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