I SURVIVED the cleaning process before the FRENCH BASKETEER and her FABULOUS TOTES ARRIVED!Andrea, arrived with utensils from PARIS,fruits and veggies from the FARMERS MARKET,and chocolate and fixings to make an EXQUISITE lunch for ALL that read her BLOG or mine and we all joined up in MY KITCHEN for the FUN.
The theme was FRENCH FOOD CAMP and the menu reflected FOOD~FRANCE and ROMANCE!I happened to have an artist in RESIDENCE for the week who happily re~worked the old chalkboard menu I had above my stove.
This is MADAMOISELLE Jill we met in FRANCE last SEPTEMBER on SHARON’s Brocante trip!She is a delight who was born here in California but grew up in TENNESSEE the last twenty years.Did I mention she is fluent in FRENCH??!!!!Seems Sharon of MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME is taking RESERVATIONS now for this coming SPRING and FALL. To check out her site and tours CLICK HERE.
My job was the table………………..see below 
I was so HAPPY to pull out my PINK plates!To set a VALENTINE looking table……..The flowers were a PLUS!Instant EYE CANDY……….those pink and white ruffled petaled beauties!CHAMPAGNE cocktails with PINK grapefruit segments and a dash of BITTERS!I can tell YOU this will be my NEW FAVORITE drink!
Do you see the sugar coated rim……………do it early before the guests arrive as it sits; it hardens and well…………it just ADDS something to the entire SIPPING process!Look how well, those segments MATCHED my chairs!TRA>>>>>>>LA!!!!
Each GUEST had a hand written MENU with the days Delights, done by that FRENCH speaking JiLL!By the way JiLL is looking for a FULL~TIME JOB in the BAY AREA so if any of YOU have a need for a BRIGHT, Smart, FRENCH speaking MADAMOISELLE please get in touch with ME!
MY PERSONAL MENU HOLDER!THE GRAND DUKE……………..of the HOUSE!
THE MENU as FOLLOWS………………
FOOD ~ FRANCE & ROMANCE
JANUARY TWENTY~NINTH 2015
GRAPEFRUIT & CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL
SCALLOPS SAINT JACQUES
ROCCHETTA with SALAD and QUINCE SAUCE
LEMON RISOTTO
ROAST CHICKEN with BLOOD ORANGE and QUATRE EPICES
POT DE CREME
CREAM PUFFS with ROSE and RED FRUITS
CHOCOLATE ~ COVERED STRAWBERRIES
WHITE CAKE with ROSES and RED FRUITS
ROSE and BLOOD ORANGE SORBET
DO YOU THINK WE ATE ENOUGH?!!!!!
THE CHEF EXTORDINAIRE stirring her vegatable broth in her personal 19Century COPPER POT!!!!!
The CHAMPAGNE cocktails………in the prepping STAGE!
The beginnings of the Chocolate MOUSSE.
CREME PUFFS in ACTION……………..these are VERY EASY to MAKE!
SCALLOPS on the half shell……………..D I V I N E!A passion fruit ~ blood orange glaze reduction sauce will be dabbed on top!
Rocchetta cheese……… SHHH it’s ITALIAN!!!!Part goat, part cow, part sheep!FIND IT at your local Farmers Market or CHEESE MAN.YOU will THANK the FRENCH BASKETEER profusely!
TWO GORGEOUS GALS at the GORGEOUS FRENCH CAMP COOKING CLASS!The one on the LEFT being the DIVINE CHEF!
WELCOME ALL!!
Note my CARDIGAN CORGI SIR WINSTON joining in for the FEAST!We call this POSITION CIRCUS DOG and he waits patiently for FRUIT!YES, fruit…….Being married to a 100% ITALIAN MAN we finish each meal with FRESH FRUIT.Winston’s preferred fruit is the CLEMENTINE.
Home made SORBET…….BLOOD ORANGE and CLEMENTINE!!!!!!Note the BEAUTY…..the PEWTER TUREEN THE French BASKETEER brought from her DIVINE kitchen.
POT de CREME………with fruits and sugar coated ROSE PETALS from ANDREA’s GARDEN!
How about THAT!My First bloom of the season opens on the DAY!That is DAPHNE.If you do not have DAPHNE in your JARDIN you are missing OUT!The FRAGRANCE is BEYOND……….loves to be housed in a POT and if you put me by your FRONT DOOR I will NOT disappoint!Does NEED a SHADEY SPOT!
TADAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!The GRAND FINALE……..a white cake with ROSE ESSENCE.WHAT A FEAST for the EYES and the TUM~TUM!
