Category Archives: Party Planning

This year, my Mom and I hosted Thanksgiving in my home. There were 7 of us: Mom, Dad, Carol, Andy, Kerry, Rob, and me. The meal featured individual cornucopia charcuterie, poached stuffed pears, vegetable Wellington, and traditional pies, creating a … Continue reading →

My parents joined me this year for Halloween at my house. We each carved a pumpkin (in the photo above, from left to right: Kathy, Dad, and Mom). We had an easy and delicious dinner with mostly purchased items from … Continue reading →

Carol and I enjoyed a fun spider-themed dinner — it’s a great way to add some creativity and excitement to the year! Mashed Potato Spider Web – Homemade mashed potatoes with fresh garlic sautéed in some butter, sour cream, 1/2 … Continue reading →

We celebrated the 4th of July at my house this year. There were 6 of us – Mom, Dad, Carol, Renae, Jeff, and I all enjoyed a simple themed meal of Tacos and Cheesecake Cups. My Mom made the themed … Continue reading →

For Mother’s Day this year, once again I made a daffodil themed dinner. My parents and I enjoyed this meal at their Lake House. Lemon Lime seltzer with Pineapple juice Daffodil Ravioli with brown butter, roasted asparagus, peas, basil leaves … Continue reading →

Recently, I realized that I did not include Life Events in my themed food archive. I Googled life events to see what is considered a life event. Google AI said, “Life events are significant happenings that can impact a person’s … Continue reading →

Five years ago, I planned to host a tea party for my Mom on her 70th birthday with her friends. Covid happened so it was delayed. This year, I gave her a tea party for her 75th birthday. There were … Continue reading →

I hosted a small Galantine’s Day themed tea party. The idea came about last summer when Renae, Natalie, and I went to a Tea Party at Sonnenberg Gardens. I said I could do a Valentine themed tea party. Of course, … Continue reading →

A few days after my niece left, my brother and sister-in-law joined us. DINNER SUNDAY DECEMBER 22 (no photos of pierogi dinner because everyone was only focused on eating the delicious pierogi) I think it was over 10 years since … Continue reading →

As is our tradition, when my niece visits around Christmas even if it is not the calendar Christmas we designate a day to be Christmas Eve and a Day to be Christmas. For our Christmas day this year we enjoyed … Continue reading →

My Mom and I prepared a Vegetarian Thanksgiving at my home. My mom did the menu planning since originally we were going to have Thanksgiving at her home in Delmar, NY. There were 6 of us this year, Mom, Dad, … Continue reading →

It is sad that Dame Maggie Smith recently died. Renae and I decided to have a themed dinner together and watch her last movie (The Miracle Club) in my media room. The meal had slight hints from 3 of her … Continue reading →

I don’t carve melon or make fresh fruit cakes very often but I am satisfied with the result when I do. They are beautiful and delicious! Here is my collection. Updated: 2/15/2025 FRESH FRUIT CAKES Watermelon and Fruit Birthday Cake … Continue reading →

Happy New Year! Here is my collection of New Years / Year themed meals. As with my other collections, I will update when I create something new. Updated: 1/4/25 Melon 2025 Rice 2024 Cheese 2023 New Years Eve Party 2023 Polenta … Continue reading →

We had a special Christmas with several rounds of guests. My parents joined me from December 21 – December 31. My brother and his wife joined us from December 22 – 25. My 21 year old niece was here from … Continue reading →

On December 24, we prepared an appetizer dinner for 6 (Mom, Dad, Carol, Andy, Kerry, and me). My Dad did a lot of cooking since many of his specialties were on the menu. I think we all had a great … Continue reading →

This year, the theme I selected for my main meal on December 25 was “French”. Six of us feasted on this meal: Carol, Andy, Kerry, Dad, Mom, and me. My Mom made the beautiful arrangement. I printed the menus. I … Continue reading →

My friend Deborah and I celebrated our 5 year friendiversary with a dinner at my home. I made the tart and salad. I would make both again! The small tarts were fun and delicious and the Almond Lime dressing was … Continue reading →

My parents and I celebrated my niece’s 21st birthday a little late with her this year. It was special to be able to celebrate her birthday at the Lake House. Decorations: My mom and I had various decorations. We had fun … Continue reading →

My parents, 21 year old niece, and I celebrated the 4th of July at the Lake House. Drinks: Assorted drinks with maraschino cherries Red, White and Blue Salad: Romaine, Cherries, Blueberries, Cheddar stars cut with a cookie cutter, assorted dressings … Continue reading →

I asked my Mom what theme or food she wanted for Mother’s Day. She said Daffodil dinner. It made sense since we celebrated at the mountain Lake House and the daffodils were about to bloom. They were in full bloom … Continue reading →

My parents, brother, and sister-in-law stayed at my house for Easter weekend this year. We had 6 at our main meal since my friend Carol was able to join us. I decided on a Spring forest theme. My Mom did … Continue reading →

On New Years Day, my niece made homemade ramen. She did most of the work. I only helped with the broth, some toppings and prepared the dessert. Five of us enjoyed the delicious ramen with toppings (my friend Carol joined … Continue reading →

This year for my fancy Christmas meal my theme was “White Christmas”. During the planning stage, whenever I told people my theme, they looked at me strangely. It was a little unusual to plan an entire meal with all the … Continue reading →