Birthday Weekend Picnic Baskets

What a weekend! One of my bestie's had a joint birthday/anniversary party, which turned into an impromptu weekend camping trip. Need inspiration for easy entertaining at your next big turnout?

The culinary highlight was individual picnic baskets, to cut down on dishes. (She thinks of everything!)

Also included were (French Laundry) lemon tarts, fresh fruit, asparagus flatbread, and smoked salmon tartar on cucumber.

Each basket contained: an abalone po'boy sandwich, personally foraged by Daisy's husband, Trout; a mason jar filled with potato salad (the classy Alice Waters one, not the mayonnaisy kind); a homemade chocolate chip cookie and wrapped caramel; and my special caesar salad (recipe to be revealed soon).

Now that it's summer, I recommend food that can be served cold. It's way easier to assemble and you have a little more leeway in serving time. Get an assembly line going for something like sandwiches, and the sides should be one-dish wonders like pasta salad, cous cous, or greens. Make it easier on yourself and invite friends to bring something, or at the very least, wine and apps.

What kind of parties will you be throwing this summer?

Leftovers from the Bday Weekend

The lovely weekend of celebrating continued with shopping at the local tourist traps and a party!

First, the shopping. Right after a stop for tea.

Striking a dorky pose in front of a hidden herb garden in Duncans Mills.

Hours later, I stare down this, with a candle celebrating each lovely Aquarian present. Yep, February's a busy, busy month.

One day I will have to make a princess cake on my own- I think we skipped that in pastry school.

This is my preferred way to sweeten my coffee. Judge all you want, but you can do what you like on your birthday.

I love gifts I can drink and smell. My wine cellar and windowsill garden continue to grow.

Getting the doe eyes from the puppy, Mazzy.

She must have wanted cake, too.

The Best Nightlight Ever

From the Ya-Ya dinner the night before, one of Fairy Godmother's birthday gifts was this original nightlight made by one of her best friends. Honestly, this artist leaves a trail of beauty wherever she goes, and one day I hope to share pictures of her garden with you.

Her latest creation is a nightlight transformed from a sardine tin and adorned with old jewelry, beads and a broken watch. 

Hank really liked it, too.

What's tricky about putting them together is all the drilling and wiring parts together. The gluing has to be minimal, since the lightbulb heats the piece up.

Alas, these are one of a kind treasures are only made on a case by case basis because of all the time they entail, but they're really something, aren't they?

Dinner with the Ya-Yas

I'm still full from an amazing birthday dinner last night for my Fairy Godmother. So nice to be included with all her friends! In my life, this is the busiest birthday season of the year, which means lots of parties, lots of delicious food, and lots of appreciation that my wonderful people were born.

The table was set with grandmother's china and silver, and we ate Fairy Godmother's favorite foods. After a little wine and lemon drops.

Butternut squash soup was first, garnished with pepitas.

 And then came roasted vegetables: shrimp, artichoke hearts, asparagus, and potatoes blanketed with meyer lemon aioli.

I don't typically eat as a vegetarian, but perhaps I should do it more often. It filled me to the brim, body and soul. I'm happy to be initiated as a junior Ya-Ya.

31st Year

A lovely birthday surprise to brighten my room, and test my plant-guardian challenges!

The message is clear. I need to wear more red this year.

Happy Birthday, Mama!

Hope you had a wonderful day and I wish I could have been there. I have so much to thank you for. I love you.

Daughters, love your mamas for all that they do.