On a cold winter’s eve, a group of friends gathered at my home, escaping the windy night, to celebrate the holiday with dinner, gifts, and to taste my new wines. Thank you to my friend, Annie, for taking photos! The tree was decorated and all aglow, the twinkly lights and candles were lit and cast…
Category: Entertaining
How to Throw a Memorable Dinner Party
Five records were stacked and ready to start playing as soon as the first guest pulled up. The table was set. Small wine goblets brought out for the occasion. Fresh sunflowers filled canning jars. The dinner party was about to begin. I decided to throw a four course dinner party for friends, complete with wine…
Gathering Folks Together, a Simple Baby Shower, and an Easy One Pot Cake
My home seemed too small to host a baby shower for my friend, but I know after all these years of gathering people, that somehow it all works out perfectly. So my daughter, Emily, and I started planning. In my small space, we amazingly, and comfortably fit eighteen people, laughing and wishing the new mama…
A Book Themed Birthday Party
When the children were growing up, we started our morning with two things, coffee and Martha Stewart. We loved her show when it took place in her house (and how I would love a set of DVD’s if they were ever made!), and then we watched the newer Martha Stewart Show. Me, Andy, Shyanne, and…
A Kitchen Themed Bridal Shower
My beautiful daughter, Emily is getting married next month. Her sister and I planned a kitchen themed bridal shower. The invitation talked about how Emily loves to cook and that she will be cooking for a very long time for her growing family so we may as well make it fun! Party goers were encouraged…
Bocce! The Ultimate Family Game
According to my DNA test, I am not Italian. but one might think I was and I feel I should be! What, with my Italian convertible Fiat (I mean, pumpkin shaped mini-farm vehicle), my great love of homemade Italian food, my extensive knowledge of Italian wines, my closest friend is even Italian! Oh, and so…
Planting in Glass Jars
Planting in canning jars and other large glass vessels is such a fun idea. I have seen these a few places now and I love the idea. My bamboo is planted in a canning jar. I love the idea of giving succulents in canning jars as gifts. I equally love the idea of using larger glass…
An Epic Mermaid and Pirate Birthday Party (tips for a great party!)
My granddaughter, Maryjane, turned six years old. Her Pa turned forty-nine. Our daughters set out to create an amazing sea experience to celebrate both of their birthdays. This year they put on a Mermaid and Pirate party! The coffee shop in Elizabeth is near and dear to us and we were so pleased that the…
A Frightfully Fun Halloween Party for Any Age
My daughter, Shyanne, is the queen of Halloween. She drives an old, lifted Jeep Cherokee with a life sized skeleton named Victor in the front seat all year. When Shyanne invited me to her Halloween day with my other daughter and granddaughter, I didn’t hesitate (never turn down opportunities to be with loved ones). I…
A “Falling in Love” Baby Shower
Autumn is such a lovely time to host events. It becomes its own decorating theme! I think in this day and age all of us are ready to host simpler parties, to have easier get-togethers, to really celebrate without enormous expense. I was inspired by our city park. Every weekend, if it is…
Farmgirl School 