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Instagram Meet Ups!

 

LA TAVOLA DE LA CONTESSA

APRIL 28th,2018

 

 

 

 

 

FABULOUS WOMEN!

BANKSY BEING THE IDEAL HOST!

BANKSY on a PLATTER………….SHHHHH!

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting People YOU do NOT know can be VERY FUN!

I decided back in FEBRUARY to invite MY FOLLOWERS to dine with me for a lunch!

This all took place on INSTAGRAM.

You do know little SNIPPETS of their LIFE they share on Instagram and maybe what they look like……………..but to MEET UP in REAL LIFE is THE BEST!

These women drove for miles to come and EAT with me!We laughed and LISTENED especially when one GUEST announced she use to work for HARVEY WEINSTEIN as his personal ASSISTANT!!!!!!SHE had NO IDEA of HIS HABITS in THE OFFICE!However, this was MANY, MANY years ago so maybe THAT side had not SURFACED YET!

WE had TWO ARTISTS and a VINTAGE ANTIQUE DEALER on one side of the table and on the other a PAST NORDSTROM BUYER and now REAL ESTATE GO GETTER and Two WORKING GALS who made the DATE WORK!

HAVE YOU EVER INVITED STRANGERS INTO YOUR HOME?

I was SO TAKEN with EVERYONE and would LOVE to keep in touch with ALL WHO ATTENDED!

Our lunch consisted of PASTA as a STARTER…….PESTO that THE ITALIAN makes; SO EASY for me!However, I add a bit of HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM!

Prosciutto and Salami ……Cheese………EGG SALAD made from my CHICKS EGGS and Tomato Mozzarella salad.

We finished off with a STRAWBERRY YOGURT DESSERT my MOTHER use to MAKE!

I kept the food simple so I could visit and chat!

The weather wasNOT IDEAL for sitting outside with our coffee & tea after so instead we did THE GRAND TOUR of THE CASA!As my guests can tell you in the comment area my house is small but does not LACK IN THINGS!!!!!!I have a STORY on MOST ITEMS………..and it isNOT all decorated to perfection as I have a few bits from MY MOTHER that I cannot let go of………..EVER!

I have SENTIMENTAL Dolls from MY cousin and MY CHRISTENING DRESS FRAMED BY HER AS WELL.

I have a HAND WRITTEN LETTER from a DEAR DEAR FRIEND who has since passed all done on TISSUE PAPER!

I have the ACCESSORIES hanging or sitting pretty EVERYWHERE!

I never know HOW PEOPLE will VIEW my HOME as it is NOT THE NORM!

Than again you have a CARDIGAN CORGI under foot who moves with the crowd and a Pig who could easily slip under the table to give your toes a KISS!

What I ADORE About this house is it is perfect for TWO PEOPLE.

NO STAIRS TO CLIMB…….NO LONG HALLWAYS!!!

However, I could use ONE MORE LARGE ROOM!

 

HAPPY MAY from BANKSY BOY!

This wreath arrived at my DOOR on Monday eve…………THANK GOODNESS EMILY the  PIGGY MANICURIST from TEXAS(YES SHE FLIES IN TO DO HER WORK EVERY FEW MONTHS!I might ADD with her PET CHICKEN onboard NOT IN CARGO!!) arrived so WE FOUND IT!It was from one of my INSTA BUDDIES who came on SATURDAY as a THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!I was TOLD ON THE CARD TO WEAR IT IN THE GARDEN!

SO, I DID and I shared with BANKSY BOY!

HOW ON EARTH DID SHE KNOW I LOVE May Day?

 

 

GOT MAIL?

I DID TODAY right before I went to PUBLISH this POST and I had TO SHARE!

One of THE ARTISIT’s CAPTURED my HOME and sent to me along with her BEAUTIFUL CARD!

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?

I am so TOUCHED!

THANK YOU HEIDI!

@heidimichelle.artstudio

 

 

SHALL WE STEP INTO THE GARDEN for just a second…………..

 

 

 

The GARDEN is just starting to BLOOM.

We are late this year as it has been COLD for Northern California!

I look forward to meeting the next GROUP of WOMEN to wander into MY HOME for LUNCH!

There will be THREE LUNCHEONS in TOTAL.

I think I will start to plan THAT MENU TODAY!

How does this sound?

Tuna Pasta

A ZUCCHINNI FRITATTA

Potato Salad

and a PAVLOVA for Dessert?

