Hi there! I so missed being here and chatting with all my friends (that would be you)! Back from a wonderful little getaway to the Richmond/Charlottesville area…so beautiful. Just loved it and could happily buy a beautiful horse farm, grow my garden and own my little interior design studio/shop and be one happy lady! A gorgeous part of the country. Will be posting on it and sharing some of my beautiful pictures in the next week or so.
As promised here is part 2 of the party central post. If you missed part 1 please click here. Two parties in one week is a lot and I am not sure I could pull it off again and though the day of this party I wasn’t feeling 100% it was amazing how I got a new pep in my step and renewed vigor as all the beautiful details started coming together. I captured as much as I could on film….(wish I had an in house photographer lol) and concentrated mostly on my table because I was so excited with how pretty it came out! Yes, I know some pictures might feel repetitious but what the heck!
Anyway, enjoy…..I made half of the food (all appetizers excepe one) and wish I had photographed them all….as they were sooooo good! Here is what was on the menu…
A huge beautiful shrimp cocktail
A large Italian antipasta platter
A pretty crudite with spinach dip
A large Mediterranean platter with hummus, pita chips and salsa
Thinly sliced flank with arugula on a baguette
Brushetta and parmigiano crostini
For dinner aka the BBQ
Flank steak
Grilled veges
Grilled corn
Kobe beef sliders
Barbecued chicken on the bone
Baby spinach Greek salad
Corn/tomato/cucumber salad
Grilled corn
Wild Rice
And I cannot believe I didn’t get my dessert table…there were so many scrumptious desserts! By that time of the night however, I think I might have been deliriously tired and anything that involved any extra work or an iota of effort was out of the question:) Many of you asked for my recipes from my luncheon so I have included them at the bottom of this post. Hope you enjoy this recap……
Setting up…which involved more than one argument between my husband and myself was ready to strangle someone, lets face it women just know “these things” more than men, well at least most women! . I envisioned one super long table for all 40 people until…..the weather forecastsers predicted rain right at the very time we invited everyone over (5:00)! So…..we had the big long table concept moved to the loggia and all that furniture onto the patio. We had a plan B aka backup plan in case and got very very lucky, as the weather ended up being gorgeous with only one dark cloud that floated away with not a drop! But there are no mistakes in life and having the long dining table under the loggia worked out perfectly no matter what the weather as we got the most wonderful breeze, so here we go……
In process of setting things up……
You are getting a sneak peek at round 2 of the pillows which I LOVE, (separate post to come later next week on pillows)!
Starting to put the table aka my vision togehter……
I kept adding “layers” more blue and whites with flowers and candles and hurricanes…..
Love the blue and white its so crisp and happy I went with navy seat cushions vs. the white……
At this point I am totally loving it……
Meanwhile back in the kitchen, the prep continues…..
And outside, it is done and I am absolutely thrilled……
Peonies on any table are always a thing of beauty
Meanwhile outside on the patio…..
Before seat cushions and pillows……
And what a difference beautiful pillows make! Here is that second set of pillows (a post on these pillows to come)…..
Some of the food starting to come out (really regret I did not get all of it)…….
Sons taste testing to be sure they are “edible” 🙂
This was one fifth of the appetizers…..thankfully everyone came hungry!
Bar being set up……
Candles being lit…….
Love the lighting of the late day sun……
The sun was just starting to set and this is my most favorite time of day……
And just before we announced dinner was served took a few quick photos…..
And the next morning the remnants remained, a cigar box (empty) flowers just wilting a bit from the heat and candles down to their wicks….
Hope you enjoyed! It was a total labor of love and my feet paid the price but it was so worth it. Everyone had a great time, they came at 5 and the last guest left at 11! I had a lot of fun planing it out and seeing it all come together, afterall that’s the real satisfaction at giving a party, is seeing all your ideas come to fruition..its like an experiment every time. Getting it right with just the right foods, drinks and creating the right ambiance. Flowers, blue and white and candles always seem to work for me! Now here are the recipes from the other day that so many of you asked about!
Baby spinach Greek Salad
Ingredients 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon honey 1/2 cup olive oil
1 pound mini penne, or your choice of pasta salad shape (Bear in mind that baby spinach takes up some space, so you want a shape that isn?t too small that will get overwhelmed) 6 oz bag, baby spinach (I used a little more than it called for) 1 7-ounce package feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 medium red onion, sliced 1 cup chopped fresh basil 12 oz jar (drained about 7 to 8 ounces) roasted red pepper (Trader Joes has a very lovely one) 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (or pine nuts if you prefer)
Method Whisk vinegar, lemon juice, and honey in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.)
