just said my alohas yesterday to another co-worker - she is an amazing young woman - just when we were really clicking on work style it is time to say goodbye as she and her husband move for his new job - to NYC! (I am secretly jealous - cause yes - I LOVE NY!)
I am quite sad to see her go...anyways - we threw together a quick and simple luncheon for her...
The Menu
The Atmosphere
We created an elegant dining experience right there in the middle of our dept. Along our work counter - was the buffet line: a vibrant blue runner was the foundation - atop that - I laid three sunny yellow chargers upon which we plated our main dishes. Behind that to take it a step further - I added my yellow and white string of Chinese Lanterns - a few green mock orange leaves sprinkled atop the blue runner and our buffet was complete.
For our dining table - I layout one of my fabric remnants - ends folded over to make a clean edge and stapled to size to fit our work island. The centerpiece - understated elegance - 4 sprigs of mixed greens bound in floral tape surrounding a small votive glass with two large and brightly hued Lime-Yellow Orchids. Butressing this greenery were two cobalt blue candle holders with mulberry votives burning inside. We used all "real" dishes for our cafe lunch experience - a creme colored octagon dinner plate - topped by my clear glass salad plates. I plated individual servings of the Zuchinni Croquette Salad prior to our sitting down to eat. silverware and napkins completed the look. A restaurant style peppermill and salt shaker also looked right at home...The appetizer was plated at our table on a cobalt blue sashimi platter.
In retrospect
I loved this luncheon - all of our potluck goodies were just delectable and they really did compliment each other... we had a surprise guest join us for company and conversation...it was simple and easy to throw together and to cleanup - but here are a few things - that I would have done differently to kickit up a notch had we had a little more time to prep:
1. Printed simple menus: Appetizer, Salad, Entrees, Desserts
2. Brought some glassware for serving of our bottled waters
3. Made napking rings with raffia or greenery and used real linens instead of deluxe paper napkins.
4. Added Place cards for our "guests"
5. Placed some kind of NYC image or postcard - under the salad plate - so that as people finished their salads - they'd reveal some NYC landmark...
6. Instead of the small bowl with the vinaigrette a Cruet for the vinegraitte.
7. Served the desserts on a three tier stand. with a small stack of dessert plates next to it and fresh forks.
8. Coffee or Tea Self Service station. - I think Tea would have been wonderful with our menu. Like a green tea!
9. Maybe behind the Chinese lanterns - a few more NYC images on the wall.
10. Place a few Mints at each place setting.
Aloha Suzanne!!! We will surely miss you!!!
