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

October, 2010

...now browsing by month

 

A Weekend Snapshot

Monday, October 18th, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

Happy Monday to you all. I hope your weekend was stupendous. The weather in Atlanta was ridiculously beautiful and we had lots of fun.

Friday night, Eric and I had ourselves a little date night and went to see the movie Red. This was a hoot. Lots of things blowing up and Helen Mirren as an assassin. What more could you possibly ask for? After the movie we ducked into Fox Grille at Atlantic Station for a drink and to catch up on all the games. Did you see the Yankees against the Rangers? Unbelievable.

Saturday, Eric had a haircut scheduled, so we had a cup of coffee together and off he went. I went across the street to take pictures of our neighborhood park being landscaped by our wonderful neighbors. When he returned, we picked up Valerie and took the MARTA to the Little Five Points Halloween Parade. This is always a a great time, with loads of costume ideas to be inspired by.

Eric, Valerie, Curtis, Me at the parade

To enjoy the parade, click here

Posted in atlanta, Autumn, baking, cooking, dinner, dinner parties, entertaining, Entree, Events, Halloween, Little 5 Points | 6 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Iberian Pig Offers, Well, A Pig.

Sunday, October 17th, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

Chef Chad over at The Iberian Pig has just announced that they will be offering an entire suckling pig in their restaurant.

Here are the details!

Cochinillo Asado – Whole Roasted Suckling Pig – October 19th to 21st.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday October 19th, 20th, and 21st
 

The Iberian Pig is proud to announce that we will be offering for a limited time only Cochinillo Asado (Whole roasted suckling pig). Cochinillo Asado is very famous in the region of Castilla y Leon in Spain and we are proud to celebrate fall and finally offer it to all of you who have asked.
 

You must call to make your reservation and specifically request that you are coming for the suckling pig. They range in size from 17-19lbs and are ideal for groups of 4-8 people. We only have 11 suckling pigs available and will be taking 4 reservations on Tuesday, 4 reservations for Wednesday, and 3 reservations for Thursday evening.
 

Each suckling pig will be served family style with the following accompaniments:
Toasted Rustic Bread with Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, fresh herbs, roasted garlic. Ensalada Mixto–mixed field greens, pickled red onions, seasonal fruit, jamon Serrano, golden peppadews stuffed with Mahon cheese, piquillo peppers, sherry vinaigrette. 1 bottle of Spanish Red Wine for each table.
 

The price of each WHOLE roasted suckling pig with all of the accompaniments is $280, not including tax and gratuity.

There are only 11 available! Hurry and make your reservation!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Lawson Rollins – The Fire Cadenza

Posted in atlanta, Events, Restaurants | Comments Off on The Iberian Pig Offers, Well, A Pig.
Tags: , , , ,

It’s a Giveaway!!

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

My sweet friends at Bookswim have agreed to give away a three month membership to one of my darlings! I am not kidding, I am loving this service and wondering what I ever did without it. You pick  books, they send them, you enjoy them and send them back with the pre-paid label. It honestly could not be easier. I am reading more now than ever.

Reading is fun!

Right now I am on a fashion kick. I just read Clinton Kelly’s book Freaking Fabulous and am now finishing Tim Gunn’s style tome. Don’t you love those two? Clinton and Tim? They are the best!

All you have to do is leave a comment about your favorite book. And since I want you to get started with your membership, I won’t make you wait, either. I will announce the winner on Tuesday!

The weather couldn’t be more perfect right now for curling up with the book of your choice.

So tell me – what is your favorite book?

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Florence and the Machine – Swimming

Posted in Giveaway | 13 Responses »
Tags:

Fun Find Friday – Destini

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

The weather is changing and that always reminds me that it is time to change out my wardrobe.

I found the best place to do just that – Destini! Natt Taylor’s designs are so fab and so girly. I want one of everything!! Especially these pants with the big bow – how cute would these be for all those holiday parties? You could pair them with everything. I really think they would be perfect for hosting parties. You would look amazing and be super comfortable all at the same time.

Especially love those pants on the left! Which is your fave?

And Natt, the designer of these treasures, is a sweetie. I met her at an event not too long ago and I loved hearing her story. Natt has been making clothes since the tender age of 16 and hasn’t stopped since.

Sweet Natt

So go on over to the website and check it out. Um….Natt…please tell Santa that I adore the pink strapless dress!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Madonna – Material Girl

Posted in Hospitalityaholic | Comments Off on Fun Find Friday – Destini
Tags: , ,

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Part II – Chef’s Tasting

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

There were so many goodies in New Orleans that this had to be a two day post. Today, I will regale you with tales from the Chef’s Tasting!

Because of my perfect husband and his note taking skills, I was able to just sit back and indulge. Thank you, Honey!

