The Mama's and the Papa's

Another new tradition for us (hopefully) this year. Since Mother's Day and Father's Day always involve hard choices on where to be for our children, we decided to try and simplify the process. Grumpy and I chose the Saturday 2 weeks after Mother's Day and 2 weeks before Father's Day to have our children over for dinner. It was an all adult night so we could really talk to each other and not worry about who's kids were where and doing what. Each daughter brought 2 place settings of their china/crystal/flatware and napkins to set the table. I did a tulip centerpiece and provided placemats and chargers (as well as anything else they needed). Each couple brought something to add to the meal and I did the entree. We had a great time, and I of course loved seeing the table set with such beautiful dishes. We only really have room for 10 at the table, so Grumpy and I, Papa, and Taya and Kevin sat at the bar in the dining room. It takes a little more effort on our part to be part of the conversation at the table, but we managed and I know Papa enjoyed the meal and conversation with us.



All the Mama's. Not Jennifer though.



All the Papa's. Ditto that Robert is a Papa-in-waiting. Handsome dudes, yes? We think they're pretty hot.

Our Table…


Tawna and Nathan's “Oxford Lane” Legendary China by Noritake


Taya and Kevin's “Café Du Soir” New Decade china by Noritake


Summer and Jamie's classic White and Gold banded place setting by Gibson China


Stacie and R.B.'s “Sweet Leilani” Legendary China by Noritake


Jade and Jeff's “Bordeaux” by Noritake China (on loan from me, an heirloom from Nana and Papa. He bought this china while serving in the Air Force during his tour of duty in the South Pacific on Guam island. He hadn't even met Nana yet. He gave it to her before they were married).


Jennifer and Robert's china by Royal Doulton I can't remember the pattern name, but it is a true classic. (on loan from Jennifer's Mom, an heirloom from Jennifer's Paternal Great Grandmother)


Mine and Grumpy's place setting “Aida” by Franconia in Germany given to me by Nana and Papa my sophomore year of college. Papa's place setting was the same as ours and he seemed to really like being involved in the whole thing. It was nice that he could be there with us.

It was so fun to see all the pretty dishes and nice to have an occasion to get them out and use them.

Our Menu…
Appetizers:
   Green chile/bacon wraps by Summer and Jamie
   Seven layer dip and corn chips by Stacie and R.B.

I didn't get pictures of the appetizers and sadly they were all eaten when it occurred to me to get the camera out. I will get the recipes for everything we had and post them on thecooksinnanasnook.blogspot.com. The food was amazing.



Salad by Jade and Jeff
   Spinach salad with craisens, sliced almonds, grape tomatoes and Raspberry/Walnut Vinaigrette or Ranch/Italian dressing

Entree and side by Granny and Grumpy
Lasagna with a side of zucchini and yellow crookneck squash

Garlic bread by Tawna and Nathan



Dessert by Jennifer and Robert
Pumpkin cake layered with cream cheese frosting topped with a glaze and sliced almonds with two scoops of French Vanilla ice cream.

Entertainment…
A movie none of us had seen before (with the exception of Papa) called “Forever Strong”. It is based on actual events and is about a Rugby team that has built a fantastic record over 3 decades of competition. It was really good and we enjoyed the story.

I hope the “kids” enjoyed this dinner as much as we did. I so look forward to these events and hope that in the coming years this new tradition will be well loved. I already love it and am looking forward to the next one. I can't help but pause to think how much Nana would have loved seeing the dining room decked out with such beautiful tableware, happy conversation and a menu with family favorites to feast on. It's the “little things” that bring her memory to these celebrations. I definitely got her crazy love for all things dishes. Not to mention the rest of the paraphanellia (?) that goes with them.

good times.

I forgot to mention the fun door prize. I had extra stuff, and so made up a small lasagna to send home with someone. We assigned numbers to each couple, put the numbers in a bowl and Grumpy drew. R.B. and Stacie took the door prize home and will enjoy it with their kids.