{Party} It’s summer time and the livin’ involves cobbler

26 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, Entertaining

Tags

It’s been a very long time since I published a post with a recipe attached to it. But it’s summertime and who doesn’t think of a piping hot cobbler made with fresh berries, straight from the kitchen with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top? Other than strawberry shortcake, I can’t think of a dessert that says summer better than cobbler.

This recipe comes via Blackberry Farm Cookbook. I first read about this amazing farm/inn from Talk of the House and from her post alone, I decided I had to have the cookbook which was scheduled to be published just in time for Christmas. Kevin and Sarah bought it for me and I decided I needed to prepare the cobbler for Father’s Day dinner, when they could enjoy it with us.

Details about Blackberry Farm from their book: Nestled in the blue mists of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, the 10,000-acre bucolic refuge of Blackberry Farm houses a top-rated small inn with one of the premier farm-to-table restaurants in the country. This sumptuous cookbook offers a collection of recipes that are as inspired by the traditional rustic cooking of the mountainous south as they are by a fresh, contemporary, artistic sensibility. Some of the dishes are robust, others are astonishingly light, all are full of heart and surprise and flavor — and all are well within the reach of the home cook.

For information on the book visit Amazon.

{image source}

Blackberry Cobbler

[Blackberry Farm Cookbook]

8 cups fresh blackberries

1 ¼ c. sugar

Zest and juice of ½ lime

1 Tablespoon cornstarch

1 ¼ c. all-purpose flour

1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (I omitted the salt because I used salted butter)

6 Tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes and chilled

¼ cup buttermilk

1. Preheat the oven to 350°

2. In a large bowl, toss together blackberries, 1 cup of the sugar, and the lime zest. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and the cornstarch until smooth. Drizzle the lime juice mixture over the blackberry mixture and toss to combine. Scrape the blackberry mixture into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or any other oven proof pan. (I used an oval baking dish).

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and the remaining ¼ cup sugar. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flower mixture until it is the texture of coarse meal. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the buttermilk into the well and stir with a fork until the mixture comes together. Crumble the dough evenly over the top of the blackberry mixture.

4. Bake the cobbler for 40 minutes or until the blackberry filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Let the cobbler rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

In addition, as per my usual pairing of a good recipe, here are some lovely table settings with the season in mind.

{unknown}

{source}

Do you have a favorite summer dessert? Share, I’d love to try it. There are some desserts that just taste best when served during the season.

I’m linked to: Art @ Home for her Happy List ~and~ Kim over at Savvy Southern Style for her Wow us Wednesday ~and~ Stone Gable’s : Tutorials and Tidbits.

{GHP} Let’s go on a picnic!

19 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, Drink, Family, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Traditions

≈ 28 Comments

Tags

Picnic

Because this is National Picnic Week…

I think it’s time to pack a picnic and head someplace picturesque and relaxing. Want to come along? This idea of picnicking has become an annual theme for me, but when I read about this cookbook by Tori Finch I couldn’t resist another dream picnic.

By the way, full disclosure, I never really got around to taking a picnic someplace other than our patio in the backyard last summer. Enjoying the relaxation of a view, food that’s delicious and easy to eat without fuss, and maybe a bottle of wine (or a jug of iced tea) just never happened. The last grown-up, memorable picnic I went on with Mr. B was before we had children and it was in this picturesque spot…

[Note: We enjoyed picnics when the kids were growing up, but they were always more play than relaxation—I look forward to continuing that tradition with grandchildren]

{Crescent Bay Point Park ~ Laguna Beach, California}

In fact, when I think of going on a picnic I think of this location. During summer months nature’s air conditioning works beautifully to keep it comfortable and there are picnic tables and benches to use or you can spread your blanket out on the grass. The view is guaranteed to relax you.

But since this post is as much about the idea of a picnic as it is a travel plan, I have some images that are what I imagine a picnic would be like in a perfect world. Of course, this is my car! Isn’t it cute with that little picnic basket attached?

{source}

{Turkey Caprese Sandwich ~ Martha Stewart}

Packed in that pretty blue and white picnic basket I might make the Turkey Caprese Sandwich from Martha Stewart for me and the egg salad (below) for Mr. B.

