Last night was my turn to host my book club and I had a lot of fun putting together a St. Patrick's inspired table with touches of green. It wasn't over the top, but subtle, with green vases filled with pretty white flowers, a paisley print tablecloth and just a few shamrocks scattered around. It felt very light and springy and that was the look I was going for.
I served a delicious creamy Tomato Basil Soup to start, followed by Gnocchi with Chicken, Spinach and Mushrooms. Both dishes were easy to put together ahead of time and I had all my food prepared by early afternoon and was able to rest for a bit before everyone arrived. The dessert was the star of the night and gave a little nod to St Patrick's Day too. I served Baily's Chocolate Mousse in individual dishes and it was rich with the flavor of the liquor and dark chocolate.
Our book discussion was quite emotional at times since the book dealt with the painful subject of cancer. So many of us have been touched by this horrible disease in one form or another and we were able to relate to the struggle and choices Dr. Kalanithi made in his fight. This book is a New York Times number one best seller and we agreed, though a departure from our usual monthly choices, it is an important story to experience and we were glad we read it. My book club is a very caring group of women and it is always a safe place for emotional subjects to be met with compassion. We really listen to each other.
It was a late night and I am quite tired this morning, but coffee is helping. I think I will have a quiet day today, even though it is St. Patrick's Day. I have a pedicure scheduled for later and it sounds heavenly. Happy St. Patrick's Day and may the luck of the Irish stay with you all day!
{Linking with these friends}
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Hmmm, I'll probably pass on that book Vicki. Our book club members are always picking heavy reading which is not my first choice. I like to laugh! Your menu sounds wonderful though.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your pedicure...a girlfriend and I got them a couple of days ago. Bring on the flip flops!
Such a beautiful tablescape and delicious menu! I love the white tulips! Happy St. Paddy's Day!
ReplyDeleteI think your St Patrick's Day theme with the green vases, white tulips and othe flowers brought the perfect table look for the evening with your book club friends. How wonderful you can be comfortable, honest in thought and emotion when you are together. Once again . . . this book will make my "to read list." (Thank you for keeping my reading list up to date!). Happy St Patrick's Day . . . a pedicure is a perfect treat for yourself! (And maybe some of that "luck of the green" will happen in a basketball game too . . .)
ReplyDeleteThe mousse sounds delicious, and I might try that one. Also, your table is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love the table settings, especially the green jars paired with white flowers and the paisley tablecloth. The Irish chocolate mousse looks sinfully delicious. I wish there was a local book club that met at members' homes. All of the ones I know of around here meet at the libraries and don't include meals or a lovely setting such as yours.
ReplyDeleteYour table looks beautiful and the mousse sound positively delish. Just finished that book. Beautifully written but a real downer. I can't believe it got such high ratings. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous table! And it sounds like such a great meeting, isn't it swell to have a good group?
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty table! LOVE the white tulips:) Have a beautiful day dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! And I love that tablecloth! I can see it used in a ton of different ways. It was the perfect backdrop to your greens and white!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely book party. The table is cheerful and so welcoming. Your menu sounds delicious. It reminds me to set some reading time. Thank you for sharing at DI&DI.
ReplyDeleteYour flowers in the green mason jars are perfect for the table in March.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at SYC.