plan a wine trip to France Archives

Last year I participated in a huge dinner party with The Art of Living Beautifully and Unique Unique Designs, it was a blast so this year I decided to create a Fall Dinner Party Class on a smaller scale. It was really fun for me to get out my dishes and crystal wine glasses and set a beautiful table for my honored guests.

For the centerpiece I wanted to use copper pumpkins. These were perfect to go along with my copper chargers and I thought a little bit of metallic would reflect the lights. To make them, I bought fresh white pumpkins, the stems were taped off and then sprayed them with copper paint. Once they were dry, they were ready to be the focal point of the table arrangement.

To complete the design, pears, squash and lots of grapes were added. Using fresh foods as centerpieces is an idea that has been gaining popularity and it’s really smart because you can eat the arrangement after the party is over!

I still had plenty of fresh flowers in the house.

I was completely enchanted with these stunning roses that were the color of fire.

The table was set and the guests arrived!

All 12 were greeted with a Rosemary Grapefruit Sparkler, a tart refreshing cocktail, ideal for the unpredictable Texas fall season.

While we munched on appetizers of Focaccia Bread topped with Caramelized Onions and Fennel and Spicy Shrimp, we had a short cooking lesson.

I shared about my recent experience in Lake Como, Italy and how a special meal there inspired this menu.

Next up were beautiful salads topped with pear shards, blue cheese and my famous Sweet and Spicy Pecans, recipe below!

Dinner was a Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Pork Loin Roast served on a bed of root vegetables and alongside Fontina Mac and Cheese. Dessert was Chocolate Lava Cakes with Tuaca Ice Cream and I might have even gotten the bottle of Tuaca out for sampling…I will never tell!

The night was a huge success and I look forward to hosting many more events like this one!

In fact, I have a Holiday Luncheon scheduled for December 13th with only 2 seats left at the table. If you would like more information CLICK HERE and register TODAY!

Registration for all 4- 2021 ATOP trips to France is in full-swing. Request information TODAY and start to plan YOUR ATOP trip to France!

I hope you are all enjoying the fall season!

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

2 cup whole pecans

3 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon smoky paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, brown pecans in butter over medium heat. Add sugar, spices and toss until pecans are coated. Add vinegar to mixture, stir over low heat until the moisture is mostly evaporated. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour pecans onto prepared pan and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and pecans are dry to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool.

Do you prefer red or white wine? I know when its hot outside many people drink lighter wines.

I simply prefer reds, the darker, thicker and richer they are the better! The truth is, I have not always been a wine drinker. In fact, I never drank wine other than sparkling’s, until about 16 years ago.

I was invited to a big birthday party for a friend, I won’t tell you what number we were celebrating because I reserve the right to keep mine and my friends ages a secret!

The menu for the birthday dinner was set. The choices were beef or salmon. I never order salmon, since I am lucky enough to have a freezer full at all times due to my husband’s annual Alaskan fishing trip. And the drink choices were red or white wine; naturally I selected the beef filet and my first ever, glass of red wine.

The label was Dynamite Cabernet and there was definitely a flavor explosion happening in my mouth. I never looked back and have been an avid red wine lover ever since.

I discovered rosé wine in a similar way. About 4 years ago when I was researching for my first ATOP group trip to Provence. I was sitting at a seaside cafe eating mussels and frites with my sweet friend Donna who happens to live in Australia. She suggested that we order wine with lunch…OK why not! After that first glass of French rosé I totally understood the phrase Rosé all Day!