An Evening of Festive Dinners With Friends

Cover: A Festive Dinner With Friends
Invitation designed by moi.

The Glebe House and Gertrude Jeykell Garden www.theglebehouse.org/ is an historic site in the town of Woodbury, Ct. It is listed on the National Historic Registry and is open to the public for tours, from May 1 until October 31st. 
Seven years ago The Glebe House introduced "An Evening Of Festive Dinners With Friends" and the invitation I designed became the yearly Spring announcement. For the past seven years, I've hosted one of the 
dinners to raise funds that provide educational programs and events for the Glebe House Museum.


"An Evening of Festive Dinners With Friends" is hosted by neighbors who open their homes to patrons to enjoy an evening of fine food, wine and lively conversation in distinctive settings.

Here is this years invitation:

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The menu for the dinner from my journal of two years ago.

A place setting for the five-course dinner.

Chez "Entertaining Addict"

The Menu:

Platter of Proscuitto di Parma, Salamis, Parmesano Reggiano and Marinated Olives

First course:

Farro Salad with Squid, Tomatoes and Arrugula

Second course:

Risotto Cakes with Saffron Cream Sauce

Main Course:

Grilled Florentine Steaks

Zucchini and Cannellini Beans

Dessert:

Chocolate Semi Fredo with Fresh Strawberry Sauce         


My check list for the evening.
It's the format I posted in "How To Plan Your Dinner Party", January 29, 2012

After weeks of planning the menu, it's time for the enumerable lists that I make. Starting with the ingredients for all of the recipes and the week laid out for prep and cook. Sometimes I create my "mis en plate" and measure out all of the ingredients for each recipe. The selection of table settings and table decor, so much fun. 

The day of the party arrives and there is still much to do... will I have time to go to the pre-cocktail party in the Gertrude Jeykell Garden. We'll see.

Early in the morning, at the crack of dawn, the last check-list is made.

It's all up to the chemistry of the guests now. Usually I have never met the people coming to our dinner party, so there's a lot of conversation to be had.
In the end it is my job to make sure everyone has a memorable time.
I am looking forward to this year's dinner.
 Chez Entertaining Addict.


Bon Appetite!


As Always,
xxoo Sheila