Bring water to boil in pot. Salt water and cook pasta according to package directions. Wash and drain pasta.
Mix together spinach, feta, red onion, basil, roasted red peppers, pasta. . Add vinaigrette; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.) Add almonds; toss. Serve at room temperature.
Peach Sangria (sooooo good)
Peach Schnapps Ginger ale Fresh peaches or frozen peaches one orange 1 bottle dry white wine Crushed Ice Sugar Fresh min
Take a big pitcher, fill with one bottle of dry white wine, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of Peach Schnapps, add 5 fresh sliced peaches ( or one bag of frozen peaches) and 1 sliced orange to mix. Add about 2 tablespoons sugar and mix well. Refrigerate for at least an hour ideally for a few. Upon serving add about 1/2 liter of ginger ale and mix. Can serve with crushed ice, and I add several sprigs of mint if I happen to have it. This is a sure hit! I normally do this x 3 to make a large amount..nearly everyone wants at least a second if not third glass!! Chinese Chicken Salad
1 head of cabbage, 3 nice sized chicken breast, soy sauce, sugar, 2 bunches scallions, about 1/2-3/4 cup slivered almonds, 2 packs chicken Ramen noodles, one can lo mein or rice noodles ( I use lo mein), 3 tablespoons or more sesame seeds, rice vinegar.
Shred cabbage very thin with a good sharp serenaded knife or a mandolin, which makes it easy. Boil chicken in salted water. When cool, shred to small pieces. Chop up 2 bunches of scallions. Bake almonds until golden brown. Add cabbage, chicken, scallions and almonds and set aside covered. In small mixing bowl, add about 1/2 cup soy, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, the sesame seeds, 1/4 to 1/2 cup oil (not olive any vegetable or corn is fine),the chicken seasoning packets from ramen noodles and 2 tablespoons sugar. Mix well, toss over salad up to 30 min. before you want to serve, add rice noodles at end. The original recipe calls for the ramen noodles (crushed first) to also be added but I personally prefer it without. Yum yum.
Thanks as always for stopping in to see whats new in my little corner of the world. I am happy these are behind me, and have a long long list of “to do’s” that somewhat fell by the wayside! So plenty to do in the coming weeks to keep me busy. Very busy. Many house projects that somehow got pushed to the back burner…I am ready to take them on again!! Hope whatever you have in store for the coming weekend is fabulous and relaxing. We have a party (thankfully I get to be a guest…woo hoo) to go to so back to wardrobe woes……gotta get busy! Wishing you a wonderful Thursday afternoon and fabulous weekend. Talk to you soon…….
PS If you haven’t already you must go visit my friend Melinda of Georgica Pond’s new blog by clicking here. . It is so spectacular and worth a visit..if you like what you see, leave her a comment telling her so! She worked hard on it and it shows:) Great job Mel!
WOW WOW!! just stunnig your outdoors party …. besides the deiish looking menu, I adore your plates in blue-white with a bit of pink flowers peeking through! The whole table is wonderful with such lovely floral mix … Your guests must have been thrilled. hugs Z
EVERYTHING looks FABULOUS! I love the table, with the blue and white vases and the touch of pink and white from the cherry blossoms and the peonies.
The food looks scrumptious. The sliders and the salads would have been my favorite part of the savory meal.
I too wish that you had taken a photo of the desserts! You know that is my favorite part of any meal. Do tell, what did you serve? And of course share any and all recipes because I love to try new dessert recipes.
I cannot wait to see your photos from Richmond/Charlottesville, I think it is one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Have a wonderful day and hopefully a little sangria and a good book with your feel up by the pool for the weekend.
My mouth is on the floor. This is incredible. It rivals many weddings Tina! You have the golden touch and there must be a book or show in your future!! I think you really have such a flair, and its something you either have or you don’t. All the food looks so great too and that patio, to die for. Love the new pillows. Absolutely incredible, going back up to look some more!
Tina first thanks for the recipes. I was one of the ones who really wanted them. Second, this is so beautiful. I don’t know the proper words. It took my breath away. You really pulled out all the stops and you are my design/entertaining hero. Martha is so “last year” haha.
Tina, Wow! What a beautiful party! I love all the blue and white layering and the food looks fantastic. You show things in abundance .. and I like that look and presentation. The hurricane lamps look so pretty and I like the LONG table! The weather looked like it cooperated too! You are so generous to share all these details as well as the recipes. Have fun today and glad you got away for a little break! xxL
I loved your table. I love blue and white with pink. Those square vases with the pink and white and gold were so precious. Everything was so lovely. I would have loved to see it up close!! You did an outstanding job. The food looked beautiful and delicious as well. I also am coveting your hurricane lamps. 😉 Thank you for sharing. I always look forward to your posts.