I would like to THANK ANDREA more commonly known in the BLOG world as the FRENCH BASKETEER and her WONDERFUL ASSISTANT for the DAY.It was a MAGICAL sunny DAY up here in NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.I hope you will ALL go visit ANDREA at HER site HERE.She imports beautiful FRENCH FOOD BASKETS as well as offering cooking classes in HER 1923 HOME in LAGUNA BEACH in southern CALIFORNIA.If you are in HER neck of the WOODS I would say…………SIGN ~UP TODAY!
IT WAS A BALL………………..
The FOOD WAS A FEAST…………..
THE GUESTS WERE SUBLIME……………….
A TREASURED DAY FOR ME TOO…………….
MERCI……….MERCI………….MERCI……………………XOXOOXOXOOXO.
PS.ONE of ANDREA’s baskets MADE THE COVER of COASTAL LIVING MAGAZINE this MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer says
It was the most magical day!! The food, the flowers, the friends! Your table was pure perfection. Those pink plates were amazing. Everything was outstanding. What kind of flower is Daphne? If it’s easy I’ll give it a try. Your gardening skills are well known. Andrea made everything look so effortless. Such a great teacher and chef!! Loved all of it.
xo
When do I see that silver tray:)?
Donna~Faded Velvet says
La Contessa~
As always, you never disappoint and always overwhelm! What a literal FEAST for the EYES!! I can only imagine how wonderful it all tasted. Being snowbound in Ohio, the sight of the warm sun streaming onto the beautifully laid table was just so heartening. What a combination the French Basketeer and you make!Maybe you should have a beautiful restaurant??? Or bed and Breakkie??
I loved seeing your sweet Corgi doing his Circus dog(so very patient – he has obviously been frequently rewarded for his efforts before).
Thank you for taking the time and effort to photograph the day and share it with us!
Donna~Faded Velvet
Heather in Arles says
Everything is positively exquisite and yes – Jennifer would know as she was there – I think that magical is the perfect word! I loved seeing all of the photos pouring in on instagram. It was so clear that everyone had SUCH a wonderful time – how could they not with such an excellent Chef and such a phenomenal, beautiful Hostess? The food looks fantastic, I love Jill’s sign and menus and the Grand Duke and the talented Sir Winston made the show…
Bravissimo, Bella Contessa and Andrea!
Anita @letshavelunch says
What a delight to read Elizabeth!!!!
You went to no end of trouble to create this memorable day.
The food, the China, the crystal and flowers……..all perfect.
Going back to look at all the photos again.
Gorgeous!!!!!!!
xx neat
Katie Clooney says
Contessa…. what a GLORIUOS afternoon you ladies had! How do you say “Im just a teensy weensy pea green with ENVY in French? Your table looks absolutely DIVINE!! The food looks MAGNIFIQUE!!! MERCI for letting us take a peak into your ENCHANTED afternoon!!
Stephen Andrew says
This is my type of party. Entertaining like this in a home is so special and just fabulous. No one worries about drinking one more than they “should” or a little extra dessert while lingering at the table. So much more magical and intimate than a restaurant. With yellow walls and dogs underfoot?! Fabulous. And are these a different collection of pink plates? I’ve been on a pink plate quest since I saw yours.
How is your son’s Boxer recovering? Hope she’s better.
contessa says
GOOD EYE……..Yes the top pink plate was the salad plate and from a different source.I too will keep an eye out for MORE PINK plates and let you know what I find!
Nollie, the BOXER is recovering well from her internal bleeding!Stitches come out on THURSDAY!THANKS for asking!
kim says
Elizabeth, Love this and the whole day!! Your home is so enchanting and I cannot stop talking about it!! Adore Andrea and Jill and of course Jen and all your sweet friends too. Seriously one of the best days I have had ever. Writing more about it next week as I am obsessed!!!
xxoo Kim
Anita Rivera says
Ma chère amie si BELLE! I wish I was there with you all! I wish I was still BLOGGING! But I am still present, working on my blog as A BOOK! Did I mention that to you?
OK, where on this green earth do I even begin to express how lush this event is…first of all, where did you get that AWESOME CHALKBOARD FRAME? Do tell…
Secondly, your table is so lovingly arranged with all the things that a French table graces: FLOWERS, good food, interesting conversation, friends (of all sorts, even corgis!) Your home is sublime in shadows and light, and your kitchen resembles mine! I have a ton of copper pots. What a shame that I quit blogging, but my book will include photos.
My friend, I thank you for adding such charm and fun to our community here. I hope to speak soon? COuld it be possible that my phone will sound, and I hear a lovely, lively voice on the other end?
LOVE TO YOU! Anita
contessa says
OUI…………….your phone will SOUND this WEEK!
Miss Mary says
OOOO LAAAA LAAAA! You really out-did yourself! It all looks SOOO scrumptious. Thanks for the perfect pictures and the delicious descriptions- it gave all of us out here a little view of the fun. <3
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
What a delicious menu and beautiful presentation. Fun.
