tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12996926991934260832023-12-27T22:57:26.551-08:00Mademoiselle Hostessjennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-42074674701874483212012-04-11T15:53:00.000-07:002012-04-11T15:53:22.719-07:00The Epic Titanic Weekend<p align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/6916539542/in/set-72157629795097151"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2012.0407/2012.0407.val.161w.jpg" border="0"></a></p> The Epic Titanic Dinner – wow where do I start?! </p>
<p>It was everything I dreamed it would be, maybe even more. I can finally cross off "do a grand costumed Edwardian multi-course meal" from my bucket list. It wasn’t perfect by any means; we definitely had our shares of snafus, mistakes, unfortunate events and kitchen disasters but considering we aren’t professionals, we didn't have a staff of 15 and life happens really it couldn’t have gone any better. </p>
<p>I achieved what I started out to do – cook a meal that did some justice to the great Edwardian obsession with food and extravagance, create an atmosphere that set the mood for my guests and give all involved a chance to learn about a fascinating period of history first hand. Icing on the cake was really enjoying the process, that everyone looked <em>amazing</em> and the time I got to spend with dear friends.</p>
<p>Probably my biggest regret is the photos & videos that weren’t taken but in the case of my staff they were too busy serving (in more than one sense!), my guests were seemed to be too busy enjoying the experience (both of which I’m grateful for and take as a compliment) and I just plain forgot with everything that was going on. So I’m bummed about some of the gaps but oh well!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/6916547080/in/set-72157629795097151"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2012.0407/2012.0407.val.171w.jpg" border="0"></a></p> I’ll write more about the details and how we got there over the next few weeks but for now here are the all important photos. I combined my photos and those of Valorie Mundie of <em><a href="http://fsatatphoto.com/pages/_section-home-photography.php">For Such a Time As This Photography</a></em> as well as few of my favorites from others (*wink*). I broke them into a couple of sets ‘cause that made more sense to me at the time. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/sets/72157629795097151/">The Dinner & Absinthe Afterparty</a><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/sets/72157629795136747/">Behind the Curtain (staff and in the kitchen)</a><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/sets/72157629795322601/">The Food</a></p>
<p>Other's Photos:<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubileel/sets/72157629781226411/with/7062778141">Isabella</a><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/76452380@N00/sets/72157629780861903/">Katherine</a><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14941369@N07/sets/72157629770995859/">Kat</a><br>
<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b145/iconisms/ETD-public/">Casey</a></p><br>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/6916507716/in/set-72157629795097151"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2012.0407/2012.0407.val.125w.jpg" border="0"></a></p> And for more on the pretty frocks, here are their blog posts:<br>
<a href="http://mantuadiary.blogspot.com/2012/04/epic-titanic-dinner.html">Nicole (Diary of a Mantua Maker)</a><br>
<a href="http://koshka-the-cat.blogspot.com/2012/04/poiret-sorbet-and-1910s-harem-pants.html">Katherine (Koshka's Fashionable Past)</a><br>
<a href="http://idlewildgrey.blogspot.com/2012/04/evening-in-1912-or-epic-titanic-dinner.html">Gwendolyn (Idlewild Illustré)</a><br>
<a href="http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com/2012/04/1913-evening-gown/">Casey (Elegant Musings)</a><br>
<a href="http://www.afracturedfairytale.com/Home.aspx?tagname=1910s:%20Epic%20Titanic%20Dinner%20Dress&groupid=2">Aubry (A Fractured Fairytale)</a></p><br>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-87601803459905198352012-02-25T19:24:00.001-08:002012-02-25T19:24:12.081-08:00the pleasure of your company<p align="center">
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.025.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.025w.jpg" border="0"></a></p> <p> Oy I have been neglecting this blog - my most sincere apologies! Planning and prepping for the Epic Titanic dinner has continued apace, I just haven't been blogging about it. Bad Jenny.</p>
<p>Invitations. I rarely send out paper invitations. It's partly due to utter laziness combined with a lack of planning ahead enough to get things mailed in time. I also enjoy the instant gratification of an email/web-based invite. In my defense people these days (myself included) seem to respond better if they can simply hit "reply". However the ETD seemed the perfect occasion to make an exception and send fancy invitations. Never mind that all my guests had already been invited and replied by email weeks before. I wanted that tangible piece of paper for the scrapbook. So the research began.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1910.invite.callingcard.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1910.invite.callingcardw.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>In Edwardian life being invited to a formal dinner party was not the rarity that it is today. At a time when restaurants were just becoming fashionable, dinners hosted in a private home were a very important part of social life. The dinner invitations of the time reflect this. </p>
<p align="center">
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1910.invite.gorest.png"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1910.invite.gorestw.png" border="0"></a></p>
<p>Invitations could be written by hand but frequently were more of a "fill in the blank" variety. Stationary would be pre-printed with the host's name, day of the week (hostesses typically entertained on a specific day of the week), the time and the address of the home. Details such as the date and guest's name would be filled in by hand for each dinner. </p>
<p align="center">
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1910.invite.governor.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1910.invite.governorw.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>Invitations for specific/special occasions did the same, this time pre-printed with all the details and simply the guest's name hand-written in. </p>
<p align="center">
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1865.invite.reply.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1865.invite.replyw.jpg" border="0"></a>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1918.invitation.reply.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1918.invitation.replyw.jpg" border="0"></a></p> <p>Replies were fairly standard as well, written on the guest's personal stationary. Replies were expected to be written the day the invitation arrived and it was extremely bad manners to decline an invitation to dinner unless one already had an engagement that night.</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0103.001.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0103.001th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.028.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.028th.jpg" border="0"></a></p> <p>This being a different sort of dinner party one hundred years later, I decided not to be too literal with my ETD invitation. Since I wouldn't be able to fit all the details on a 5x7" card I used the <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.wilson.invite">String of Pearls Pocket Invitation Kit by Wilton</a> (which I found at Jo-Ann's Fabrics on sale - yay). The kit was simple and classy and provided separate cards for the invitation, dinner details, after-party details and a reply card. I choose to keep the reply card blank so my guests could reply in their own words. (Getting those replies in the mail has been such fun!). I did include the modern self-addressed, stamped envelope.</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.026.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.026th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.030.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.030th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.034.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.034th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.036.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2012.0223.036th.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>I was traditional with the wording of the invitation, including hand writing each guest's name using a dip pen and ink bottle. I added red wax seals made of old fashioned sealing wax pressed with my seal (a rose) to the blank stickers that came with the kit. Once the ink was dry, the papers were stacked and folded in the wrapper I closed the flap with the faux seals. Each invitation was addressed by hand with the dip pen and ink and off they went...</p>
<p align="center">
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1853.invite.igugadon.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1853.invite.igugadonw.jpg" border="0"></a> </p>
