Comments on: A Summertime Gathering

By: Erin

Erin — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:44:21 +0000

Donna, Something tells me I could learn a thing or two from you!

By: Donna

Donna — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:04:17 +0000

Hi Erin,

I totally agree with all you’ve said about entertaining. i was not a big party person when I married my husband, but he grew up with impromtu parties in his home several nights a week so he kind of expected that we would be doing this also. (They did however have a nearly full time maid – which I do not…) So, in the early years of our marriage, I kind of gritted my teeth and soldiered through – doing my best, but NOT enjoying it. Everyone else had fun but I was a harried wreck.

Gradually I developed a system that works for me. Whether it is a cocktail party or a sit-dwn dinner I do everything possible in the days preceding the party – including setting the table or arranging a tablescape, getting out the dishes and glasses I will be using, setting up the coffee maker, setting up the bar area, cooking and preparing what can be done ahead. My menu is always planned around dishes that can be made ahead to whatever degree possible and then heated up just before serving. If we’re grilling, Sam’s in charge so I don’t get hassled. =)

I always use the real thing – no paper plates, plastic cups or forks and knives. I make sure my sink and my dishwasher are empty before the party, so dirty dishes can be stowed there until I’m ready to clean up.

Then I enjoy the party! I had a cocktail party for about 30 people last year and made ALL of the food myself (except the ham) and had a great time hanging out with my friends.

Now, that said, I bet I could convince Rainey to come up for a party if you want to get those dishes out! I would even bring something, and I’m willing to bet that Rainey would too!

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:51:58 +0000

I don’t normally drink Vodka. But when I do, I drink Medoyeff.
-in the voice of the Most interesting man in the world

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2SSZA0CjdQ

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:17:17 +0000

Belle, Since you are interested in types of vodka, I would highly recommend you try Medoyeff Vodka from House Spirits in Portland, OR and the vodka from Dry Fly of Spokane, WA. They are craft vodkas, drinkable on their own and two of my absolute favorites.

Good luck with your remodel, I hope you get to entertain soon. Thanks for your comment and welcome to The Endive Chronicles!

By: Belle | Muse in the Kitchen

Belle | Muse in the Kitchen — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:54:47 +0000

Hangar One Buddha’s Hand Infused Vodka sounds very interesting! Ward and I went to a vodka bar this past winter and learned that different kinds of vodka actually have different tastes – we’ll have to keep our eye out for this one, it sounds so interesting. And I love the idea of having a separate set of dishes and glasses just for parties! We’ve been renovating for ages now so haven’t had a party for quite a few years now, and we’ve been really missing it. I think I need to start investigating a new set of dishes just for get-togethers!

By: Debbie

Debbie — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:30:54 +0000

BTW… yes, contact is the same thing that you can cover shelves with…..

By: Debbie

Debbie — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:30:31 +0000

Wow! That loaf sounds good!!!!

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:31:58 +0000

Denise, I definitely have to try this!

By: denise (chez danisse)

denise (chez danisse) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:29:17 +0000

I haven’t had it in a while, but remember loving their Meyer Lemon Rosemary bread.

Description from their site: Meyer Lemon Rosemary: Campagne with a slurry of olive oil, Meyer lemon zest, fresh rosemary dimpled into the dough during shaping, and sprinkled with large crystals of sea salt the moment before it is peeled into the oven. Boule (round loaf) only.

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:46:46 +0000

Denise, “The food would be last minute and based on the best looking items at the farmers market” and the best thing about that is fresh perfectly ripe produce needs very little work since nature took the liberty of doing it for us!

By the way, I am now completely obsessed with Della Fattoria! The pain levain is to die for.