Anatomy of a Book Club - Take 2

Happy Sunday, dear friends.  I hope that you enjoyed your weekend.  Yesterday, we woke up to a very wet Saturday morning which was unfortunate for all the brave bike riders donating their time and efforts to raise money for MS.  We live on a hill, and my heart went out to the ones struggling in the frequent downpours.  Hats off to the brave bikers!!

The weather cleared, and it turned into a beautiful evening.  We had two delightful couples over for dinner.

As most of you know, I hosted book club this week.  

As promised, I took lots of pics. 

While I was waiting for my guests to arrive, I took some behind-the-scenes photos.

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw this photo.  I am having so much fun styling my Mackenzie Childs Everything Bowl.  It is a great size.

The Mister made my favorite croutons ala corn bread and sea salt.  

We had 11 ladies.  My table seats 8 comfortably so we added a four-foot table at the end which worked out perfectly.

If you're wondering why I have so many flowers on the table, it's because I gave one of these plants in a small blue and white cachepot as a party favor.  They were a big hit.

Some of the ladies mentioned that they still use the vase that I gave them last year.

Here is the Mister whipping up his magic.

If you're wondering if I ever help him, I don't.

He tells me the best thing I can do for him is stay out of his way.

I'll take that as a compliment. 
What he is really saying is that my beauty and sex appeal is too distracting.

Apps included buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomato tarts,

and more tarts of prosciutto and melon with ricotta mousse. 

The Mister bought a box of these savory tart shells on Amazon.  They worked out great - they are delicious as well as easy to arrange.  We even had enough for our second party this weekend.

Another app was pistachio and basil pesto palmiers.

I received these darling MC napkins from my friend Patti of Pandora's Box. 

Everyone grabbed a glass of vino, some apps, and proceeded into the sunroom.

It was a warm night so I opened all the windows, and there was a lovely sea breeze.  Lucky for us, no stinky low tide smell.

On the coffee table, The Mister placed a fabulous cheese board on my new Mackenzie Childs Rattan Tray.  I like it so much I just might get my Sista one for Christmas.  Don't get excited, Sista, I said "might."

The Mister made a fabulous watermelon and feta salad with pickled red onions and fresh mint in this MC bowl.  

He also made grilled carrots, eggplant, and corn bread croutons on this Mackenzie Childs large serving plate.

And last but not least, a trio of kebabs:

chicken/ red pepper/ chicken sausage

filet/ cipollini onion/ pancetta

pork/ cherry tomato/ eggplant

For dessert, we noshed on lemon bavarian cream with fresh berries.

Every month I look forward to seeing these lovely ladies.

We all had a great time but missed our absent members, Anne and Kathy.



Until next time...

Unfortunately, Chowdah could not join us for that night because he was at the kennel sleep-away camp.  
Chili was there in all her glory and even read the book!

Linking up with:
Amaze Me Monday
Dishing It & Digging It
Silver Pennies Sundays
Inspiration Monday
Show and Share
The Scoop
Inspire Me Tuesday
Tablescape Thursday

The Friday Files

Hello, dear friends.  Is it just me, or do weeks in the Summer go by much faster than usual?  

Book Club was loads of fun this week, and we shared many stories and laughs.  I am working on the pictures this weekend and will publish my post on Sunday or Monday.   

This beautiful home is tucked away in Lake Placid, New York.

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This magnificent house can be found in Holland, Michigan.

I'm smitten with this kitchen.

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If you love historic homes, take a gander at this article about the best in America.

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Do you serve the same old appetizers?  

Here are some inspirational ideas for some new ones to try.


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And if you're planning a picnic, delicious recipes can be found here.

I find one of the most challenging parts of decorating is picking the perfect paint color.  If you've hit a wall (pun intended) Martha answers your questions here.
Yes, THE Martha.

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Some cozy bedrooms outfitted for reading a juicy novel can be found right here.
Btw... I'm in love with this chair.

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Speaking of reading, these are the books that your favorite authors will be picking up this Summer.

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I just finished two books this week.

Amazon

I couldn't put down this story about a very wealthy family who loses their Patriarch.  Stellar writing, interesting, believable characters, and real life situations - the perfect recipe for a delicious book.  After finishing the last page of this one, I added Susan Rieger's first book to my must-read list.

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Amazon

I haven't read a Grisham novel in a while.  The Mister and I listened to Camino Island on our road trip last weekend and glad we did.  An intriguing fictional tale about the stolen original manuscripts of F. Scott Fitzgerald.  Great beach read.

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Amazon

I know I've talked about Lisa See's book before.  We discussed my choice, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane at book club this week and the consensus was two thumbs up.

Want to know where company founders and CEOs find their inspiration?  You can read all about it right here.

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It looks like the Downton Abbey movie is becoming a reality.

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Can you guess what country is the most popular to photograph for Instagram?

Have you been there?

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Before you leave on your vacation, here is a list of 16 of the best packing tips from the pros.

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I think this is a clever idea, especially for people like me who usually accidentally leaves her phone in the car.

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I leave you with this cute story about a woman who attended The Plaza's Etiquette School.

Mind your manners and enjoy your weekend. 

Until next time...

I need to hire this guy.