A Little Taste of the Hamptons

I went to a fabulous dinner party last Saturday. My friend Donna had a group of girlfriends over to celebrate Summer. She has a knack for tablescapes and menus and whimsical parties.*

She swears she is not a good cook and that she just repackages things. I don't think it matters if you cook or not. I think the important thing is that your guests feel special and I always do when I'm at her house.

You must understand that Tempe, Arizona in July is about as refreshing as... well...hell. Yet when I walked into her house I felt like I was in the Hamptons or Cape Cod. Her bright and cheery family room was so inviting and the white coffee table with the appetizers were casually chic. Serving barbecue potato chips in a beach pail was a stroke of genius. (Why didn't I think of that?)

Here's a peek at her "bar". Various beer and soda pop with brightly colored candies. (Those are plastic orange crush candies.)

And the dinner was down-home, sophistication. Sliders, corn on the cob, salad and french fries. Don't miss the delicate chocolate milkshakes. It was a wonder that she got the deep fryer and the blender put away before we arrived. (wink, wink)

Here is Jana demonstrating how to dip French fries into ice cream. Perhaps a treat indigenous to Southern California????

Pam couldn't resist the Root Beer Floats for dessert.

I love the nautical candleholders. Are we on Hyannis Port? Is that Ted Kennedy helping himself to another Samuel Adams?

It was a wonderful evening. Full of lively conversation; tales of midwestern travels, the anticipation of seeing a new granddaughter and many many laughs. (Is there an accent that Laurie can't imitate?)

I look forward to our next event. Martha Stewart has nothing on my talented friends.

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*Disclaimer: All of my friends are great hostesses and I admire all of their talents. I would write about everyone but this event just happened and I have the week off which gives me time to write. LV your parties are great with the perfect food and dishes and no one decorates for a holiday the way you do. Mrs. Perfect, your salads are incomparable and I still dream of the margarita pizzas that you made about TEN years ago. Yummy! JB: I love going to your house. You are the BEST cook and I always have so much fun. The custom omelettes you had for Liz's brunch were wonderful. Didi: You are also a fabulous hostess. I believe it's in your genes. You are the best cook (red velvet cake, grilled veggies, salads, I could go on and on.) Xmas has become a great tradition not only for the food but for the decorating touches that are wonderfully simple yet oh so chic.