I mentioned earlier that I was preparing for another party. This time, I set the buffet in the formal dining room.
Before the year ended, I got a call from a Filipina whom I have never met, inviting us to go to their house for dinner on New Year's eve.
Next month, it will be 4 years since we moved from Florida and I have only met 1 Filipino family 2 years ago (that's right, we have lived here 2 years before I even met the first one). Then, I met another one a few months ago in a restaurant and she was the one who told the one who invited us about me. Anyway, we went to the party and we met more Filipino families there. There are only 5 Filipino families here that I know of and I invited them to come to the house after new year, thus, this party happens.
John also invited a friend, a doctor who works in the emergency room and I invited my good friend, Debjani too.
I prepared all Filipino dishes and desserts.
The crab omelette is very popular. I have not had a guest who did not like it. Next time, I have to remember to cook a bigger piece cause it's always the first one to go. The eggplant dish is more like a stuffed eggplant rather than an omelette.
Grilled Milkfish
Fruit Salad
Mango Salsa, which is really good to eat with the fish. I also served Turkey Noodle soup which is inside the soup tureen.
Macaroons, chocolates and flan.
The tea set but I served coffee instead. I used the same tea set on our party before New Year.
I got the idea of the napkin display from "The Entertaining Women" except hers was a lot prettier. Thanks, CherryKay! It was a hit because guests were taking close up pictures of it
I used Baroque silver flatware and I thought Johnson Brothers' Friendly Village set of dishes would be appropriate for the cold weather even if we did not have snow. Besides, I have a lot of dinner plates and a big set in this pattern so it was a perfect choice for the buffet.
Here's an overview of the whole table.
We all had a good time. Aside from enjoying so much food, we mingled and had fun getting acquainted with each other and then we all did karaoke. I knew they would enjoy that because most Filipinos love to sing.I am linking with the following parties:
Marty's Tabletop Tuesday at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
Lady Katherine's Teatie Tuesday at http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/
Wanda Lee's Tuesday and Wed. Teatime in Blogland at http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/
Pam and Wanda Lee's Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday at http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/
Sandi's Teatime Tuesday at http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/
And last but not least, Susan's Tablescape Thursday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
http://www.designsbygollum.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for your visits and special thanks to our gracious hostesses.
64 comments:
Christine, I don't know whats prettier your table or the food. OMG! It sure looks delicious! I love your dishes and I love the way you displayed your napkins. Those napkin rings are beautiful. Your buffet table is laid out so well too. Looks like you thought of everything for a perfect evening!
Beautiful and the food looks good. I serve all my big dinners buffet style due to lack of space, but they sure don't look that pretty. :D
Hope it is warmer where you are - I am ready for Spring.
Christine, Your table is beautiful!! Your food looks delicious what a great hostess you are!! I love the Johnson brother dishes!!
How lovely, Christine! I know that everyone must have had a great time at that feast. The food, the tables, everything was gorgeous. I wish I could have been there with you, and I would have even done karaoke. Well, you might have asked me NOT to do karaoke once you hear me sing. LOL!
Such a great party, and you and John are always the gracious hosts.
Happy Tablescape Thursday...
XO,
Sheila :-)
Christine, your table looks incredible. I love your attention to detail. The display of your napkins is awesome. I love your dishes... another thing among many to go on the wish list. I'm sure all had a great time,.
hugs ~lynne~
What a wonderful table Christine! Look at all that fun Johnson Bros Friendly Village and what an interesting napkin display! I'm sure everyone had a great time:@)
Spectacular! I noticed the napkin presentation right away. I had not seen it on Entertaining Women. Your napkins and the napkin rings are so pretty, and displaying them this way is just stunning. Christine, do you ever sleep? I cannot believe all of the wonderful food on this table! And this was shortly after having another party - Wow! You really are a party animal! laurie
This is GORGEOUS Christine!!! Everything is So Elegant!!! and your food looks SO GOOD. Could I have the recipe for the Mango Salad(I would have LOVED to have grabbed that bowl and ran off with it AND a Big Spoon(sorry, but it DOES Look SO GOOD)! AND Could I also have the recipe for the eggplant omelet. I never thought of that! I'm SO HAPPY for you to have found those wonderful new friends!