<p>P.S. I found this charming invitation from 1853 in my research and while it wasn’t really applicable to the ETD it made me happy. Seriously how awesome is this? More information about it can be found <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/natureplus/community/library/blog/authors/georgiarogers?fromGateway=true">here</a> & <a href="http://www.cabinetmagazine.org/issues/28/selznick_serlin.php">here</a>.</p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-3723717294438505082012-01-05T06:22:00.000-08:002012-01-05T07:57:27.489-08:00Service à la Russe<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1907.escoffier.menu.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/1907.escoffier.menu.jpg" border="0"></a></p> <p>So what exactly is a Service à la Russe?</p>
<p>This type of table service is the grandfather of the multi-course tasting menus one finds today at fine dining restaurants like <a href="http://www.frenchlaundry.com">The French Laundry</a>, <a href="http://www.thefatduck.co.uk">The Fat Duck</a> or <a href="http://www.theinnatlittlewashington.com">The Inn at Little Washington</a>.</p>
<p>Before Service à la Russe, dinner was served in courses, with each course having a variety of meat and side dishes. These multi-dish courses would be served all at once on the table and it was the guest's job to carve or serve the dish in front of them as the plates went around the table. Afterward all the dishes would be removed and the table would be laid again with a new course with another variety of meat and side dishes. This was the standard dinner service, with slight variations, from the medieval period up into the Victorian period.</p>
<p>By the 1880s however the Service à la Russe (service in the Russian Style) was the standard for <a href="http://www.alexanderpalace.org/waitress/index.html?c=7">fashionable hostesses</a> and the newly popular and rapidly growing restaurant industry. For an at home Service à la Russe, dishes would be plated on platters (large tureens for soup) which would be carved/plated in view of the table at the side-board or passed around the table by servants for guests to serve themselves from. Etiquette dictated that a guest was to serve themselves, let they offend their hostess by not eating everything on their plate.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/menu.1911.titaniclaunch.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/menu.1911.titaniclaunchw.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>Elaborate Edwardian Service à la Russe dinners could have over 20 courses but 12-15 seems to be more of the standard. The layout of the menu was to build the palette up to the crescendo of the "roast" course (relevé) before easing it back down to a finishing cheese course (cheese was thought to aid in digestion). The idea was also to intersperse light courses between heavier courses, hence the idea of removes and refreshers. It's actually a very sound structure for a menu, from both a diner and kitchen perspective. It was also a good way so show off one's wealth or status with expensive ingredients, elaborate dishes and the necessity of several servants.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/menu.1906.romanic.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/menu.1906.romanicw.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>I've looked at many period Service à la Russe menus from various sources over the past few months (including those from the Titanic)and it’s amazing how consistent and yet different they are. <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047090027X">Escoffier</a></em> has been so helpful not only for his list of menus but in helping to decipher them and figure out the courses proper names. I was also lucky enough to find a collection of <a href="http://legacy.www.nypl.org/research/chss/grd/resguides/menus/">period menus at the NYPL</a> from an American collector (so nice to not have to translate everything!). </p>
<p>I could go on and on about how & why we chose each course and put it where we did and what the variations are but I'll spare you. Our menu is a nice representation of an Edwardian Service à la Russe dinner if I do say so myself. We will be having 13 courses:</p>
<p align="center">
hors d'oeurve<br>
clear soup<br>
fish<br>
entrée<br>
refresher<br>
relevé (roast)<br>
remove<br>
refresher<br>
cold savory<br>
fruit<br>
sweets<br>
cheese<br>
coffee</p>
<p>Umm... it looks so simple and uncomplicated when written out like that! Hahaha!</p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-74982278222725123942012-01-01T17:51:00.000-08:002012-01-02T06:51:42.874-08:00it all starts with the food<p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Dinner-Titanic-Menus-Recipes/dp/078686303X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313115178&sr=8-1"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/lastdinnerw.jpg" border="0" hieght="150"></a></p>
<p>So where do you start when you are planning a complicated dinner party? With the food of course!<p>
<p>The Titanic Dinner "bible" is undoubtedly <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Dinner-Titanic-Menus-Recipes/dp/078686303X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313115178&sr=8-1">Last Dinner on the Titanic by Rick Archbold & Dana McCauley</a></em>. If you are considering <em>ever</em> hosting a Titanic or Edwardian event sometime in your future get this book. In addition to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd class recipes, there are great notes on dining aboard the Titanic as well as excellent general notes on Edwardian dining and food customs. One of the things I like most about this book is its narrow focus. In my other research I've had to shift through earlier and later sources and try to figure out what is truly relevant to 1908-12. <em>Last Dinner on the Titanic</em> is the book I always come back to and my well-worn copy has been a wonderful starting point and source of inspiration over the years. <p>
<p>The recipes and menu guides are written for the enthusiastic novice which is both helpful and problematic. Surprisingly there is documentation for only a fraction of the meals that were served on Titanic and some of those dishes seem to be a mystery, even to the experts. So the recipes are a mixture of reasonably certain conjecture and complete conjecture. <p>
<p>Rather than simply following the step-by-step menus conveniently set out in LDoT I decided to make my life complicated by researching and reasoning out my own set of conjectures. I'm smart like that.<p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/escoffier.01cp.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/escoffier.01cpw.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
Enter the man who makes my brain hurt!<p>
<p>Auguste Escoffier at the height of his career was called the king of chefs (or chef of kings), he was *the* celebrity chef of his era. Highly influential in his day, he also changed the course of culinary history, codifying and modernizing French cooking and helping to establish French cuisine as the foundation of fine dining around the world. Escoffier also helped elevate cooking to a respected profession by introducing organized discipline to his kitchens, pioneering the brigade de cuisine system.<p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047090027X"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/leguideculinairew.jpg" border="0" hieght="150"></a></p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047090027X">Le Guide Culinaire by Escoffier</a></em> was first published in 1903 (the modern printing is from the 1921 edition) and changed the course of cooking forever. Escoffier was not writing for the novice however but for the professional. So I was prepared for a challenge when the box from Amazon.com arrived on my doorstep.<p>
<p>Hence the sore brain! But in a good way. <p>
<p>More than just the language differences (ha - that will teach me to let my French get so rusty!) <em>Le Guide Culinaire</em> is a book for people who know what they are doing. It’s short on explanations and long on assumptions of knowledge. I was warned about that from the online reviews though. </p>
<p>What surprised me the most is the huge learning curve to figure out the terminology. Granted I am home cook, but I love to cook "challenging things" so the techniques and ingredients aren’t completely foreign to me. However I know many of them by different names and the way the book is laid out is unlike any cookbook I’ve ever used. Part of it has to do with French linguistics (the vocabulary of cooking terms is more specific than in English) but part of it is the fact it’s a 100 years old. It's like switching from a modern translation of Beowulf to the Old English or switching to a King James Bible when all you've ever known is NIV. Whew! <p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/2011.0818.001w.jpg" border="0"></p>
<p>I started out skimming specific chapters containing dishes I had questions about but have since been reading it, more or less, from cover to cover. Priceless nuggets of information are so intertwined with and in the 5000+ recipes, if you read one or the other you miss a lot. I’m also getting my money’s worth out of the index and glossary, doing a lot of cross-referencing as I read. It’s like being back in school only without the manic note taking and tests. It has been worth it all in the end though - I've learned so much from Escoffier!<p>
<p>As I had suspected the recipes that are in both <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Dinner-Titanic-Menus-Recipes/dp/078686303X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313115178&sr=8-1">Last Dinner on the Titanic</a></em> and <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047090027X">Le Guide Culinaire</a></em> are very different. The LDoT recipes are both simplified and more complicated than what Escoffier offers. Some very interesting choices by the LDoT authors (which I'd love to know the reasoning behind!). So in those cases we added both versions to our recipe testing to compare. So far Escoffier has won more battles but recipe testing is the subject of another post...<p>
