45 People here SINCE Christmas

[gottahaveahoove]

Well, my annual dinner party involvimg my Philadelphia friends was today. Finally, the Christmas stuff is all gone! Butm the same dinner. different Lenox. (I know it sounds extravagant), but I have 3 different Lenox patterns.
These are older people. Most of them have survived cancer, etc. One is a nurse, a few former teachers, one designed for GUND (Gotta get a Gund). She designed the infamous "Clancy" bear. I have 3 of them. I placed one in the livingroom today, much to her delight! She's 83! They love coming here. They say, "We just love being waited on..... by a man" , and "I've never SEEN this much Lenox in one house before". Not bragging at all. These are wondeful people, who have been coming up here now for 13 yrs. 8 of us, including my dear aunt Lizzie were here, thoroughly enjoying great food and fun, and fellowship.
One always brings a homemade crab dip. It is SINFUL!!!!!! YES, RICHARD, I'LL GIVE YOU THE RECIPE. Her hubby was a "sodajerk". made her eggcreams al the time to "impress her'. As a surprise, I made her one. She was so pleasantly surprised. Isn't it NICE to be in the company of great human beings? They notice 3 HOOVERS. prominantly on display. (They DO add a nice touch in ANY home).

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Didn't intentionallly put this in Vintage

But, we DID discuss my HOOVER collection in detail. There ar also 2 Convertibles and a Dial A Matic on display in the house as they dined.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Lenox used to

Be made right here in my part of NJ shame they closed up all those people lost their jobs and now it's all made in China only the retail shop is here in Egg Harbor Twp . Just like people complain about Hoovers made in China see John still supports Lenox and Hoover . Products that are made in China can't be all that bad .

I guess that's why it's called China

Dan

 

[gottahaveahoove]

The time of year guests are here

dictates the pattern on which you dine.
If guests are here from Dec1---end of Jan, they get "Holiday". October and November. "Autumn". The rest of the year, it's "Eternal".
Of course, there are always "corresponding HOOVERS" to give just the right accent.
Yesterday saw the yellow Dial A Matic, Convertible (Gold Tone), and a nice, ever-present Fawn brown 67 Convertible.
The upstairs hall was adorned w/ Portapowers, handivacs, "Power nozzles)... for you, Zippy, etc. None of them got up there. They all stayed in the public rooms. There was only one new guest here. I know she "glanced" around. So, until the next mini meet, the kitchen is "closed". Now, the ladders will come back out..........

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Wow John

That's very impressive .

I myself prefer to use paper plates they have such nice designs now then years ago when they were just white much easier to clean up when guests are done. One just tosses the used plates in the trash when they are done eating so I have less clean up time and more time with friends .

Dan

 

[gottahaveahoove]

That's very practical, Dan.

I enjoy good things. It takes a long time to acquire them, and my friends like to enjoy them, too.
The cleanup is not ever a problem. Friends offer to help. Most times, I leave it all for later.
When Greg and Kevin stayed overnight, in the morning, when they came downstirs for breakfast, there was no trace of the night before.
I, too, use paper plates at times, when the style of the function calls for it. I can adapt to any situation.
Many family and friends recall fbulous parties in this old place. My mother was a great entertainer, as was my late father.
After he went blind, everyone came here.. he enjoyed a house filled with music, talking, and laughter.
I try to continue that all the time.
Fine food
Fine friends
Fine things
usually equals a fine time.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Wow that

is too much work for me John I wish I wasn't so busy and had all that time as you do . I grew up having lots of lavish parties but Mother always had them catered by a personal chef who always used Mothers and both of my Nannys recipes . Then the housekeeper cleaned up as we were able to enjoy our guests . I do that as well when it's a special occasion other wise it's disposable eating utensils but I use my Friend Chef Christoper who prepares my food and sets it up with the paper plates ect . He's so nice he makes me dinners for the week so I just come home after work and heat the meals up and enjoy . Your way sounds fun if I ever get time I will surely try and do it all by myself .

