I am so fortunate to have clients that not only allow me to help them make their house lovely but also endear themselves to me to the point of becoming chosen family.  One such client hosted a splendid birthday dinner for my “sweet one” in celebration of his 66th birthday.  I wanted you to see her home and then the amazing “covered dish” supper that she and guests put together.

The home features an open floor plan with a demonstration kitchen, dining and living room combination. The artwork over the sofa is by Rick Anderson of Clinton, MS. I bought the piece as one work of art.  Then cut it in to four equal pieces and framed them to hang as a grouping.  This is the second furniture arrangement we’ve done since she moved in.  Originally I hung them as a four square in the same order as the original creation.

The dining area is home to a European table, chairs and buffet that are all user-friendly for any type of entertaining. Rattan folding chairs were added to make a setting for nine.

 The art over the buffet is by Nashville artist W. J. Cunningham.

The centerpiece was composed of anthuriums and tulips in a lattice of equisetum (horsetail or snake grass). The place settings were marked with French Water Goblets full of Jonquils.

  

The “parlor” also serves as a third bedroom with a sleeper sofa from Pearson. The parlor and bath/powder room both have imagery reminiscent of St. Croix, a favorite get away destination.  The antique map wall treatment and peacock motif were created by Memphis artist Brooke Prudhomme-Graber.

The entry space under the stairs houses a custom armoire and two chests created by Pierce Cabinets from Tupelo, MS…and two more works of art by W. J. Cunningham.

  

Upstairs there’s the guest suite, the master suite and we opened what would’ve been a closet and created a custom trundle for visits from the twin granddaughters.

   

The evening started with tasting portions of Rain Forest Crackers with a Quenelle of Goat Cheese, Corn and Crab Bisque and Stilton and Bacon Tartlettes. Along with the ever so refreshing Moet Chandon Brut Rose…this alone would’ve been a wonderful meal.

However, we moved on to a buffet style dinner composed of Spinach Salad with Marinated Red Onion, Strawberries, Mandarin Oranges, Feta and Pine Nuts. The salad was a work of art and the flavors just magnificent.

To complete the plate we enjoyed succulent Prime Rib of Beef (with butter on both butts) and Horseradish Creme Fraiche accompanied by an over the top Potato Gratin.

OINK!!!

And, for a light confection…NOT…we finished dinner with Vanilla Infused Panna Cotta and Homemade Chocolate Biscotti…Shut Up!!!

     

The wine was not only elegant but had special meaning as it was purchased on our trip to Italy last May.  What incredible friends to share such a treasure.

A good time was had by all at Terre Margaritelli for Italy’s Cantine Aperte.

Pardon if I do say so myself but the house was lovely and a good time was had by the birthday boy…and everyone else!!!

 

Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.