Supper: Part UNO

My kids and I have been cooking up meals together practically since they were born. Preparing meals together is our afternoon activity, and I can honestly say is well worth the effort. I love a family meal that involves all of US, and the ninos do too. 

Like any good meal, we begin the experience at the table. Last night our family shared a meal with our dearest friends here in NYC, our neighbors. S was more then excited to host our friends and happily set the table on her own.

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Thanksgiving Floral Arrangements

We have arrived to Thanksgiving EVE. Can you believe it?  I have been telling friends that, at this point, Thanksgiving is basically functioning as a speed bump to Christmas. Believe me, I need the speed bump. That being said, when I was thinking of what to choose for my Thanksgiving decor, I cheated a bit. I am going with a decor that will easily crossover to Advent. 

While in the market I have been eyeing a few new white vases. They come in a variety of sizes and add texture to any setting. I must resist buying every lovely vase I see, but this time I thought we are heading into the perfect occasion for these beauties.

Pinks & Blues

I am a lover of pink & blue hues. I am sure you're not surprised. Last week we had a bit of a dinner party, and look what turned up on our table settings. 

Mil Besos,

Mel

Smalls Buds, Big Impact #2

Last Friday we had a lovely dinner party with just a few new friends. So, while I was in the flower market on Friday I picked up one bunch of rananculas and one bunch of wild white flowers, with lots of green. I thought, this 30 dollars worth of flowers would get me just a few bunches, but I ended up with 9 small arrangements throughout the house. Flowers always keep my place feeling fresh, even though our apartment is over 100 years old. 

Easter Decor

With Easter just around the corner, it was time to make our holiday sign. Each time a holiday comes around our dear friend Anna V decorates our door (here & here) with S, and I just buy the supplies. Luckily we had plenty of glitter and just needed some inspiring paper to get us going. 

Chic Mex

I LOVE throwing a party. I am sure I was meant to be a clergy wife for this reason. Last week we had four couples over for supper.  I decided to go with Mexican food, since it is what I love and so often can't find in the city.  I love Mexican food so much because it is at its best when it is fresh and cooked simply. NO FRIED FOOD por favor!!!

TIP UNO

When throwing a party I do all the set up and clean-up the day before. I think it is WAY TOO stressful do everything in the same day. I also do ALL the shopping the day before.  Then when party day arrives, all you must do is cook and arrange accordingly. I even put out the serving platters, then I know what goes where.

TIP DOS

Small details are everything. I add a few flowers to the powder room, and in any space that will do.

Adding the right types of flowers will add to any occasion. I chose peonies and lilac because they are A. in season, B. sentimental, and C. bring elegance to a simple food. 

MIX IT UP

I love mixing a bit of modern furniture with old. I always use our antique bench and Ikea chairs. They set the mood with an informal elegance.

A little help is always welcomed, and additional hands can make the process really fun and stress free! THANKS NIA!!!

OUR INTENTION

Since we were having a party with the intention that our guests get to know one another, I kept the setting informal by placing all the silverware together so we had to pass them around.  Passing silverware gives a communal vibe.

We also set up a taco bar, and everyone loved that. I think a favorite was the calabacita soup. What is not to love, and it is SOOOO good for you, too!! The taco bar was another fun way to meet one another.

Like I have said before, I am NO baker, so when it comes to sweets I keep it simple, strawberries and two-bite brownies. No stress involved and everyone is satisfied.

THE RESULT: FULL TUMMIES & HAPPY HEARTS!!!!

BESOS,

MEL