Comments : 67

FOREWARNING- This is by far my longest post ever with the most pictures I have ever posted. Many will seem repetitious. Don’t say I didn’t? warn you. Definitely take a seat, grab a drink and a snack for this one…heck maybe a whole meal while you are at it:) And you might need to take a little break in between.

Hi there. Before I forget, to all of my Jewish friends… a very happy Rosh Hashanah. Well….. my long planned dinner party happened this past Saturday and it was nothing short of a magical night…it was exactly as I had dreamed it would be and every single detail was executed just as I hoped (all except barely being able to walk the next morning)! OMG sore feet are the worst!!!!! But let’s focus on the good and pretty. So about six weeks ago my husband hatched the idea of having a dinner party for some friends that he wanted to have over, a small group of 18 or so soon turned in to a group of 40 for a sit down dinner and then the planning began.

I always initially like to come up with a concept or vision of how I see things….and in the last few weeks details started coming together. I went back and forth between doing a full out fall theme and sticking to my trademark blue and white. Blue and white won in the end. It had something to do with a gorgeous fabric I spotted at The French Tangerine, so I promptly ordered 16 yards and had table toppers made, was so excited when they arrived.

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Then got in? a huge new batch of darling flat top? ginger jars,? add to that my gorgeous new chinoiserie melamine dishes, and of course seeing that blue and white hydrangeas were not only still very much in season but looking better than ever. It was a no brainier, blue and white it was!

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Add? to those scrumptious details,? having a fabulous caterer (for anyone in the tristate area…I cannot recommend Gina of The Green Pear highly enough). Her website is forthcoming.? My only regret of the night is not taking pictures of the food because it was THAT GOOD and THAT BEAUITFUL. Her attention to detail matched my own and she is as anal as I am about everything! We all know pretty is key when it comes to a party! Adding to great decor and a fabulous caterer was…. great helpers (including Teddy as chief supervisor), a fabulous bartender who did not let you finish the last sip of your drink without handing you another, while remembering exactly what you were drinking and just how you like it,? a flawless staff,? picture perfect weather (even the? few raindrops held off until around midnight as guests were leaving)…talk about luck!

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Teddy on patrol making sure things are “just right”

When the stars are aligned, they are aligned…end of story! The menu was soooooo sublime. Everything was off the charts delicious. Here is what we started with-

A full bar

An enormous antipasta table filled to the brim with every salami, cheese, olive, spread, bread, you can dream up plus things like fig and goat cheese crostini and prosciutto wrapped nectarines..yum!

Passed hors? d’ oeuvres included-

An assortment of “lollipops” with chiptole dipping sauces….eggplant, chicken and mixed beef, these were literally the best I have ever eaten, they were so good and so artfully presented

A mini tuna tartar tower, need I say more

Mini filet Mignon? satays

Outrageous brussel sprout and beet tartlets (sounds like an odd combo, but odd never tasted so good)

Excellent mini fish? mango tacos

The best jumbo grilled lime shrimp I may have ever eaten

Then the dinner….hungry yet?

A huge spread of Persian/Mediterranean “just off the grill” medley of meats/chickens/fish kebobs with an assortment or rices ,? chopped salads and mixed grilled vegetables…all heavenly! The guests were in food nirvana

And then just when we thought we couldn’t’ eat another morsel, coffee and tea were passed and a beautiful artfully prepared plate of a trio of desserts were served and here is what was on the plate (oh I wish I had a picture)! A mini coconut cheesecake, a mini pear and walnut tart and a mini chocolate torte with creme fraiche….to say there was not a crumb left on the plate is not an understatement, sooooo good.? The food was an A+. It ended with many of the men going to the covered porch and lighting up cigars and enjoying a glass of port around midnight……just perfect!

OK now for the really fun part, the pictures. Sit back, this will take a while. If you don’t like a lot of pictures, hydrangeas, flowers, parties, blue and white, chinoiserie, then stop now….but if you do, enjoy! Here we go……

 

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These are prep pictures……it always at least for me starts with the flowers and ginger jars!

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My first finished arrangements!

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Like little soldiers waiting for their orders…

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And the big guys that will eventually grace the buffet table

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My big stacks of plates that will eventually make their way onto the tables…..

And the tables getting set up outside

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Meanwhile back inside, candles getting put inside all my hurricanes that will be put all around the house both inside and out…..

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It was so great getting floral deliveries all day long…..we received so? many beautiful gifts it almost felt like my birthday!

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And in the meantime lets take a lookout on what is going on outside…..

The table topper getting put on

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And tables getting set with flowers being added……

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And what a difference it makes…..

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Aren’t the mini pagoda candles the most darling party favor

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Aerial shot from upstairs!

Food being brought out for the antipasta table…..

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I sure would love a chunk? of that yummy parmigiano right now!

