Baby Ethan's Shower

Baby Ethan could be here any day now, and though his sweet mommy is only working with us a few hours a week, we couldn't let the occasion go by without throwing even the tiniest of showers for her. A couple of coworkers and I put together a little celebratory moment to help prepare Britni and Blake for their upcoming arrival. The menu was simple- cake and punch- and since the nursery design incorporates a giraffe, I had to use orange as one of the colors. Paired with gray chevron, we were set for a lovely gathering at the end of our work day.

 

Happy Independence Day

I clearly love a holiday, any reason at all actually to celebrate something makes me super happy, so July 4th is not excluded. I think we have celebrated the nations' birthday in several fun ways over the years- from picnics at Callaway Gardens, family pool parties and bbqs, watching fireworks in jeeps, etc. This year we were fortunate to be with some pretty stellar people at the beach. I made a couple of festive treats, found glow in the dark patriotic tattoos for the sweet children who we were with, and even found some crazy red and blue sparkle straws to spruce up our cocktails. There is little more American than the seashore (one of the many things that comes to mind when I think of an all American Celebration) so we took advantage of the proximity to oysters and enjoyed a few dozen  with mimosas for a late lunch after our boat ride. The company was excellent, the funk band was almost as awesome as Parker's Band (my all time favorite local band), and the salty air made even the rain seem pleasant. Cheesy or not, we are blessed to be Americans and that is reason enough to celebrate! Hope you were able to spend the holiday with people you loved, eating something fantastic, and enjoying music, fireworks, or whatever form of summer entertainment you enjoy!

My Father's Caramel Cake

My entire life I have been served some very good food. Of course, I am biased in thinking that my family goes beyond the norm to create delicious meals, but for any of you who have had the pleasure, I do think you will agree. There is little comparison, however, in the fantastic desserts that have been served from the Stanfield, Price and Harris kitchens. The list is almost never ending for how many items I have enjoyed and  though my grandmothers are both in Heaven, I still delight in the treats they served me growing up. In the middle of June, I was stoked to find time for a quick beach trip to  to spend some time with some friends who I think of as family and meet my brother's girlfriend for the first time. Since this blog includes those times we celebrate, I thought it only appropriate that I write about this trip and celebrate my family's cooking heritage by showing off the slice of perfection that we enjoyed around the patio table over looking the beach. Hannah was delightful and cooked some of her own family recipes- which couldn't have been more darling, but also delicious! One of the items was called Luscious Berries with Custard Sauce ( need I say more).

My father turned his hint of jealousy of not being able to join us to good use and made us biscuits and cinnamon rolls for our breakfast and sent one of his fantastic caramel cakes, as seen below:

 

I have often eaten his layered caramel cake, but until now, I don't remember ever eating his cream cheese pound cake with caramel icing. It is not for the faint of heart- but at the first bite, you will NEVER forget how delicious the taste is! I love that my parents learned to appreciate cooking from their mothers/grandmothers and I am equally thankful that they instilled the love for food in my brother and me. Here's to many more good meals around a table with loved ones!

 

Brunch for the Bride To Be

The morning after the retirement party, I was excited to host a brunch for my sweet friend Christina to celebrate her upcoming wedding. Brunch is likely my favorite party to host, so anytime I can coerce my friends in that way, I like to chose brunch as the meal for the party. The menu was made up of some of my favorites and one new item that I was excited to share. My Grandmother's blueberry muffins, my aunt Christy's cheesy grits casserole, bacon and cheddar quiche, and fruit salad served in sugar cones with fresh whipped cream. No brunch is complete without my father's buttermilk biscuits and this time he shaped them in the perfect scalloped edge half dollar size. Along side the biscuits I served sliced ham and my mother's peach preserves.

 

 

After the gifts were opened, dessert was served. Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing and a White Cake with Raspberry Filling and Cream Cheese Icing.

 

 

Retirement Celebration

After almost 27 years of work for Auburn University, my mother retired on May 31st. Since March my cousin and brother and I have been planning a surprise reception and the first Friday in June finally came. What better reason for cake and champagne than a retirement party and a surprise one at that. Family from North Carolina, Louisiana, and other parts of Alabama came as well as some of my mother's oldest friends from high school from as far away as Albany, Georgia. My very talented Aunt was there to document the evening and all of the party pics can be found on her website: christystanfield.smugmug.com

 

 

Carrot Cake 

 

 

Dark Chocolate with Cream Cheese Frosting

 

 

Lemon Tiramisu Shooters

 

Baby Banana Bundt Cakes with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

 

 

Oreo Cheesecake (made by my talented friend Marsha Darden)

 

 

Individual Strawberry Shortcakes with Fresh Whipped Cream to Dollop on top

 

 

Cheerwine Punch and Coffee Punch

 

 

Sorbet Sparklers and Champagne

 

And Of Course Cookie Favors

 

 

The party was super fun and I appreciate those who came from far and near to surprise such a sweet and hardworking woman! Cheers to your retirement Mom! May your next 27 years be exponentially more fun than the last!! 

 

 



Graduation Flowers

I was hired to create party plans and flowers for a couple of different graduation parties. The first was held at a local restaurant and the other held at the home of one of the graduates. No matter what the theme, I find it true that little details make the big picture seem so much more cohesive. Whether it is repeating the pattern of the table runner on the dessert picks and on the food cards, to using similar flowers for the centerpieces as in the powder room- when you find a party with intentional components aimed at pleasing the guests at every turn- even those that surprise you- you will find a party that is executed as close to perfect as one can make it.Though I know I have a long way to go to find that perfection, it thrills me to think I find myself on a similar journey as my grandmothers did each time they hosted a garden club luncheon, a bridal shower, or holiday dinners with the family.

 

I do love Orange and Blue

For the second year, I have had the honor to create flowers for an AU Vet School event and this year I was excited to add a few  additional events for them as well. I love that they keep the tradition of using orange and blue flowers for their centerpieces, and while some people I know grow very weary of finding more ways to use orange and blue, I welcome it!