A Dreamy Day in the Italian Garden

July 29th, 2009

The Paris House (which is the name of my business) hosted a lovely picnic in The Italian Gardens in Saratoga Springs New York. We had friends and family join us for the day in these enchanted surroundings. The weather was perfect, the food delicious, the surroundings magical and the guests delightful. I am busy setting the scene and getting everything ready before the guests arrive. Remember when I mentioned “The Party In a Box” well sometimes it is several cars filled with party boxes, tables, chairs and food. I have a very loving and patient husband who knows that being married to a “Party Girl” means that once the party is over she is already planning the next event whether it be for business, pleasure or both…..

I hope you enjoy a little tour through the magical surroundings we created…

This is a wonderful dessert and cocktail that is just perfect for an afternoon Garden Party. See the recipe at the end of the post.

My Honey Bunny running around with our youngest son Oliver. I know I probably repeat myself more than a senile old lady…but I have loved this man for 23 years!! I could not breathe without him in my world.
I traipsed around in these 4″ Dior’s for hours….I
We really enjoyed the Bogle wine, it was nice and cold and very fruity. Perfect for a hot summer day. Best of all it was under $10.00
We didn’t overlook the trees and hung crystal votive chandeliers from the branches. At night they were magical.
I couldn’t resist capturing this little fellow..they were just drifting merrily down the stream behind our table throughout the party….

Oh my how I love these boys. Sam is 15 1/2 and towers over me, even in my heels and My Sweet Sweet Teddy is 12. I love that they were with us to celebrate a day with our friends….
Here we have Mayor Jim Sullivan of Victor in Saratoga County, Mayor Sullivan is 26 years and the youngest Mayor ever in Saratoga County. He is an environmentalist and filled with a lot of interesting tips on being more Eco-friendly. He is surrounded by some of my best friends. (Nancy and Robin…Loris is nearby) I think they look like a couple of Cougars, ready to pounce on the Honorable Mayor (I never use that word “Cougar”, but it seems so fitting here!!!)

I usually buy drip less candles, but here it just added to the “Theatrics” . Congress Park in Saratoga is where they host the Shakespeare in the Park festival each Summer, so I was channeling a little of that feel……
We have two fountains here that face each other in the formal Italian Garden. At the opposite end of the park is a beautiful gazebo where the Shakespeare festival is held each Summer.
The Sun is setting and people keep stopping by to enjoy a nice ice cold glass of crisp white wine….We can update with press photos from the local papers.
I was determined to sneak over 20 bottles of wine in, I didn’t ask if it was allowed, BUT, I don’t think it was. No one seemed to care and people kept coming over to comment on our lovely event…. There are security cameras everywhere to help protect the lovely fountains and gardens from any wrong doing,,,,so I guess We were doing everything Right…..The police patrols seemed very flattered to have a party planner come up from the Manhattan/NJ area to do a party and photo shoot…
My husband is just chilling with The New York Times for a few minutes
There are days when all of us wish we could make time stand still. How can life get any better than to have your spouse, husband, children, family and best friends all together AND be pursuing your “Passion” and for me that is creating beautiful settings. Of course we can’t make time stand still that is why We all need to really celebrate life and take the time to make memories. We never know what tomorrow may bring that is why we must savor today and gather our loved ones together whenever we can…
 
Now I certainly can’t let you go without giving you a delicious recipe and cocktail to enjoy at your next Soiree

 

Tiepolo Cocktail
Serves 5
2 cups strawberries
1 bottle ice-cold prosecco or very dry champagne
1. Save 5 or 6 perfect strawberries for a garnish. Remove the hulls from the remainder and puree in a food processor. Place 1 tablespoon of the strawberry puree in each glass. A champagne flute works well. Gently stir the puree as you pour the prosecco into the glass
NOTE: The puree can also be frozen for later use ( I also do this with my belini purees)

 

Pucinni’s Favorite Chocolate Tart:
For the Pastry
2 1/4 cups all -purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
 
For the filling
4 cups Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup strong coffee
1 cup milk
1/2 cup plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 egg yolks
 
1. Make the pastry:
Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Pulse several times. Cut and add the butter. Pulse until fully combined. Add the egg, vanilla and orange zest. Pulse until the dough forms a ball on the blade. Divide the dough into two balls, one containing two-thirds of the dough and one containing on-third. Form into 2 balls, wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper, and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out two-thirds of the dough into a circle large enough to cover the bottom and sides of a 10-inch fluted tart pan with removable sides. Press the pastry into the pan and trim any excess. Prick the bottom and blind-bake until the pastry is slightly golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool on a rack.
3. Roll out the remaining dough to about 1/8 inch, thick. Cut into strips of varying lengths and widths. Place the strips, without touching, on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake until golden, about 10 minutes. Let cool on a rack.
4. Make the filling:
Sift together the cocoa, sugars, and salt. Combine the coffee, milk and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. When the butter has melted, start stirring in the cocoa mixture, beating until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes, being careful not to let the mixture scorch on the pan bottom. Whisk in the egg yolks. Spoon the chocolate filling into the pastry strips over the top in a random pattern to make a “broken lattice.” Chill for at least 2 hours.
5. Remove the tart from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving. Remove the pan sides and serve.
Note: This is an intensely rich tart, so you’ll want to serve small pieces.
 