Your table blows my mind! This belongs in a magazine so gorgeous. I would have loved to have been a guest at this beautiful party. You are some entertainer ! Found you through Pinterest and so happy I did.
Oh my goodness gracious!!!! Are you a professional caterer? I can’t believe you made all that scrumptious food!!!! It’s gorgeous! And your home and the way you decorated it for the party is just stunning!!!! It is my style, totally! I just don’t have the energy to do it all!!!! LOVE the blue urns and cherry blossoms!!!! Now, I hope you are still in bed from hosting these parties…. OR…. had lots of staff to help! Tina, you are a superwomen!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. I knew from yesterday’s sneak peek that I was going to love this party. The flowers are stunning and love your porch…so beautiful. Are the hydrangeas in your urns potted? For some reason I can never keep them alive potted. Can’t wait to try some of the tasty recipes!! Happy almost weekend!!
Well, I almost feel FULL from all the delicious appetizers here! And I think every party maker has at least some sons, husbands or other hungry friends who are the designated TASTE TESTERS! (Someone’s gotta do this hard job!)
From the pillows, the lovely lanterns to each corner of the loggia, this is enchantment at the Enchanted Home, par excellence my friend. We too are prepping our little castle for some fun summer entertaining; my husband, a skilled neighbor and I just finished enclosing our deck and the finishing touches include arched panels above the windows that my husband carved by hand. I painted with deck paint and all of us sawed, nailed and made a MESS, but we are so happy with the results.
Everything looks perfect, Tina. The food, flowers, presentation, the beautiful addition of the pillows…wow! I love the recipes too. You need to write a book on entertaining. The photos alone would make it a best seller.
What a gorgeous space you have created Tina. So serendipitous that it threatened to rain, as I can’t imagine that you would ever have your parties any other way. It is always nicer to have that bit of extra light over dinner so eating in the loggia would have been much nicer for guests. I love the blue and white chinoiserie theme, it is light hearted but elegant. Those fabulous Schumacher Chiang Mai cushions that I spied are the perfect finishing touch. Danielle Rollins, look out!
Beautiful party Tina! You really are on your way to writing a deign book! I also love the pictures! Thank you do much for sharing your recipes! Enjoy your time now and have fun at the party this weekend! XO glad you’re back! It’s not the same without you around! 🙂
Tina, wow this is just incredible. I feel like I am looking at some kind of function for royalty! Your taste is exquisite and your entertaining style enviable. If I could put a table like that together I might entertain more often. Love the blue and white with touches of pink it is so summery but so elegant and the food looks amazingly good. You really outdid yourself.
Love all the details and am pinning away. Give yourself a huge huge pat on the back. Martha and all other name brand entertaining gurus better watch their back haha. Hope you get to rest a little after such a fun but no doubt exhausting week.
I have so been looking forward to this post Tina and was looking for it all day. I am having a very large party on Saturday and all though I am no stranger to entertaining, I usually do not entertain more than 30 people at a time. I was hoping your post would give me inspiration and courage. The advantage I have however is that it is not a sit down dinner. Ours is more of an open house so people will be coming and going which presents its own challenges in regards to food. I want everything to look lovely but be functional at the same time. I was happy to see all your white platters and sterling (of course your blue and white throughout) because I have chosen to use all white and basket/wood for servers and vessels. There were other practicalities I honed in on throughout your photos and thought with relief “if Tina does this then I can too and it will be ok”!
I am getting help as well when it comes to food with caterers however I am preparing most of it because I take such pride in the preparation of the food. My Mother however is always letting me know that I am ‘taking on too much’! ha ha Mom, I love this stuff.
Lovely party Tina and I got a kick out of the pics of your sons with their cargos & sneakers – keeping it real 🙂
Wow, what a wonderful party… I would so much love to meet you in person. You are a modern day wonder woman. every thing you do is perfect,and like no other. I am so happy to have the chance to read your blog each day, and just be amazed by it all. The photos, the food, and your home…please let us see photos of you too.I am sure you are beautiful!!!!!! Bonnie in WI
First off that porch- OH MY GOD! The pillows are PERFECT. Please do not change them, it would be criminal! If I were a guest at that party you would have had to have security escort me out. Too beautiful, we must invent a new word to describe your party. And this Tina dear NEEDS to be published. Seriously. I know one day you will become a one word name, like Oprah, Martha,etc… signed a big fan in Boston
Wowawewow!!! What an amazing party, Tina!!! And, thank you for sharing the recipes…I was tempted to make the Sangria to drink solo tonight but I didn’t think my family would like it very much if Mom got sloshed instead of making dinner!
