Saturday, April 9, 2011

A Party Planning Party

[All Photos - The Grower's Daughter]

One of my favourite things to do is plan a party. Dinner parties, Bridal showers, Garden teas ... each one is just as exciting as the next.

Last night, I hosted a Party Planning Party. How great is that? A party for planning a party! My sister is getting married this June and we were planning her upcoming shower.

Really, my Aunts (the Aunties) just needed an excuse to come to my house and enjoy a girls night out.

Wanting to keep dinner light, I served Anti Pasta. It's very Italian, as well as super easy to prepare and serve. I did some fresh bread with an assortment of fresh cheeses and sliced meats. A few kinds of olives and some artichoke and Asiago dip. I also did a baked Brie with caramel and walnuts, and ripe melon wrapped with Prosciutto is always a favourite as well. For dessert I made two kinds of cheese cake; Reese's Peanut Butter and Chocolate Espresso. Despite numerous attempts at telling them to just come, everyone showed up with something. I honestly don't know why I bother. It's just something they're known for. One Aunt brought chocolate dipped strawberries. Another, a lovely dessert wine. My mom made a delicious salad with mixed greens, toasted almonds, feta and pomegranates with a pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette. And the last one who could make it made tiny cream puffs that were to die for! Can you tell that food is an important part of our get togethers? I think it's the Italian in us.

Anyway, planning we did. Actually, most of the planning was already done. The invites were purchased, a menu set, decorations bought, and all the other fun details complete. We basically just divvied up the food list and then enjoyed out night.


I made a coffee this morning and continued sorting out details... something I love to do!


Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake. Yum.


There were a lot of desserts left over! Can you blame me for enjoying a small piece so early in the morning? It was calling me from the fridge...


I spent the rest of the morning doing dishes and tidying up my house. I think today is the warmest and sunniest day we've enjoyed so far this spring and I couldn't have been happier sitting at my sink. The window was open and I just took my time sorting things out.

PS. Unfortunately, my camera is in need of some repair and I'm shooting with my sister's point-and-shoot. It's a great little camera, but I really do miss my own. I feel like I'm missing a limb! Is that sad?

7 comments:

  1. My son is getting married in August and we just met for a bridal shower planning party at a Mexican restaurant. The margaritas and ideas flowed! How fun!

    Your menu sounded terrific! I'd love to try a slice of that cheesecake!

    XO,
    Jane

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  2. BEAUTIFUL and fun sounding! Would love the recipe for that cheescake! Looks yummy!!
    Blessings~

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  3. Sounds like a fun night. We and our friends are the same. Whenever we are at one anothers places, everyone brings something and turns it into a feast. Love cheesecake.

    x

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  4. That cheesecake looks divine! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

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  5. Party planning is also very enjoyable for me. I especially love planning the menu. Such a nice time for your family! Have a wonderful week, and if you'd like a small bite to eat, please stop by! You might like to serve it for your sister's shower!

    Who could resist that sweet snack for dessert?

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  6. That is really too cruel to eat that luscious cheesecake in front of us all! Could you at least share the recipe????? Love your ideas and photos (even with a point and shoot!)

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  7. What a neat idea for a party. Sounds like you had a fantastic time planning together, Maria.

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Thanks for leaving your comments! I always love reading them. - Maria