{source}

I love the idea of a wine box shipping crate (large enough) to use as a little table for a picnic…okay, maybe the cloche and footed cookie plate with dome are a bit over the top, but I love the flowers and the quilt.

{source}

This is my kind of picnic…the shade of a tree in the country, maybe the soft sounds of a stream nearby….ahhh, what could be better?

{source}

{unknown}

Why stick with the predictable cookie for dessert when you can have these at the ready for the end of the meal? I don’t have a recipe but I believe it’s a simple shortbread cookie (that may be cooked so as to be slightly chewy), whipped cream and large strawberries cut and skewered. How fun.

{source}

No matter how you get there…by car

{source}

~or~

{source}

Will you be making time for a picnic this summer? Tell me what you usually prepare, or do you benefit from a great deli nearby that can make the perfect sandwich?

I’ve linked to Savvy Southern Style for her Wow us Wednesday! ~and~ I’ve joined Ricki Jill at Art @ Home for her What makes me Happy!

{Garden, Home and Party} Celebrating the season with a party!

15 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Entertaining, Flowers, House and Home

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Spring

Garden: Spring is truly magical, with the seemingly overnight transformation of our outdoor surroundings from austere to vibrant. I marvel at how quickly the yard can burst with color, including large doses of every shade of green. I’ve shared with you how work in my garden always makes me happy. I understand not everyone shares my enthusiasm, but those of you that delight in planting summer flowers or bulbs, understand the joy the warmer, longer days can bring the avid gardener.

I planted hydrangea in the urn to the left of the door, it’s the softest pink. Most of the flowers in the front yard are white or blue. Pink was my nod to the fresh innocence of spring. I’m such a dare devil with color, lol.

When the warm weather visits we spend a lot of time in our backyard. {Sorry about the glare on this image below, even though it was overcast, it was still very bright, one of the things I like best about spring}.

I know this spring has had issues…like snow in late April in some parts of the U.S., but when it’s perfect weather-wise, do you enjoy the great outdoors?

Home: Some of the steps I take around the house to seasonalize for spring:This time of year, with the addition of a few extra hours of daylight, the windows are open more often, the woolen throws are carefully stored and I put out some birds nests I’ve collected over the years. {I only take the ones that are vacated by the family of wren, sparrows and hummingbirds}. I’ve found most of them in our yard, and I love the intricate construction of each one.

I have a lot of roses in my garden, but surprisingly the ones that provide a constant source of flowers for cutting are the hardy, shrub Iceberg roses and my Eden climbing rose. I love bringing fresh flowers into our home all spring and summer.

I love the color of these orchids (above), a gift from a friend. They look like spring to me, along with the twig planter, it almost reminds me of a nest.

Fresh fruit is another way to give a room a touch of spring.

…and finally, I bring out my little bronze birds to remind me spring is in the air.

Party: I like to cook, I find it to be a creative outlet. Mr. B and I don’t usually eat large meals during the week. My work schedule facilitates simple menus for the weekday meal. By entertaining friends and family, I’m able to try new recipes with the added bonus of trying out new table settings (another passion). Spring swings the door wide open with possibilities and options for mixing things up in the table setting department.

I use this white planter (which you can barely see in this picture) outdoors when it’s not providing me with plenty of maiden- hair fern and ivy for a table arrangement. I buy small pots of seasonal flowers and plug them in where needed. It’s an inexpensive way to dress the table with natures best work.

So are you ready? Share some of your favorite ways to enjoy the season…

I’ll be eager to see what you’ve been up to.

Note: Due to my blog being hosted by WordPress.com, Inlinkz has you click on the icon below to insert your link. Sorry for the extra step. ~and~ a huge thank you to my friend Victoria “Restoring our 1890 Victorian” for helping me with this.

I’ll be linking up with Tracie at a Fishtail Cottage, stop by and say hi.

{Party} Meatloaf, recipe variations

06 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Food, House and Home, Recipes

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Meatloaf

As I mentioned in my Valentine’s Dinner post, meatloaf, especially in the winter months, is a comfort food…for some, not for me. It is one of Mr. B’s favorite meals and it used to be a favorite of my father’s. I can remember mom making a huge meatloaf and then we would eat meatloaf sandwiches for a couple of days after she served the beast.

