Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Friends in for Dinner, Music, and Memories Warm Up a Winter's Night




Entertaining is one of life's greatest pleasures.
When the gathering is with long-time friends, it's like icing on a cake---a sweet and an extra treat.

One recent night, dear friends of 31 years standing came to visit. That called for setting the dining room table with a very best tablecloth and matching napkins as well as using most treasured dishes, Old Country Roses.











By the way, the exquisite tablecloth and napkins happened to be a Salvation Army find for the almost unbelievable price of  $20. Someone must have paid a lot of money for them at one time but almost never used them as they are in tip top shape.






















Two red candles graced tall brass candlesticks on either end of the table.



Overhead the room's crowning glory, a crystal chandelier found in Home Depot, cast romantic light on the entire scene. It has been put on a dimmer and is a highlight of this home's interior decorating. By the way, the old-fashioned, romantic chandy cost only $124!



The menu included Pasta Carbonara from a Rachel Ray cookbook. Undoubtedly, it is truly the most delectable pasta dish for guests or a solo feast. It has lots of Italian bacon, olive oil, garlic, and creamy romano cheese. Also on the menu was a Lebanese salad, "Fatoush," which calls for a rather exotic herb, "sumac." It  also includes chopped green onion, mint, cucumbers, radishes, parsley, tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, and toasted pita bread pieces. To borrow one of Rachel's signature words, this salad is "yummo."

A china platter of filet mignons and soft "snowflake" rolls with butter rounded off the meal. Mmm mmm mmm
My daughter brought toffee bars for dessert which guests just about inhaled.

After dinner, everyone retired into the living room. A fire crackled in the fireplace, we sang with banjo and guitar, drank wine, and made more memories!

In the midst of this harsh winter, an evening with beloved friends seemed like a treasured gift. Everyone savored every moment, much like every bite of the menu, .  How could gratitude not fill the heart to the breaking point for such an evening?

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT ENTERTAINING?

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16 comments:

  1. SusanFebruary 1, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Hello Everybody!

    I want to welcome Barb Hodges and one "unidentified" person (Rose?) as this blog's new Followers, #172 and 173. It is so great to have you both. Thanks for Following and please, come back often! Hugs to all, Susan

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  2. MarietteFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Dearest Susan,

    My what a table setting! That table cloth with white on white embroidery and roses is such a treasure. For sure, someone is looking down from heaven and nodding in full agreement.
    The china you set out does make me kind of sad as our dear sister-in-law had that and she passed away in April of last year... How she loved her china!
    Cute antique phone you have hanging and you are a savvy buyer with such a deal on the chandelier! Very cozy home and now wonder that you keep friendships standing for that long!!! Hats off to you Susan for being a gracious host.

    Lots of love,

    Mariette

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  3. Ocean Breezes and Country SneezesFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    OMG, we have the same china! It's stunning when the table is set! Love your linens, great find!

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  4. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresFebruary 2, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Hi Susan, sounds like an absolutely fantastic evening. Good food and friends, music and wine! Fatoush is one of our favorites. Sumac is used in many dishes around here. :) Toffee bars. Yummo indeed! And that tablecloth truly was a find. I know they can be very expensive when new. Best wishes to you! Sending warm hugs your way. Tammy

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  5. Linda O'ConnellFebruary 2, 2011 at 2:32 AM

    Your table cloth is gorgeous and your descriptions sound like they came from a catalogue of expensive and divine items :) Nothng better than making memories with old frieinds.

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  6. BookieFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:15 AM

    Everything beautiful and so worthy of good friends! Meal sounds so good too!

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  7. From Beyond My Kitchen WindowFebruary 2, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Great menu. The thing I like about entertaining is having a spotless house. Then of course planning the menu.

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  8. Chatty CroneFebruary 2, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Congrats on all your followers - of course they will be there - as you are a wonderful person.

    And yes -there is nothing like having dinner with friends on a cold winter night - brings warmth.

    Especially with you,

    sandie

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  9. MarietteFebruary 2, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    Dearest Susan,

    As to your question if my boutique is on eBay. No - no I do have my own website and if you would click on all the highlighted words in my blog you go straight to the item that I describe. There is also a button at the top of my blog to the right, it takes you straight to my website. Where it reads: My Boutique Click to Enter...

    Lots of love,

    Mariette

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  10. Erin | Bygone LivingFebruary 2, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    What a beautiful table setting... lovely china! Sounds like a wonderful dinner :) ♥

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  11. SusanFebruary 2, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    Hi Everyone! I want to welcome Terry, this blog's 174th Follower! Isn't it fabulous how our blog family just grows and grows and grows? Welcome, Terry! Come visit often. Hugs to all on this cold winter's day! (If you are in a warm clime, I send you hugs, too.) Susan

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  12. My Grama's SoulFebruary 2, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    Golly, I wish I would of been there. It is beautiful and the evening sounds so very special.

    Jo

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  13. SusanFebruary 2, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Susan, don't you think the Old Country Rose china is the best ever! I have a set, and I have always loved and cherished my dishes. My daughter told me she wanted me to leave her those dishes when I die! LOL

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  14. DebbiedoosFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    I love entertaining! The best part is good company and great food...they both make for awesome memories. Your table is so pretty...I love the linens.

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  15. A New England LifeFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    What a wonderful evening! Everything looks so pretty. I'm glad you had such a nice time with friends. A great way to leave this wild winter behind!

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  16. RebeccaFebruary 7, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Well, THIS one is quite the chandelier! Mine are not nearly this beautiful. (I got tired of scrolling down via "older posts" and couldn't find your archives in the sidebar...am I overlooking it?)

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