Entertaining? Just add Padibbles!

I love to throw a party! Any party! For me, a party is a way to show friends how much I appreciate them! It's cheaper than going out to a restaurant... and in my case, a whole lot prettier! It's a whole lot more personal too! By throwing a brunch, the party is quick and friendly! It's also bright, energetic, and over in a flash! Luncheons are slower and more leisurely - and much more girlie! My dinner parties are a chance for my home to shine (just like the silver and crystal)!

Perhaps this crazy desire to entertain like it was 1955 came from my grandmother and great aunts? I adored their china hutches, and they would let me "play" in them! Sounds nutty, right? Would you let a 10 year old "play" with your china? But nothing ever was broken, and my relatives got a helper to set the table in the deal!

So, I guess it's a good thing I married a chef! Here's why....

My parents have this lovely group of friends! These friends have known both my husband and I since we were kids! So nice to have friends see you through your life. They were sitting together and one asked "What's your fantasy dinner party?" which got the answer "Oh, I wish I had a personal chef, who would make an amazing multi-course dinner for all of us, and I wouldn't have to cook or clean a thing!" (Dream On, right?!)

Enter my Mother, who replied "Did I mention that my son-in-law is chef?!" (Hahaha... they all know he is a chef!) So, several phone calls and emails later, the date is set for their Fantasy Dinner Party at our house! Finally! My chance to pull out all the stops! I want to use all the pretty tabletop things I've been given over the years! My husband planned the menu, down to the garnish & wine pairing!


The morning of the party, I awoke at 6am like a kid waiting for Christmas morning to begin! Filled with excitement from planning this event over the past 6 weeks, I just couldn't wait to set my table! It is such fun to see it all come together! I used Padibbles with each of the 4 different appetizers!

Our appetizers included pork rilettes on crostini is paired with Prosecco & "Say What?!" napkins! Love the green of the pickle with the green napkin! Bloody Mary & Crab Shooters looked great with "Let's Talk" napkins - and believe me, this tray was empty so darn fast! These were awesome! Above, you can see our Italian Olive, Pepper, and Mozzarella tray with cute "What a Hoot!" riddle napkins! Our last appetizer was Escargot with fresh herb & garlic butter served in mini bread bouches! Hot and savory - and super delicious!

The dinner table was striking! My Granddaddy always voiced how he wanted us to be prepared to dine at The White House! Although I may not get to actually have dinner with President Obama, we sure tried to make our home as warm and elegant as it would be at The White House!



So, welcome to "Fantasy Island"!
The party was a huge success! Everyone enjoyed our table just as much as they enjoyed the amazing cuisine! Hope your Thanksgiving is as much fun for you as this party was for us!
~Kate

mmm, mmm, good!

8:00 am –

It's a cold, dreary, rainy day here in our nation's capital. When the alarm went off this morning, it was still dark and pouring rain – a perfect day to sleep in. A tough day to rally the troops for school and work. As we all walked out the door – I didn't see too many smiles. Ugg.

It's the kinda day that people just scurry fast to their destination. There are no hello's, no holding the doors for each other – just a “everyone for themselves” kinda day.

8:15 am –

I arrived at the Metro, heading to work and was greeted by Doc. Doc hands out a free newspaper every morning to commuters. His has a great smile – only a couple teeth on top, but he smiles big and frequently. On this nasty morning – Doc had a smile for everyone. “Be safe on the elevators, they can be slippery – and have a good day!” he called over and over. Thanks Doc, I will try.

3:15 pm –

Still raining. Still grey. Still yucky. And now my kids are out of school – the phone starts to ring. It's like clockwork. At 3:20 pm everyday, my oldest calls me. We exchange pleasantries, important information and always it ends with, “What's for dinner?”

I pick up our youngest from school, it's the same deal. On the car ride home, she asks the same question, “What's for dinner?”

My other two girls ask the same question within the hour. Two more times – four times in all. This is every day!

4:45 pm --

If I were organized like my Mom was, I would have had the weeks' menu planned each Sunday. Shopping would have been done and I would adhere to the schedule. Well I am not. I am the fly by the seat of my pants kinda mom. I shop for the meal the day (okay hours before) we are eating it. I like to think I am more European.

I think one reason I do this is because it is hard to please my four girls. They all have different likes and dislikes and I refuse to be a short order cook. So I am tickled that today – on this very wet, non-smiley day, I will make every one around our table smile. I have the solution to the $10,000 question!

It's a winner all the way around! It's easy to make, especially if you have all the ingredients. But I don't – so I must go to the corner store to get what I need for Potato Leek soup! Yum. I will post pictures of the smiles tonight!

Soups on!

Libby