A fabulous dinner party was given in my honor and my Granddaughter Isabella's in Laguna Beach at Andrea's (of The French Basketeer) historic estate. Other guests included Tamara Beardsley and her husband, as well as Christina of Greige with her Mother, and many other talented and interesting friends. Andrea's Mother Laurie was a gem to us throughout our stay!
As an accomplished chef trained in France, Andrea truly outdid herself for this dinner party for 20 guests. Starting with a Burrata, peach, tomato salad with balsamic, an assortment of artisan cheeses and herbed breads, she continued on with farm to table salad, homemade pasta pappardelle with a sauteed varietal mushroom sauce, then Chicken L'orange. Below you will see just some of the delectable deserts. All through dinner paired with fabulous French Wines to whet the palette.
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| Dessert included everything from light lemon curd with strawberries, apricot preserve filled vanilla torte, rich chocolate mousse, to decadent flourless chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream and berries! Image via Christina at Griege |
With so many special guests, Christina of the design blog Greige with her Mother and Tamera Beardsley, accompanied by her amazing husband, the conversation was light and scintillating! We tried to get Andrea out of the kitchen as much as possible!
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| The Historic Laguna Beach Estate |
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| Dining sideboard filled with a lifetime of collections |
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| One of many alcoves with statuary and artifacts; look at Andrea's copper pots from France) |
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| The Dolphin Fountain, one of many fountains on this majestic property |
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| One of many bar tables set up on the spacious terrace and loggia |
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| French seating and Louis Vuitton trunks as tables |
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| Isabella at the beach having a terrific time |
Dear friends and followers, this trip was a much needed getaway that happened in a magical way starting with an invitation to stay at Tina and Bob Dameron's, (She is my former Real Estate partner) home in Mission Hills, San Diego, she now owns Urban Homes Real Estate in Little Italy, San Diego. My long time friend Marty Pappas of Athens Market Taverna also hosted us for a dinner that was out of this world! Caught up with dear friend Jutta and we also had a lot of beach time, listening to the magical waves rolling into shore. The last weekend in Laguna Beach was heaven.
I feel so fortunate as this was planned by friends knowing I have another major surgery coming up, after over three years of surgeries and hospital stays. Thankful beyond, I am staying positive and grateful every single day!
Thank you to my friends and followers who support The Arts
Please leave a comment, they make my day!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
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35 comments:
Wow! What a magical and unforgettable evening! Andrea's home is stunning and what a gorgeous table!
Tamera is a friend of mine...isn't she a beautiful person, inside and out?
Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
xo, A
OH...how wonderful!!! Andrea is the best entertainer.
You are in my prayers, Karena.
How beautiful and so very thoughtful of your friend - does indeed look magical!
Hugs and prayers for you
xxx
Im so glad you enjoyed the weekend and the dinner! It was fun, wasn't it!? We so loved having you and Isabella visit us! XxooA
Hi Karena,
What a wonderful gift. You were so close! Laguna Beach is heavenly. Sending love (as always).
Mary
Karena-
I am so happy that you were the guest for such a lovely party! Isn't she so talented? Just beautiful.
Keeping you n my prayers. Keep me posted.
Teresa
xoxo
NO wonder the FOOD was over the moon!!!!!!She is a CHEF trained in FRANCE?!!How gorgeous was she to have this Wonderful SOIREE for you.YOU just keep thinking about that as they roll you into surgery..........okay?The grey TULLE,the CAKES, that salad......the pink dishes,the votives,the long long table,the old southern California home that I bet a few movie stars graced a few years back,the view and everything else I forgot!Those linen napkins!!!!!
I WISH you godspeed in your recovery..........you know we will all be here cheering YOU ON!My BEST TO YOU!
Wow - what an exciting time and wonderful dinner and her home is lovely. Thinking of you and know it will all go well…sending you a warm hug…
I have so appreciated you stopping by lately and have loved your comments! This post was indeed magical! There isn't much that can compare with the likes of fabulous host, marvelous cook, and a spectacular beach setting! I'm so glad you've gotten to enjoy all of this and I hated to hear of yet another surgery! I will be keeping in touch…I promise! I hate that I've been away for so long! You look wonderful and I've loved reading this post!
dearest karena
i became curious after you left a comment on my post, thinking "whatever happened to karena?" you see, my heading for your blog says last post, 7 months ago. i thought you gave up, i see that is not the case.......i am out of touch. will fix that immediately.
what a wonderful get-away with talent and camaraderie.
major surgery? sending prayers and well wishes dear friend
xoxo
debra
It looks like it was a terrific and special time! What a location!!!
So much fun!! love Laguna, just beautiful! Take care--xo Leslie
It looks like surely a good time was had by all.
