Summer Entertaining

We shattered the fun barrier last night with a birthday party for Mrs. J. with just the "girls." Entertaining is all about celebrating our friendships, and we surrounded our friend with love and affection, remembering old times. The setting was a unanimous decision, at Mrs. K.'s Tommy Church quatrefoil swimming pool and swinging 60's pool house.

I will digress a moment, as this style of pool was a distinct signature of this California landscape architect. Church was renowned for his departure from the prevailing neoclassical designs of the time introducing what is now known as California, or modern style.

This is the quatrefoil pool built by Tommy Church in 1958 at Lakewold Gardens North of Tacoma Washington, which is now open to the public.  Church was an obvious choice for this family who embracebd the sixties with the same vigor as their children. While my parents were appalled, Mrs. K.'s parents saw the possibilities.

Yes, and the fact that they never re-did the place is even more brilliant! The lights can be switched to black light, and the foil behind the trelliage reflected a twirling mirrored disco ball. I remember dancing in black light with a very big smile, laughing at everyone's very white teeth--a dentist's dream. But, back to the party! Yesterday, we hauled ourselves to the farmers market to gather the flowers, as our gardens are fried from the heat wave.  Mrs. B. and I love to do table flowers in small containers so we can all chatter over each other--the decibels.

It really is the easiest way to arrange for great effect, but requires a good quantity of flowers. The farmer's market purchase set us back a mere $36.00.

While I am no Amy Merrick, the talented flower forager, we did tuck around the grounds looking for interesting additions to the bouquets, and I was delighted to find this parsley gone to seed. I think it added dimension and the bit of wildness I love in arrangements. Mrs. B. looked perplexed, but didn't stop me. Now for the food! Normally we split up the dishes and bring them along, but since we had such a special occasion we turned to our dear friend/caterer/restauranteur Joe Curran of 1703 in Winston Salem. I will admit it was nice to be served for a change, we should really do this more often.

One of our hostesses poses with the hors d'oeuvres, a simple, scrumptious summery concoction of goat cheese, fresh tomatoes and basil. In case you are wondering about the wonderful bar, it was done by the famous outsider artist, Sam McMillan, who is beloved in Winston Salem. More about Sam in another post. For the main course Joe prepared the famous chicken marbella recipe from the first Silver Palate cookbook. It has the most unusual combination of ingredients, including prunes! Do not be put off, as the soaking in red wine vinegar overnight takes the cloying sweetness out of them and balances the tart vinegar. 

We had so much fun celebrating with Mrs. J. that I have been completely hoarse all day. Her love and friendship has meant so much to those of us who are lucky enough to know her. We felt all the love and happiness that Mrs. K.'s Mother envisioned when she created this space and this little work of art below. 

Happy Summer Entertaining to 

All You All! 

Later, I'll share my Summer reading list with you  

which has prevented many a post, but gave me a nice respite

from my self imposed computer vacation. 

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Easy Casual Entertaining, Our Easter Party

We all have busy lives and careful budgets, but we still want to have glorious parties. My Mother always said: "You want your cake and eat it too." Being very young, if I knew how to say: "Duhh," I would have. Here is how we've done it. Our closest friends know the drill and are well trained for the Morten girl party. They keep coming back, so I think its working. My friend Meg and I usually choose the menu and take on the invitations,  meat course, the antipasto platters, the flowers and the clean-up staff. Our stake in the game is around $250.00 each, which for almost 20 people is quite reasonable. The other guests bring their specialties and a couple of bottles of wine, providing a killer dinner party. We are all a part of it and it is the best meal in town.

Daughter number two wanted to do the flowers, and for her first attempt, I'd say she definitely has a knack for it. Amy Merrick Flowers out of Brooklyn, New York is her muse (pictured above.) I think you will agree, she is cultivating new territory in floral design.


























After the party I massed all of the bouquets on the kitchen Island, and am quite enjoying the view from my desk.

I must admit, my guests work like dogs, but that's part of the fun.

This year we decided not to spend the hours setting the table for everyone, so we just ate on our laps. I have to say I have the greatest friends in the world. They are undemanding, generous and best of all--super fun. That is what entertaining is all about; our friends and family. Nothing else matters. I'm glad my bloggy pals could join. What are your Holiday traditions?