My favorite lighting is dusk just as the sun is starting to set and you start to turn on the lights and light up the candles….

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Love this soft lighting

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Doesn’t it look like the chairs are illuminated?

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Nothing like the lighting of a late day sun…

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The antipasta table……I am getting hungry!

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I love this, filling one of my planters with ice and sticking a bunch of wine bottles in it..so pretty!

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Found a great use for my darling little blue and white bowls!

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I always light a few of the big gardenia candles from my online ship, my absolute most favorite candle in the world, makes my whole house smell so wonderful just like the Ritz in New Orleans!

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And it was absolutely magical when it was sunset and all the lights came on and the little votives were twinkling…..

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My favorite lighting of all

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Another beautiful arrangement that a friend sent, yes the base broke 🙁 but it didn’t take away from how beautiful it was!

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Bar getting the finishing touches….

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My husband had every one of the fireplaces roaring….

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I took these two pictures from the rear of the house just as our first guests were about to arrive…..

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And that my friends just about sums it up….from this point forward is when the guests started to arrive and it was party time and yours truly got very busy playing hostess. I so wish I had an extra pair of hands to have captured the rest of this magical evening. I would duplicate the details over and over again……it was just wonderful! It really was some enchanted evening.

I am so happy to have been able to share it here with you here and have a place to continue to enjoy it and look back on this special evening, thanks for stopping in. Until next time…….I hope that you enjoy your day.

 

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REMINDER- My two day promo on the trays ends tonight…only a few pieces left! Click here for details

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I feel like SABRINA, who finally was able to be a guest at a grand party! (from the movie, Sabrina)…

Oh Tina, what magic. The shots of the house all lit up, from a distance tells all. The story came to a lovely end, where the guests float away on a dream.

The flowers, the plates and of course, MR. TEDDY all make this soir?e an enchanting event, for sure. AND YOU HAD the loggia fireplace going! THANK YOU! You know how much I love that area! 🙂

Happy day dearest Tina! Anita

Oh Tina.. What a truly magical evening it must these been! Loved each and every photo. Was truly enchanted reading this, hence just had to comment.

Pleased you recorded the preparation in images so you can look back and enjoy it all again. What an enormous amount of work you must have put into this event. Such a credit to you.

Love Teddie the supervisor.. bless him.

Di

HOLY MOLY!!!! The most beautiful, could have been a wedding. So, so gorgeous… every detail. You are gifted.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this renders an encyclopedia!!! Stunning…I can’t wait to see what you do for a wedding!!!!!!!!

Wow! Just wow! Entertaining on this scale would be a dream come true! Thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through you! Just fabulous!

Tina there are no words. Just “WOW”, it leaves me speechless. You really outdid yourself. You need a book so you can teach us step by step how this works! I marvel at your energy, talent and gifts but mostly I can tell how much you are enjoying every step and that is what makes following you so much fun.
Thank you for sharing the beauty. This was out of this world! Breathtakingly beautiful.

So very beautiful. Lucky guests! Love getting glimpses of your lovely home too. Such charming touches to make the party special. You are amazing!

Absolutely beautiful!! You should be a party planner, unbelievable. Your home is stunning!

What a beautiful party. I’m sure the guest went home Enchanted. Everything was beautiful and all your hard work paid off. When is the next party??

What a fabulous presentation!!! I know your guests left amazed and so happy!!! The food sounded amazing!!!

Oh, Tina, your table looked absolutely stunning!!! The entire night was indeed “enchanted” – not surprised with you at the helm! Wow!! Hope you have recovered from the hard work you did to put the party together and are enjoying this lovely fall week! xoxo

Absolutely stunning, Tina. You outdid yourself. It looks like a fairy tale and your guests must have felt like royalty. I absolutely love those table toppers, they just tie everything together. Looks like every detail was perfect. So glad it was such a success. Well done, my friend. Hope those feet are feeling better! XOXO

You are truly a most talented designer and know how to host an ?Enchanting evening?!!! Thanks for sharing your lovely evening…………

Just so lovely ~ I couldn’t imagine anything more perfect. The only thing I did notice that only caught my eye because of the front view picture was the creases and wrinkles in your bar tablecloth. But everything else was so exquisite that I can’t imagine anyone there even noticed. Only the picture probably showed it up. You are so VERY fortunate to be able to give these types of events! I just love giving parties but have never tried to do a sit down one of that size!

Absolutely gorgeous! Everything!
Just one question – would you please invite me to your next big party?
Truly, enjoyed your beautiful photos as always!
Although I often wonder what you and your husband look like……
Perhaps a lovely photo of you two all dressed up sometimes would be nice to include. Just to put a face with all this beauty you post……
Thanks so much – I so enjoy your blog!
Ree

TINA,
THERE ARE NO WORDS..MAYBE WHEN MY DAUGHTER GETS ENGAGED, HOPEFULLY SOON I CA HIRE YOU!!!!! JUST MAGNIFICENT….

Well done, Tina. WELL DONE. I know your guests enjoyed every second of it!! There was so much to see, I will be going through the blog post again and looking at all the pictures twice, just to see what I missed. I absolutely loved the picture of the back of your house with everything lit up at dusk, and the table all set up for the party. WOW. You are so blessed to live in an area where you can entertain outside. Where I live, the flies would have made it impossible to set everything up early and then eat outside lol. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your evening. I feel like I was there, even though I live a LONG WAY from New York!!! Blessings to you my blogging friend!

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Beyond stunning! Beyond magical! WOW! There isn’t one detail that isn’t perfect and gorgeous. We so need a book about your house, and your perfect party planning!!

Thank you for sharing your enchanted evening!

I have no words that do justice to your home and this party. Beautiful and amazing, don’t seem adequate. WOW. amazing..I could go on and on, but again, I am speechless.

WOW Tina! ..enchanting and so romantic! I think I’ll tag this post and refer to it when I need a visual getaway;) I love the way you took us through the day on into the evening. The light on the linens, the flowers, the flickering candles and roaring fires created the ultimate evening for all. Your menu sounds a.m.a.z.i.n.g …… I’ll bet many of your guests would have enjoyed staying for a day or two! Now the fun part ~ all those left overs and you get to enjoy the flowers. Lovely Tina and you always out-do yourself!

Absolutely beautiful. Loved the pagoda candle/boxes. The back yard pic of your home at twilight was magical. And the table topper fabric was perfection. How fun to pull off a perfect evening. Great job.

WOW Tina! EVERYTHING IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! I am in absolute awe!
You are so talented 🙂 Thank you for sharing, I look forward to your next post,
Debbie 🙂

Truly beautiful, thank you for sharing with us. I gave pause about no pictures after the guests arrived, and think perhaps you are wise enough not to publish their pictures without their consent. That is also a gracious hostess. Your home looks like a castle, and this evening looks like the work of the Queen, and you share it in a way which makes us feel priveleged to share it. Thank you Tina, you are a fortunate and gifted woman.

I don’t know if I missed it in the post, but do you own all those chairs? Or, rent them?

That’s one thing that always sort of messes up my party decor! I want everything to match!

Gorgeous home – beautiful party!

Dearest Tina
I agree 100% with all your fellow bloggers Oh !La,,,La..
Can hear that song over and over again”some enchanted evening” thanks for sharing.. It was worth waiting for!!!
Where did you order those lovely favors?
Tell your husband we are so glad he wanted to throw a party ! And he is a man after my own heart!!! Love fires on tne hearth .,,,

wow Tina, Congratulations on a fabulous affair! Everything looked just purrfect! Can’t tell you how many times I checked to see if the pictures were up yet.

As the saying goes….”IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS”

Elegant, beautiful and the WOW factor,,

Love your staircase

Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing. I got some wonderful ideas! You are so creative.

Absolutely gorgeous! I always look forward to your blogs and pictures. Your home is my inspiration. I just received the porcelain plates yesterday from your promo sale – they’re soooo pretty and the quality is great. I can’t wait to buy more stuff from your shop – I have such a long wish list.

A lovely setting–what fun you all must have had! Thank you for the preparation details, with ideas for the next time we entertain (on a smaller scale!)

Beautiful and so grand that I am left with one question: What does one wear to an event like this? Perhaps an idea for a future post on your blog? The men we know, of course, but what about the ladies? What did you wear? What did your friends wear? I would love to know!

I so enjoyed that, brilliant, blue and beautiful. Talented lady, what lucky friends you have. The table topper was superb. Magic!

OH Tina! Speechless! What lucky guests! The antipasto is drool-worthy – by the way, are there any leftovers? Your readers will be right over!

Okay, Tina, I thought I had better manners than to invite myself to a party, but I think I’d hop a plane and invite myself to be a guest at your next one!! Your parties are always amazing, and I am beyond obsessed with the tablecloth fabric, the flowers, the china, the blue and white ginger jars?I just love it all. Every detail is amazing even down to the pagoda candle favors. The image from the rear of the house is unbelievable?.a truly magical evening for your guests?

Tina,

What an absolutely breathtaking event!! Everything was perfection. Your home is stunning. What lucky guests to have been invited to such a wonderful party.

Happy homes make for happy parties ! Viewing your pictures , my imagination allows me to “hear” the sounds of a great gathering –
the laughter and chatter of guests, the clinking of glasses,the utensils being used at dinner,the music,the softness of September breezes,etc.,etc. !!
I will proudly “borrow”your ideas – on a more humble scale – perhaps 12-14 guests.
You inspire me with your graceful entertaining style and fine taste .