Dan

 

[williamr1248]

45 people here since Christmas

John,
You have out done me by a long shot! I can handle about 12 at the MOST!
I still like to prepare the breakfast and a nice sit down dinner when we have the mini meets.
We have had some great times with vac friends in our breakfast room in the morning and around the dining table in the evening. Good times and lots of memories with good friends.

Dan, you are right it does take a lot of work but most if it is just about planning and organization. I think a lot has to do with what feels right to each host. I am just not the paper plate type with guests.

I always do the clean up myself. I don't use the dishwasher and usually Tania helps. It only takes a few minutes.
Home cooked food helps create so many memories with friends and I enjoy using the different dishes, silver and table clothes.

I am going to have fun ANY time a bunch of vac friends meet for a meal around the table!

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Rob

I guess growing up having to be prim and proper when I left home I was going to become
me . I am just a more relaxed person and my friends appreciate that I am a no frills
person Chinet plates and a Red solo cup . I am all for quality all the time .

I am a non suit and tie guy either and my clients appreciate that also they feel more comfortable with me than a stuffy sales person in a suit , they say I am more of a friend to them rather than someone
trying to drain their wallets . I look better than most in a pair of nice slacks and a Ralph Lauren
shirt very comfortable and relaxed .

Dan

 

[williamr1248]

45 people Since Christmas

Dan,
Off the subject a little but I know what you are talking about.
There has been a change in what our Real Estate Agents are wearing here too.
I was involved with selling my grandmother's house 7 years ago and then sellng my mom's house last year.
Even at the closing, all the agents were still dressed suites but somewhat handled a little more casual. I was very lucky to have wonderful service from our agent.

John,
I have a close friend who collects fine china and silver, so anytime you post a picture of your beautiful tables, I always have him take a look at the pictures. He has NO interest in vacuums but appreciates your vintage home and decorating.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Rob,

Many thanks for the kind words.
I collect Pickard china as well. It is beautiful American made china.
As far as having a chef, we were very lucky. My mother's father WAS chef! He also had his own bakery. So, as children, we spent hours and hours with him hearing his old stories and learning how to make wonderful things. It truly is a legacy. 3 of the 13 grandchildren learned these things. Now, the others are lamenting.
I could never afford a chef, but, luckily, I never needed one.As far as proper attire, I taught in elementary schools. The mandate was a tie. The kids always called me the man who wore ties and smelled nice. I love to dress like that. Now, I was discouraged from getting "that dressed up", as it intimidates some of my students. I had jobs in thetres, civic centers, competitions, etc which required me to wear tuxedos, etc. I have a degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in REAL ESTATE. We were told about attire. Ralph Lauren was not specified, but, I do enjot his line. Of course, I'm very careful and lucky to get great deals. Wouldn't it be silly to pay full price if you didn't have to? Clothes, like dishes, (paper, Fiesta, Franciscan, Pickard, or Lenox) all depend on the ocassion.... and the people. Have you ever seen Pickard? Perhaps I can post a few pics...

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Afterall, in those schools,

(I taught in 12 odf them), I wasn't their friend, I was their teacher..an example. On rare ocassions, I'd be in the school in casual clothes, (field trips, etc... the kids almost died. Once they saw me like this (below) They were amazed that I had "legs".

 

[gottahaveahoove]

So sorry for the bad typing.

Arthur is on my lap.... making it a bit difficult to type.
Also, my late father was from North Carolina... a PERFECT Southern "Gentleman". We were taught to have respect and impeccable manners. That was wasted on some, but, the others................ A reputation is a terrible thing to screw up.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

That's interesting Johnny

That's just how my Fathers generation was about attire .

Now every Generation is different just like you can tell the older generation
The way they have parties with China Crystal silver ect .or at my office you
can tell the older from the younger if it wasn't for hair color
for men and just saw the suit and tie guys you know they are
older and us in the Slacks and Shirts are the younger of the office.

