Without question, my favorite evenings out are those spent with friends catching up, sharing stories, laughing. A real bonus is when the time together includes enjoying a meal at home where it is quieter, the atmosphere is more relaxed and there’s no rush to get up so someone else can have your spot.
This evening at a friend’s was especially wonderful. It was delightful to be outside beneath clear sky and with a breeze from the bay enjoying a lovely sampling of French cheeses and tapenade.
The hors d’oeuvres were not the only clue to the French inspired dinner that was to come.
Any meal served on this delightful table was going to be a real treat.
I loved the layers of cloth,
and the flowers, hinting of the coming of fall. They were perfect complements to the colors and textures on the table.
The place settings were a potpourri of color and pattern, each a reminder of the warmth of Provence. The mercury glass candle holders added a touch of sparkle
that when lit cast a soft glow over the table.
I couldn’t resist sneaking a peek in the kitchen to find out what were the tantalizing aromas. Bouillabaisse was bubbling on the stove, and it was just the kind I like, full of shrimp and shellfish.
That by itself would have been enough to satisfy any of us, but the meal began with a delightful mango/shrimp ceviche. This was a new combination for me, and I loved the subtle sweetness of the mango. That is a recipe I’m going to have to get to share with you.
The bouillabaisse was just as good as it smelled, and for a bit conversation around the table stopped, and all you could hear were moans of pleasure, a sure sign of a successful meal.
Needless to say, our hosts got rave reviews for their culinary skills and for the gift of a very special evening that included having to come in our best interpretation of French attire. Would you believe the hubby, he who grumbles about anything having to do with costume, won prize for the best? Go figure!
Tell me, what is your favorite way to spend time with friends?
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Lulu's Musings 
Beautiful table, delicious food, and fun! Love your hubbies outfit. What a good sport! I hope you do share that recipe with us Lulu! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Lovely photos. They’re so well done, many of them look like well thought out paintings. I’ll bet the food was equal in flavor and presentation. Lucky you! 🙂
What a very nice comment…..thank you.
Lovely setting and the foods look good!
Lovely meal and lovely table. The mix and match of fabrics is wonderful!
Totally fancy, actually my mom and both of my sister love this kind of tabble setting,
i prefer simple and elegant ones with minimum of color playing….
Beautiful table, delicious food and great friends…sounds like a good night!! Seeing the photos made my night! 🙂
It was a very good night. Sharing time with friends is one of the many things I love about being here.
What a lovely table and what amazing food! I like your friend! And those blue and white dishes — I have those as well — it’s a long story but I adore them
Oh my — this food is making me salivate — and I haven’t even had breakfast yet! I haven’t made bouillabaisse in many years. Maybe it is time…
Good food and lovely company… Can’t get any better…
Not much can beat fresh seafood! Beautiful tablecloth. I am sad that I didn’t get to New England this summer to see my siblings…hopefully next year…I imagine the leaves have started to change a little by now.
Have a wonderful weekend, Linda.
Everything looks so wonderful…such a pretty table. I love that you have dinner parties too…I was thinking the same thing that Kane (above) commented on…no one seems to have dinner parties anymore. The food looked delicious by the way…I really miss Florida seafood!
When I am in Houston, it is very true that few people entertain at home, but the opposite is true in Maine and I’m so glad!
This was a lovely evening in my book…the dinner party needs to come alive again! What a gorgeous table and the seafood soup looks scrumptious! Your hubby did indeed dress the part and may I say he is quite handsome?!
Jane xx
Jane, one of the things I love about being in Maine is that we so often gather at a friend’s home to share a meal. More often than not, everyone contributes so no one has to slave in the kitchen all day.
This is my favorite way to spend time with friends. What a very nice spread and yummy food they served. Very thoughtful hosts!
Everything couldn’t have been better. Our hosts outdid themselves for sure.
Beautiful setting for a special evening. The bouillabaisse looks perfect and delicious!
I love evenings just like yours, Linda. Spending times with friends is number 1 on my list. The table looks so fabulous. The dishes speak delicious. And that husband of yours – well, pretty darn wonderful!
A man of simplicity, along with the outdoor deck/seating — all I need is fresh baguette, creamy cheeses and delightful Loire Valley whites. Looks like an enjoyable rendezvous. 🙂
Ahhhh, this works for me with, perhaps, a bit of fresh made tapenade thrown in!
I think I need new friends!!! What a beautiful setting and great looking food. Cudos to hubby for the win!!
I love sharing these times at home with friends. Food and good company are a perfect combo.
Such a beautiful table and dinner looks delicious.
Special! I love the French theme. 👍
What a dinner party! Gorgeous food and tables~you are so lucky to have such fun and talented friends!
Jenna
Every part of this post and dinner is exquisite! I feel like I was there ~ and I wish I were! ♥