The Internet is the gift that keeps on giving and yesterday I hosted a lunch for seven of my newest and now dearest friends. Five of them I have met through my blog Lindaraxa; the other two are our next door neighbors. Half of them are gardeners, the other half bridge players, great cooks and avid entertainers. A great mix for interesting conversation and a fun afternoon, particularly if you serve them Bellinis, white wine and strong Cuban coffee. They arrived at 1:00 p.m. and the last one staggered home (two doors down...) at 9:00!
This was my first time entertaining in the new house and I was a bit at odds putting the whole thing together. I have yet to unpack all my dishes and china and half the stuff needed to be cleaned or polished. Luckily, no ironing was involved. One of the things I found out is that I don't move as fast as I used to and what used to take me an hour, now takes me three. Besides I was rusty, as I hadn't done a ladies lunch in years; but in 24 hours it all came back in one fine sweep. When that doorbell rang, Lindaraxa was ready.
The table was set Wednesday night with pumpkins and gourds from the local pumpkin patch and acorn branches from the woods where we walk the dogs. It was inspired by one of Jenny Hobbicks' table settings. This lady is a Martha Stewart in the making. Make sure you check out her blog.
One of the most pleasant surprises of the lunch was seeing the ladies arrive each with a gift in hand. It was like Christmas in October. A basket from Sandra Jonas with honey from her very own bees, preserved figs from her trees, and green peppers and eggplant from her vegetable garden. A beautiful orchid, home grown Meyer lemons, an Amaryllis bulb and a bottle of wine, together with cookies and a new whisk rounded up the loot. These Southern ladies sure know how to gift!
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| The loot! |
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| The basket from Sandra's garden with a very disappointed Sous Chef I think she had something else in mind... |
The Menu
Chicken Liver Mousse
Fig And Toasted Almond Brie
Mini Toasts
Bellinis
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Shrimp Newburg on Puff Pastry Shells
Mandarin Orange and Red Onion Salad With Caramelized Almonds
Chateau St. Michelle Chardonay
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Banana Cake With Banana Cream Frosting
Cuban Coffee
Mini Toasts
Bellinis
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Shrimp Newburg on Puff Pastry Shells
Mandarin Orange and Red Onion Salad With Caramelized Almonds
Chateau St. Michelle Chardonay
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Banana Cake With Banana Cream Frosting
Cuban Coffee
Photos 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 Sandra Jonas
the rest Lindaraxa
That is all so beautiful and inspiring, thank you for sharing this lovely party with us! Your table is gorgeous and the food looks so decadent and fun! Please know that fresh pumpkins and gourds will take the finish off your pretty table if you leave them too long-- I found that out the hard way.
ReplyDeleteAll best,
Francie
Francie,
ReplyDeleteI am taking them off right now! thank you for letting me know.
Mmmmm! It all sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteThis looks beautifully presented, and how appropriate that your dining room should be decorated in shades of pumpkin! So nice to meet new friends, (and to like them!).
ReplyDeleteGreat menu and table setting...looks smashing!
ReplyDeleteI love your table -- simplicity -- understated but yet so fall! And the menu -- sublime! A classy entree and a "down home" dessert! You certainly know how to entertain and entertain in style!
ReplyDeleteThat was the best!! Unfortunately your over-the-top hospitality cannot be photographed. You made us feel so welcomed and special. Thank you so much for including me in the group.
ReplyDeleteGosh... I love Shrimp Newburg. I can't remember the last time I had it. It just brought me some good memories, thank you! I must have it ASAP, lol!
ReplyDeleteLove
Vivi
How lovely and delicious, not to mention the fun you must have had.
ReplyDeleteSeems to me I'd make this a nine hour luncheon....
Vi,
ReplyDeleteI will be happy to host one for the sous chef's friends. That should be a hoot! come on up.
I mentioned to my daughter how good I thought the dogs had been throughout the lunch...no begging. She replied, "Mom, they were under the table all the time!
Classicist, Martha, Sportsman, Columnist,
ReplyDeleteIf anyone had told me a year ago that I would be meeting and entertaining such fun people through blogging I would have thought they were crazy. "May you live in interesting time" right?!
KG,
ReplyDeleteI think this is by far the longest lunch I ever hosted or attended A new record has been set!
Sounds like so much fun, and absolutely de-lish! Oh, to have been a fly on the wall at that fest of stylish and talented ladies! Reggie
ReplyDeleteMy dear Reggie,
ReplyDeleteYou were there for your name was mentioned at least twice during the lunch as in "Please don't tell Reggie Darling I did that!"
So very happy for you. Shrimp Newburg looks delicious, may your post bring it back to the masses.
ReplyDelete