Warm Winter Hugs
Donna
Hi Christine! Oh my, that was a lot of delicious looking food! Looks like everyone had fun too. Also, I loved your idea to hold the napkins! So pretty!
Rainey
I am always amazed at what a gorgeous dining room you have! Your buffet looks amazing and the china and napkins are wonderful. I know it was a great party!
Looks gorgeous Christine! Your table looks so wonderful...what a spread!!!
Christine, your napkin tower is beautiful. I love the dishes you chose for the party. perfect for a winter day. Your food looks wonderful too. My son's best friend in school was filipino, so we came to know and love a lot of the food. Perfect as usual.
I bet those were some happy Filipino peeps!! Everything looks sooo delicious and beautiful Christine! The first thing I noticed was how cool those napkins looked. I've never heard of milkfish before. Is it a strong or mild fish? Whatever the case please hand me a plate! Vanna
Bravo, Christine!! You really outdid yourself this time! The beautiful table, delicious food and presentation and new ideas! You have SO much energy! Most of all...I hope you made some lasting friendships. It sounds like everyone had a great time.
Did you do all the cooking? And if you don't mind me asking, what is milkfish?
Lovely dinner party, my friend!
XO,
Janie
Christine, this is one of the most beautiful buffet tables I have ever seen! It all looks beautiful. I love the way you did the napkins. I had missed that at Cherry Kay's blog evidently, because I didn't remember her doing it.
I also love those place card thingies for the food and the silver server.
I love the whole thing!
Wow. Everything looks beautiful! You certainly have some beautiful items for tables. Thank you so much for stopping by my kitchen. I really do appreciate your kind words. Have a great rest of the week!!
Everything is so beautiful! Dishes, food...everything and I have seen the same napkin display you were talking about and yours is just as lovely. If you would share, i'd love to see a post with some of those recipes.
I'm now a new follower. Stop by and visit me sometime.
Many blessings!
That table looks lovely. I like that napkin display, very unique. I'm always interested in your foods. I'd like to sample all of them. I've noticed that when you do Filipino meals there are few greens or vegetables, is that the custom? When we go to buffet meals, half the dishes are some variety of salad. The crab omelet sounds delicious!
Wow, wow, wow!!!! Beautiful!!!! EVERYTHING is beautiful! You did a fabulous job all around!! The napkin display IS beautiful and worthy of lots of up-close photos! :-) I really like all your flatware caddies, too! Just beautiful!!!
This is a gorgeous...sumptious feast for your new and old friends! Your version of the napkin tower is gorgeous! I love the jeweled napkin rings, and the different colored edging on each layer of napkins. The food is amazing! I think that I gained 3 pounds just looking at the pictures. Thank you for sharing your beautiful design and for stopping by my post. Cherry Kay
You always put so much effort into your entertaining, Christine! How wonderful to have made new friends, too. Love the napkin display and your china. I'm sure everyone enjoyed your traditional food!
I saw the post of AJ visiting baby Angelino's grave. I think that was such a sweet and special thing for her to have done.
Wishing you the best for the new year ahead of us. I have got to finish cleaning up and organizing this house of mine! Just when I think I'm done, I find something else to work on. LOL
hugs, Sue
Just an outstanding dinner party, Christine! Everything looks so lovely...♥ the napkin display!
Your entire table is so welcoming & I'm glad you've met some new friends to share your heritage foods.
I'm on the look-out for some similar silverware caddies. That cream & gold would go perfectly with my Lenox. Do you mind sharing your source?
