Because Chelsea and Sacha were home, Because the summer evenings in Provence are so mild and delicious, because Philippe makes paella, because the City Hall lets the community use their hall tables and benches (delivers them too), and because I love throwing a party and getting stressed by French Husband's casual attitude like taking a nap at 4:30 when there was plenty to do… we had a garden party.
Thankfully the fabric store was having a sale, I bought extra wide fabric in a mossy green/brown to convert into table clothes. The saleslady asked me if I wanted a little extra for a hem? I told her I was eyeballing the measurements, and a hem, not necessary. I think she thought I was a fly by night winger. Yeah that would be me. The clothes worked out perfectly.
Years ago at the brocante I found a stack of about sixty plates for 15 Euros, I have used them for every party I have ever had. I wrapped the zinnia plants I bought at the garden shop, in old linen tea towels.
We have one round table that seats eight to ten people so we used that one too.
Our courtyard is big enough to entertain, but small enough that we are not a prisoner to it.
Philippe gave us a list of ingredients, plus kitchen supplies we had to have on hand. He has the cooking equipment, and his famous polka dotted apron.
The paella he made for us was fish.
The glass water dispenser I found at the brocante after I saw one that my mother had. I added mint and whole lemons to it. My cousin, The Elegant Vegan, gave me a great tip: She adds the whole lemon instead of slices as the flavor sips out, but the water does not become cloudy.
Elegant indeed.
Philippe sautes the onions and peppers first, then cooks the rice with broth, then adds the fish…
For the aperitif I served homemade hummus (chickpeas, garlic, lemon, olive oil, water, mint, tahini and curry paste) I added the breadsticks, like a porcupine to make it easier to serve.
Doesn't Chelsea look like a ray of sunshine next to Mr. Espresso? Mr. Espresso's father is in the background.
A Provencal garden party.
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