</p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-4613715453680620222011-12-30T20:14:00.000-08:002012-01-01T17:59:12.634-08:00The Epic Titanic Dinner<p align="center"> <img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2012/etd.01.jpg" border="0"></p>
<p>Let the madness begin! My family and I will be hosting dinner on Saturday April 7th 2012, to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the Maiden Voyage of the Titanic. Dinner will be a Service à La Russe of 13 courses. Chef Blanc-de-Blanc will be the chef for the evening. Immediately following the meal will be an Absinthe After-Party. This may include some or all of the following activities: gambling, poetry readings, dancing, visits by green fairies.</p>
<p>Yes it's true, my family and I have lost our minds! In reality I've been thinking about doing an "Epic" Titanic dinner for years and the excuse a 100th year anniversary affords is too good to pass up! After much thought and debate, and after getting the whole-hearted support of my family, I decided to host a dinner at my home rather than coordinate something at a restaurant, especially once I found out there would be a costumed Titanic Dinner at <a href="http://dressu2012.com">Dress U</a>. It wasn’t an easy decision, as I knew there would be consequences, but more than simply wanting an excuse to dress-up in a 1912 frock (which we’ll now have in June) I've been gripped by the challenge of recreating the extravagance and stylishness of the era that created RMS Titanic. It's a silly insane thing to do but my Dad and I are both keen to do it (there is NO way I'd attempt it on my own!). We simply want to look back and say just once we did it.</p>
<p><b>The Good News & the Bad</b><br>
So the good news is the food will be fabulous (if I do say so myself), bad news is space is very limited in my dining room. I can only seat 10-12 at the table which makes me sad as I want to invite everyone I know! Please forgive me if you haven't received an invitation for this event... I truly wish everyone could be included but alas the restrictions of my dining room and oven! *sad panda* I've been very flattered by how many of my out of state friends are willing to travel for this but also it meant my table filled up faster than I thought it would - opps!</p>
<p>Yes I said 13 courses. We are mixing documented Titanic dishes with other food from the period. We decided that rather than being too literal with the Titanic theme that we wanted an evening that reflected the period she sailed in. Following the dinner is the "Absinthe" after-party – so everyone can get out of their restrictive corsets and the "staff" can party too! I can't decide which part of the day I'm looking forward to most! </p>
<p>Needless to say over the past few months there has been lots of research, recipe testing, wine tasting, planning meetings and shopping as my family and I have prepped for the most complicated dinner any of us have ever done. I will be posting all the details of our party prep and foodie adventures here on my newly updated Mlle Hostess Blog. </p>
<p>And because planning an elaborate dinner party isn't enough to be going on with, there will be lots of 1912 costuming going on too - for me, Mom, Dad and the rest of the "staff". You can follow those adventures on my Costuming Blog, <a href="http://chezjennylafleur.blogspot.com/">Jennylafleur</a> or my <a href="http://jennylafleur.livejournal.com">Live Journal</a></p>. Oy I really am insane!</p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-46263801948632986672011-07-17T01:38:00.000-07:002011-12-30T19:13:02.276-08:00game night, Regency style<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2011.0716/2011.0716.067.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2011.0716/2011.0716.067w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>I'm pleased to say that my first Costumed Card Party last night was great fun! <br />
<br />
The evening was filled with lively games (Cribbage, Whist & Speculation), yummy but simple-to-prepare food (I should have bought more cream puffs!), and tasty beverages (including port, apple brandy & sparkling cider). For the first time I used all of what has become a very respectable collection of candelabras, and candlesticks for a total of 33 lit candles (thank goodness for Trader Joes dripless candles!). The result was magical - there is nothing like a room filled with the glow of candlelight. *le sigh* <br />
<br />
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2011.0716/2011.0716.008.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2011.0716/2011.0716.008w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>Of course my guests looked amazing in all their finery and I had way too much fun wearing my new Candy Cane dress and pearl tiara (from <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Seperwars-Store">seperwar</a> on Ebay). There were many lively discussions and laughter to be heard as well - I hope to have an evening like this again soon!<br />
<br />
Pictures of the evening can be found here:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/sets/72157627217046536">Jenny-Rose (me!)</a> - with a few of my favorites from others *wink*<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28557103@N08/sets/72157627090528991/">Gloria</a><br />
<a href="http://padawansguide.livejournal.com/1276660.html?style=mine#cutid1">Maggie</a><br />
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Videos!<br />
<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s0vZcMDfSwE?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br />
Stealth video of the shoe shot<br />
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<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qKA_oYK7bYo?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br />
Card Party: stealth video #1<br />
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<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c6zd41Rkkts?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br />
Card Party: stealth video #2jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-51199145227071719452011-01-18T01:37:00.000-08:002011-12-30T19:09:21.463-08:00Victoriana luncheon<p align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/sets/72157625728293099"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2011.0116/2011.0116.113w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>I'm happy to report the Victoriana Fete was a great success! I had a wonderful time, the food was fabulous and the company even better. Thanks to Dad volunteering to be our Chef for the day (Chef Blanc-de-Blanc) my simple little Fete morphed into a 6-course luncheon (with wines!). We are insane!</p>
<p>The food went off well, thanks to lots of pre-planning and excel spreadsheets with Dad. And of course the help of my kitchen <strike>slaves</strike> helpers/guests of honor Sara & Aubry. They helped me clear plates, pour the wine and serve. We make such a good team. It was a lot of work but it was a lot of fun. I don't expect to do anything like this for a good long while though! Whew!</p>
<p>The Menu:</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2011.0116/2011.0116.182.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2011.0116/2011.0116.182w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>Each course had it's corosponding beverage too:<br>
hors d'œuvre - Blanc-de-Blanc Champagne<br>
fish - Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio<br>
entree - Shiraz (Penfold's Bin 128)<br>
cheese - Ruby or Tawny Port<br>
dessert - coffee, & more champagne & port </p>
<p>We also had an alternative entree for my vegetarian guests, Wild Mushroom Ragoût in puff pastry. I nibbled off of Aubry's plate and that was tasty too - yay! I'm getting more comfortable with working around everyone's food allergies and diet restrictions, it's challenging but fun! I think my favorite course was the Stilton with local honey, walnuts and port - it really hit the spot! The creamed carrots were an untried recipe from the <em>Last Dinner in the Titanic</em> cookbook and they turned out to be really good. </p>
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<p>I'm happy to say my cake turned out well too, a huge thing since cakes are my weak point in baking. The marzipan was surprisingly easy to make, the marzipan roses not to much. Apparently I suck at making marzipan roses, Dad ended up making them all for me. Hee.</p>
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<p>After the rest of the party left <lj user="gilded_garb">, <lj user="girliegirl32786"> and I went outside for more pics and ended up in the woods behind my house for silly pics - it was such a ridiculous thing to do in our frocks but SO fun! After that we stripped down to our frilly Victorian undies and spent the evening drinking the open bottles of champagne, sparkling lemonade and wine - plotting and planning costumes for the rest of 2011. A perfect way to end the evening. </p>
<p>More photos from the party: <br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/sets/72157625728293099">Jenny-Rose</a> (plus a few favorites stolen from A&S!)<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubileel/sets/72157625714693415">Isabella </a><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21105913@N05/sets/72157625732099741">Sara </a><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aubrytamar/sets/72157625864026594">Aubry </a><br>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-79729188188369079212011-01-09T18:28:00.000-08:002011-12-30T19:00:31.786-08:00pre-party blathering<p align="center"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2011.0116.invitew.jpg" border="0"></p>
