A Beautiful Afternoon

Saturday was my bridal shower. It was completely beyond lovely! My bridesmaids, mom and mother in law did a fantastic job of planning a terrific afternoon and I love every minute of it!

An afternoon tea party. Here is a silver tea set that I bought at an auction years ago and my mom put lots of time into polishing it!

The shower was at the Orris House Inn in Mechanicburg, PA. Each table was set with teacups and in each cup was a bundle of homemade sugar cube - some colored and in various heart and flower shapes. There was also a "hope" sign with questions Bec asked to both Adam and I - we were asked the same question and our answers were displayed for everyone to enjoy (What was your first date like? What was it like meeting Adam/Hope's family? What are your favorite qualities of Hope/Adam?).

We had a delicious lunch by C&J Catering. Sandwiches, salad and chilled strawberry soup.

And because I love cupcakes so much, we had pink champagne cupcakes. Notice the cute Alice In Wonderland theme?!..

Bec took the time to glue little hearts on to the tea bags!

We played a few games...

Kristin and Arielle collected kitchen tools that my mom sewed on an apron. Everyone then played a memory game to see if they could remember everything on my apron as I ran through the crowd. There were some tough ones - a jalapeno pepper corer and a banana slicer!

Finally, I received some great gifts including a cookbook called Hope in the Kitchen The Wedding Edition - a compilation of recipes from the ladies at the shower. I love it!

Thank you to everyone for making my day special! And thank you to Bec for these photos!

Pretty Meadow Farm

Last evening Adam and I had the pleasure of visiting an absolutely beautiful bed and breakfast in Newport, PA. Pretty Meadow Farm is hidden in the coutryside of Perry County, a wonderful surprise on a rural back road. We arrived to the farm for their open house after dark so we could only see the lights in the house's windows but immediately I could tell we were in for a special treat!

I wasn't wrong.

We entered through the kitchen and were greated by the owners and their wonderful staff. As we talked through the door we smelled the spiced cider warming on the stove in a beautiful copper pot. We continued through the kitchen - Adam had to mind his head quite often because a house built in during the turn of the 19th century did not accomodate 6'4" tall gentleman! We then entered the foyer and to the right was a sitting room and the dining room. In the dining room, we were welcomed by not only a warm fireplace and unique wall art, but a beautiful spread of hor d'oeuvres. The owners of Pretty Meadows raise beef cattle and garden so nearly all of the appetizers were grown/raised locally.

The spread was wonderful and very inspiring for my own holiday entertaining - endive leaves stuffed with bleu cheese & topped with pear curd, brie topped with quince jelly, various spiced & sugared nuts, sweet mini cupcakes, mac 'n cheese, & spinich and leek quiche. All so delectable!

The owner's farm raised beef brisket baked with chiles and cocoa. Wonderful!

After enjoying the company of other guests, we wondered upstairs to see the four guest rooms. The walls of the rooms are painted in vibrant colors which made them feel warm and welcoming! The windows are original - I love the wide sills! The exposed beam ceiling give an extra rustic feeling. Here are three of the rooms:

If you're like me, you're wondering when you and/or your friends can stay here for a night and enjoy some the local, delicious food. Well they are hoping to be open for business in the spring. I will be anxiously awaiting and sure to let you all know about the grand opening!

A special thank you to Pretty Meadow for their hospitality and to Rick at the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau for telling me about this hidden treasure!