I can’t wait to hear more about your trip down to Virginia – I grew up there and went to school in Charlottesville…it certainly is a beautiful area!
I have NO idea how you did all this! You are one amazing woman and hostess!!!! How in the world did you do all that food YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!???????? I wish you had done a time line for us!!!! I love to entertain but as my hubby says I get into a “tizzy” every single time, trying to make it all perfect. I don’t know if I could pull this off! The pillows are GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course I ADORE al your blue and white, and the flowers are beautiful too. The FOOD, OMG!!! I feel full just seeing it. Perfection. XO, pinky
What an amazing party, I am sure the guests had as much fun as you had setting it up. How special they must have felt to spend time in that beautiful setting. Rest and enjoy the weekend.
Tina, Your house is so beautiful and is the perfect place to invite friends for a party! I love everything of your table setting! I do hope that I will ever have the chance to visit you and meet you in person! xx Greet
spectacular, and the light at the end of the day- gorgeous for your pictures! What a wonderful estate you have and youre an amazing entertainer! xo Nancy
Tina I love to see how your dinner parties come together. It makes me realize I do NOT have enough serving dishes! The images at sunset are beautiful, mesmerizing. May I ask where the white ceramic cut-work lanterns came from? Adore it all!
Tina. I. Am. Speechless. In addition to you other careers, you need to be a party planner. This is the most beautiful party setting I have ever seen. Can you imagine it at night with lights? I would get married there 🙂 Stacy
Another beautiful fete, Tina! You definitely earned a little break after pulling off these two lovely parties. Of course, I’m totally smitten with all the blue and white and the food looks just delicious. I’m gearing up for a small brunch next weekend – the first time I’ve hosted anything in months – and you are definitely getting me inspired. Hope your first weekend of summer is full of fun! XOXO
Tina, everything is perfection!! I love the table setting and the seating with the cushions. You inspire me as I was going to have a little do this weekend under our own loggia; it’s the best place to entertain, isn’t it? Hope you get some rest this weekend; it’s a ton of work to put on such a wonderful party~
What a beautiful party Tina. How does one score an invite to your parties? J/k… Entertaining is a lot of work… fun work but still work…and you make it look so easy.
Tina, this really should be in a magazine, it is just too beautiful for words! I am speechless!! You are truly the hostess with the mostess!! I’m just blown away by your beautiful tablescape, the delicious food, the flowers, those pillows! All set against the exquisite backdrop of your dreamy home. Thank you for sharing your party with us! 🙂
Feel like I have ADD after seeing this post. The decor, your table, the food, and the patio and new pillows are just breathtaking Tina. I just cannot imagine this being any prettier. I am so bowled over by it all. Your guests must have felt like royalty. Trust I think I speak for most when I say most BBQ”S do not look like that 🙂 Thanks for continuing to leave me breathless and inspired at the same time.
Oh Tina, what an event!! It looks amazing and you did such a wonderful job pulling that blue and white table together with all of that luscious food!! You amaze me! Just perfect.
Incredible, Tina! From your loggia to the flowers to the food, all beautiful. You really know how to throw a party. These photos could go in an entertaining book. Thanks for sharing it with us. Loi
Thank you for all the gorgeous photos of food prep, placement, arrangements and decor. I learn so much from your site when it comes to placement for gatherings. Your talent is a true gift and thank you again for sharing. Your store is phenomenal!!!! Have a wonderful weekend.
you are amazing, tina!!!! that is the most beautiful and inviting long table and feels so swedish to me (i have a one track mind). your guests are so lucky to have you at the helm. and i so appreciate your recipes! i can always count on you to help me out with the best simple fare. let me know when you get the cookbook deal, and i’ll assist you in the kitchen with all the recipe trials and keep you laughing.
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Hi there! I so missed being here and chatting with all my friends (that would be you)! Back from a wonderful little getaway to the Richmond/Charlottesville area…so beautiful. Just loved it and could happily buy a beautiful horse farm, grow my garden and own my little interior design studio/shop and be one happy lady! A gorgeous part of the country. Will be posting on it and sharing some of my beautiful pictures in the next week or so.
As promised here is part 2 of the party central post. If you missed part 1 please click here. Two parties in one week is a lot and I am not sure I could pull it off again and though the day of this party I wasn’t feeling 100% it was amazing how I got a new pep in my step and renewed vigor as all the beautiful details started coming together. I captured as much as I could on film….(wish I had an in house photographer lol) and concentrated mostly on my table because I was so excited with how pretty it came out! Yes, I know some pictures might feel repetitious but what the heck!
