A few years ago, we picked up one of these beach blankets. They're thin and lightweight, so you can carry them easily (or stuff one into a bag), and then spread them out for a grassy picnic or napping on the sand. We've used it a million times; I'd highly recommend them!
This past weekend, my friends at Pinhole Press asked me to help throw a brunch to celebrate our friends who are mothers and daughters. My answer (obviously!) was yes!!! It was an early Mother's Day brunch to see the new Pinhole Press collection and just hang out with likeminded women. The food was so delicious, and the company so lovely, I'm excited to share recipes--and photos--in case you might like to throw a similar party or make brunch for your mom on Mother's Day. (P.S. Pinhole Press is one of my beloved sponsors, but this isn't a sponsored post)
The event was held at the new Sunday Suppers studio in Brooklyn. How beautiful are those flowers?!
We started off with a "welcome bite," of homemade Nutella with French bread and sea salt.
Mimosas were made with orange juice and Prosecco (the poor man's Champagne, which is just as delicious:)
The first course was mixed greens with mangos and Panko-fried goat cheese!!!
The main course was Croque Monsieur French Toast!!!! What the what?! Everything was mouthwatering, which wasn't surprising because the meal was hosted by Sunday Suppers with guest chefs Jewels of New York. They're all culinary geniuses.
But the dessert secretly may have stolen the show. Everyone was swooning over these berries with citrus and vanilla mascarpone.
How pretty is this yellow dress with butterfly hair clips?
We had such an amazing time and felt so lucky to be there. My friend Leigh brought her new baby, Hazel, who immediately gave everyone baby fever.
Finally, a HUGE thanks to Pinhole Press for letting us enjoy such a beautiful morning! I made wine labels with our personal baby photos, and we set up a table to show off Mother's Day gifts and their brand new wedding collection.
I've always been fascinated by etiquette, including which fork to use and where to put your napkin when you leave the table. It's like a little game, and it can make you feel more confident and empowered. So, for dinner parties, work events, weddings and first dates, here's a handy guide to eating dinner, illustrated by the fantastic Gemma Correll. See how many you already know! Here goes...
A funny tip that my grandparents used to tell us: The way to sit in your chair is to pretend a cat is in front of you, a mouse is behind.
Your wine and water glasses are to the RIGHT of your plate. Your bread plate is to the LEFT of your plate. If you remember that, you'll never drink someone's water or eat their bread again! (A genius tip from readers: To remember the order of the placesetting, think "BMW" -- for bread, then meal, then water.)
Surprisingly, salt and pepper should be passed together, even if someone asks only for one. They're considered "married!"
Never intercept a pass. For example, don't snag a roll out of the bread basket when it's on the way to someone else. (You'll just have to ask them to pass the basket right back!)
Scoop your soup with your spoon tilted *away* from you. And surprise! It’s fine to tilt the bowl slightly away from you to get the last drop of soup. But never blow on your soup or food. Even if it’s piping hot!
Always taste your food before putting on salt and pepper. It's considered rude to assume the food is under-seasoned before tasting it.
Once you've picked up a utensil, it should never touch the table again. You want your utensils to rest fully on the edge of your plate. ("No oars!" gasp the experts.)
When you are finished with your meal, your knife and fork should be placed on your plate diagonally from upper left to lower right (11 to 5 if you imagine your plate as a clock face). This is a secret code to the waiter (or host) that you’re finished.
If you have to go to the bathroom—or if you’re getting up at the end of the meal—just put your napkin to the left of your plate, loosely folded.
Our babysitter noticed how much I like wine (busted) and gave me three lady bottle stoppers for my last birthday. They make me smile every time I walk through our kitchen. Bottle stoppers make great gifts when going to a dinner party or wedding, and are also just sweet to have on your kitchen counter, chilling in a half-bottle of red.
(Layout by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo. Thanks to Emily Hsieh for scouting help. Comic by Christopher Weyant)
The other day, I spotted this recipe for grapes wrapped in goat cheese. Intrigued, we made some last night, and, sure enough, they were creamy, sweet and delicious! What a cool little appetizer to serve when friends come over.
Our mom is turning sixty this year (!), so we're starting to brainstorm ideas for a family party. These ombre balloons are great, don't you think? You just blow up six balloons each of slightly different colors, that's it!