{1770 House Meatloaf ~ Ina Garten, Foolproof}

Years ago, when my mom fixed meatloaf for Mr. B (shortly after we were married) on our drive home he said, “why don’t you ever fix meatloaf?” To which I stated, “because I don’t really care for it”…yep, I can be selfish that way. After giving it some thought I decided maybe it was my mom’s meatloaf that I really didn’t like (bless you, mom) so I began trying meatloaf recipes from a wide array of sources.

{source}

{Charlotte Moss}

I hit upon a recipe that I was certain couldn’t be rivaled in a 2001 Bon Appetit. The March issue featured a meatloaf called “Red-Onion Meat Loaf“. Since Mr. B loved red onion and I didn’t mind it I figured I’d give it a go. It’s a delicious recipe and I’ve given you the link so that you can easily print it and try it yourself.

{source}

Then, a few years ago we were watching Bobby Flay’s Throw Down, on Food TV. He threw down for a meatloaf cook-off with the Collucci brothers of Hyannis, Mass. They have been serving their meatloaf recipe for generations at the Collucci’s 4 Brothers Bistro & Last Resort. I seem to remember that Bobby lost the throw down, but it was his recipe that sounded best to Mr. B. and I. I’ve been making the recipe ever since…until Ian Garten’s new Foolproof cookbook had a recipe for 1770 House meatloaf. I had to try it. It’s delicious but Mr. B, and fortunately, I agree that Bobby Flay’s recipe still wins our cravings, hands down.

{source}

Click on the link for each recipe and give them a try if you and yours love meat loaf. I’ve included table settings to jazz things up a bit. Hey, if you’re going to eat you have to set the table, right?

{Martha Stewart ~ photo by Maura McEvoy}

Do you like meatloaf? If you have a wonderful recipe, I’d love to borrow it. I’m always searching for the next “best” meatloaf ever for my honey!

{Happy 40th Anniversary, Mr. B}

{Party} Please join us for a Valentine’s dinner

13 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, Entertaining, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

Valentine's Day

{Slim Paley}

There was a time when I would have thought of St. Valentine’s Day strictly as a date for two. As I’ve matured I find that any occasion can be more fun with a small group of close friends.

So my post for today is an invitation for you to join us for a Valentine’s dinner…this is pure fantasy, unless all of you can manage a flight to California and join us in real life!

My invitation will be simple, but I enjoy receiving hard copy invitations so I think I’ll order this for my informal dinner party…

I don’t know who the Logan’s (below in sample invite) are but I wouldn’t expect guests to leave my party at 10:00 p.m., lights out at our home would be 10:30…ha,ha,ha. Just kidding, I think parties have a way of letting you know when they are winding down, organically, don’t you agree? Honestly, none of our friends ever overstay their welcome and we all seem to get tired after several hours of good food, good wine and good conversation.

{via Tiny Prints}

All of you will know my house because you’ve been there many times before…

{remember, this is pretend}

For table settings and flowers I can go in a few different directions. Below are some of my ideas, maybe you should weigh in and let me know which table you’d most enjoy…

Here is my Valentine table last year, or the year before, I don’t remember. I could use the same cloth but the Petite Fleur dishes might be too busy for meatloaf, what do you think?

This (above) table is technically one I found around Christmas, but the frosty greens could be traded out for others while the mercury glass and silver and white, especially with the pearl heart, could easily work for St. Valentine’s Day.

The red and white grain sack cloth with the red candles really work for the holiday…I love the simplicity of this with the fire in the grate and candles on the mantle, what could be more inviting or romantic?

I love the detailing on these candelabras, and the tailored feel to the black and white linens and dishes. This is totally a Valentine’s look that I could get behind.

I will have fresh flowers in the house and probably keep to the traditional selection of colors where they are concerned…and I’m sure the price of flowers for that weekend will be astronomical. Is it too late to cancel this imaginary dinner? LOL

If only I could find these beauties in my garden, its still a little early for me to have enough to cut and bring in ~ via Studio Choo

I prefer simple appetizers since I don’t want you to fill up on a first course only to discover you’re not hungry when the main course is served. This (on a smaller but similar scale) is what I’ll set out for guests.