Anyway, enjoy…..I made half of the food (all appetizers excepe one) and wish I had photographed them all….as they were sooooo good! Here is what was on the menu…
And I cannot believe I didn’t get my dessert table…there were so many scrumptious desserts! By that time of the night however, I think I might have been deliriously tired and anything that involved any extra work or an iota of effort was out of the question:) Many of you asked for my recipes from my luncheon so I have included them at the bottom of this post. Hope you enjoy this recap……
Setting up…which involved more than one argument between my husband and myself
was ready to strangle someone, lets face it women just know “these things” more than men, well at least most women! . I envisioned one super long table for all 40 people until…..the weather forecastsers predicted rain right at the very time we invited everyone over (5:00)! So…..we had the big long table concept moved to the loggia and all that furniture onto the patio. We had a plan B aka backup plan in case and got very very lucky, as the weather ended up being gorgeous with only one dark cloud that floated away with not a drop! But there are no mistakes in life and having the long dining table under the loggia worked out perfectly no matter what the weather as we got the most wonderful breeze, so here we go……In process of setting things up……
You are getting a sneak peek at round 2 of the pillows which I LOVE, (separate post to come later next week on pillows)!
Starting to put the table aka my vision togehter……
I kept adding “layers” more blue and whites with flowers and candles and hurricanes…..
Love the blue and white its so crisp and happy I went with navy seat cushions vs. the white……
At this point I am totally loving it……
Meanwhile back in the kitchen, the prep continues…..
And outside, it is done and I am absolutely thrilled……
Meanwhile outside on the patio…..
Before seat cushions and pillows……
And what a difference beautiful pillows make! Here is that second set of pillows (a post on these pillows to come)…..
Some of the food starting to come out (really regret I did not get all of it)…….
And the next morning the remnants remained, a cigar box (empty) flowers just wilting a bit from the heat and candles down to their wicks….
Hope you enjoyed! It was a total labor of love and my feet paid the price but it was so worth it. Everyone had a great time, they came at 5 and the last guest left at 11! I had a lot of fun planing it out and seeing it all come together, afterall that’s the real satisfaction at giving a party, is seeing all your ideas come to fruition..its like an experiment every time. Getting it right with just the right foods, drinks and creating the right ambiance. Flowers, blue and white and candles always seem to work for me! Now here are the recipes from the other day that so many of you asked about!
Baby spinach Greek Salad
Ingredients
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup olive oil
1 pound mini penne, or your choice of pasta salad shape (Bear in mind that baby spinach takes up some space, so you want a shape that isn?t too small that will get overwhelmed)
6 oz bag, baby spinach (I used a little more than it called for)
1 7-ounce package feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 cup chopped fresh basil
12 oz jar (drained about 7 to 8 ounces) roasted red pepper (Trader Joes has a very lovely one)
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (or pine nuts if you prefer)
Method
Whisk vinegar, lemon juice, and honey in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.)
Bring water to boil in pot. Salt water and cook pasta according to package directions. Wash and drain pasta.
Mix together spinach, feta, red onion, basil, roasted red peppers, pasta. . Add vinaigrette; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.) Add almonds; toss. Serve at room temperature.
Peach Sangria (sooooo good)
Peach Schnapps
Ginger ale
Fresh peaches or frozen peaches
one orange
1 bottle dry white wine
Crushed Ice
Sugar
Fresh min
Take a big pitcher, fill with one bottle of dry white wine, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of Peach Schnapps, add 5 fresh sliced peaches ( or one bag of frozen peaches) and 1 sliced orange to mix. Add about 2 tablespoons sugar and mix well. Refrigerate for at least an hour ideally for a few. Upon serving add about 1/2 liter of ginger ale and mix. Can serve with crushed ice, and I add several sprigs of mint if I happen to have it. This is a sure hit! I normally do this x 3 to make a large amount..nearly everyone wants at least a second if not third glass!!
Chinese Chicken Salad
1 head of cabbage, 3 nice sized chicken breast, soy sauce, sugar, 2 bunches scallions, about 1/2-3/4 cup slivered almonds, 2 packs chicken Ramen noodles, one can lo mein or rice noodles ( I use lo mein), 3 tablespoons or more sesame seeds, rice vinegar.
