Laura, one of the Breakfast Bunch I posted about here has been a busy bee. Not only has she taken a couple of trips recently and celebrated a BIG birthday, she also hosted an engagement party for her daughter and future son-in-law this past Saturday evening.
The event was held in their back yard. It was the perfect evening---with all of the lousy weather we have had in Missouri recently, she had the most beautiful night to share this special occasion with friends and family.
She had scattered cloth draped tables around the yard and had a buffet table set on the patio. I wish I had taken more photos of this event, but I was just rolling in from pulling the doors down on our Tag Sale and I was very, very tired and pretty much not with it.
I did get a photo of the "wine cooler" she had purchased from us at our sale.
This is a great use for those old double tubs.
We each had our own preference!I also had a photo taken of us selecting which type of wine would go well with the main course.
I took a picture of this "outstandingly" arranged planter Laura also purchased at our sale---it was pictured in my previous post here. I think it looks perfect perched on her park bench!
Here we have Laura's pretty geraniums. My thumb is not green when it comes to this variety of plant. Oh, how I envy the "geranium growers"------Laura certainly qualifies as one!
LOVE that crock, too!
Laura just recently celebrated a MILESTONE birthday!! As is our Breakfast Bunch Tradition, we acknowledged that aging accomplishment by honoring Laura at a brunch on Monday.
Patty was the hostess for Laura's birthday extravaganza. She's shown here on the front porch of her beautiful home. She knows I am geranium impaired and she just HAD to have her picture taken with this monsterous plant!!! She's a bragger----she should be cuz her geraniums are gorgeous! (She qualifies as a "geranium grower", as well.)
Patty had set the sweetest table. The plates she used belonged to her mom. She shared with us that these had been her mom's "good dishes" when Patty lived at home. The depression glass goblets were bought by Patty at a sale.
A closer look at the dinnerware--so beautiful.
Mary was the first to arrive!
We each bring a dish (or drink) to our brunches. Mary was the maker of the Mimosas this time. She is toting the champagne and juices (orange and pineapple).
Mary Ann bakes the most delicious Sour Cream Coffee Cakes---here she is with another beauty!
Beth is a baker extraordiniare. She is so good about trying new recipes (unlike me). This time she shared a scrumptious "pull apart cinnamon roll" delight!
I rolled in with a fruit salad. No baking skill involved at all. Just give me a few melons and berries and I can chop 'em up with the best. When I have time I have been know to use the "melon baller", but that doesn't happen too often.
Gads, I'm looking pretty haggard in that shot. That is what a Tag Sale does to a person-----not a pretty sight!
The hostess prepared a delicious egg casserole and was making certain it tasted as yummy as it looked. (it did!)
Mary prepared the Mimosas! How inviting does that look?
The berry dishes shown to the right of the drink belonged to Patty's grandmother! The flag container in the background was one used as centerpieces at my son and daughter-in-law's rehearsal dinner nearly four years ago.
They were married on July the 3RD. They were both born in 1976 (our Bi-centennial Year) SO we had a very patriotic theme for the dinner. Of course, all of my breakfast bunch friends, Marian (the cookie baker from the Tag Sale) and Bonnie (the other Tag Sale Queen) helped me pull off that evening---wow, what a bunch of buddies I have! Sometimes I can't believe my good fortune.
Cheers! Happy Birthday, Laura!
The birthday girl opens her loot!
Yep, ANOTHER geranium plant----this one is on Patty's back deck. How beautiful is that! Just not fair.
I have turned into a "geranium whiner"--I'll try to quit.
I love the view from Patty's back porch and deck. The land slopes down to a valley and is filled with wonderful shade trees and great plantings.
I don't see any geraniums out there! Good.
Patty has a flag holder on her front porch. (I showed you mine in a recent post).
She also has this neat flag stake right off the porch (I have one, too! We almost always like the same stuff!---sometimes we fight over it if there is only one of something and we both want it. I know, we're way too old to do that). This was made by Claudia and Fred, who are amazing crafters and antique/vintage collectors. They have a darling booth at the Greenwood Antique Mall.
I painted this stepping stone a few years ago. Maybe it should be rotated a tad. That little crow looks like he is balancing on his tail and doing little leg lifts!
This is a wreath Bonnie made---she is a great folk artist.
We are all lined up for our group shot. I am the tallest, but it doesn't look that way in this photo.
We had to pose on the porch steps so I could hit the timer on my camera and run like crazy to jump into the picture. I think the sweat I created by running so many times is why my hair looks so terrible. (It actually looked bad from the very beginning, but the sweat didn't help!)
