Polynesian Theme Dinner Party and Tablescape

Posted on August 8, 2016 by inspirationaldetails
A little info about our Gourmet Group:  We are 4 couples who enjoy cooking, entertaining, and most of all, each other’s company. 
We take turns hosting in our homes.  The hosts decide on the menu (theme) from appetizers to dessert for the evening.  The hosts cook most of the meal, but give at least one course (along with all the recipes) to the other couples to prepare.  We love trying new recipes and ideas.  So most of the time the recipes are ones we haven’t cooked before, but they don’t have to be.

polynesian theme dinner party

Another couple hosted our Gourmet Group for a Polynesian dinner party earlier in the summer.

Grab your tiki torch and take a look back at our evening in paradise…

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Art Theme Tablescape and “Georgia” Book Club Lunch

Posted on August 5, 2016 by inspirationaldetails

Earlier this summer, I hosted my Book Club for our discussion of the book, Georgia by author Dawn Tripp.  Georgia is a historical fiction book about iconic American artist, Georgia O’Keeffe.  In keeping with the theme of the book, I created an “Art Theme Tablescape”.  I had a great time putting it together.

Here’s a look back at it.

art gallery theme table ideas

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3 Recommended Reads: Simple Reasons Why You May Want to Read Each of Them

Posted on May 25, 2016 by inspirationaldetails

This first book caught my eye recently when I perusing the books at the airport while waiting for my flight to board.

Raising Ryland book

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The Wedding Journey: The Rehearsal Dinner

Posted on May 23, 2016 by inspirationaldetails

 

wedding journey inspiration

When it came time to planning the Rehearsal Dinner, we went the traditional route.  My daughter’s then-fiancé’s family lives out-of-state, and his mother sadly had passed away several years ago.  However, in spite of that, his dad didn’t hesitate to step up and host the Rehearsal Dinner.

His father came into town a couple of times, and the three of them (my daughter, her then-fiancé, and his dad) researched and visited several possible venues for the Rehearsal Dinner.  They decided on The Signature Room at the 95th, and secured the date with them.  The “Signature Room at the 95th” is known for its fine dining and spectacular views of the city.

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“The Swans of Fifth Avenue” / Vintage High-Society Tablescape and Lunch

Posted on May 9, 2016 by inspirationaldetails

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

                                                                                  ~ Truman Capote

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High Society / Swans of Fifth Avenue tablescape

Another gal hosted my Book Club a few weeks ago for our very lively discussion of the book, The Swans of Fifth Avenue.  She (like me:) loves to entertain, and said she “had a ball” putting together her tablescape for our lunch.

Her fabulous tablescape was truly Theatre of the Table.  Here’s a look at it and our lunch.

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The Wedding Journey: Little Details Can Make a Big Difference – Part 1: Along the Way to the Big Day

Posted on April 13, 2016 by inspirationaldetails

wedding journey inspiration

Details ~ Details ~ Details…

Many brides (including my daughter) will spend months thinking and planning every little detail for The Big Day.  Is it really worth all that time & effort?….
YES, it is these little details that can make an ordinary wedding event into an extraordinary wedding event.  It is with that extra time & effort, and with the meticulous details that you can make your wedding day not only extra special & memorable, but also allow you to put your signature style on it.
It’s been awhile but here I am again once again with “A Wedding Journey” – a look back at the journey to my daughter’s Wedding Day (almost a year and a half ago).
Here are some of my favorite details from my daughter (& then fiancé)’s wedding journey. 

This is Part 1 – A few of the details leading up to the Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding Day.

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An Easter Book Club and “The Traitor’s Wife”

Posted on March 29, 2016 by inspirationaldetails

Cool Book Arch at Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach, CA

Cool Book Arch at “Roger’s Gardens” (Newport Beach, CA)
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Easter themed lunch

Another gal from my Book Club hosted us last week for an Easter-themed lunch and our discussion of the book, The Traitor’s Wife.

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Hop on Over for an Easter Dinner Party…

Posted on March 22, 2016 by inspirationaldetails
A little info about our Gourmet Group:  We are 4 couples who enjoy cooking, entertaining, and most of all, each other’s company. 
We take turns hosting in our homes.  The hosts decide on the menu (theme) from appetizers to dessert for the evening.  The hosts cook most of the meal, but give at least one course (along with all the recipes) to the other couples to prepare.  We love trying new recipes and ideas.  So most of the time the recipes are ones we haven’t cooked before, but they don’t have to be.

Easter table ideas

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Roll Out the Red Carpet for an Oscar-Themed Dinner Party

Posted on March 17, 2016 by inspirationaldetails
A little info about our Gourmet Group:  We are 4 couples who enjoy cooking, entertaining, and most of all, each other’s company. 
We take turns hosting in our homes.  The hosts decide on the menu (theme) from appetizers to dessert for the evening.  The hosts cook most of the meal, but give at least one course (along with all the recipes) to the other couples to prepare.  We love trying new recipes and ideas.  So most of the time the recipes are ones we haven’t cooked before, but they don’t have to be.

Oscar themed dinner party

The night before the Oscars this year, another couple in our Gourmet Group hosted our group that evening.  Here’s a look back at the fabulous dinner party they created.

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1940’s Throwback Menu and The Girls of Atomic City Tablescape

Posted on March 2, 2016 by inspirationaldetails
billboard from WWII - Oak Ridge Tennessee

Source: photo from The Girls of Atomic City

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Another gal from my Book Club hosted recently for our discussion of the book, The Girls of Atomic City:  The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II.

1940's throwback menu

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