Shred cabbage very thin with a good sharp serenaded knife or a mandolin, which makes it easy. Boil chicken in salted water. When cool, shred to small pieces. Chop up 2 bunches of scallions. Bake almonds until golden brown. Add cabbage, chicken, scallions and almonds and set aside covered. In small mixing bowl, add about 1/2 cup soy, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, the sesame seeds, 1/4 to 1/2 cup oil (not olive any vegetable or corn is fine),the chicken seasoning packets from ramen noodles and 2 tablespoons sugar. Mix well, toss over salad up to 30 min. before you want to serve, add rice noodles at end. The original recipe calls for the ramen noodles (crushed first) to also be added but I personally prefer it without. Yum yum.
Thanks as always for stopping in to see whats new in my little corner of the world. I am happy these are behind me, and have a long long list of “to do’s” that somewhat fell by the wayside! So plenty to do in the coming weeks to keep me busy. Very busy. Many house projects that somehow got pushed to the back burner…I am ready to take them on again!! Hope whatever you have in store for the coming weekend is fabulous and relaxing. We have a party (thankfully I get to be a guest…woo hoo) to go to so back to wardrobe woes……gotta get busy! Wishing you a wonderful Thursday afternoon and fabulous weekend. Talk to you soon…….
PS If you haven’t already you must go visit my friend Melinda of Georgica Pond’s new blog by clicking here. . It is so spectacular and worth a visit..if you like what you see, leave her a comment telling her so! She worked hard on it and it shows:) Great job Mel!
WOW WOW!! just stunnig your outdoors party …. besides the deiish looking menu, I adore your plates in blue-white with a bit of pink flowers peeking through! The whole table is wonderful with such lovely floral mix … Your guests must have been thrilled.
hugs Z
WOW again…this is the first time I am first comment …on your site. And my appologies, I meant to say DELISH looking menu!
xo Z
Tina,
EVERYTHING looks FABULOUS! I love the table, with the blue and white vases and the touch of pink and white from the cherry blossoms and the peonies.
The food looks scrumptious. The sliders and the salads would have been my favorite part of the savory meal.
I too wish that you had taken a photo of the desserts! You know that is my favorite part of any meal. Do tell, what did you serve? And of course share any and all recipes because I love to try new dessert recipes.
I cannot wait to see your photos from Richmond/Charlottesville, I think it is one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Have a wonderful day and hopefully a little sangria and a good book with your feel up by the pool for the weekend.
My mouth is on the floor. This is incredible. It rivals many weddings Tina! You have the golden touch and there must be a book or show in your future!! I think you really have such a flair, and its something you either have or you don’t. All the food looks so great too and that patio, to die for. Love the new pillows. Absolutely incredible, going back up to look some more!
Tina first thanks for the recipes. I was one of the ones who really wanted them. Second, this is so beautiful. I don’t know the proper words. It took my breath away. You really pulled out all the stops and you are my design/entertaining hero. Martha is so “last year” haha.
Tina, Wow! What a beautiful party! I love all the blue and white layering and the food looks fantastic. You show things in abundance .. and I like that look and presentation. The hurricane lamps look so pretty and I like the LONG table! The weather looked like it cooperated too! You are so generous to share all these details as well as the recipes. Have fun today and glad you got away for a little break! xxL
What a feast! Everything looks scrumptious! Thanks for all the wonderful ideas!
I loved your table. I love blue and white with pink. Those square vases with the pink and white and gold were so precious. Everything was so lovely. I would have loved to see it up close!! You did an outstanding job. The food looked beautiful and delicious as well. I also am coveting your hurricane lamps. 😉 Thank you for sharing. I always look forward to your posts.
Your table blows my mind! This belongs in a magazine so gorgeous. I would have loved to have been a guest at this beautiful party. You are some entertainer ! Found you through Pinterest and so happy I did.
Oh my goodness gracious!!!! Are you a professional caterer? I can’t believe you made all that scrumptious food!!!! It’s gorgeous!
And your home and the way you decorated it for the party is just stunning!!!! It is my style, totally! I just don’t have the energy to do it all!!!! LOVE the blue urns and cherry blossoms!!!!
Now, I hope you are still in bed from hosting these parties…. OR…. had lots of staff to help!
Tina, you are a superwomen!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. I knew from yesterday’s sneak peek that I was going to love this party. The flowers are stunning and love your porch…so beautiful. Are the hydrangeas in your urns potted? For some reason I can never keep them alive potted. Can’t wait to try some of the tasty recipes!! Happy almost weekend!!
Good afternoon dearest Tina!
Well, I almost feel FULL from all the delicious appetizers here! And I think every party maker has at least some sons, husbands or other hungry friends who are the designated TASTE TESTERS! (Someone’s gotta do this hard job!)