Coty Farquhar says
This is sooooo beautiful Elizabeth. Oh how I wish I was there!
So inspiring and a great way to start the week. Delicate and delicious details…
xxxx sending love to you.
Coty
Karena says
Dear Elizabeth, Andrea called me last night and was so thrilled with the cooking event you had at your delightful home! ! One day I will be able to meet the Northern California group of blog friends in person! Everything looks like perfection!!
Xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Jan Schechter says
What an amazing day you had!!! The food looks so yummy…can you get a few recipes? I am in love with your beautiful pink and white table with the statue and flowers!! Contessa, you do not disappoint. I enjoy your blog so much. Keep it coming…
Beemie says
Très élégant…The food, the atmosphere, and the photos. Well done.
French Basketeer says
My Dear Contessa, what a beautiful day we had! It was such a pleasure to create a French menu for this beautiful group of ladies and share some cooking tips, in your gorgeous home and with the afternoon sun streaming in…you and your home and family and animals are all simply divine, and the day was made infinitely easier and more beautiful with Jill’s assistance!! btw my cappuccino this morning in Laguna was pale in comparison to the ones at your home! Thank you for a most lovely day!! xxoo A
contessa says
MERCI a TE!
XO
Jeanne Henriques says
Well done one and all! I just stopped in at Jennifer’s blog and caught up with the whole day. As I said to her, if this is a food camp, then I want in! Every picture, every word, every CAP…a delight. Thank you Elizabeth for your inspring posts. Smiling in Saigon….xxx
Sandra Sallin says
So beautiful, so delightful that I simply had to pin your table onto Pinterest. I always am delighted by your posts and recommendations! Love yur style.
Sandra Sallin says
Forgive the misspelling. trying to do too many things at once.
foodiefan says
Wow! I think you have made a lot of people, me included, wish we had experienced such a day! Life is never dull in your house. The table looked magnificent – so pretty in pink – and the food sounded and looked delic. Think you have started a craze for pink plates. Salivating looking at those scallops with the passionfruit and blood orange dressing -hope they can be on the menu if we see you in June? xo
contessa says
YES< they can if those little scallops are to be found in season! JUNE!Where has the last FOUR YEARS GONE???? XO
Loreen Attridge says
Loved every word and every picture! Beautiful!
Tamera Beardsley says
A most magical recap … of a magnificent afternoon! You and Andrea … are absolutely gifted hostesses … and are able to collect absolutely amazing women as guests!! Thank you for sharing such a memorable afternoon my friend! I look forward to the day … when I get to visit your most wonderful abode!
xoxo
Tamera
Eleanor says
Oh my Lord! How I wish I could have been a guest at your table. Everything looks like a creampuff dream! I am loving those pink plates. The champagne cocktails could not be more lovely. The scallops, the salad, the desserts and that cake! This is the perfect girls lunch. Bravo bravo bravo.
contessa says
YOU will be one day a guest at my table………….LETS MAKE THAT HAPPEN!
XOXO
Roxane Lacroix says
Quite delightful and such mouth-watering food! I’m definitely trying the grapefruit Champagne cocktails. Life is always good when there’s tulips and champagne!
contessa says
AGREE ROXANE…………..AGREE!
Catherine says
Oh, Elizabeth everything looks absolutely wonderful…such style! The cake looks absolutely amazing…what a showpiece…how I wish I had been there too…you must have had such fun 😉 xx
Cherie says
You are amazing Contessa! You just have this knack for creating such magical and cozy settings. Your table is exquisite. I adore how you used pink throughout and where did you get those pink plates? The food looked incredible and I’m thirsty for the champagne cocktail! Xo, cherie
contessa says
PINK dinner plates ANTIQUE SHOP!NO BARGIN………..I asked if they could be my VALENTINE gift one YEAR!
PINK SALAD plates……….found at a little gift shop that had Bits and Bobs of vintage!!I GRABBED and RAN to check out!
XO
Sharon Santoni says
Hi Contessa!
What wonderful pictures you have posted, and how much fun to have had Jill there too. She is such a lovely person, I bet she just adored staying with you.
Thank you so much for mentioning the brocante tours, I have had a lot of people enquring already and I’m very excited about the new tour in Provence this year.
Your meal just looks amazing
love to you
Sharon
xx
contessa says
Thought of YOU as I did the FLOWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer Rankin says
FABULOUSLY FRENCH………………SO SO YOU. What a yummy event it must have been. The dishes all look photo shoot ready to eat. Favorite picture is that of Winston joining in the fun. Didn’t know about Nollie. Hope she is OK. Congratulations to you, Andrea and Jill on what looked like a beautiful day.
contessa says
Nollie is okay!It was a NICE scare…………….it was a BEAUTIFUL DAY.
