I’m beginning to think that I might be on the fast-track to developing a new business… Joan’s Elegant Gay Weddings-on-a-Budget!
It was too cold for another “party in the field”, but the New Year brought another wedding to celebrate. This time for my friends Jeff and Gary. They were married New Year’s Eve day. It was a quintessential New England December day. Jeff and Gary, with a few close friends, had a special ceremony in Great Barrington’s Town Hall followed by a wonderful luncheon at The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. Another celebration followed on Saturday evening, as I hosted, along with my friend, Virginia, a party for them at my house. I suggested another wedding pot luck — winter style!
Virginia and I decided we would make Paella and Beef Bourguignon (click for recipes) and ask invited guests to bring either a dessert or appetizer, along with a bottle of wine. In lieu of gifts, Jeff and Gary asked for donations for the Shaker Museum (Jeff is the Chairman of the museum. www.shakermuseumandlibrary.org)
What a great evening! Pot lucks are so much fun, especially if you have friends that are great cooks! It makes for a warm and relaxing party, where everyone shares their delicious creations and no one is “stuck in the kitchen”. This pot luck had an international feel. Besides a main course of paella and beef bourguignon, we enjoyed appetizing appetizers such as guacamole, pate, and smoked salmon; incredible desserts like lemon squares, a homemade layer cake, cheese cake, pies and adding a seasonal festive, French touch… a Buche de Noel (Christmas Yule Log cake).
It was a wonderful gathering with copious amounts of food and drink and conversation — a real celebration of a long-awaited and happy event among a group of extraordinary friends and extended family.
Congratulations Jeff and Gary!
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