~and~

Because St. Valentine’s Day lands in the winter, I plan to serve you a hearty fare.

Cheese board ~ Olives ~ Bread

1770 house meatloaf

Mashed potatoes

Green Beans Gremolata

Dessert: Brownies with homemade Caramel Sauce

and

Vanilla Ice Cream

{Photo by Jenny Steffens Hobick} ~if you love to cook, please visit Everyday Occasions blog, you will be inspired with her wonderful recipes and beautiful design ideas.

{Peeking Thru the Sunflowers}

So what’s planned for those of you that can’t make it to our house for dinner?

xo, Karen

I’m over at Stone Gable for her Turtorials and Tips party.

I want to send a special thank you to Debby at the fabulous Inspired Design for hosting a book giveaway that I won! {By the way, she’s hosting another book giveaway this week, you may want to stop by and comment to be entered}

This is going to be on my nightstand until I plan my next trip to Paris, then I’ll take it with me on the plane. It’s filled with beautiful images and fabulous insider tips for traveling to the city of light and romance.

Note: On my previous post about my friend’s house I inadvertently made a few errors about the age of some of the lighting fixtures. I’ve corrected the errors HERE.

{Party} It’s the season for comfort food

01 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Recipes

≈ 21 Comments

Tags

comfort food

Okay, so maybe I wouldn’t throw a party and serve comfort food, or would I? Why not? In any case I’m sharing my favorite winter comfort food recipe with you today. I was motivated to do this, in part, because The Polohouse has made comfort food her “Favorites on the First” topic and since the weather here in the U.S., even in Southern California, is very cool what better time to prepare soul warming, calorie loaded comfort food. Consider it my way of forcing the inevitable must exercise more goal.

I confess, comfort food does just what it’s supposed to do to me when I eat it. I feel satisfied and comfortable, even relaxed. That might be caused by the over- abundance of calories in most of my favorite comfort foods, but either way, we don’t indulge that often and only when the NEED arises.

So, here you go. This is a winner for my family. It’s an Emeril Lagasse recipe, but my dear friend on Bainbridge Island, Linda, tested it out first. (Thank you, Linda) She is the person I give credit to for having tried and loved this recipe. Oh, and I have actually served this to guests at a dinner party. The individual baked pies provide great presentation.

Emeril’s Chicken Pot Pie – {Food TV provides a printable version of this recipe}

In addition to the recipe, I’ve included some comfort inviting rooms for your viewing enjoyment.

and one of my favorites for comfort…

Here’s to a comfortable 2013. May the New Year be filled with peace and love for all of us. Happy New Year!

I’m visiting Savvy Southern Style’s Wow Us Wednesdays, stop by for some great ideas.

{GHP} Holiday preparation around the house

04 Tuesday Dec 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Christmas, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Entertaining, Holidays, House and Home

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

Christmas

Oh my word, is it December 4th already? Time has evaporated for me but I’m excited for the upcoming season, just give me a minute, I’ll be ready, I promise.

{tumblr ~ That Inspirational Girl}

I would have thought that by cutting my posting by half I would have hours of free time. Well, somehow the clocks started decreasing the amount of hours in a day and I got behind…Thanksgiving, wedding…those events will do that to a person, no matter how organized they normally are, right?

Meanwhile, Christmas has been on my mind and these images from various sources prove it…

The nutcrackers are out, work is still in progress on our mantle and fresh greens are ordered.

{GHP}

I’ve got some help in the kitchen with my chef nutcracker…I don’t think he’s interested in cracking any nuts but he doesn’t question any of my cooking decisions, so he stays.{GHP}

Charles Faudree inspired me to wrap garlands in unexpected places. I love this porch in his country home, with the garland-wrapped French poster. {Charles Faudree ~ Pinterest}

{Southern Accents}

I’ve seen several tiered displays online this year, I like the idea, I wonder where I could put one?