Of course Cheeses and some Prosciutto…………….THATS A GIVEN!

I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING THE REST OF YOU!

We are becoming ONE BIG INSTA FAMILY!

Can’t wait to  MANGIA with you ALL!!! 

UNTIL SOONEST and I DO HOPE TO MEET ALL OF YOU ONE DAY TOO MY LOYAL and FUN READERS of this BLOG!

THE VINTAGE CONTESSA.NET

CIAO TUTTI!

XX

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cara Contessa,
    Well, how lovely to find this recap of the most spectacular day complete with wonderful pictures and Heide’s charming watercolors! You are a brave generous soul to invite all us erstwhile strangers to your table. You, your meal, your home and your stories were all I hoped for and more. You have truly created a magical kingdom and I was honored and delighted to be there.
    Much appreciation..
    Fondly
    Penelope

    Reply

  2. Great looking table setting! Stephen Andrew Jones will approve!
    Looks like fun and I really like the menu…

    Your home always looks so big to me…how small can it be? Do you know how many square feet it is? Ours is about 900 sq ft on each floor.

    Look forward to hearing about your next luncheon…

    Reply

    • He was coming to the first luncheon LESLIE!!!But had to change his plans due to THAT Real Estate license!That TOOK a LOT of pressure OFF!Can YOU IMAGINE……………I think I would melt into a HEAP of TEARS when I Meet him and I know I will!IT’s on The BUCKET LIST!I’m certain he will have us ALL rolling on the floor in LAUGHTER!XX
      Ps. I think it’s a little over 2,000 SQ.FT!

      Reply

  3. LOVED reading your BLOG…….What a FABULOUS IDEA to have a Instagram Luncheon at your Casa!!!
    Great way to make new friends……… I will be in L.A. May 23 – 30 & would LOVE to see you!!!

    Reply

  5. E- I am looking forward to my turn at your fabulous table! The menu is ?. Until then my friend.

    Reply

  6. Dearest Contessa . . . I’m counting the days until I’m back at your table. However, I feel bad because a) we’re already acquainted, and b) your other guests are so talented and accomplished. But, not bad enough to give up my coveted spot! Looks like Luncheon #1 was a success and I look forward to raising the bar at Luncheon #2! xo

    Reply

  7. You are such a generous soul.
    What a spread you turned on……….everything looked perfect.
    The ladies all looked beautiful for the day.
    I’ve just read the menu for the next lunch and it sounds delicious Elizabeth.
    Ciao Bella
    Neat xx

    Reply

  8. How lovely that you hosted a lunch for your Instagram followers. Your table looked so pretty and displayed a springtime vibe.
    I will be in your neck of the woods soon. My husband and I fly from MA to San Jose on Saturday to spend a week with our son. I’m looking forward to some nice CA weather, outdoor adventures and good food!

    Reply

  9. I recognize a couple of faces as people I also follow. They all look like a lot of fun. I also follow Stephen Andrew Jones, and he seems like he would be a blast at a party; too bad he couldn’t come. I eagerly await the report of the next gathering! You are holding up the good promises of the Internet for creating community.
    I have to ask: is that an awning inside the kitchen? It is very pretty–every glimpse of your home is beautiful–but I am sure there is a story behind it, and I’m curious about the addition of the awning.

    Reply

    • YES.
      It is an old outdoor awning that I found God knows where…….I have FORGOTTEN and had THAT ITALIAN install over the pantry door!IT is one of MY FAVORITE pieces in the HOUSE!I have another awning over the TELEVISION in the Living Room.From the awning to the pantry that leads to the Garage you walk under TWO CHANDELIERS for the Laundry Room/PANTRY!!!WHY BUY ONE chandelier when they had TWO the same!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I couldNOT leave One behind!These were found in OJAI,CALIFORNIA.
      The light in the PANTRY at night is STELLAR!!!!!!!!!
      Stephen and I go way back to another BLOG……….WE were the CHEERLEADERS in the COMMENT SECTION!!!
      XX

      Reply

  10. What a perfectly charming afternoon! The food look magazine-worthy. Did you name these bloggers or did I miss it! In any case, I am very jealous of these lovely ladies. Enjoy your weekend.

    Reply

  11. I love love meeting up with on-line friends! It (they) never disappoint and are actually just what they seem on line. People always wonder about that! The IG community is just so wonderful: every morning I travel to all parts of the world.
    Your house, table, luncheon look just lovely!!!! What a treat for everyone; we look forward to the next one!