<p>This weekend is Sara and Aubry's visit. I'm SO beyond excited about that!! We are going to do a 6 course luncheon in instead of the useal buffet/fingerfood affair. I'm tired of the same old decorations and food. I would never attempt such a thing on my own (because I have already tried it and it is <b><em>impossible</b></em> to cook, serve, hostess and be in costume at the same time!) but Dad really wants to be a chef for the day. I love having a Dad that thinks this is a fun way to spend his weekend. I've been trying to not feel guilty about taking advantage of him, instead I have been teasing him that I'll be refering to him as Chef Blanc-de-Blanc for the day. :> </p>
<p>Doing a proper luncheon opens the feild to lots of yummy food possibilities to play with. I'm determined to make a cake, although the cake I really want to make is probably too ambitious, especially since cakes are my weak spot. But it would be so awesome if I can pull it off! </p>
<p>Another fun thing about doing a luncheon is that we recently got a few more pieces of my great-mother's china, silver and such. There is a particularly stunning silver vegetable serving dish I'm dying to use - I keep picturing asparagus with hollandaise in it but that isn't a very practical dish to make in costume (which I would have too since hollandaise shouldn't sit). So we'll see, I'll use it for something. I'll take any excuse to use the "fancy stuff" in the house.</p>
<p>Party plans are also progressing nicely too. I would never attempt such a thing on my own (becssue I already have and it is impossible to cook, serve, hostess and be in costume at the same time!) but Dad really wants to be a chef for the day. He is so funny. I was teasing him that he should be called Chef Blanc-de-Blanc. </p>
<p>Of course most my guests have no idea what they are walking into. We didn't decide to do a "luncheon" until a few days ago and I just haven't mentioned the change in plans to most of them. Hopefully it will be a good surprise! :></p>
<p>Now if I can just pin down those last RSVPs so I cn get the seating arrangments perfected...</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2011.0109.004.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2011.0109.004w.jpg" border="0" width="275"></a></p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-43841358747148686872010-10-24T01:34:00.000-07:002011-12-30T18:13:13.738-08:00a showering of blessings<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.012.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.012w.jpg" border="0" width="275"></a></p>
<p>This past Saturday I co-hosted a baby shower for a dear friend. I'm so glad I wasn’t on my own this time as it turned out to be a large affair. We ended up with over 50 guests! I kept joking that weddings are smaller than this shower. Still it was a blessing to be involved in something that held so much love - it really was a special event for a very special lady.</p>
<p>My co-host and I started planning the day we found out she was expecting back in March. Our reaction we pretty much "Oh congratulations, you know we are throwing your shower right? When do you want to have it?". All the advance planning and prep was probably a good thing since our friend and her husband wanted the gender of the baby to be a surprise. I had NO idea how gender specific the baby shower industry is. Dude does <em>everyone</em> find out their baby's gender ahead of time? Of course we worked around it but it did take a bit more effort and our choices for things were rather more limited. So those of you thinking of hosting a he/she baby shower, you have been warned! </p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.004.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.004th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.006.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.006th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.007.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.007th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.008.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.008th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.009.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.009th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.010.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.010th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.011.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.011th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.012.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.012th.jpg"></a>
<p>Of course we had way too much fun planning and keeping things from the Mom-to-be. The decorations were a big chunk of my responsibilities and I was so pleased when they came out better than I expected. The nursery’s theme was Jungle so that is what we went with, but in brighter, more primary colors. The space we were renting was a great price but a little white and cold so we went for COLOR! The tables had with multi-colored plastic tablecloths, zebra bandanas as toppers and were decorated with fresh flowers (the Mom-to-be's only request), framed art for the nursery (drawn by me in crayon, based on the fabric of the nursery), an assortment of toys and small items off the gift registry, votives filled with crayons, bright paper cups filled with M&M's & Skittles and of course confetti. 'Cause it's not a party without confetti.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.001.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.001th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.002.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.002th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.003.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.003th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.017.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.017th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.023.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.023th.jpg"></a>
The use of bright colors, mixed with a little black, was continued in the tablecloths/toppers of the cake table, food buffet, photo/guestbook table and the gift area - with lots of balloons and streamers everywhere to tie it all together. </p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.005.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.005th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.013.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.013th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.014.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.014th.jpg"></a>
<p>For the seat of honor we stole he Mom-to-be's rocking chair (with permission!) and surrounded it with a quilted wall hanging (a gift we were told about ahead of time) and my father's rocking chair holding a stuffed lion guarding the all-important box of tissues. The lion holding the in my rocker was my favorite part of the room. :></p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.030.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.030th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.020.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.020th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.027.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.027th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.034.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.034th.jpg"></a>
<p>Thanks to all the planning and some luck the day went off without a major hitch. The decorations came together better than I'd hoped, the food was super yummy (a group effort), we were right on schedule (no mean feat with that many gifts to open!) and clean-up was a breeze. I still came home feeling like I'd been hit by a truck but it was totally worth it! Now we just have to wait a little longer for "Monkey" to make his/her appearance! </p>
More photos from the shower cane be found <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/sets/72157625245954898/">here</a>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.014.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.1023.014w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-57646932542154495052010-06-29T01:28:00.000-07:002011-12-30T18:25:31.340-08:00picnic of pink<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.083.jog"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.083w.jpg" border="0" height="275"></a></p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/pinkpicnic2w.jpg" border="0"></p>
<p>On Monday after a lovely if brutally hot few days with Katherine, Megan, Aubry and other costuming friends in Williamsburg, we all made the trek back up to Fredericksburg for my Picnic. Despite being late afternoon by this time it was still ridiculously hot outside, although slightly cooler and less humid than the 107°F (with the heat index) temperatures we'd endured the day before. There was also chance of thunderstorms but after a pow-wow the vote was to risk rain and suffer the heat for a little while. We really wanted to be out on the green lawn if only for a little while. I'm so glad we stuck to the original plan as the rain never came, only a stiff breeze that keep us cooler (and outside!) longer than expected. Yay!</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.abe.003.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.abe.003th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.abe.007.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.abe.007th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.001.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.001th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.002.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.002th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.003.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.003th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.028.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.028th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.kcg.001.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.kcg.001th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.kcg.002.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.kcg.002th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.kcg.006.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.kcg.006th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.kcg.008.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.kcg.008th.jpg"></a>