 
Remember Darlings, We only have one life to life it is important we life it beautifully
xoxo
Bunny
Tomorrow we are heading into my Kitchen Bar area….Can’t wait to see you!!

A little more with Poppy and JoJo, they love to dance with Oliver. Before Poppy’s massive stroke nearly a decade ago he played in a band. Now he can’t talk, walk or use any of the right side of his body. He is still as happy as can be. We are in my parents laundry room, where my father keeps his computer and dances with Oliver. You can hear me asking my oldest son Sam if he is recording and he is getting snippy with me and I’m saying keep me off camera that I look terrible and have no makeup on….. and then in runs JoJo to dance and it is to POLKA MUSIC no less!!!
 

** This is  a post and party I hosted last year for friends, family and clients in Saratoga Springs.  I thought it was so pretty I wanted to share it for all over at the lovely Tablescape Thursday.  Stop over and visit and be sure to come back and see more of our Summer party Season here at The Paris House Designs

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22 Responses to “A Dreamy Day in the Italian Garden”

  1. LENORENEVERMORE says:

    Bunny,
    Cheers to an enchanted Fun life darling!

    Watched the video, it warms my heart…your family is full warmth & joy!! even under the circumstances. Hope he continues to do better!
    Thank you for sharing this…

    ~Blessings as always!

  2. Jill says:

    What a delightful party! just lovely! Thanks so much for your visit and kind words…best of luck creating your studio…I know it will be beautiful!
    Many Blessings!
    Jill

  3. ModernMom says:

    Looks like it was a smashing success!

  4. koralee says:

    you are way too cute my dear…I adore these photos you took…what a lovely lovely party…so pretty in your garden…your family is adorable indeed! I love your blue shoes! What fun….you inspired me to get into my garden! Love your beautiful blog!

  5. Turquoise Diaries says:

    Pictures are showing a great and fun party.. Congrats..

  6. Bee and Rose says:

    What a lovely party! Just came over from Danielle's blog and delighted to do so!

    Everything was simply beautiful!

  7. Polished Sense says:

    What a great idea for a party! I love to entertain. I love all these photos you took too. Great blog, btw glad I found it!

    xo,
    Jessica

  8. Kristin says:

    Wow, would I love to attend one of your fabulous soirees! You are the ultimate hostess!

  9. drollgirl says:

    oh, it looks like so much fun! beautiful weather, fabulous company, and scrumtious food?!?!? I WISH I WAS THERE!!!

  10. Simply Mel says:

    Bunny,

    I'm going to come to one of your parties one day! I love how much fun you have and that you LIVE life so fully!

    The tea towel looks so beautiful! Glad you love it so much!

    Best,
    Melissa

  11. mimi says:

    Bunny-That was awesome…right down to the polka dancing!Your parents were having such fun-they are so fun! What a gorgeous party. I love all the colors and details. You have such talent!! Your big and little men are adorable.

    I'm going to have to try that cocktail. I love champagne! It looked like such a fun day.
    Have a great night!
    Mimi

  12. Sher says:

    Thanks for adding the recipes. Those chandeliers in the trees are so charming. You have a wonderful family and great friends! You're blessed!

  13. Amanda says:

    I am completely inspired by this party. I wish I had surroundings that were so lush that I could put an outdoor picnic like that together myself. Ugh…..too fun! I definitely feel inspired…thank you!

  14. marlis says:

    truly a magical event. Lucky are those who attended this fete.

  15. Mimi says:

    Looks like a great party!

  16. Donna says:

    Wow, that looks like an awesome day! thanks for sharing all the great photos!

    Donna

  17. Leslie says:

    Looks like a wonderful party and I’m sure a great time!

  18. Gloria says:

    Bunny, this looks like a fabulous party! The drinks, the food, the DRINKS! Wish I were there. And may I say, your father has been through so much, but he is a trouper! Good for him, and good for Jo-Jo for taking care of him. And that video was adorable, as was Oliver. At first, Jo-Jo was all peppy, then I saw her slowing down — this is EXACTLY how I am with kids: first you have a lot of energy and then, as they still have the energy, I slowing wind down… LOL!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Best regards,
    Gloria

  19. Barbara says:

    Everything looks just perfect! The details are so pretty. I have to say though it was your words that spoke to me. “We never know what tomorrow may bring that is why we must savor today and gather our loved ones together whenever we can…” I could write volumes about this. Thank you for the reminder and inspiration.

  20. Mrs. Magpie says:

    Not only is it lovely, Bunny, but it looks like FUN! Gorgeous, Delicious, Fun. You got it all covered!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

  21. Mrs. Magpie says:

    P.S. Your enthusiasm and love for your family and friends is contagious! Loved the video, too!

  22. Johanna says:

    Whow, what a party. Your guests look very delighted and all is so pretty.
    Greetings, Johanna

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