Hi Christine... awed with amazement, so rich a table...very nice table napkins.. so love it... I love everything... more so the food.. lol.
thanks for dropping by.
I think you did a great job with Cherry Kay's napkin design (I've tucked that idea away as well). This looks like a most delightful way to ring in (and eat in) the new year!
Exquisite is one word I would have to use. Everything is just beautiful.
Christine you have to be the best host in America. THe food, table, atmosphere! Love the napkins and how you displayed them with the bling on.
Christine, you are really the hostess with the mostess! I know your guests were SO delighted with the gorgeous spread you put on. Your table is so inviting -- and the food looks amazing!
Hi Christine - You know I'd be the first one there if I lived close to you. My goodness, I'm drooling over here. Everything looks masarap!
-marie
Hi Christine, What a gorgeous table and dining room! I love the dishes you used and all the food looks wonderful. Everything is absolutely beautiful!
hugs,
Sherry
What a lovely table you set for your new friends. The food, too, sounds perfect. I'm sure everyone had a great day. Blessings...Mary
What a lovely story of people reaching out and connecting! Your table looks absolutely beautiful, Christine! The food looks fabulous! It looks like you made the perfect setting for a wonderful evening!
Have a beautiful day~
;-D Kathleen
Dear Christine,
How nice it must have been to mingle and be with people who share your same heritage. And I am sure they were thrilled to be your guests because your buffet is breath taking! The dishes are gorgeous and look so elegant in your beautiful Dining Room. And the food! Every dish you prepared looks so tantalizing and it made my mouth water as I stared at the computer screen. You are surely a fantastic cook!
And what a show piece the napkin tower was! Just stunning!
I would have loved to have been a guest at your home for this so I am sure it is something that none of your guests will ever forget!
Hugs,
Debbie
What an amazing tablescape and food for the party Christine! Everything is looking delicious. You are talented.
Happy New Year sweet friend~!
~Melissa :)
Christine-Picture me with my mouth hanging open in awe! Girl, you outdid yourself!!!! This is a feast and every detail is perfect. Your dining room looks fabulous and the napkin display (with those gorgeous napkin rings) is beautiful. I am gushing :), but I mean it! Did the snow get down as far as you? We are thawing out here, but it is still bitterly cold!
ps-Have you posted the crab recipe?
I am not of your nationality, but sure would love to have been at this party. Never saw such a fine table setting. I am glad you are finding friends. It would be terrible to live where you felt alone from your friends.
Oh man, what a spread. It all looks fabulous. I bet they were thrilled!
Oh Christine.... I WANT to come to your beautiful home and enjoy the beauty and deliciousness of this meal!!!
Hugs,
You throw great parties, Christine! The food looks fabulous - you are a gourmet cook, as well as a decorator! I'll bet your guests had a wonderful time. I have Friendly Village too and we're using it for a (small) party tomorrow evening.
Hugs and blessings, Beth
Oh my goodness ma'am! You do know how to throw a party!!!
m ^..^
OMGosh girl..I've never seen such beautiful foods. Did you have help cooking all this? And, could some be frozen ahead of time? Just looks like a LOT of work...but, oh, so beautiful.
Your table photos should be in a fancy magazine. They are stunning.
You surely know how to throw an elegant and pretty party.
hugs, bj
WOW!!! I just can NOT find the right words to fit just what I think of this...This could be Heaven really!!!!! WOW !!! Amazing
Blessings and Love from Our Lord above~~~Hugs and Prayers~~~Dena
WOW!! C/X it's all just beautiful and look at all that YUMMY food...Good friends are always a plus..Hugs and smiles Gloria
How nice for you to meet some more Filipino people and what a feast you made for them! And you served it in such style! Love that napkin idea and the buffet markers for the food are wonderful touches. Everything looks perfect for an after New Year's dinner! Love seeing the tree in the background!
DD
This is beautiful!!! I want to eat at this table!!!! The food looks wonderful. Kathy
Wow, such beautifully table scape!