{BHG}

The simplicity of this dining table is stunning, I might try it for New Year’s Eve. {would I have to serve white food?}

{Party Resources}

I didn’t manage to get paper whites started, oh well, there’s always next year. I do love this display from And George.

{And George}

So, cue Bambi, let the caroling begin, make a batch of egg nog, Christmas is on the way.

{tumblr ~ That Inspirational Girl}

Am I alone, are all of you already decorated, wrapped and ready? I need a challenge, let me know, it will help me get my act in gear.

Happy December!

{GHP} Things that delight the senses

15 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Holidays, House and Home, Thanksgiving

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Thanksgiving

Each season seems to have its own list of treasures from which we derive great pleasure. That list can vary but there are common truths about a season that most are in agreement on. I’m sure that’s why certain seasons appeal to some and not to others.

{This is my first picture collage, the large image on the left is from Greet, Belgian Pearls – this is an exceptional post and if you’ve never visited Belgian Pearls, I think you’ll be hooked. I apologize about the other 2. I was so excited to create the collage I failed to write down the source, but I believe they were from tumblr, Debby at Inspired Design has the best tumblr site [That Inspirational Girl] and I probably captured the pictures from there.}

My perspective is slightly different than say those who experience extreme cold in winter or loss of an otherwise lush landscape in fall because (and trust me, I’m not bragging here) I live in Southern California where a change in season is subtle, to the point of being nearly non-existent.

We locals take the changes where we can find them, cool nights, warm days during the month of October, the drop of leaves on certain trees i.e. liquid amber, sycamore and birch, in November and a medley of other thing’s that delight my senses and confirm fall’s arrival for me.

{Courtenay Hartford}

{Party Resources}

{Better Homes and Gardens}

{source unknown}

…my apologies to Julie at eab designs, I believe I obtained this image from another site other than Julie’s. Visit her site for some lovely ideas.

{eab designs}

Wishing you the best this season has to offer. Hope you are in the midst of turkey day planning.

♥ Karen

{Party} Dining by candlelight

08 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Party Planning, Recipes

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

candlelight, Irish Stew

I’ve always liked using candles in and around my home. I think that the fall/winter months are my favorite time of the year to let candlelight provide the light needed to dine by.

Until the early 20^th century, everyone ate by candlelight, I’m sure they didn’t think of it as anything more than an essential way to see what you were eating. Bright lights became the norm as the introduction of electricity was installed in homes and restaurants everywhere.

{Party Resources ~ Carolyne Roehm}

According to Jan Whitaker of Resturant-ing Through History,

…there were some ultra-refined people who considered the glare of bright light vulgar. Etiquette expert Emily Holt recommended in1902 that candles be used instead of gas or electric chandeliers for home dinner parties lest the dinner resemble a “blazing feast … in some hotel restaurant.”

Candlelight promised the gentility of an elite dinner party, far removed from loud music, noise, and guests who drank too much. Candles suited the tea room perfectly. Not only did they shed flattering light, they discouraged the rowdy, fun-seeking masses from entering the door. Tea room owners, overwhelmingly WASPs, also liked how candles, as well as lanterns and fireplaces, created a quaint atmosphere that they imagined resembled how their Colonial ancestors lived.

I confess, candlelight does seem to make everything look better. Even the faces of guests seem aglow when we dim the electric lights and let candlelight do its magic.

So, in addition to a recipe for my beef stew (below), here are some pretty tables with candlelight as their main source of illumination.

{image source}

*Note, this image captures what my stew looks like when I serve it in these bread rounds, but for some reason, my food photography leaves much to be desired for capturing the delicious goodness on the plate. Thank you for your understanding.

KB’s Irish Stew (serves 6)

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds Chuck roast, cubed, patted dry

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons butter

4 large carrots, scrubbed and sliced

8 large mushrooms, sliced

3 medium potatoes, diced

1 large onion, diced

1 1/2 cup frozen peas

6 cups beef broth+

1/3 cup flour

1/3 cup heavy cream or half and half

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cube beef, trim off excess fat. Heat oil and butter in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Dry beef with paper towels; season with salt and pepper; brown beef in small batches. Once brown on all sides; continue until all beef is browned; set aside.