When I went to Harvard business they never specified clothing they
taught us to be ourselves and you will flourish and that was exactly
what has happened .

You are so right that's why we are all different it'd be kinda stupid if
we were all the same . You enjoy your China and I enjoy my disposable
paper products .

Johnny the car is a Pakard not a Pickard my neighbor had a 1941 180 Business coupe
It was Black and he changed the color to baby blue
and when he entered it into car shows he never won because of the
color change . A few years later he went back to black and took home
first prize at several events . Here's a picture of what the car looked like not his though it's long gone .

Dan

 

[richardlxixxx]

Entertaining at home

<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I have to agree with John Long.  In my home, paper plates and disposable anything are never used. My family and friends would be horrified.  I am known for setting a fantastic table. When I entertain, it is done full on with china, crystal, sterling silver, and freshly pressed linens.  With my crazy schedule, I do not have the time for many parties (dinner, cocktail, etc.), but when I do make the effort - it is done with style.  I have had as many as 18 people for dinner and not a paper plate in sight.  All the setting up, cooking, serving, and clean up is done by me.  Growing up in a large Italian family, large numbers of people for a meal were a common occurrence.  My Mother would never use anything disposable in her home and did all her own cooking.  It is just how I grew up.  Of course, guests always offer to help during clean up, but generally I refuse.  I still manage to spend a great deal of time with my guests and enjoy everyone.  </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">In order to have a successful party without hired help, you have to be organized and I am! I have, on occasion, hired a server to help, but I generally prefer to do it by myself.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Family, friends, good food, and a table set to perfection are the ingredients for a terrific evening.  When you do it by yourself, the personal satisfaction is great.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">John, we come from very similar back rounds and I agree with you 100 percent.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Richard
</span>

 

[williamr1248]

45 peope here SINCE Christmas

This has been an interesting thread.
I love having friends in for dinner but as you progress through life it happens less and less.
I think I just grew up in a little more formal time when everyone sat at the table for meal, so it seems normal for me to set the breakfast and dinner table.
I grew up in a time when mom's were home, before microwave ovens and no one just picked up prepared food on the way home from work.
I learned to cook when I got out on my own and am still using the same old familiar "Red" Betty Crocker cookbook from the 1940's and cook with Guardian Service Cookware.
There is something special about going to a friends home and having a home made dinner.
I remember we had a vac meet dinner at Michael Turner's house and he had the BEST home made Lasagna. It would never been as special if we had been eating out in a fancy place. We had dinner in his beautiful dining room and ate on his family's dining room table. It was such a nice evening. Of course there were a LOT of classic Hoovers going after dinner too! I remember Tania took one of my old Air-Way's just to keep some balance!
The friendships are the best part of the vac club.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Yes Rob

Just think if I didn't give my side of how I like to entertain this would have been a boring thread.
I was at the end of sit down formal dinners we had many growing up .
Due to Mothers health issues hired help was needed at times .
Family dinners were made by her she's 100% Italian born in Trieste
Italy . So I have had the best Italian meals better than anyone's but that's
how it is when a real Italian from Italy's cooks . She never used a cook book
someone bought her one years ago and she took it as an insult she said a real cook
never uses a cook book it's in your head and you cook by taste .

Richard wow pressed linens I haven't had that since I was a kid .
Do you Iron your bed sheets also ? My grandmother used to always
Iron everything even my Grandpops hankys .

It's amazing how things don't last my Niece said she wanted no China
for her house warming she only wanted Correll I love that stuff I have
nice dishes I love that they never break .

Danny

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Funny,

only my family and very close friends call me "Johnny".
Who ever told you that was my name?

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Has anyone else ever heard of

Pickard china? It's usually gold-plated. My grat aunt, Genevieve (had that killer chocolate cake) had some. I loved it then, and have accumulated way too much of it. Fortunately, it goes with everything. I'll post pics soon. My aunt needed something on which to serve somethting the other day. I told her to open the cupboard and help herself. She almost needed a defribrulator!