A Cozy Gathering

Over the weekend we invited the Mr.'s boss and his lovely wife;

 old and dear friends, over for dinner.

I wanted to prepare a simple Autumn menu that would appeal to all.

So I pulled the trusty 'Good and Easy' off the bookshelf. 

This little cookbook, printed in 1954, was my Mother's as a young bride. 

She passed it along to me as a young bride and it has been my 'Old Standby' ever since. 

As I planned on using my mid-century modern Franciscan bowls,

I thought it would be perfect to use my 1950's cookbook! 

I chose my version of one of my family's all time favorite recipes,

Good Brown Stew!

I can tell you, it really is good.

These little cookbooks can still be found at yard sales and flea markets.

Don't pass it by, as the recipes are wonderful. And easy!

I love the menu suggestions.

The graphics on every page are so charming!

These make wonderful presents for housewarmings, newlyweds or college students
 that are just learning to cook.

Throughout the whole book are tips and techniques for the beginning cook.

I learned how to cook using this wonderful vintage cookbook.

Of course I had to use my mid-century modern Italian fruit, cheese and wine platter (which I loaded with just those very things before our guests arrived).

This little beauty was mine, all mine when I spotted it at a garage sale for $1.00 a few years ago.
I love when things like that happen!

Blown glass pitchers mimic designs on the platter.

Hydrangea's from the garden fill my blue striped crock.

Hand blown water glasses from Mexico complete the setting.

I love hand blown glass. This green glass wine set was a gift from my daughter.

Along with the Stew, the menu included Irish Brown Bread, with Apple Crisp for dessert.

The 1961 'Hotpoint Automatic' felt right at home with the theme
 as it simmered stew and baked bread and dessert.

A vintage apron, potholder, timer and baking dish also made cooking stylish.

A hearty meal, good friends, wine and candlelight made all the preparation worth the effort.

As we watched the autumn sky rival the fiery changing leaves,

we savor the sweet harvest of friendship and laughter.

xoxo

Thank you for being such wonderful friends.

I wish I could invite you all to dinner!

Oh, the conversations we would have!

xx

"We take care of our health; we lay up money;

we make our roof tight, and our clothing sufficient;

but who provides wisely that he shall not be wanting in the best

property of all, --- friends?"

Ralph Waldo Emerson