An intimate gathering; New Year's Birthday Celebration
With snow still on the ground, we helped set the ambiance for Bob Reinhelmer's 60th birthday party. Patti (Bob's wife) and I had met a month earlier and selected a menu to take them through a three stage buffet dinner into the New Year's celebration.
It was an informal evening with a small gathering of family, friends and beloved pets in their beautiful home, which can only be described as "comfortably eclectic" and full of the wonderful collections they have amassed through their travels.
Our menu was truly comfort food. As we fried 
chicken legs for the entree part, our concern was the smell wafting throughout their home. It turned out to be a good thing as everyone walked through the kitchen, whiffed, sighed and kept coming back.
chicken legs for the entree part, our concern was the smell wafting throughout their home. It turned out to be a good thing as everyone walked through the kitchen, whiffed, sighed and kept coming back.
To begin our party, there were chilled bottles of wine set on the deck as well as champagne and iced vodka in the kitchen.
It was all self-serve, but Bob seemed to be the ultimate bartender.
We set an appetizer arrangement on a lovely table set with candles and magnolia leaves from their yard.
We served:
Deviled Eggs with Watermelon Pickles
Pimento Cheese in Veggie Cup with Celery sticks/crackers
Hot Collard/Artichoke Dip with Bread Sticks.
The main event was:
Mini-Bun Lexington style BBQ with BBQ Slaw
Hot 'Nuff Sauce
Fried Drumsticks
Mini Corn Muffins brushed with Honey and served with Hot Pepper Jelly
There were Ham & Black Bean Salad in Endive leaves and Potato Salad with a Vidalia Onion Dressing
My Assistant, Rena, made the fabulous Vanilla Cake with Butter Icing (topped with Lego candles). Late night noshes were Mini Pecan Tarts .
It was an evening to remember and a perfect party to bring in the New Year!
