand idea to slather the biscuits first with the jelly and then the sausage gravy.  Across the table I asked him how he came up with the idea – “Greed,” was all Chioke said, with an evil little smile.

If you had tasted it, you would agree that a little greed can be a very good thing indeed.

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Shopping For The Perfect Table Accessories

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Yesterday was my last day with Eddie and Jaithan until they return. Although I feel a bit melancholy about their departure, I am eager to share the details of our Sunday shopping trip with you.

Approximately 30 folks gathered at Scott’s Antique Market in South Atlanta for a shopping trip led by Eddie.  It was fun to see many of my new friends at the outing, including Tami Reed, Jennifer Jones and Marian Anderson.  We were also gifted with the swankiest black candles from Creative Candles – love them! Eddie weaved us in and out of the most wonderful booths stocked with incredible treasures, all the while letting us in on trade secrets. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon.  I am almost embarrassed to admit that Scott’s is minutes from my house and this was my first visit.

More Shopping With Eddie After The Fold

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The Larson-Juhl Experience

Monday, January 11th, 2010

Good Afternoon, Darlings!

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

Fabulous Details and Photos After The Fold

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Fantasy Dinner Party

Friday, January 8th, 2010

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.

More Swanky Fun After The Fold

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Solo In The Kitchen

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Good Afternoon, Darlings!

I am a little distracted by the thought of snow coming our way and have spent most of my day reading about the snow or running to the window to look for snow. I am snow obsessed.

It’s a perfect day for getting into the kitchen and doing a little cooking and baking. For me, being alone in the kitchen is something akin to meditation. I chop, stir, season and taste test. Old R&B is on the radio. No one needs my time. It’s just me and the stove. Well, and the dogs. The dogs love the kitchen (something might fall on the floor!)

More After The Fold

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Resolution Fruit Salad

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Good Afternoon, Darlings!

I know a lot of you make resolutions when the new year rolls around. Me, too.  This year my resolutions include seeking out unusual, off the beaten path experiences and eating a bit healthier.  Saving more money wouldn’t hurt, either.

So, Eric and I set out to the grocery store to gather up the ingredients for a perfect fruit salad.  A wonderful way for us to start each day.  In the past I have purchased the ready made salads, but one tiny container can cost upwards of $4.00 – crazy!  While I was in another part of the store, Eric chose a ripe cantalope, juicy watermelon, succulent pineapple and containers of gorgeous berries – blueberries, strawberries and raspberries (my favorite!)

The next morning my sweet husband cut up all this fruit and filled three large containers – all for about $15 – a substantial savings and with fruit we like best. We call it our resolution fruit salad and boy is it tasty. Take a look:

Sexy Fruit Photos After The Fold

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Frame Me!

Monday, January 4th, 2010

frames

Good Morning and Happy New Year Darlings!

I am feeling so much better and so happy to be returning to you today!

I bet the holidays afforded tons of photo ops for you and your loved ones. It certainly did for us.  And some of those photographs are so precious I would like to preserve them. Maybe give them as gifts. Trust me – there is no better gift than a wonderful remembrance of time spent together. It is a gift that no one else can bequeath.  There was one time when I worked for a boss that was so much more of a friend than employer, but he had everything. He was impossible to buy for.  But – he had recently traveled to Scotland to play the holy grail of golf courses – St. Andrews.  I contacted his friend who had arranged the trip and lo and behold, he had a great picture of Kent teeing off on that famous green.  He was ever so kind to send me the negative and I had it enlarged and framed for him for Christmas. He was delighted. And who wouldn’t be? It was one-of-a-kind.  And it was all about the recipient. And that my darlings, is the heart of perfect gift giving.

This Saturday, January 9th, I am attending a framing workshop at Larson-Juhl in Norcross with the incredible Eddie Ross and the equally fabulous Jaithan.  Now, if you don’t know, Eddie has previously worked for Martha Stewart as the Senior Style Editor (!!!), so you know this is going to be the place to BE on Saturday. I am giddy with excitement.  And to top that, the class is free for bloggers and only $10 for the general public. Not only will Eddie dazzle us with framing tips, but he is also hosting a scrumptious little tea (wine) party, with all sorts of delectables.  And take a looksee at darling Eddie, don’t you just want to grab him and give him the biggest hug? Too cute.

Mr. Ross Himself

Mr. Ross Himself

Eddie is also hosting a treasure hunt the next day at Scott’s Antiques, but I’m not sure if that is already sold out.  To make a reservation for the framing class and/or the treasure hunt, please email Jaithan at jaithan@eddieross.com for a spot.  I would love to spend the afternoon framing and visiting with you and Eddie. It is the perfect antidote to all the excesses of the holiday season and a lovely chance to meet some really lovely folks. Just think – one degree of separation from Martha!

And what does this have to do with giving a dinner party? Why, Darlings, don’t you think that photos of friends in frames would make the sweetest keepsakes and placecards?  I can’t think of a more wonderful way to let your dinner guests know how much you care and how happy you are that they are there.

Come on, email Jaithan and I’ll see you on Saturday!

xoxo, Patti

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