We recently went to Patty and Jack's lovely home for dinner.  They are wonderful hosts and cooks, plus they have the most gorgeous garden.  The weather was perfect and we started with drinks and appetizers outside.  At this time of year we can linger outdoors in the evening for quite a while.




And linger we did, Patty served this beautifully arranged antipasti platter with all things local from our farmer's market.  This looks like a lesson in how to make a platter look and taste perfecto and is a great trick to learn and add to the appetizer arsenal.   Above is her artful combination of dried and fresh fruits, nuts, olives, crackers and cured meats and cheese.  It belongs in a magazine!

The patio is an un-grouted close set brick herringbone pattern.

Massive Thai pots collected on their travels.

Mature landscaping and charming private paths.

A welcoming entry.

Around the corner and a cozy sala from Thailand surprises us.

The potting shed.

Now up to the house for dinner!  You know I am crazy about table settings and this one was stunning!   Oranges and golds and mossy greens with lots of sparkly crystal was the setting for this fall dinner.  The beautifully decorated table overlooking the garden from the large paned dining room window was quite the treat.






The dinner was divine and I do have a recipe to share because I know you like that, a very gorgeous Vegetable Tian  from Ina Garten.   I knew you would want to be alerted to this layered vegetable dish found here.   You'll be very happy if you make this.  I'm making a small one to bring to a friend who recently had surgery and am certain it will lift her spirits!



Thank you for stopping by.  I'm really happy I was able to share this special evening with you.  This is my first in a series of 6 fall parties that I will be showcasing here.  Our friends really are an entertaining bunch, and I know we are pretty lucky about that.  Fall is a favorite time for many hostesses, the menus are more homey and earthy, and the seasonal colors and decor are so inspiring.  So, coming up I have an Octoberfest and a Harvest Brunch to share with you, also a penthouse party in the city to celebrate Fleet Week and America's Cup and then later in the month there will be a cozy fireside dinner for 20!  Lastly, a spooky gourmet sit down Halloween dinner party on Halloween night.  One of the things I love about blogging is being able to share these beautiful table settings, homes and gardens and recipes with you, from my very talented friends who aren't in magazines, but should be!  I only wish I could soup up my photo and writing skills and showcase these parties in the exceptional way they deserve.  But alas, it's just me and my iPhone.  So until next time...xoxo

Plus, I have two sweaters I need to get photographed and Raveled.

Oh, and my new adorable pumpkin latte header was from my local coffee shop, Satura.  I could do a post just about their scrumptious pastries!