It was a great day with great friends and great food! What more could you ask for?
Oh, I forgot to tell my friends about what happened just as I was heading over to Patty's for the brunch.
Well, I had found this cute vase for Laura---she collects Manhattan Ware depression glass--and as I picked up the gift bag I had it in, I noticed it seemed sooooo much heavier than I remembered it being.
When I pulled the tissue back a little, I saw two concrete ears sticking out!
THE STONE RABBIT told me he wanted to celebrate Laura's birthday, too, so he thought he would stow away in the gift bag!! (Did he think I wouldn't notice?)
I told him to "hop out of there and put that vase back in the sack".
He looked so sad----but he perked right up when I told him I would bring him home a piece of Patty's egg casserole.
Dana
What a wonderful backdrop for a party.
You are blessed with fabulous friends and great cooks.
After I read your post, I was hungry!
Check out my post about your heartfull gift you gave me at your tag sale.
Jill xoo
Posted by: Jill | June 25, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Hi Dana!
This was so much fun to read! Happy birthday to Laura, who is lucky to have the very nicest of friends to help her celebrate her special birthday!
I want to live in Patty's house -- it looks so beautiful! I could probably fit my entire house into her kitchen ..lol!
The secret to geraniums is lots of sunshine and enough water and fertilizer to keep them happy -- I bet you could raise them if you try.
I bought my blueberries at Costco -- they were only $6 for 40 ounces! I usually only eat them plain, but with so many I wanted to try that Women's Day recipe. I bet any berry can be used -- I'll try strawberries next time.
The Stone Rabbit is mischievous isn't he? Good thing he didn't break you pretty gift!
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | June 25, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Dana~
Love your writing! You made me wish I was there! Aren't girlfriends the best!?! Thanks for the tour of your friend's yard!
Kim
Posted by: Kim V | June 25, 2008 at 02:35 PM
I don't blame the stone bunny at all. I would like to have gone myself. Good food, good drinks and wonderful friends. What more could you ask for?!
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | June 25, 2008 at 02:53 PM
I laughed so hard at your stone rabbit in the bag!! Hahahahaha. You sure have a great group of friends there. ~ Lynn
Posted by: Lynn @ theVintageNest | June 25, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Hi, Judy, aren't girlfriends just the best?! Looks like a great birthday celebration for your friend, your brunch looks fabulous. Ya'll really go all out, those are the must fun.
AND, what a tag sale ya'll had! I wish I could have been there, I see all sorts of things that would love to come home with me. Great stuff!
Rhoda
Posted by: Rhoda | June 25, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Oh,a nd I need to add you to my bloglist too!
Posted by: Rhoda | June 25, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Looks like a fabulous time all around! I am starving now after seeing all of the food, especially the sour cream coffee cake. OH MY!
Jillian
Posted by: Jillian | June 25, 2008 at 08:00 PM
What a fun party! Lots of yummy looking food, good friends, and beautiful surroundings! Girlfriends are so wonderful!
And pretty sneaky, Stone Rabbit!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | June 26, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Dana, you are too cute for words! I loved this post :)
Happy Birthday to Laura! It looks like a wonderful time.
I feel your pain. I can't get hydrangeas to grow.
Rue :)
Posted by: rue | June 26, 2008 at 04:31 PM
What wonderful friends and memories you have! ~Jill
Posted by: Jill | June 26, 2008 at 07:55 PM
I always get such a kick out of visiting The Stone Rabbit... What a great group of friends you have.. beautiful yards, homes, table settings... And I always get so excited, trying to anticipate where the stone rabbit is going to pop up!! ...Donna
Posted by: An Enchanted Cottage | June 26, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Wonderful post, Dana! Beautiful place for a get together. The food looks delicious!
I had a comment from your friend Bonnie. Small world. J may very well know her husband's family. He's lived here for almost 63 years except for a couple years in Germany. His family had a farm, between Moscow Mills and Troy.
It's raining here, as I type. The levee at Winfield gave way this morning. We're about 15 miles from the river, high and dry.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Pat
Posted by: Pat | June 27, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Such a wonderful day with special ladies. It all looks like great fun and the food and mimosas look sooo good!
I am in love with that stone rabbit...we must introduce yours to mine! : )
I am so enjoying getting to know you!
Hugs,
Sue
Posted by: Sue | June 28, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Well...don't know where my time goes but had to read two posts at once. Long but GREAT!! Everything is so cute in pink!- Can't wait to hear about your recent events! Moving right along at the shop and buying when I should be selling. Sharleen
Posted by: sharleen | June 29, 2008 at 02:36 PM