From the pillows, the lovely lanterns to each corner of the loggia, this is enchantment at the Enchanted Home, par excellence my friend. We too are prepping our little castle for some fun summer entertaining; my husband, a skilled neighbor and I just finished enclosing our deck and the finishing touches include arched panels above the windows that my husband carved by hand. I painted with deck paint and all of us sawed, nailed and made a MESS, but we are so happy with the results.
Home is definitely where the heart is! Anita
GORGEOUS, absolutely gorgeous. SMART lady.
MissLindy
I feel so inadequate… I’ve got to quit this blog.
In all serious you are my idol. I don’t know how you do it.
Beautiful!!!!
Seriously too beautiful for words. That is all I can say, I am speechless and my husband will be the first to tell you that never happens:-)
Kate
Perfection!! So beautiful and love the blue/white pillow choices.
Thanks for the recipes too!
Cindy
Everything looks perfect, Tina. The food, flowers, presentation, the beautiful addition of the pillows…wow! I love the recipes too. You need to write a book on entertaining. The photos alone would make it a best seller.
Absolutely gorgeous! You did a fabulous job creating a serene atmosphere. The flowers are all stunning!
Terri
What a gorgeous space you have created Tina. So serendipitous that it threatened to rain, as I can’t imagine that you would ever have your parties any other way. It is always nicer to have that bit of extra light over dinner so eating in the loggia would have been much nicer for guests.
I love the blue and white chinoiserie theme, it is light hearted but elegant. Those fabulous Schumacher Chiang Mai cushions that I spied are the perfect finishing touch. Danielle Rollins, look out!
Tina,
AMAZING….just amazing!! There are just too many things to list. Let me just say that it feels magical!
~cheryl
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Beautiful party Tina! You really are on your way to writing a deign book! I also love the pictures! Thank you do much for sharing your recipes! Enjoy your time now and have fun at the party this weekend! XO glad you’re back! It’s not the same without you around! 🙂
Tina, wow this is just incredible. I feel like I am looking at some kind of function for royalty! Your taste is exquisite and your entertaining style enviable. If I could put a table like that together I might entertain more often. Love the blue and white with touches of pink it is so summery but so elegant and the food looks amazingly good. You really outdid yourself.
Love all the details and am pinning away. Give yourself a huge huge pat on the back. Martha and all other name brand entertaining gurus better watch their back haha. Hope you get to rest a little after such a fun but no doubt exhausting week.
I have so been looking forward to this post Tina and was looking for it all day.
I am having a very large party on Saturday and all though I am no stranger to entertaining, I usually do not entertain more than 30 people at a time. I was hoping your post would give me inspiration and courage.
The advantage I have however is that it is not a sit down dinner. Ours is more of an open house so people will be coming and going which presents its own challenges in regards to food.
I want everything to look lovely but be functional at the same time. I was happy to see all your white platters and sterling (of course your blue and white throughout) because I have chosen to use all white and basket/wood for servers and vessels. There were other practicalities I honed in on throughout your photos and thought with relief “if Tina does this then I can too and it will be ok”!
I am getting help as well when it comes to food with caterers however I am preparing most of it because I take such pride in the preparation of the food. My Mother however is always letting me know that I am ‘taking on too much’! ha ha Mom, I love this stuff.
Lovely party Tina and I got a kick out of the pics of your sons with their cargos & sneakers – keeping it real 🙂
Fondly-Lisa
Wow, what a wonderful party… I would so much love to meet you in person. You are a modern day wonder woman. every thing you do is perfect,and like no other. I am so happy to have the chance to read your blog each day, and just be amazed by it all. The photos, the food, and your home…please let us see photos of you too.I am sure you are beautiful!!!!!! Bonnie in WI
First off that porch- OH MY GOD! The pillows are PERFECT. Please do not change them, it would be criminal!
If I were a guest at that party you would have had to have security escort me out. Too beautiful, we must invent a new word to describe your party. And this Tina dear NEEDS to be published. Seriously.
I know one day you will become a one word name, like Oprah, Martha,etc…
signed a big fan in Boston
Wowawewow!!! What an amazing party, Tina!!! And, thank you for sharing the recipes…I was tempted to make the Sangria to drink solo tonight but I didn’t think my family would like it very much if Mom got sloshed instead of making dinner!
I can’t wait to hear more about your trip down to Virginia – I grew up there and went to school in Charlottesville…it certainly is a beautiful area!