We were seated in one of the three “Cheater’s Booths” at the back of the dining room. A large party was already in residence in the kitchen, having their own private tasting. Our table was set with scattered rose petals, candles and one beautiful rose peeking out of our napkins. It was a fantasy table.

My sweet Eric in our booth.

So much more inside!

Posted in Restaurants, table settings, Travel | 1 Response »
Tags: , , , , ,

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Part I

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

You’ve read the article in Design Is Magazine. Now get all the behind-the-scenes skinny.

Driving the 3.5 hours from South Montgomery was a snap with Sirius radio in our rental car. Arriving in the Crescent City to 97F heat, we entered The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans to kind hellos and cool air.

Come on in for all the details!

Posted in Hospitalityaholic, Restaurants, Travel | Comments Off on The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Part I
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Gays & Girls Dessert Dance Party 2010

Monday, October 11th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Oh how I love my friends – the diversity among us is riveting and our differences make for the very best get togethers. After all, if we were all the same, it would be dull as dirt, yes?

And this weekend was Pride. What better excuse for a fabulous party than Pride? None, that’s what. So I got together all my favorites and threw a dessert dance party on Thursday as a mini kickoff to the Pride activities. A wonderful time was had by all.

I fashioned this sign out of 2 Happy Birthday Banners. The last "E" is a "B" cut up.

This was also the party I swore I could do for $100. How did I do?

Join Me Inside!

Posted in atlanta, Autumn, baking, Dessert, entertaining, Events, Guest, party | 9 Responses »
Tags: , , , ,

Fun Find Friday – Pumpkin Masters

Friday, October 8th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

This is going to be another short post as I am suffering the effects of too much sugar from last night’s Gays & Girls Dessert Dance Party to kick off pride weekend.

Are we ready to discuss pumpkin carving? If so, lets visit Pumpkin Masters to get some cool ideas.

Here are some of the cool things they are carrying this year:

“Follow You” Eyes: Attach these glow-in-the-dark pumpkin eyes that watch your every move! The special shape of the eyes creates an optical illusion, so it seems like they are following you as you walk by.

It’s Alive! Pumpkin Light: Shaped like a spooky brain, this pumpkin light uses three bright red LEDs to bring your creation to life. The LEDs slowly pulse on and off, creating the effect that your pumpkin has a mind of its own!

Kids Monster Pieces: A safe and mess-free way to get youngsters excited about decorating! Kids can create their very own monster by inserting eye, mouth, nose and ear parts in the skin of the pumpkin.

Kids Pumpkin Sticker Kit: Mix and match 60 full color stickers to create an endless variety of silly and scary faces.

Monster Pumpkins: This kit includes tools and patterns that are perfect for carving extra large, jumbo pumpkins (24” and larger).

Vintage Pumpkin Carving Kit: Step back in time with the retro patterns of this vintage carving kit.

Kits and accessories are available at major retailers and grocery stores nationwide, with suggested retail prices of $2.99 – $4.99.

I like the idea of stick on eyes – less carving, more fun. I am also contemplating putting a Mardi Gras mask on my orange friend to keep from carving. What do you think? I would love to hear your carving ideas and see your photos.

Send your photos to patti@anatomyofadinnerparty.com and I will post them here!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Groovie Ghoulies – Monster Mash

Posted in atlanta, Autumn, Halloween, party | Comments Off on Fun Find Friday – Pumpkin Masters
Tags: , , ,

Party for $100?

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

I am scooting about getting ready for tonight’s Gays & Girls Dessert Dance Party, but believe I have come in just a bit over budget.

Think about a dessert party for your holiday bash. After all, it is all mostly flour, sugar, eggs and butter = super cheap!

Please forgive my brevity today – it is a whirlwind over here!

One fun sneak peek for you though.

Peek at the candy bar!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Judy Garland – Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Posted in atlanta, Autumn, Dessert, entertaining, party | 2 Responses »
Tags: , , , ,

Get It Out Of The Closet!

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Still talking about the weekend. Sunday found us at brunch with Diane and Jonathan the day before she was set to drive up north (there’s a lot of that going around, apparently) to start her new job as a newspaper editor in Michigan City. We are all so proud of you, Diane! Go get em, Bunny!

After brunch, we scurried home to get ready for the evening’s event, Get It Out Of The Closet, to benefit M.E.N.S. Wear Inc. (Making Employment the Next Step). This very swanky event was held at Atlanta’s Biltmore Hotel. Dripping with crystal chandeliers, sumptuous carpet and all the beautiful people you could ever care to see. The evening started with a cash bar, buffet catered by Gordon Biersch and a silent auction with items that included a trip to The Emmy Awards and a chance to fly a fighter plane.

Stunning details in the Biltmore's Grand Ballroom

Take A Look Into The Soiree With Me

Posted in atlanta, Autumn, Events | 2 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , ,

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »