Garden Party 2012 Sparkling Dessert

 We always say that dessert is all about the lighting.  Mark and Karen created such a gorgeous table with sparkle and candle light that it left me speechless.  Everything was clear glass,candles, white flowers and water and white dishes reflecting and shimmering in the night.  It was challenging as the breeze picked up.

 Karen baked butter cookies and painted them with edible silver glittter and vodka for take home favors.  

Hearts and poodles!  Their dog, Shadow is a standard poodle.

The menu cards read as follows:

Dessert Bites

Mixed Berry almond cobbler, Chocolate cake with Almond cream filling, Cherry chip Amaretto ice cream tiramisu tipper, Shadow Butter cookies, cookie brittle, amaretto Florentines, Assorted chocolates, 

Orange blossom Muscat, Coffee.  

Textured paper and many fonts, pearls and shimmering flowers made for a pretty menu card.

There were bite sized treats for us to nibble arranged on crystal cake stands.

 Karen had glass candle stands, glass paperweights, bottle stoppers, glass insulators, crystal bowls and glass votive candle holders, all clear and sparkling in the candle light.

The round paperweight belonged to Mark's grandfather and was blown for him by a fellow chemist.

 My view on the patio is a peek at their cozy, sweet patio.  Wouldn't  you love to curl up on the sofa with a cup of coffee and a good book in this cheerful spot?

 Every single bite of the Dessert Bites was delicious.  Everything was baked and made from scratch including the ice cream.  No one bakes like Karen.  She is the best baker I know and I aspire to her level of baking.  In the left corner you can see the tiramisu tipper, it was served in a darling, tiny glass and was crazy good.

 It was another wonderful Garden Party year for everyone.  Every year I think it can't get any better than the year prior.  But it does.  Every. Year. Better. and Better.

Thank you, dear friends.