Have a great weekend!! xoxo
I have NO idea how you did all this! You are one amazing woman and hostess!!!! How in the world did you do all that food YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!???????? I wish you had done a time line for us!!!! I love to entertain but as my hubby says I get into a “tizzy” every single time, trying to make it all perfect. I don’t know if I could pull this off! The pillows are GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course I ADORE al your blue and white, and the flowers are beautiful too. The FOOD, OMG!!! I feel full just seeing it. Perfection. XO, pinky
What an amazing party, I am sure the guests had as much fun as you had setting it up. How special they must have felt to spend time in that beautiful setting. Rest and enjoy the weekend.
You know this could and should’ve been a black tie affair! Too gorgeous for words! Thanks so much for the recipes…I’ve been dying for them!
Oh my goodness what an absolutely to die for gorgeous party!!! And now after gazing upon these food pics, I shall have to go have a snack!
Really beautiful, Tina! You do know how to throw a great party! The menu looked incredible!
Tina,
Your house is so beautiful and is the perfect place to invite friends for a party!
I love everything of your table setting! I do hope that I will ever have the chance to visit you and meet you in person!
xx
Greet
Congrats Tina – absolutely beautiful table and the food looks scrumptious.
x Sandy
spectacular, and the light at the end of the day- gorgeous for your pictures! What a wonderful estate you have and youre an amazing entertainer!
xo Nancy
Simply Fabulous! I especially love all the blue and white touches , just gorgeous!!!Those were some lucky guests!!!
xo Karolyn
Tina I love to see how your dinner parties come together. It makes me realize I do NOT have enough serving dishes!
The images at sunset are beautiful, mesmerizing. May I ask where the white ceramic cut-work lanterns came from? Adore it all!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
NOVICA Giveaway
GORGEOUS party, Tina!
And I went to college in Charlottesville. It really is THE most beautiful place. We would absolutely love to have a place there someday. It’s heaven!
AMAZING!!!! Perfect perfect perfect 🙂
Tina. I. Am. Speechless. In addition to you other careers, you need to be a party planner. This is the most beautiful party setting I have ever seen. Can you imagine it at night with lights? I would get married there 🙂
Stacy
Another beautiful fete, Tina! You definitely earned a little break after pulling off these two lovely parties. Of course, I’m totally smitten with all the blue and white and the food looks just delicious. I’m gearing up for a small brunch next weekend – the first time I’ve hosted anything in months – and you are definitely getting me inspired. Hope your first weekend of summer is full of fun! XOXO
Tina, everything is perfection!! I love the table setting and the seating with the cushions. You inspire me as I was going to have a little do this weekend under our own loggia; it’s the best place to entertain, isn’t it? Hope you get some rest this weekend; it’s a ton of work to put on such a wonderful party~
What a beautiful party Tina. How does one score an invite to your parties? J/k… Entertaining is a lot of work… fun work but still work…and you make it look so easy.
Thanks for sharing as usual.
warm regards,
Emily @ Town And Country Shuffle
Tina, this really should be in a magazine, it is just too beautiful for words! I am speechless!! You are truly the hostess with the mostess!! I’m just blown away by your beautiful tablescape, the delicious food, the flowers, those pillows! All set against the exquisite backdrop of your dreamy home. Thank you for sharing your party with us! 🙂
XOXO,
The Glam Pad
Feel like I have ADD after seeing this post. The decor, your table, the food, and the patio and new pillows are just breathtaking Tina. I just cannot imagine this being any prettier. I am so bowled over by it all. Your guests must have felt like royalty. Trust I think I speak for most when I say most BBQ”S do not look like that 🙂 Thanks for continuing to leave me breathless and inspired at the same time.
Oh Tina, what an event!! It looks amazing and you did such a wonderful job pulling that blue and white table together with all of that luscious food!! You amaze me! Just perfect.
I’m speechless!!!! I felt like I was looking at a coffee table book!What a feast for the eyes! You are blessed!!!!!!
Irma
Tina all I can say is BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL. Seriously my friend, you have accomplished perfection. Take a bow.
From a big fan
Incredible, Tina! From your loggia to the flowers to the food, all beautiful. You really know how to throw a party. These photos could go in an entertaining book.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Loi
Thank you for all the gorgeous photos of food prep, placement, arrangements and decor. I learn so much from your site when it comes to placement for gatherings. Your talent is a true gift and thank you again for sharing. Your store is phenomenal!!!! Have a wonderful weekend.
you are amazing, tina!!!! that is the most beautiful and inviting long table and feels so swedish to me (i have a one track mind). your guests are so lucky to have you at the helm. and i so appreciate your recipes! i can always count on you to help me out with the best simple fare. let me know when you get the cookbook deal, and i’ll assist you in the kitchen with all the recipe trials and keep you laughing.
love to you, and bravo, mama.
michele