Have a happy weekend. xx
Christine, this is just jaw dropping beautiful. I can't imagine how thrilled your guests were when they saw your table. Every element and detail has been displayed beautifully. Thank you very much for sharing your buffet with all of us.
Hey Congrats, Christine! Just saw that you and The Tablescaper won the contest! Great!
Is that pancit malabon?! Oh, they all look so yummy and the way you presented them with your gorgeous setting - FABULOUS! I like the leche flan best :)
I just can't imagine how long it takes you to get ready for one of your dinner parties! Everything looks fantastic! It's always fun to meet new people.
Wow, what a feast! Love your food and tablewares!
I'm having the very first GIVEAWAY on my blog. Please stop by to submit your entry. Good Luck! http://utry.it/2011/01/happy-birthday-to-meand-very-first.html#comments
So glad you have meet some new friends. Just look at that spread, I want to come to one of your parties. Yummy stuff!! Love the dishes and the way you set up the napkins. Beautiful.
You always do up a big, beautiful party, Christine, with lots of good food! I am sure your new Filipino friends were so happy to taste good, old-fashioned Filipino food. Everything looks very appetizing and lovely!
Best,
Gloria
Christine - you sure set a bountiful and elegant table.
All the food looks good and I'm sure your guests enjoyed the evening.
Judith
Hi Christine! Oh, you are simply the sweetest one to invite all these folks over just to get to know them. Now I know they're all going to want to come back - just look at your table! It's gorgeous and your food looks so good! You must be one fantastic cook! :)
Your dining room is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing this and your sweetness.
Shelia ;)
Your buffet table is beautiful. Such a variety of food. What does milkfish taste like? I love the napkin display, very pretty and goes beautifully with your table. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Christine,
Your buffet table is fabulous and filled with such a wonderful variety of food! Love the napkin tower! What a great idea! I have always loved the JB Friendly Village dishes although I don't own any myself; especially like the red covered bridge. I so enjoyed your party and you make a deligthful hostess. Thanks for sharing and for joining me for tea.
Blessings,
Sandi
Christine,
When you have a party .. you HAVE a party! Everything looks yummy and the table is beautiful. I love Friendly Village ... it's so *friendly* !!!!!!! Perfect for cold weather. well done! Happy tea day!
Oh my Christine, this is totally incrediblee. Your table is gorgeous and your buffet is fabulous. You definitely set the most gorgeous tables I have ever seen. Stunning. I would love to attend one of your parties. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
Hello Christine,
OMG, you must be busy all the time, aren't you? Such a huge party. You are really perfect in throwing parties, aren't you? I would love to join you with all this delicious looking food and so nice set buffets. Really mouthwatering.
Greetings, Johanna
Hello there Christine,
Wow! ~ Such a fabulous party, dishware, tablescape, cutlery, candles, stem ware, napkins so artfully arranged and food ~ You are truly a master class entertainer Christine!..,Both beautiful and yummy looking beyond!
Thanks so much for sharing this inspiration with all of us dear lady!
..,I love your dishes and napkin display with the charming holder and napkin rings especially!
Thanks so much for sharing the weekly; 'Tuesday Tea Time In Blogland' experience with all of us for, TTTT and also for the 66th, 'TUESDAY TEA FOR TWO'...,Fun!
Have a marvelous week!!
Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee
@ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com
@ http:/theplumedpen.blogspot.com
Christine,
This is breath-taking! Everything is perfect! Your friends must have had the best evening! Your food looks delicious.
Thank you for sharing at Tea Pots and Tea Things and making it so special.
Blessings,
Pam
Christine; from one end of the table to the other, one word - Exquisite!!!! A feast for the eyes and the food looks delish!
Salamaat for sharing, you have proven inspirational, as a Filipina native myself married to a Dutchman, I have always loved to share inspirations of vast cultures and foods..
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