<p>So we helped Aubry whip up a batch of lavender scones, set up the table, plated the food (all which I had made before I left for the weekend or bought that morning on the way home) and got dressed in our cool summery frocks. </p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.006.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.006th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.008.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.008th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.k004.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.k004th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.029.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.029th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.030.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.030th.jpg"></a>
<p>After a few quick photos we filled up our plates and picnicked under the shade of the trees. </p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.034.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.034h.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.043.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.043th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.052.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.052th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.55.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.055th.jpg"></a>
<p>By 6pm the temperature had cooled down enough for us to play a rousing game of badminton. That was super fun, especially Katherine's flying face plant in pursuit of the birdie. It really was a priceless moment.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.058.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.058th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.059.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.059th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.070.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.070th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.083.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.083th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.084.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.084th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.089.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.089th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.0093.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.0093th.jpg"></a>
<p>We then played a game of Speculation and spent some time inside the house to paw over the extant garments Isabella had brought before venturing back outside for sparkling lemonade toasts, party poppers and sparklers. So much fun! Poor Megan and Stephanie couldn't stay out very long because the mosquitoes were very fond of them, in spite of bug spray. So they had to watch through the patio door, which made for playful teasing on both sides of the glass.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.100.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0627/2010.0628.100th.jpg"></a>
<p>The party ended back inside with more chit-chatting, laughing and other friend goodness. I probably won't attempt a costumed picnic in late June again (It's just too hot!) but I'm so glad I did this one. Despite the heat and the sweat and the bugs I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Something you just have to do things that are a bit crazy - life is too short to always be practical, right?</p>
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Playing badminton at the picnic - part 1
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Playing badminton at the picnic - part 2
More photos from the weekend:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennylafleur/sets/72157624398666104/">Jenny-Rose</a>!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/76452380@N00/sets/72157624402627224"> Katherine</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aubrytamar/sets/72157624413785736/">Aubry</a>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-88214789177984618552010-05-30T01:26:00.000-07:002011-12-30T07:57:51.717-08:00celebrating 60 years<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.225.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.225w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>This May marked the 60th wedding anniversary of my Mother's parents. So how best to celebrate? With a party of course! Well really part family reunion, part wedding reception. My grandparents eloped (along with another couple) so they never had the full wedding reception experience. My mom and her siblings thought it was high time they did! </p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.030.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.030th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.022.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.022th.jpg"></a>
<p>Our inspiration for the theme, decorations and venue was my grandparent’s love of swing dancing & Big Band music. We rented a room from <a href=” http://strictlyballroom.net/ “>Strictly Ballroom</a> and chose a simple but elegant color scheme of black & red (inspired by their kitchen decor), using gingham checked fabrics (a favorite fabric) and roses (another favorite) for texture.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.021.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.021th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.003.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.003th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.011.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.011th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.004.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.004th.jpg"></a>
<p>For the "dining area" we used a set for screens decorated with fabric, photos and records to create a back drop for the head table and set up the tables in a horse-shoe pattern.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.006.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.006th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.005.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.005th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.046.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.046th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.004.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.004th.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.013.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.013th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.003.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.003th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.002.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.002th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.077.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.077th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.078.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.078th.jpg"></a>
<p>The tables were set with large records scoured from Goodwill as chargers, clear plastic plates (so the records would show through), silver plastic silverware, red roses in small arrangements and votive vases, small records, tea light candles in red glass votives and music & heart confetti.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.006.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.006th.jpg"></a>
<p>We created a "scrapbook" area with collage frames fill with pics of my grandparents, both before and after they met. The area also had a bookshelf full of photo albums and a slideshow of favorite photos playing. </p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.012.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.012th.jpg"></a>
<p>We also hung photos mounted on records on the glass wall in the middle of the room to tie the two spaces together. </p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.001.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.001th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.026.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.026th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.002.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.002th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.010.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.010th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.008.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.008th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.009.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.009th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.015.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.015th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.20.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.020th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.019.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.019th.jpg"></a>