AS a dear friend said, “WE OUT DID THE FRENCH!”Loved that and your RIGHT it was SO ME!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
I read this post yesterday. Lovely! The meal, placesettings, and company looks FABULOUS! My dog Nugget does the same circus position for begging. 🙂
Funny, because I had a dream I was there! Cooking! Except I had not made enough portions for everybody and the meal on the cards was different than the one I had made. 🙂
I don’t know how I had this dream but it was so vivid!
Back to work and hope you are well – have a lovely, lovely week!
contessa says
BECAUSE YOU will BE one DAY!THATS why YOU had the DREAM!
Catherine says
What a pleasure to read this post and vicariously enjoy what looks like a wonderful day, especially since it’s so cold and dreary here on the east coast!
Deb Owens says
i’m needing to get straight to the point…please leave me those pink dishes in your will. If I should pass away before you…Kelsey would love them!!! ; )
Kidding aside, it looks like you all had a lovely day!!!
Deb
contessa says
I am on the HUNT for more PINK DISHES……….will let YOU know what I find!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
This was a wonderful E-Mail to find today. Made me so hungry—and Winston is such a beautiful, handsome gentleman. Don’t ever stop sending me E-mail!
Hugs, Candace
contessa says
PROMISE!
Diane says
You reinvented the term, Pretty in PINK! and GOLDEN, and Unforgettable. Just gazing at your photos was an delightful feast! And, Jill will have NO problem with employment!
contessa says
I BELIEVE YOUR RIGHT about Jill………..she has moved into a carriage house in LAGUNA for now!
Stacie says
What a beautiful party, I mean camp! That is my kind of camp, for sure. You make it look easy. The details! Kristopher told me about the pink. Gorgeous.
contessa says
I wondered how you KNEW!Your answer PUT a SMILE on my face!
XX
Nancy Case says
Stunning, glorious, captivating, delicious! There are not enough adjectives to describe this day! A Feast for all of the senses that continues to bring me joy and make me smile as I go about my days. Thank you Elizabeth for opening your home and life of joy, beauty, teaching and love. Andrea, I think I hugged you 100 times and felt so close to you immediately. I have fresh new skills from your incredible class that I will enjoy and use in my kitchen to bless many as you have all of us. I adore your products too and will continue to use you as a resource for treasures. All of the ladies and dear Jill were such loves and fun to savor good tastes and giggle and learn together from the Grand Andrea French Basketeer! Countless thank yous flow from this heart of mine….FancyNancy
Pam@over50feeling40 says
This looks so fabulous and so much fun! I came over from Tamera’s site. What a great opportunity for all of the ladies.
jamie westdal says
I love your site and your capitals and your exclamation marks.
contessa says
GOOD TO KNOW!!!!
Doré @burlapLuxe says
Oh déar contessa- Elizabeth
I so wish I were at that oh so divinely set table of yours, I feel like the pooch begging at the table for some scraps.
Andrea the dvine lady “A” and her fine chef skills, I so missed out on her dinner invite when Karena was out visit, I had such an issue with a tooth and could not make it, and here you are the belle of the party.
Your settings look amazing, and the old blackboard art is perfect.
You ladies look like you so enjoyed your dinning experiance and the photos show up to meet that divine experiance.
You need to do a cook book with all your home photos and all the beauty of your friends contributing to a entwining at home divinely.it would be a big top seller.
Well my dear, I will check in with you soon.
A beautifull inspiring February to you.
Xx
Bisous
Doré
contessa says
I too was invited to THAT PARTY down SOUTH………One day we will be at a TABLE TOGETHER!!!
XO
Paula Angermeier says
Fantastic! Every detail is extraordinary, including Winston’s circus dog pose.
Tara Sayers Dillard says
So, googled my Bunny Mellon on images this morning, found an incredible link.
Had to leave a note, and what do I see ahead of me in the notes? YOUR note.
How does this stuff happen?????
Floral down blanket? Covered with polar tech blanket and darling Petunia is happy for the winter, meow.
XO T
contessa says
WE FLY In the SAME CIRCLES……………LOVE IT!!!
LOVE the fact floral down blanket is in USE!
I owe YOU and email!!!!!!!!!!
XOXOXO
Loree says
How exciting. It looks like you all had such a fabulous time. I adore your pink plates. The food looks exquisite too. I wish I had something as exciting to report as this dinner party. And since you asked about my front door, it’s just a dark wood stain. Unfortunately, we do not own a grand old house with a grand old door. But if I did, I would probably paint it turquoise.
contessa says
THAT would WORK!I see your SON turned NINE!!!!HAPPY BIRTHING MONTH MAMA BELLA!!!!!!
XX
jewels says
I feel as though I attended, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful day.?
contessa says
GOOD!
Next time YOU Must come!!
XX
Design Chic says
How fun to see your beautiful table and food – felt as though I was there enjoying the festivities! Adore the pink plates!!