Offbeat Parties

Last night’s dinner party was a big success. It was so easy and relaxed. I’m motivated to catch up on the rest of my social obligations now. Here’s the recipe: Decoration: Queen Anne’s Lace and blue delphinium in a low Japanese inspired vase Bamboo placemats Green napkins Green tea lights in flower dishes Japanese plates…

Between last weekend’s Manhattan marathon and this weekend’s ball…this is certainly shaping up to be a summer to remember. I had such a fantastic time at the Black and White Ball. It surpassed my expectations by quite a bit! Here are all the photos. First things first. We met our friend Peter at Trader Joe’s…

It’s not so much that I’ve forgotten about Tuesday’s party…it’s just that I haven’t really given any thought to it lately. Time to get cracking! After ringing in the New Year at Bottom of the Hill watching our friend’s band play (if you’re in the city, you should come too!), we’re having 10 or so…

My vintage entertaining books are chock-full with fun holiday ideas. A particular favorite comes from Brunches and Coffees (1960). You may remember this book of chicken wire carnation arrangement prestige. Here’s an excerpt: Bring your Christmas Cards to BrunchSet the date for this brunch at the end of November or no later than the first…

Last night was so fun! I left the office early and was hit by a flash of Martha-inspiration to “haunt” the house. Using black construction paper, I made masks or mustaches for all the portraits in the house. I replaced all our books on display with “scary” titles. Spooked up the bathroom, the front door,…

Last night’s party prep went really well. We cooked and cleaned, stopping only briefly for the 5.6 magnitude earthquake. The chili and caramel apples came out perfectly and I have almost everything ready. My favorite thing so far is the “spooky” antipasto plate. I found some great ingredients at Safeway for the tray: Cacciatore Salame…

I’m finally getting around to planning the menu for tomorrow’s Halloween/birthday party. Here is the plan: Meat and Cheese Platter – I wish I had time to run to ferry building for some goodies, maybe I’ll walk to the neighborhood cheese market instead.Pumpkin Seeds – I’ll give them a quick roast in the oven and…

Last Sunday’s Tour de France party was a big success, if I say so myself! Great guests, good food and plenty of competition. This photo is of Jill and Stacey watching Contador win the race. Food I stuck to the basic menu I’d planned out earlier in the week. I made the big veggie tray…

New doping scandals haven’t broken us of our Tour de France fever just yet (darn you, Vino and Rasmussen). Just like the actual Tour, our Tour party must go on! Time to start thinking about the menu for Sunday’s event: Drinks:Bordeaux & beaujolaisFat Tire Lemonade Appetizers: Lavender marinated olives Baked cambozola with toast squares Main:Big…

French bike race, French food, French wine…sounds like a perfect party to me! Rob and I have invited a handful of friends over on July 29th to celebrate the final stage of the Tour de France. This is the conclusion of three weeks of hard riding and includes a race down the center of Paris.…