Yesterday, Sunday August 1, was a day of celebration for our family. Our grandson, Bristol was christened…and our two families and close friends came together for lunch at our home after the christening!
Friday and Saturday were busy days filled with preparations…grocery shopping, cleaning the house and cooking. It was a busy time, but I knew it would be a special day and it was…a very special day!
My daughter Sarah, at church with Bristol.
Sarah and me with Bristol right before lunch. My dress is by Oliphant and Sarah’s dress is from Loveshack Fancy.
I wasn’t great with taking pictures yesterday because there was so much going on and I wanted to be able to enjoy the day, but we did manage to get a few good shots. Above in the front hallway I’m with my grandson Graham. Keep scrolling for the recipes in the menu below…
Menu
Assorted Quiches
Summer Corn Salad
Ina Garten’s Pesto Pasta Salad
Garden Tomatoes with Basil and Feta
Assorted Muffins
Miniature Ham Biscuits
Fresh Fruit
Homemade Coconut Cake
My daughter Sarah requested quiches for lunch, so I made an assortment of different flavors the day before which worked out perfectly. I also made the most delicious pesto pasta salad, and a summer corn salad that were both delicious served with garden tomatoes sprinkled with fresh basil, flaky salt and feta cheese. I combined chunks of watermelon and cantaloupe, sliced kiwi and strawberries and added blueberries and raspberries for a beautiful fruit bowl.
I’m a firm believer that making everything homemade is just too much work, especially when there are delicious options that you can buy to round out your menu. I purchased miniature ham biscuits from a local shop as well as assorted flavors of muffins that went well with the menu. The coconut cake was homemade by Will’s (Sarah’s husband) grandmother. It was really nice for our families to get together to celebrate little Bristol!
Years ago, I purchased 50 plates and forks to have on hand for large gatherings when I would be serving food on a buffet. I keep them in a closet and simply pull them out and put them on the table. I also use really nice quality paper napkins that I also always have on hand. It just makes cleanup easy and is definitely a step up from plastic or paper. I did use nice quality clear plastic cups for everything other than wine. The plates and forks go straight into the dishwasher and right back into the closet for next time!
The breathtaking flower arrangement above was made by Randy McManus Floral Design in Greensboro North Carolina! It absolutely made the table so beautiful!
This is a great summer menu for any celebration, or just for dinner! I hope you enjoy! Happy Monday!
And…Baldy and I are leaving for the beach today! I’ll be working on something special for the next few weeks and I’ll announce it on August 15…just in time for the beginning of September and the fall season! I think you’ll love it so be sure to check back!
What a great menu for your precious celebration! Looks delicious! I also agree with you on not everything having to be homemade. Congratulations on your grandson’s christening!
Hi Lucy
I really used to try to make every single thing and it wore me out! I’ve gotten my priorities in order as I’ve gotten older! Thanks so much for reading!
Hi Suzanne,
What a special day you all had together. I fondly remember my daughters’ christenings and the fun parties we had afterwards. Such emotion-filled days! Your menu and decor was perfect, what a great idea to have a large number of plates and utensils always available. I used to give more parties and and had a lot of plates etc to choose from, but finally downsized those items. We had a party yesterday and I realized I may have gotten rid of things too soon! Ah well. If we start entertaining more often I will repurchase some basics!
Your grandson and daughter look so special in their white outfits. Congratulations on his christening.
XO
Heidi
Hi Heidi
You are so right about the day being fun and emotional! It was such a special day and I do treasure the memories! I too, got rid of a few things last year and maybe was a little hasty…but we really did have some time on our hands!
Life goes by so quickly and children grow up in a blink! Celebrating every day is all we can do! Thanks so much for reading!