Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Week Night Hurrah

Husband: Honey, do you mind if _________ spends a few days with us next week? 

Self: Hmmm.

Self in my head:  I like your friend.  I like that you have friends.  I have friends that I couldn't live without.  But we both work full time, very intense jobs during the week and when we get home, we fall into our chairs with very simple fare set between us as "dinner." Even calling it dinner, makes it sound more formal than it usually is. 

Self: If your friend needs you, and a place to stay, sure. It won't be that bad.

I have a Wednesday meeting that will go to 5 pm. What can I make ahead for dinner?  Ina Garten will provide me with something.  I relocate Chicken Bouillabaisse Recipe made a year ago for family. Oh, I really liked the details of the recipe and the depth of Provencal flavors.  And since, I 'm cooking, why not invite another couple over as well?  And since it is turning into an event, it will need a tablescape.  Simple with rustic overtones, but homey and welcoming.

All of a sudden, I transformed from grumpy begrudging wife to party planning glee girl. What started out as a Hmmmm, turned into a Hurrah!  As it turns out, it is very nice to plan, prepare and sit down to warm and nourishing simple dinner, light some candles and share a meal with good friends on a week night. I highly recommend this practice, this gift for the soul.

Briar Rose Placemats and napkins purchased on sale month ago from Bed Bath and Beyond. My favorite Pope Gosser Rose Point china, circa 1940's (long story about how they came into my life but it involves an army hospital) and pink etched glass goblets purchased in December from Amazon.com.
Chicken Bouillabaise, featured in Ina Garten's Back to Basics, delicious one pot meal made one day ahead of time and reheated in the oven for one hour before guests arrived.  Lots of ingredients but they add depth of flavor - saffron, garlic, pernod, fennel, etc.   Not as complicated as the reviews say. Worth it.


Simple flowers in a water goblet surrounded by votive candles.
Avalon silverplate because I love the soup spoons. Ebay purchase. Easy to clean with Tarnex.

Rustic rosemary bread wrapped in extra napkin.

Rose point embossed china, delicate and lovely. For more details see Loving My Pope Gosser post
Start with a lovely French wine (doesn't have to be expensive) and you have a weeknight Hurrah!  So glad I slowed down long enough to plan a meal with friends.  What else could be better? Or as Ina would say, "What's not to like about that?"

7 comments:

  1. What a lovely table and meal! You had this bread addict at rustic rosemary bread!!!

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  2. Hi CJ,
    You posted right after me on Tablesacpe Thursday so I thought I would pay you a visit...so glad I did! Your table is beautiful and, as a teacher myself, I love the idea of making time on a week night for a special meal with friends...we're usually collapsed at tray tables in front of TV after a long day. So nice to meet another educator who likes dishes and collecting old everyday things. Love your blog,
    Cheryl at My Sister's Cottage

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  3. Hi lovely lady.
    I love your Tablescape, black and white are
    al-ways good together sweet lady. I hope you are having a good day.Come see my new Tablescape.
    xxoo
    Diane

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  4. What a pretty and welcoming table. I know this was a wonderful mid week gathering with a delicious menu.

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  5. Gorgeous linens...beautiful table.

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  6. CJ...

    I love everything about this post...your rising to the occasion, the choice of an "Ina" dinner (I adore her!!), and your beautiful table! Your china is GORGEOUS! I have never seen this pattern, but it is amazing!!! Those glasses are beautiful too. And your stories about the china are wonderful! I have Royal Albert "Old English Garden" which is a white embossed pattern as well(also no longer made, I believe).

    Thank you for sharing!!!

    Tess

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  7. Yay a girl who loves china, sew on what looks like a bernina.. just down my ally.. just joined your blog!

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Thanks for your encouraging messages! No anonymous messages. Thanks!~CJ