<p>Our meal and dessert bar was catered by <a href="http://www.normandiecatering.com/">Normandie Catering</a> (we were very impressed - yummy food and very nice to work with!). The chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling covered in buttercream icing was by Malia Kennedy. So yummy and she did a great job creating the look we wanted (simple and textured like dotted Swiss, another fabric favorite of my grandmother).</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.099.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.099th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.014.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.014th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.025.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.025th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.026.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.026thth.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.029.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.029th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.118.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.118th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.022.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.022th.jpg"></a>
<p>We really surprised my grandparents by inviting the couple that they eloped with to help them celebrate. Both couples got to celebrate with the wedding cake, bouquets and boutonnières (made by me), a "first" dance to my Grandparents song (Moonlight Serenade) and the services of <a href="http://www.fsatatphoto.com">Valorie Mundie</a> who photographed the event for us. </p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.037.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.037th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.039.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.039th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.014.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.014th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.024.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.024th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.057.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.057th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.071.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.071th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.187.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.187th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.156.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.156th.jpg"></a>
<p>The event went very smoothly, except for the guests of honor being late so we had ran out of time for our complimentary swing dance lesson. Oh well! My grandparents were really overwhelmed at first but in the best possible way. It was a small guest list but all of their children and most of their grandchildren were there (including the ones living in CA). There were also speeches, toasts, lots of dancing, laughter, reminiscing and such like. It was all about the family time, which is so important to them.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.066.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.066th.jpg"></a>
<p>I was so grateful for my friend Jen and her husband who agreed to be <strike>slave labor</strike> a server for the day and for everyone who helped set up and clean up - whew!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.037.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2010.0529.vm.037w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-15092334922081559862010-05-26T15:29:00.000-07:002011-12-29T12:35:07.555-08:00lessons learned making French macarons<p align="center"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/blog/2010.0213.015w.jpg" border="0"></p>
<p>My long-overdue macaron post! I am of course no expert but since so many of you have asked, here are my thoughts on the tasty little things.</p>
<p><b><em>The Recipe</em></b><br>
The basic recipe I've been using with such success can be found @ <a href="http://www.travelerslunchbox.com/journal/2005/9/27/the-mighty-macaron.html">Travelers Lunchbox</a> while the buttercream recipe I love is from <a href="http://www.mytartelette.com/2009/12/recipe-candy-cane-macarons-eggnog.html"> My Tarteltte</a>. (I orginially used it for the candy cane buttercream (which I make by adding the candy to the buttercream rather than just rolling the edges) but liked it so much that I use it as the basic base for all my buttercreams fillings.)</p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/blog/2010.0424.086w.jpg" border="0"></p>
<p>Macarons are really very simple, just persnickety. If you can make a meringue you can make a macaron. However there are a few tricks and, more importantly, a few variables you need to be aware of. </p>
<p>With macarons you are following an unshakable formula when it comes to the dry-wet ratio of sugar to egg whites to almonds. There is a great explanation of this ratio <a href="http://www.syrupandtang.com/macarons">here</a>. However the rest of a macaron recipe needs to be, um shall we say... flexible. </p>
<p><b><em>Variables in Macaron Making</em></b></p>
<p>1. Almond flour. <br>
I've been using the same brand of flour from the same source and yet each batch is different in exactly how fine the almonds have been ground. It's a easy fix though, combine your flour with the powdered sugar and sift. (It will go through the sifter much better with the sugar - trust me!) If it will go through a sifter it will make nice macarons, it doesn't have to be almond dust. </p>
<p>2. Humidity / Climate<br>
Don't take the word of a macaron recipe on how long the piped batter should dry out before baking. I've seen everything from 30 minutes to 6 hours. You'll need to experiment to find what the perfect time is for your climate. For me, living in Virginia and baking in the winter/spring, I get the best results when I let the piped batter sit for about 1.5 hours, depending on the relative humidity that particular day. In the summer I expect that time to increase a bit as the humidity increases.</p>
<p>The freshness of your eggs and whether they are organic, farm fresh or not can make a difference too so be aware of that. Do a test batch, letting your trays of piped macarons sit for various times to discover the "sweet spot" for you.</p>
<p>3. Oven temperature<br>
Again don't take the word of the recipe on this. I found my macarons do best at a slightly lower temperature, I guess my oven is a bit hot? I also bake them for slightly less time. Do make sure that your oven is fully up to temp though before you start baking, especially if you are doing multiple batches and want consistency in the finished results.</p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/blog/2009.1222.021w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p><b><em>A Couple More Tips</em></b><br>
Under-mixing is as disastrous as over-mixing. Macaron batter turns out to be much more hardy than you'd think - don’t be afraid to stir it like I was! You need to mix it until all the ingredients are combined and then continue to mix until small peaks of batter dissolve into a flat surface in the batter bowl. (The batter should not spread once it’s piped.) Putting it another way, it should have the consistency of flowing magma. So it should flow, not be stiff (note chocolate macarons will be a bit more stiff than other macarons) but do be careful - the difference between stiff and overbeaten can be one stir around the bowl!</p>
<p>Some recipes call for you to let the egg whites sit out for anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight before you whip them. I haven't found this necessary but be all means experiment!</p>
<p>I also noticed some recipes (particularly the ones in French) want you to layer multiple baking trays when you bake the macarons. I experimented with this and found I actually got better results (better feet!) if I didn't. It's worth experimenting with though since it obviously works for someone out there.</p>
<p>Proper cooking parchment paper really does work the best. I've also tried silpat mats and wax paper with not so good results.</p>
<p>Gel food coloring works better than liquid food coloring, especially if you want a medium to intense color. Too much liquid dye tips the magical balance of the wet-dry ratio, resulting in runny batters and no feet on your macarons. For extra flavoring try a gel-based vanilla bean extract for the same reason. </p>
<p>Don't store them in plastic as they will get soggy. Or at least it does if you live in a more humid climate like me! I've found a cookie tin lined in wax paper keeps them the longest. </p>
<p>They taste much better if you fill them the night before and let the flavors meld. It's also one the the real keys to having a crunchy outside and a chewy inside.</p>
<p><b><em>Chocolate Macarons</em></b><br>
My tips for good chocolate macarons is to use the recipe above (the chocolate variation is at the bottom of the page). Also because you can’t add more if the flavor isn’t chocolaty enough, be sure to use a very high quality organic coco powder. I tried an organic non-Dutch process last time and was really happy with it! I also add a dash of instant espresso powder. It intensifies the flavor making the chocolate taste more chocolaty. It's magic!</p>
<p>Man that is a lot to say about something I’m not an expert on! Well I hope that it is helpful and will help you not make some of the mistakes I’ve made along the way. Happy baking!</p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-65498714128703981992010-02-15T15:01:00.000-08:002011-12-29T12:18:04.950-08:00fête in actionI had my Mom take a couple of stealth videos while we were plaing Speculation at the Fete...
