{party} Big Mad Night

It all started with a mutual love of the movie "The Big Night" and an infatuation with the series "Mad Men". If you haven't seen either be prepared to be transformed. "The Big Night", has been on my top ten list of all time favorite movies. It makes me laugh, and salivate all at the same time. "Mad Men" the mid century cool show is just fun! Together with the period dress, music and a strong martini or two it was a night to remember!

filling canoli

dressed up dinner

lemon asparagus risotto was to die for. ( martinis and bubblegum cigarettes a must!)

ok maybe a few real ones two. Check out this cool case!

Timpano - the celebrated dish from "the big night". Layers of pasta, meatballs, ragu sauce, eggs, prosciutto, bashmel sauce all wrapped in a flakey dough. Amazing.

A wonderful night with friends!

pete's party : post #6 : the party!

... this is peter

a few details...

the party begins

greetings & cocktails....

dinner...

i hope my husband looks at me like this when I don't know...

dessert....

cigars & cheese...

music...

dancing...

last song...singing "come and get your love", by redbone

good-byes...

a quick game after all have gone home...what a great night!

...

happy birthday pete!

pete's party : post #5 : It's party time

#5 reason to love pete : Happy Birthday Peter. I love you.

The day has come. We are ready to go. Invitations sent, decorations gathered, menu decided, music arranged and entertainment? that is what the wine is for. I know we will have a blast. The work is well worth it.

I can't wait. oops... time to figure out what to wear. Cheers!

pete's party: post #4 : music

#4 reason to love pete: he is just the best!

music: Music has always been a key element to our parties and my husband is totally in charge of it. He has a way of picking just the right music for the crowd. He really knows way too much about bands, artists, musicians. But I love it! I am hoping for some spontaneous dancing late into the evening. (girls we remember what happened last time) all fun! I need to get him moving on a playlist for Pete. We may even give out one of our signature cd. Who knows I can't wait to see what he comes up with. {by the way check his blog out at hit it! ITS great!}

I am definitely feeling the crunch... but in a good way. Can't wait. Next post on Pete's party will be a recap of the nights follies. Do tell!

ps. In the pic above: the beautiful woman in back is Shari from rotten bananas, check her out. She is talking with the nearly famous, Mike Whiteside, who it is rumored, was pictured in a Martha Stewart Magazine. Wow! even celebs turn out for my brother's party.

pete's party: post #3 : menu

#3 reason to love pete : he is so loyal

This is what I am thinking about serving....

what do you think?

the menu:

a fun drink to start

don't know what to do here - help!

a cheese plate

because cheese is my ultimate weakness

crab bisque

I think I can make the base of the bisque a day or 2 ahead and add the crab and

the cognac the day of or that night. I need to try this one first.

a classic bistro main

beef fillet

maybe a horseradish cream sauce to the side

maybe a small sliver of a savory tart like onion

I can do the crust a day ahead and have the onion ready to go too. A heat and serve dish.

or

scalloped butternut squash and leeks

my sister-n-laws recipe - it's awesome!

now something green, salad, asparagus hmmm

Something easy and simple.

dessert

flourless chocolate cake with whipped cream - yum!

...................

I know it is going to be fun. Here are a few pics of the fun napkins that I got at the flea market and some of the other decorations I have in mind. It is getting closer!

fun napkin finds from the flea market

i think i will drape one over each chair

fun paper to make paper garlands

pete's party: post #2 - decorating

#2 reason to love peter: he is hysterical

the table: I love setting a table. I want to have the party outside so I am going for a "shabby chic" look. I have some antique dish cloths (all different) that I will use for napkins. I am thinking whites, greens, and blues with lots of little lights. Tables are an evolution for me. I see something I like and I work it in. This is the time to open up all those closets and cuppards and see the treasures we have hidden away. Really they are there.

here are

the invitations!

photo by ann west

just as a reminder this is the 2nd post in a series documenting the lead up to my brother's birthday party! I love a party!

pete's party: post #1 - planning

Today I am going to give you the first in a series of posts to follow in the next couple of weeks. The recipe: my brother's birthday party...

#1 reason to love Peter - he is the ultimate optimist!

It is time to start my planning for my brother's Birthday Party. I love a good party. Whether it is just for my family, an intimate group or a larger herd ... I love them. I am not saying that it isn't work or that I don't get stressed out ... I absolutely do. But I love when the party begins, the music is going, the chatter, the laughter. It's worth it.

Just a bit ago my brothers took me on a wonderful trip for my Birthday. It was so special and fabulous that I really wanted to do something nice for Peter for his special day. He loves my group of friends so we decided to have a party at my house. We are having it Oct. 24 ... He said just have a dinner party and I will show up. Heck - no - its your Birthday buddie ... So here it goes...

...............................................

post #1 : Peter's Party - Planning

My to do list for the party:

Invitations & guest list

decorations

music

menu

execution

Today I am just going to concentrate on a fun guest list and a cool invitation. I am only sending 5 or so out so I think I will go to Paper Source find some cool paper and hand write them. I always get a little nervous when handwriting. I think I need some practice.

dear guests - come for fun

7:00

rsvp

see you then

maybe too simple?

cheers!

pete's party : post #5 : It's party time

#5 reason to love pete : Happy Birthday Peter. I love you.

The day has come. We are ready to go. Invitations sent, decorations gathered, menu decided, music arranged and entertainment? that is what the wine is for. I know we will have a blast. The work is well worth it.

I can't wait. oops... time to figure out what to wear. Cheers!

pete's party: post #4 : music

#4 reason to love pete: he is just the best!

music: Music has always been a key element to our parties and my husband is totally in charge of it. He has a way of picking just the right music for the crowd. He really knows way too much about bands, artists, musicians. But I love it! I am hoping for some spontaneous dancing late into the evening. (girls we remember what happened last time) all fun! I need to get him moving on a playlist for Pete. We may even give out one of our signature cd. Who knows I can't wait to see what he comes up with. {by the way check his blog out at hit it! ITS great!}

I am definitely feeling the crunch... but in a good way. Can't wait. Next post on Pete's party will be a recap of the nights follies. Do tell!

ps. In the pic above: the beautiful woman in back is Shari from rotten bananas, check her out. She is talking with the nearly famous, Mike Whiteside, who it is rumored, was pictured in a Martha Stewart Magazine. Wow! even celebs turn out for my brother's party.