    Reply

  13. Everything looked perfect Contessa! Absolutely beautiful post… So glad you followed through on my suggestion to have luncheons in your lovely home! Do you remember that? Matters not really… It looked like a great success! I tip my hat!

    Reply

  14. Total blast! You are the hub of a wheel that keeps growing! Food looked amazing and your guests all looked very pretty. (One had her cell phone on the table and I adore its case. Have zoomed in to look at it -so cute with an Eiffel Tower. Maybe she’ll see my comment and tell me where I can find one like it. Fingers crossed!)

    Anyway, you remind me of that Oscar Wilde saying, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.”

    Reply

    • OR that AUNTIE MAME saying………”Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” I SO FEEL THAT TO BE THE TRUTH THESE DAYS!
      Having FUN is a LOST ART…….Meeting People using THE GOOD STUFF………..who does THAT ANYMORE?
      I Hope one of these luncheon can be in THE GARDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      NOW that will make me SO HAPPY!!!!!
      A LONG BANQUET TABLE…………….STAY TUNED!
      XX
      PS. I will let her know about the phone cover!

      Reply

    • Elizabeth the afternoon was one I will remember for a long time, not just for the beauty of your home and garden, or the delicious lunch, but because of your warmth and open heart and kindness. I felt as if I were meeting a long lost friend. It was a delight to meet everyone else, too, and I’m so happy to have been included in this exclusive “First luncheon extravaganza”! The little sketches were just a small token of my appreciation for such a lovely day.
      Now to respond to Mithra! I found my phone case in a drawer in my office that is filled with old phones and discarded electronics! I think my daughter purchased it online somewhere years ago. I’m the only one in the household with an ancient phone and needed to replace my original case that cracked. BTW, I follow your blog which I absolutely love and forward links from nearly every week! I purchased the most adorable German wooden flower children from you. They remind me of my childhood and I just love them- they are on everyday display on my bookshelf.
      XO Heidi

      Reply

    • I LOVE HOW SMALL THIS BLOG / INSTAGRAM world is……………..XX
      THANK YOU HEIDI, I see we have a typo on your name……Not sure I can FIX THAT!
      Your drawing are VERY SPECIAL TO ME!Now to frame them and find the PERFECT SPOT!!!!!!
      XO

      Reply

  15. What a delightful idea to hostess luncheons for your followers! Only you would think of that. What a delicious treat for eye and soul to spend time in your enchanted garden and casa….La Contessa Casa! (I remember that word from all my Montessori training) Of course, you had your staff ready to greet and make your guests comfortable….Mr. Banksy, Theo, Winston….. What a lovely gathering. The stories, ideas, inspiration, and joy just wrapped around your little group leaving a place in the heart in each of you to return to and offer a place to gather again and again. Lovely!

    Reply

  16. So gracious and welcoming of you to have strangers into your home, although in just a few words, the women of Instagram can bond as if we’ve known one another FOREVER! Yes, PROSCIUTTO, please!! For me, it’s one of the staples of life! This time next week I’ll be flying to California for my lunch date with you the next day!! Thank you, again, for having all of us! I’M EXCITED!! xoxox, Brenda

    Reply

  17. What an Absolutely beautiful afternoon you created for these oh, so lucky souls. You are a Fairy Godmother to so many of us. I’m terribly sad that I had to pass on this invitation of a Lifetime. I will be flying to New York this Sunday to be with my mom. Her surgery is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Keep us in your thoughts. Mine will be with you!
    XOXO
    Baci,
    Zingara

    Reply

    • YOU are doing THE RIGHT THING!
      I was LOOKING forward to a GOOD CHAT WITH YOU but we will just postpone it!
      I will be thinking of your MAMA on TUESDAY!
      XO
      BACI back at YA!

      Reply

  18. I absolutely love your hosting a lunch for insta friends in your home darling girl. Most insta meets are in public places so your idea to have it at home deserves applause. Your table and menu totally divine, stylish and creative as only you can be. Loved seeing all your happy friends having a good time. How I would love to have Banksy kiss my toes under that table.
    So looking forward to seeing pics of your next lunch as I already know one gorgeous gal who is going to be there.