Simply stunning what a lovely event! So glad you were able to take a little break away, K
Friends are special, aren't they? When they can make an evening magical in a magical place, and you can be relieved, if even for a few moments, from the pressure, stress, and from the unknown, they are worth more than their weight in diamonds. Blessings to you as you face surgery. charisse
What a pleasure , to finally have the opportunity to meet you and Isabella, in person! My only regret, the time with you went too fast!
Thank you for sharing your photos from this most magical evening! Especially the one with the French chairs and LV trunks! That was one of many of Andrea's stunning vignettes, that I failed to captured during such an intoxicating time!
I send you much love and comforting hugs as you approach your surgery. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
xoxo
Tamera
What a fabulous soiree! The dessert table looks heavenly!! And the setting is magical. Take care, Karena - sending you my best!
Karen I am truly, truly happy for your incredible and memorable visit to California. Your granddaughter is beautiful and must be such a joy to spend time with her and your dear friends. I hold you in my prayers and your attitude and appreciation of each day continues to inspire me. My husband and I plan to return to San Diego in 2015. Perhaps upon your next visit out west I will have the good fortune of meeting you too. Thank you for sharing your stupendous evening at Andrea's home. I'll say it again, she is one amazing woman.
Hugs to you xx
Thank you for sharing this fabulous soirée with us. Andrea is amazing! Spending time with your beautiful granddaughter must be a true delight!
I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs dear lady.
xoxoJennifer
What a magical evening you had, Karena. Beyond lovely - you must have felt like a queen. Thank you so very much for inviting us all along. XOXO
Oh Karena this sounds like the perfect thing for you right now - much deserved, and it's obvious how much you enjoyed it.
Isn't it amazing how much goodness can come out of friendships? They really are a positive force to be reckoned with.
Oh my goodness Karena how spectacular! What a well deserved treat!!! so glad you got away and were treated royally. It looked so beautiful and the guest list amazing! Happy for you! xo Nancy
Gorgeous! Sounds like the perfect escape during the perfect time of year! SoCal really is so beautiful and magical during summer, the energy is palpable along the coast! That site is stunning, I'll be sure to stop by on my next PCH road trip!
xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!
Haute Khuuture Blog
Hi Karena,
Wow! I am awestruck by the environment that is Andrea! Her talent is really something to behold. I am so glad that you have such an amazing friend that would lavish such love on you, although you are totally deserving of it :)
I must admit I feel such sadness that I missed this incredible occasion. What a memory you all created together. One I'm sure you will never forget and hopefully channel when you face your next surgery. So happy for you and Andrea. If I ever get the opportunity again I will make it happen no matter what!!!
Love always,
Terri
Oh and I don't think I could have handled the awesomeness of that incredible Laguna Beach Home... WOW.
Every bit my dream home!!!!!
Karena, what an idyllic setting and a beautiful meal. What fun to spend time with dear friends and enjoy the beginning days of summer.
xxoo
C + C
What a beautiful
celebration of gracious and caring women!
Andrea is magic!
For some reason your blog is not updating on my side bar, Karena.
Please let us know when you are scheduled for surgery.
I wish to send prayers and energy.
Godspeed!
withLove!
Oh wow that is so beautiful! Have a wonderful weekend!
xo
Sharon
Karena,
What an absolutely lovely location for a party! That dessert table is divine! Love that you were as excited as I would be about the French copper pot collection!
E+J
What a gorgeous party!!
Wow, Karen. what a perfect evening in every way...Would have loved to just be a fly on the wall...I'm so sorry to hear you have more surgery ahead of you. I pray for a safe surgery and speedy recovery. You have such a positive attitude...I know that has been your salvation. Happy weekend. Mona
YOWSA, KARENA! How fabulous is this enchanted evening of friends and much fun! Now I recognize a gorgeous photo of her loggia and the sweeping drapes that I saw on Pinterest! So that's where that photo came from!
IN YOUR HONOR is this stunning show of talent and love. What a blessing indeed to have the support of dear friends. To be by the shore must have been so lovely and refreshing, and to experience the expertise cuisine - pure magic.
My dear, I would be SO DELIGHTED for you to be a part of the link party. I am putting your name and link on my list NOW. I trust that your fantastic ideas will be a great addition, so you go for it! I wish you health and happiness as you prepare for yet another surgery. Lots of love to you, Anita
Wishing you all the best for the upcoming surgery!
Wow Karena...this is AMAZING! Sorry it took me awhile to make it over but so happy I did not miss it. What an incredible home, gracious hostess and amazing setting....only the best for a very special guest of honor...YOU! You deserve the best. Thank you for sharing.
Sounds and looks wonderful!
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