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HZxwEp9iuDA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
dealing, antes, & coins for macarons
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paying 20 coins for a Queen only to lose three cards later to an Ace...jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-63089654674802361562010-02-14T01:25:00.000-08:002011-12-29T12:17:52.321-08:00fête for a queen<p align="center"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/blog/2010.0213.invitew.jpg" border="0" width=90%></p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.004.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.004th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.005.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.005th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.007.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.007th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.005.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.005th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.022.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.022th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.010.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.010th.jpg"></a>
<p>I love it when a party comes together! The morning of the Fête Aubry and I had great fun setting and decorating the tables. I was able to use Great-Grandmother's china, her silver flatwear and my beloved candelabras. Even the roses I'd bought a few days before were beautifully opened up - perfect!</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.009.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.009th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.011.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.011th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.014.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.014th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.015.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.015th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.018.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.018th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.025.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.025th.jpg"></a>
<p>The food also fulfilled my vision. The menu consisted of sylibub, queen's cake, elcairs, peanut soup, mini quiche, pineapple & cream cheese sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, walnut & cream cheese sandwiches, and lettuce sandwiches</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.011.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.011th.jpg"></a>
<p>Then there were the macarons. They really were worth the effort. The Peppermint macarons (which we nick-named "<a href="http://www.koshka-the-cat.com/">Koshka</a> macarons" because of the green & pink color scheme) were vanilla macarons with candy cane buttercream. The Violet macarons featured violet essence and a dark chocolate ganache filling. The rose macarons were rosewater & rose petals with a lemon peel buttercream. Can you tell Aubry and I had way too much fun coming up with these flavor combinations?</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.012.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.012th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.016.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.016th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.017.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.017th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.023.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.023th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.027.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.027th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.093.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.093th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.097.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.097th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.100.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.100th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.019.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.019th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.043.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.043th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.041.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.041th.jpg"></a>
<p>The Fête itself was wonderful. We ate, we talked, we played <a href="http://www.davidparlett.co.uk/histocs/speculat.html">Speculation</a>, took pictures, had a fabric giveaway, ate, talked, and laughed even more. It was a wonderful time with some very special ladies. And we all looked fabulous too! It's really been a rough couple of weeks for me, especially with the snow and the house-bound isolation that came with it. I can't even tell you how much I needed the weekend. *sigh* Thank you ladies!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.081.jog"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.081w.jpg" border="0" height="275"></a></p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-67056040878994975812010-02-12T01:23:00.000-08:002011-12-28T14:52:01.050-08:00let them eat macarons<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0212.001.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0212.001w.jpg" border="0" width="275"></a></p>
My friend Aubry arrived a few days early to help me prep for the Fete. Friday was macaron day so we were in the kitchen and on our feet pretty much the whole day. We discovered that three batches of French macarons in one day is no small feat!
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.003.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.003w.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0212.005.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0212.005w.jpg" border="0" height="275"></a></p>
<p>We had our share of issues, including the Barney macarons, the ganache with an attitude, and the over-whipped egg whites but all in all Baking Day was fun. Nothing like a few slight kitchen disasters to keep us humble and entertained! </p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.001.html"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0213/2010.0213.abe.001w.jpg" border="0" width="275"></a></p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-85000978063962099572009-12-06T22:23:00.000-08:002011-12-29T11:59:00.347-08:00renewing vows<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.015.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.015w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>I love bartering. In exchange for <strike>slave labor</strike> help and her professional photographer services at an event I'm planning for next year I agreed to be the event planner and make-up artist for my friend's 10th wedding anniversary vow renewal and reception. </p>
<p>My friend wanted it nice but simple, which was good with her really small budget. She gave me a free hand so it turned out to be a lot of fun to design, shop for and execute. The original wedding was in early December and had a color scheme of Christmas red & green so that is what I ran with.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.001.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.001th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.002.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.002th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.003.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.003th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<p>This was a light refreshment reception so I set it up for maximum flow and mingling with some small round tables plus chairs set in semi circles.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.0014jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.004th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.005.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.005th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.012.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.012th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<p>The church sanctuary was already decorated for Christmas so that was easy! The decorations in the fellowship Hall were indeed simple but very effective with white table clothes and silk poinsettias borrowed from the church, green and red cloth napkins (Wal-mart), fish-bowl vases filled with xmas tree garland, glass ornaments and glittered flower picks (Wal-mart, Target, Michaels) and bud vases with fresh roses (flowers left over from the bouquets, vases from my collection). I finished everything off with a sprinkle of confetti (Party Store, Pier One).</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.011.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.011th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.010.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.010th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.007.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.007th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.017.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.017th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.009.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.009thth.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.008.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.008th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.006.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.006th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<p>The food table I decorated with an ivory table cloth covered white icicle lights and glass ornaments covered with white tulle (all from my collection). </p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.013.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.013th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.015.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.1205.015th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<p>I think my favorite part were the bouquets and boutonnières though. I love making them and rarely get a chance. Yay!</p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-23451126303173653362009-09-28T01:20:00.000-07:002011-12-29T11:59:59.259-08:00retreating 2009<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.002.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.002w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>The retreat is over! I feel like I've been run over by a truck but it was worth it.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.005.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.005th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.008.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.008th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.009.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.009th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.006.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.006th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<p>After packing my parents mini-van to the gills with everything for decorating the bedrooms, the meeting space, the snack tables, the "Garden Party" on Saturday, the dining rooms and the boxes of favors & treats for each attendee we made our way to the lovely retreat center in the Blue Ridge Mountains.</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/20092009.0925.012.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.012th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.018.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0925.018th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<p>Thanks to all the help and all the pre-organization (I learned last year that packing bins by project/room is key!) we were done with set-up right on schedule!</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.002.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.002th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.001.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.001th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.013.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.013th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.015.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.015th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.021.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.021th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.020.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.020th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.029.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.029th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.031.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.031th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.030.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.030th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.024.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.024thth.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.022th.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.022th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.038.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.038th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<p>The result was girly & fun and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Yay! </p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.026.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.026th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.028.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.028th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.029.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.029th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.012.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.012th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.027.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0926.027th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<p>The "Garden Party" we particularly festive and fun to set up. You know me I love to party! </p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.030.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0927.030w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-50700651565840591972009-09-01T22:20:00.000-07:002011-12-28T06:46:51.376-08:00to abide<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.mswfall06.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.mswfall06w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>I have been busy behind the scenes this summer working on my churches annual Women's Retreat. I am one of two coordinators, mostly in charge of the "look", decorating, shopping and other pre-retreat prep work. Our first meeting was in June and I've been running around like a mad-woman ever since!</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.jandavidszdeHeem.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.jandavidszdeHeemth.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.mswfall06.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.mswfall06th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.rrcenterpiece.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.rrcenterpieceth.jpg" border="0"></a>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.emily-jack06.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.emily-jack06th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.gina-linton2.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.gina-linton2th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.candlearmy.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.candlearmyth.jpg" border="0"></a>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.mediumur239.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0601.mediumur239th.jpg" border="0"></a>
<p>Last year the theme was the Potter & the Clay so the "look" was earthy, subdued colors. The topic this year is Abiding in Christ, which visually could be anything so I thought something bright and cheery would be a nice change. I thought of vines and grapes at first but that seemed too predicable for a Women’s retreat so that turned into being inspired by Dutch Masters still life, with a bright color palette of pink, orange & yellow.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0917.000.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0917.000w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>Today, after some testing and playing, I finalized the arrangements that will decorate all the bedrooms at the retreat center. </p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0917.001.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0917.001w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>
<p>This finalized arrangement will be on the tables in the dining hall.</p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-53716958320501284362009-05-16T20:55:00.000-07:002011-12-27T21:21:09.767-08:00Mother-Daughter Tea 2009<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.012.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.012w.jpg" border="0"></a> </p>
<p>Here are pictures from the Mother-Daughter Tea that I coordinated for my church last weekend. It took a year of planning and a lot of hard work for sure but it did turn out pretty if I do say so myself! Thanks to all who helped make it happen, especially V and my parents - you guys rock!</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.001.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.001th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.005.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.005th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.006.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.006th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.009.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.009th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.011.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.011th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.017.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.017th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.030.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.030th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.024.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0509.vm.024th.jpg" border="0"></a>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-30107844885499498092009-05-07T00:46:00.000-07:002011-12-27T21:52:50.738-08:00individual and unique<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0515.002.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0515.002w.jpg" border="0"></a> </p>
<p>The menus are done! I think these are my favorite part of the Tea decoration. Each one is individual and unique which takes a surprising amount of effort to ensure. Not that I care at this point- I love them so!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0515.005.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0515.005w.jpg" border="0"></a></p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-78781659672423999252009-04-29T21:40:00.000-07:002011-12-27T21:45:46.637-08:00Who's idea was this anyway?<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0429.001.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0429.001w.jpg" border="0"></a> </p>
<p>So it only took two days, four trips to Jo-Anns, four bottles plus two boxes of dye and two cuts of muslin (since I cut it wrong the first time) but the Mother-Daughter Tea mural fabric is a pretty shell pink that doesn't clash with anything and ready to has been handed off to the mural painter. Whew!</p>
<p>Who's idea was this whole dyeing the mural fabric thing anyway? Oh right, that would be me.
