26 years ago my husband and I were sitting at a wedding reception with friends and of friends getting married. They were the last in our group. The boys had known each other since grade school and had kept their friendships as they volunteered and worked at the local YMCA.
We were enjoying our time together so much that we hatched the idea of a supper club. It would be hosted every other month at another couple’s home.
the ultimate chef knew the importance of sustaining friendships
We started with 8 couples which was quickly whittled down to 7. A new wife didn’t want to associate with us. Unfortunately that marriage was short-lived. Another couple were soon dropped, we just didn’t mix well. Finally we were down to 6 couples and it has sort of lasted all of these years. I say that ‘sort of’ meaning one family moved away so they can rarely attend and another couple divorced but the wife kept the club!
We have met for dinners through babies, adoption, divorce, college, weddings of our children and here we are with our child having her first baby! It’s wonderful to have had some people in our lives who have lived the journey with us and us with them.
I had appetizers! I wish I had a close up of those amazing appetizers. I had little penguins made from black olives, there was a lobster and fruit bowl and I can’t recall the third item. I purchased the little serving containers at Pier 1 Imports and they were perfect for serving.
Over the years a few things have become traditions. One of the couples does a beautiful Christmas, so they have been the official hosts for that dinner every year. They used to live in a charming area of the city of St. Louis and they love victorian furnishings so it was such a treat to experience a Victorian Christmas each year. They didn’t even own a dishwasher there and so we spent a great deal of time washing dishes and enjoying each other’s company after dinner in the tiny kitchen. Before dinner we would take a carriage ride with horses and sing carols in the area for charity. That couple has since moved to the suburbs and the days of horses and buggies have long passed. But the tradition continues as we pose on the staircase each year for our annual photo.
Karen and me enjoying catch up time, new hair great wine. Mary and Dale’s home in the background. You can see the eclectic collections and the traditional window treatments, lovely.
Another tradition began a few years back, I guess it has been about 6 years already, when we purchased our vacation homes in Branson. With 6 bedrooms, it was perfect for hosting a long weekend over the Memorial Day Holiday. It is so much fun to linger over dinner and not have to worry about going home, wake up the next morning and hang around in our robes with coffee and breakfast on the deck.
An afternoon on a boat out on the lake, an evening at Top of the Rock, and then ending the night sitting around the fire pit at our home star gazing and enjoying the company. It is a special time we treasure.
Supper Club at Arnies Barn Top of the Rock. Some of us gals sitting inside the inside/outside fireplace.
The host provides the main course and then each couple brings one of the following – appetizer, salad, side, dessert.
Over the years some amazing recipes have been enjoyed.
Caught in the Hat! on our way out the door…Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
A great hat is always in style. If you read my “Hello” page, you know I love hats and wear a lot of them to be sure!
Here as promised in last week’s post, The “Time” of Your Life . is the mexican salad I showed you at the end of the post.
Fresh and Colorful, Healthy Ingredients
Building the mexican salad one color at a time
And Voila! A little last minute Avocado with lime juice and fresh chopped Cilantro. Toss and serve!
it tasted as good as it looks!
I found this and another amazing salad recipe at Natashaskitchen.com
It was a light and tasty, fresh healthy salad. The perfect prelude to Gloria’s Homemade Chili and Jalapeño Cornbread. What a night!
Do you have any traditions that help keep you in touch with friends? Do you have a supper club? Any ideas? If you want to try this recipe, I would love to hear what you thought.
After each supper club I will post our menu from here on out and include recipes if the gals agree to it which I am sure they will!
Cheers~
Debbie
1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Michael W. Smith’s song Friends
Normally I despise washing dishes by hand, but in the case you mentioned, I can see that it would be a great time for conversation and laughs. You do have loads of fun with your friends!
You’re right Liz, I can still remember the laughs and fun as we just took the party to the kitchen. Something about everyone working together makes it not the dreaded task, but an opportunity to spend more time together!