    Reply

    • YOU DO!
      I KNOW WHO SHE IS TOO!!!!!!!!
      I think she will ENJOY this group of LADIES!
      I can SEE YOU DOING THIS TOO LILLIAN……….YOU definitely have THE CHINA!
      I will POST so YOU can pretend YOU are here with us!!!!!!XX

      Reply

  19. What a marvel you are! The house, the animals, the food, the smiles! Your energy and generosity of spirit are exceeded only by your beauty and style. Thanks for giving us this glimpse into your special day. <3

    Reply

  21. Oh! Contessa! What a wonderful post! You have inspired me to not put off entertaining. I love having tea parties but they are a lot of work so it’s been way to long. I’m going to do a series of just afternoon “cream tea” with tea, scones, lemon curd and clotted cream. Having just a few guests at a time is more manageable. Now, can I borrow Banksy? He could help me host. What fun he would be. 🙂
    Love your home and style! You are just up the road from Fresno so let me know if you can make it to an afternoon tea among my bickering teapots and dancing treadles.

    Reply

  23. Well, that was almost like being there at your fabulous table…you are such a gracious hostess. The food and table setting look marvelous. And the watercolor gift…so precious.

    Reply

  24. Another brilliant idea! To open up your home to you Instagram followers. Everything looked amazing and the menu divine! But as always Banks’s stole the show! Happy May!

    Reply

  25. How wonderful Elizabeth. I wish I could come…
    Such beautiful women, your house shines, your menu- exquisite, your outfit!! Wow! Those watercolors, you must frame.
    XXo Robin

    Reply

  26. Wow that looks as if it was a fabulous lunch, delicious looking food and a whole lot of fun. Well done you and your garden is fabulous, more photos please! I have invited strangers in on more than one occasion and it has always been a huge success. Just a couple of weeks ago, we were driving up the hill towards our village and passed some cyclists, nothing unusual there, we are in France after all. Then we passed another group and noticed their t shirts said London to Africa and they had a Union Jack flag on them, we passed another group before we arrived at our house. In a flash I decided we had to run out onto the road and stop them and invite them! And we did just that, about 20 cyclists came in for an hour, some had water, some juice and some beer. We gave them refreshments, dressed a couple of minor scrapes with band aids. Some of them played ping pong, others just relaxed in the sunshine. Everyone used the bathroom! This was a charity bike ride from London to Africa and I am so glad we did our tiny little bit to help them on their way.

    Reply

    • YOU ARE SO LIKE ME!!!!!!!!
      I think I need to come and VISIT!!!!!!
      Let’s see if I can SQUEEZE FRANCE IN this coming year…………..I need a dash of MERCI and OUI OUI!!!!!!
      PLus, a HOUSE FULL OF CHILDREN would be a GREAT ESCAPE for ME!
      XX

      Reply

  27. Fun times. You have a gift for making friends and for getting them to smile. I read your comment on my blog about wanting to buy an apartment in Rome. That would be a dream come true!! How on earth did your husband move away from Rome? I don’t think I would have been able to.

    Reply

  28. I had to look up some synonyms for tantalizing so I would have some fresh, new descriptions after viewing this ladies day at your Casa! Did you know that tantalizing means to excite the senses?! The ladies smiles, the table and feast of food, beautiful array of colors, garden majesty, all must have done just that…I think you are the Pied Piper who enchants followers to join you, meet new friends and carry on the same kindness to others. What a legacy! Love you Contessa

    Reply

  29. You have such a gift and were willing to share it with so many people, in your home and on line. I feel like I was there (almost) One day for sure!

    Reply

    • How is your husband doing?I hope the surgery went well!
      ANY TIME you are UP just get in touch!
      I’m certain we can find loads to chat about!
      XX

      Reply

  30. Hi !! From Sydney. Woooohooooo worked it out at last. Looks like an amazing day was had by all. Like Lillian I would love Banksy to kiss my toes. The crystal and flowers and sharing food is one of life’s great pleasures. I love your garden it’s freedom not rigid, is my idea of heaven. Menu looked divine. Much love Susie xx

    Reply

    • OH HOW FABULOUS YOU MADE IT……………!!!!!
      I knew you could do it and you will ENJOY the comments I think!
      THANK YOU for Keeping at it!
      XO

      Reply

  31. Ciao Contessa!

    What a delightful play date with your virtual friends!! Your table setting looked so pretty and I think your menus are excellent. No proper Italian meal is complete without a delicious pasta course – Committing Carbocide is Never a Crime in my book! Those watercolour peeks into your home are adorable. Lucky you!

