Where the party at?

Thank God for moments of clarity. I had one on Friday when I decided that I would indeed attend my friend's dinner party this past Saturday. She invited me to the fiesta and I agreed to go weeks ago but then after being in a funk last week I had a change of heart. Okay I'll admit it: I was having a pity party. The reason for my pity party had nothing to do with the j-o or Mr. TK (he actually walked me off the ledge). After 2 days my pity party got very boring and no one wanted to join me.

Well, I'm so thankful I ditched that lame party for my friends shindig! It was simply fabulous. My friend, VB is like a 2009 version of B. Smith. First of all she used the Italy trip she and her husband took for their anniversary as an inspiration for the menu and the decor. They celebrated their nuptials on the Almafi coast so all the food, wine and even the dessert and appetizers had a Mediterranean theme. The main course menu included salmon, fingerling potatoes and asparagus. Instead of serving the dessert in a bowl (what I would have done), she gutted out lemons and used them to serve the sorbet in. The other guests and I oooohed and ahhhhed all night at VB's creativity. We ate in her quaint backyard (they live in the 'burbs) underneath the stars with Earth, Wind & Fire playing in the background. This my cyber-friends is living. Not only was the food delish and the set-up beautiful but VB purchased most of the decorations from Tar-jay (aka Target)! That cutlery you see in the picture below is actually plastic. Yes, really.

Last but certainly not least, I just enjoy being around VB and her hubby because they are a loving and real (they have arguments over the difference between yellow and brown mustard) couple with two adorable, bright children figuring out this journey called life together. It is a blessing for me to hang out with them. Funny, I don't normally get that at the club or an "industry" party.

I had my first true dinner party last year. It was not nearly as fabulous as VB's recent gathering but I gave it my own stamp. Isn't that all we can ever do in life anyway?

The Hostess with the Mostest

I hosted my very first dinner party recently. And I’m happy to report that it was fabulous! Everyone had fun: many hilarious stories were exchanged (Shay had lots about her recent trip to South Africa), folks reminisced (on everything from Penn Relays in ’96 to Mo’s wedding this past May), candid pics were taken to capture the event (gracias Eddy), good people broke bread together and gave thanks for friendship and life. Everything went perfectly then, right? Wrong. I panicked an hour before the party started that I wouldn’t have enough food. I actually had more than enough. I never did get to pick up the lavender (I keep it in a vase on my kitchen table.) to replace the current bunch that is at least 9 months old. No one noticed or cared. And my apartment was extremely hot. I had no A/C and it was unusually warm for late September. Many of my guests were uncomfortable at first but they got over it.

I learned so much from my little soiree. As I get older I realize how much I enjoy entertaining at home and attending shindigs in the home’s of others. Last weekend I attended a fund-raiser/backyard dinner party at the home of my co-worker and her husband. It was so grown and sexy and most importantly for a truly good cause. The crowded club scene is getting much too fast for this old lady.

Below are a few of the tips I picked up from my ‘Don’t Postpone Joy’ Dinner Party. These are items guaranteed to make any gathering a hit. Or at least they made mine memorable. Oh, good food doesn’t hurt either. (Everyone agreed that the red velvet cupcakes I ordered from Harlem's Make My Cake were de-li-cious!)


Unique Artwork - My father always said a picture is worth a thousand words. Well it certainly proved true at my little fiesta. I actually have a couple of his paintings (mostly oil on canvas) hanging up in my place. Obviously I’m partial to my dad’s work but there are so many dope artists just dying to hang in the home of worthy bachelorettes. One of my fave artists (he’s such good people too) is Jalani. The piece above is called Morning Gathering. You can view more of Jalani's work at: http://www.myspace.com/theartofja.

Plum Wine - I’m not a big alcohol drinker. That includes wine. It’s just not my thing. But, I asked my guests to bring a bottle of wine because so many of them drink it and I was not supplying alcohol. My girl Rah arrived with a bottle of plum wine (3 days early - long story…) and I think it might have changed my life. Seriously. It was so, so good. It’s sweet and felt good going down. Unlike other wines I’ve had before, it was truly tasty. I’m going to keep a bottle in my digs from now on.


Reed Diffusers - My plan was to burn candles in every room where guests were going to be. I had several sweet smelling scented ones set aside for the occasion. But as I mentioned earlier, it was hot. Very hot. The extra heat coming from the fire on the candles had to go. Thank goodness I had a trusty reed diffuser on hand. I’ve been in love with these fragrant suckers for a minute. They’re sold practically everywhere so the options are enormous these days but you can always pick them up from trusty Target. (Mine were a freebie from work.) I also like the fact that they’re safer for people with babies or pets than candles.


A Thought - Provoking Conversation Starter - My 'Colored Only' sign Practically everyone had a comment about this sign which I purchased on cushcity.com. For me, it’s a reminder of how things could be. Just to make sure I don’t stay at any pity parties too long.

In a few years, I just might be able to teach B.Smith a thing or two. HA!