Today, Jeff, Drew, Nate and Anna are coming over for an at home "adventure". I am titling the party theme as "A Very Merry Unbirthday". Why? We don't get to see them that often to celebrate birthdays so I figured...we would just all celebrate in on BIG UNBIRTHDAY party.
I also want to introduce the kids to my Italian cooking. The essence of my being. To give them a part of me I hope they will always remember. Because, isn't that what it is all about? Giving of yourself to the ones you love...and having the memories to cherish. This, I think, is the best gift I can give....
Much of the planning for the party is about timing. Also, staging most of the food, yet leaving some elements for the kids to help with. Also, some activities for the kids to do that keep them away from the video games...as much as possible. Each of the kids sent us a thank you letter for their XMAS presents. So, I mounted the letters and got out the stickers and colored pencils for them to decorate the letter. Once that is done I will add them to my book...
Once they get her instead of having appetizers setting out I want to have a tea party in the back yard with drinks and snacks. This is a way to catch up with everyone and set the tone for the day. A relaxed pace of unfolding our special day...
Table Scape: I decorated the table with candy confetti and flowers from our garden...
Painted, red roses from the garden...
The cake. I found a special pan in the shape of a birthday cake. I will have it frosted and decorated. However, I have some special elements and the candles I will have the kids help with so it gives them another activity to assist in the cooking process. This is what I call Sous Chefs in training. A sneaky way to get them involved...
Over the years Jamie and I have purchased one off items at Goodwill (my new favorite store) to stage photos for our food blog. Now, I have so much cool stuff to help stage the feel for my party. Each piece is different and has it's own story to tell. Just like each of us all individuals with our own story to tell. No matchy, matchy at Grandma's parties~~~~
Tea Sandwiches and eclairs for snacks...
Peppermint Bark...
Tiramisu...
The MEAT Sauce. Starts with MEAT. In today's pot I am including meatball, sausage and beef chunks. Funny story...growing up...my family called "sauce" "gravy". So when people said they were serving "gravy" I was expecting "sauce". I would look at the "gravy" and wonder, what the heck is this???
The Meatballs. I used to do everything by myself. However, Jamie has been training with me for years as my Sous Chef. He is now the major meatball maker...here is is technique...
The "gravy" is the key to the meal. It bathes my meat with delishness. It will serve as one of the toppings for my pizza. It will cover my pasta. It will embrace my eggplant. Did I mention the "gravy" was KEY!!!
Do I sense a rebellion in the kitchen???
Pizza, Pizza, Daddy"O"...
Eggplant...
Who made the salad???
Stuffed Mushrooms...
Jamie came up with the idea to make a sign: R U Ready for the Tea Party. My artist at work...
R U READY????
Dressed up and READY for our PARTY!!!!
And then...the moment we all waited for...the arrival of our guests signaled by Harley barking with joy. Papa Jamie opens the door. I run for the camera. Papa Jamie: "You have to see this"!!! OMG, my heart was racing...how cute are they????
Drew, taller than Papa...
Laker Faker...
Nate making our pizza snack. I was taking shot. Nate: "You are taking the photo from the wrong side". Me (thinking): "You are right"!!!. I learned something new today. Thanks Nate!!!
Decked out for the party...
Papa playing Dr. to Jeff's Hobbit Foot...
Harley getting the love. He really believes our parties are just for him.
Artists at work...
Movie Time...
And they call it puppy love...
Popcorn snack...
The Bed. Who knew??? When Jamie and I bought this bed we did not realize it would actually become a point of interest for our parties. It began with Sammie and Kailey. At every party they always make their way back to the bedroom for a little rest and TV. A quiet moment to settle in and find comfort. Then, Folly. When she came to stay for a week each night she and I would watch TV in bed before Jamie came in to sleep. And, today, the same thing happened. I love that our family and friends enjoy this room as much as I do. This is my respite from the world. If for only a moment in provides that for the people I love...what a joy!!!
Kickin' back...
And yes, at the end of the day...video games...
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