Lower heat to medium and add onion and carrots, (it may be necessary to add a little more oil) cook about 2-4 minutes (until translucent); add mushrooms and cook until mushrooms have released their juices. Return beef to pan and add broth and cubed potatoes. Reduce heat to keep (medium-low or low heat)* stew simmering; cook for 2 hours, with lid on pan. Check periodically in case more broth is needed.

*This can be cooked in the oven at 325° for 2 – 2 1/2 hours, check periodically to make sure you don’t run out of broth in the stew.

30 minutes before stew is finished, make slurry of flour and whipping cream, add to stew and stir. Check and adjust seasonings.

Serve in a mini-boule that has been hollowed out (retain lid) and dry for a few minutes in the oven or with a loaf of crusty bread and salad.

ƒ ƒ ƒ

Mercury glass candles make everything shimmer and it seems they are very popular this fall.

I like tapers as much as votives and often use a combination when we serve dinner. Do you have a preference when you entertain?

Downton Abbey – isn’t this pretty? I can’t wait for Season 3!

{Inspiring Interiors ~ Christmas in Oslo}

{via}

{Inspiring Interiors}

The above image is one of my favorites, I borrowed it from Kifus over at Inspiring Interiors. If you’ve never visited her site you’re in for a treat. She features homes from all over the world and most are exquisite. {The tray that holds the mercury glass votives and vintage silver candlesticks is so pretty}

{The New Victorian Ruralist}

Isn’t this a clever idea. I’m not sure where you’d find 7 rustic ladles of varying sizes but it’s a very fun image.

{the adventures of tartanscot}

Every Christmas Scot of the adventures of tartanscot shares photographs of his dining room table, complete with little gifts for guests and every year I’m inspired and in awe. His talents in all of the design work he does is always worthwhile.

{Party Resources}

{Shari Curtis Mortensen ~ Pinterest}

{tumblr ~ That Inspirational Girl}

I realize some of the table settings are wedding settings, but you get the idea, right. Besides, we have a wedding coming up (watch for posts pre/post wedding) and candlelight will be a huge part of the ambiance of our (Son #2 & fiance) upcoming celebration.

In light of the stew recipe, maybe I should plan on this (below) form of candlelight…

{tumblr ~ Little White Daisies}

Do you enjoy dining by candlelight?

I’ve joined in the fun at Stone Gable for her Turtorials and Tips party, see you there.

{GHP} A wedding on my mind

06 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Family, Misc, Party Planning, Personal Information

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

weddings

George (Steve Martin) from Father of the Bride:

GEORGE
I used to think a wedding was a simple affair.  A boy and girl meet, 
they fall in love, he buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say "I do."  
I was wrong.  That's getting married.  A wedding is an entirely 
different proposition.

If you’ve read my blog for a year or longer you may remember that I’ve talked about the upcoming wedding of our youngest son and his wonderful fiance HERE, HERE and HERE.

A dress has been selected…

Shoes have been considered…

and a few surprises may still be in the works…

(isn’t this a cute idea?)

The date is rushing at us faster than any of us might like, and we’re excited and a bit stressed all at the same time. We’re in countdown mode.

The venue will be unique and wonderful, The Los Angeles Museum of History will host our smallish wedding of 100 guests. When Son #1 married we enjoyed a family-only event overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the home of some dear friends in Emerald Bay {Thank you, Glenys and Jim}.

The African Mammal wing will be the backdrop for the wedding. The North American Mammal room will be where the reception takes place. The pre-reception will be here…

We’ll mingle with dinosaurs, sipping our drinks and enjoying an appetizer or two.

This scene in a Harry Potter movie will be similar to our dining experience with a table to accommodate 100 guests, 50 on each side, sans Christmas trees, but lots and lots of candles.

There are details to attend to.

Since the wedding will be just prior to winter’s official start, we will all enjoy the warmth of the candlelight,wood floors, soft lighting and of course our mammal-friends alongside our dear friends and family.

I realize it’s still almost a month away, but I’m really getting excited. I’ll post some pictures of the venue after the big day. Have any of you attended a wedding at the Natural History Museum?