    Baci!

    Reply

  32. You are the ultimate hostess. Those ladies are so lucky to dine at your table. I can’t wait to hear about the next gathering! If no baby before Monday I am heading up there!

    Reply

  33. Looks like you had a great time hosting and meeting your (new) friends. Love how they are all smiles at the table…a luncheon they will always remember thanks to you. =)

    Reply

  34. Ma Chere Contessa,
    Another winning blog!
    What a fabulous bunch of exciting photos of the beautiful set table with gorgeous host, delectable fare for lunch, Banksy of course all decked out and Heide’s lovely artistic depictions of your unique abode. It was very enjoyable to visually partake of the festivities.
    FYI my better half got a kick out of your blog!! Toujours fantastique.

    PPP

    Reply

  35. The pics showed an absolutely delightful time. Thanks so much for sharing this remarkable get together.

    One just wants to sit right down with YOU and others. Your table setting and selection of food was beautifully done.

    I almost want to say – book me a spot – and I shall hop on a plane from Canada to have this unique experience.

    Reply

  36. You and your home and gardens are May Day personified…. what a wonderful idea…this luncheon makes the virtual world real and real is always THE BEST. I could hear the laughter and conversation just looking at the photos, and ADORED the watercolors of your fabulous residence… and Banksy’s close-up was beyond words. Should be on a huge billboard in Times Square with new photos each week–imagine the SMILES (and he would become a CELEBRITY–you might have to write a book about him : ) Dear Contessa, you bring joy and warmth and happiness to all who are lucky enough to be pulled into your orbit…

    We are all circling a sparkling star and it is so much FUN!!! XO

    Reply

    • BANKSY Times Square!!!!!!!!!!
      CAN YOU IMAGINE!!!!!!!
      HE IS EXACTLY WHAT THIS WORLD NEEDS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
      YOU NAILED IT and YOU CAN WRITE THE BOOK!!!!!!!I’ll share the stories and you WRITE!!!!
      XO

      Reply

  38. Fantastic! So wonderful and loving of you to invite your Instagram followers for lunch! Everyone looks so inspiring and fun!

    I can’t wait to also take part in about 10 days! I’m in Sammamish right now but flying to California tomorrow.

    You’re so inspiring and so amazing… I boast about you all the time.

    Love,

    Karenxoxoxo

    Reply

    • WE have been waiting for this to happen for TWO YEARS!!!!!!!!
      YOU are HERE and I finally will see my PORTRAIT and MEET YOU!!!!!!
      FANTASTIC!!
      XO

      Reply

  39. A fabulous blog Elizabeth! What a wonderful idea to host a luncheon for your Instagram followers…Everything was PERFECT …I loved your table, food, garden,,I loved it all! Thank you for sharing this incredible day with us. Sending much love, Clare

    Reply

    • YOU are SO welcome!Thank YOU for popping over from INSTAGRAM!
      I will work on showing The GARDEN once it is in FULL BLOOM!
      TO see the house you have to come and VISIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  40. Obviously a wonderful afternoon. The menu sounds yummy and such a treat for the ladies to meet your pets and charming home–truly a delight. Looks like your luncheons will be a popular event…

    Reply

    • AND YOU were one of THE FIRST to BE HERE!!!!!How many years ago was that?I’m thinking SIX?However, that was FRENCH BASKETEER and HER MENU!I must get HER to come back up NORTH!
      XX

      Reply

  42. Oh my word, everything is so beautiful! I know everyone had a most fabulous time! The upcoming menu is oh so fab!!!!!!! Pavlova…..well YOU KNOW…Gah!!!!!!! ????????????????????????????????

    Reply

  44. I know that I am one of the lucky ones as I had the opportunity to attend this very special luncheon! Such wonderful moments we shared over your beautiful table and afterwards in the garden! It’s your generosity of spirit that is infectious and I know all of us around your table felt it. You’re one in a million, Elizabeth!! Plus, you are a very skilled hostess and somehow make it all look easy which I most certainly know IT IS NOT!!

    Thank you, thank you for the fabulous invitation! xoxo, Melissa

    Reply

  45. Looks like the perfect day! Beautiful home, hostess and guests. I wish I could have made it. You and your home are a joy and so much beauty to discover and stories to hear when you are there! I want to be you someday Elizabeth. xo Kim

    Reply

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