Tina,
Absolutely gorgeous party! Loved everything about it. From the beauty of your home to the wonderful flower arrangements and food, this was delightful to read and dream. The candles made great party favors….you are the queen of detail. Thank you for sharing!! I, too, want to know what you wore for this enchanted evening.

Tina, your party looks magical! I love every detail, the candles, the flowers and the fabric!!

I am sure that is was a wonderful evening.

Thank you for sharing all of your beautiful photos!

Hi Tina, hope you are well rested after this magical night. I did read everything and looked at all the beautiful photographs, my only mistake it was just before lunchtime. You had the foodie in me wanting to see more. Thank you for sharing. Till next time….Regards Esther from Sydney.

Tina long time follower but don’t comment often. Just had to say that this was the most beautiful party. The taste level is sublime. We are planning a bridal shower for my sister and you have provided much needed direction for a theme so a huge thank you. I am emailing you about the pagoda candles because that is the perfect favor!
The details are just exquisite and the house as as backdrop is a fairytale, your guests must have been “enchanted”!
Thank you for sharing this most special night with us. Your kids are so lucky to have you as their mom, I can only imagine what you will do with their weddings one day haha!
You need a book, Tina I know many have said it but have you considered it seriously? You already have a built in audience.

I intentionally waited to leave a comment so I could read as many as possible before I did. I have to say, I repeat all that has been said above and I am so happy your party even delighted you! Parties are such a reflection of who we are and how we feel about our guests. I have no doubt each and every one of your guests will remember this evening for a long time to come.
One final note, I think the mini pagoda candle favor was the icing on the cake. How thoughtful, useful and apropos!
Fondly,
-Lisa

Gorgeous! As if anyone would expect anything less from you. It was really a magical enchanted evening with all the soft floral, blue and white of course and lights twinkling everywhere. I am sure your guests felt special just walking into the soiree.

Have you ever considered soft up-lighting on the tall tree’s for such events. And large – really LARGE blue and white pots/urns tucked sporadically in the garden among the trees as interest points for events only. If suddenly a 7 foot tall urn was sitting among the garden with a small light behind it to create a shadow……. over the top.
Yup, if anyone can pull that off it would be you.

Lovely – it was truly a really lovely event.

oh my goodness! absolutely stunning party! your home is just perfect – loved all of the photos! thanks so much for sharing, it sure does look like a most magical evening!!
xo. Leslie
Segreto Finishes

thank you for sharing your enchanted evening with us, loved all your pictures, its almost like being there….

Tina,

Your home and table are just gorgeous!! I love the chairs and yes, it did look like they were illuminated!!

The view from the back of the house looks like a movie set. Perfect. Just gorgeous.

Love,
Deb xo

know what i’m struck by more than anything? how your home has come ALIVE. your fingerprints are everywhere, bringing life and joy and a spirit of ABUNDANCE that says ‘let’s live life to the full and feast on nature’s bounty.’ btw, pass the Veuve, please. yum. all i need is the antipasto stuff and the champagne. fine. i want the adorable pagoda favor too. the last photo of the grand scene is my fav because you can sense the hush and satiation. bravo, my sista. i love to see you rule like this.

Tina, I am in love with your beautiful home! The pictures you take are so lovely and give me a glimpse of another world. The party looks like it was beyond wonderful and I’m so glad the weather cooperated. Keep taking more pictures! They are such a feast for my eyes! Bless you!

Tina, as usual I have so much to say and I will probably forget a lot of it. This is the most amazing post ever. Your guests are so very lucky. Did I tell you that one time I had a dream that I was a guest at a party in your house? Probably not, because it sounds kind of creepy. But rest assured, I dreamed about a sofa last night and have dreamed about Jonathan Adler and others too. So hopefully not that creepy!! We have to host things like this for my husband’s law firm occasionally, probably nowhere near as large, but still fun. I have a feeling that your husband is a more willing participant than mine, though. Mine acts gracious and wonderful, but in private he would say that he wishes he didn’t have to do it. Anyway, what an amazing night it looks like you had! You could definitely be a party planner and your next career 🙂
Stacy

Dear Tina… the reason I have taken so long to comment is that I have gone thru your post at least 10 times then another 4 with Sista. OMG – positively breathtaking. You need to send these pics to Veranda and Town and Country ASAP!!! What a magical evening. You have the touch to bring elegance as well as warmth to a party. As always, I am in awe.

How beautiful, your guests must have felt so honored to pull up to the table. What a marvelous setting and the decor is BEYOND! Thank you for ALL of the photos…

Hello Tina, I have been enjoying reading and admiring your pics. You are truly an inspiration! I too love blue and white and recently started collecting. Thank you again for sharing your visions and beautiful home! God bless!

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