</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0429.002.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0429.002w.jpg" border="0"></a> </p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-89205101500367000282009-03-10T21:37:00.000-07:002011-12-27T21:38:34.353-08:00ready for spring<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0203.007.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0203.007w.jpg" border="0"></a> </p>
<p>My next big event is the Mother-Daughter Tea for my church in May. No rest for the wicked! This will be the third Mother-Daughter tea I've been involved with (my second as the coordinator) and this year I'm taking my inspiration from spring, cherry blossoms and textured paper - I'm realy liking the results! </p>
<p>Last month a friend and I spent an evening with our <a href="http://www.creativememories.com/">Creative Memories paper punches</a> to create 60 paper flowers to adorn the menus. We also punched blossom shaped confetti for the tables and little flowers to accent the name cards. Yes we are crazy.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0310.019.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0310.019w.jpg" border="0"></a> </p>
<p>Today was a meeting with my volunteers so I took the opportunity to experiment with the table settings with the things I've purchased so far. I got a good reaction and I really like it so I'm excited - yay!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0310.013.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0310.013w.jpg" border="0"></a> </p>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-5641262094314192552009-02-17T11:00:00.000-08:002011-12-27T20:11:23.173-08:00beloved favors<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0203.005w.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0203.005w.jpg"></a></p> To favor or not to favor, that is the eternal question! <br /><br />For what it's worth I happen to think that favors, like almost all elements of a wedding or party, are optional. A big key to lowering party planning stress is to prioritize what is actually important to you. If favors will make you happier, go for them. If you aren’t inspired by the idea or they are stressing you out, skip it. In 5 years the majority of your guests won't be able to remember IF you gave a favor or what it was anyway!<br /><br />This being my philosophy I'm hit & miss about giving favors at my events. It depends on the event, the budget and whether I'm in the mood or not. However when I do take the plunge to favor I'm a huge fan of eatable favors. Things that don't have to be dusted or stored make the best favors in my book. Also if it's something tasty you never have to worry about what to do with the leftovers (and it doesn't matter what you do, there are <em>always</em> leftover favors!). <br /><br />Simple is always better. Favors should make an impact but there is no need to make things too complicated or expencive. Seriously no one really cares anyway.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.012w.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.012w.jpg"></a></p> Case and point? The favors for the Beloved Dinner-Dance, which came out pretty darn cute if I do say so myself. <br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.003w.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.003w.jpg"></a></p> the container: <br />a 2x2 silver favor box, from <a href="http://www.efavormart.com">efavormart.com</a>, <br />black dots, made from cardstock & a <a href="http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/sharonbreakfield/catalog-index?event=productdetails&eventId=1165&productGroupId=&categoryId=268&categoryIdParm=%7C191%7C262%7C&pageTitle=Circle+Maker&relatedItem=N&qtyOrdered=&productId=&itemSku=&act=&selectedCategory=263">Creative Memories shape maker</a><br />wooden snowflake table confetti, from World Market<br /><br /><p align="center"> <br /><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.002.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.002th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.005.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.005th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.006.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.006th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.007.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.007th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.009.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.009th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.010.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.010th.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.011.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.011th.jpg"></a> </p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.013w.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0206.013w.jpg"></a></p> the inside:<br />blue cello wrap, <br />four coco powder covered chocolate truffles, from Costco<br /><br />the cost: $.65 a piece<br />the verdict: yummy! Lots of empty boxes were found, so guests didn't even take them home but enjoyed them then and there!jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-41943161638269942102009-02-15T20:20:00.000-08:002011-12-27T20:33:07.450-08:00a romantic winter wonderland<p align="center"><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.025.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.025w.jpg" border="0"></a> </p>
<p>I so pleased with the way the Beloved Dinner-Dance event turned out! It’s hard not to love a room full of soft candlelight, silver candelabras and silver sparkles. It was definitely romantic and not typically “St Valentines Days” so mission accomplished I think. Yay!</p>
<a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.001.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.001th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.010.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.010th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.003.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.003th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.011.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.011th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.014.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.014th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.013.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.013th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.009.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.009th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.002.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.002th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.026.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.026th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.029.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.029th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.019.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.019th.jpg" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.006.jpg"><img src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.0213.vm.006th.jpg" border="0"></a>jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299692699193426083.post-24251606460645254632009-02-10T18:39:00.000-08:002011-12-27T20:05:08.472-08:00glitter!<p align="center"> <img border="0" src="http://www.jennylafleur.com/hostess/2009.glitter.bmp"></p> <em>Rule # 26841<br />Glitter gets everywhere.</em><br /><br />My house, my driveway, my cats and my favorite black sweater are covered in silver glitter... so who's idea was the theme for Beloved anyway?! <br /><br />Oh yeah. That would be me... *looks sheepish*jennylafleurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858096164644276409noreply@blogger.com0