A weekend learning or two or three

We hosted a lovely 9 year old's birthday tea on Saturday afternoon. The birthday girl had a very specific set of ideas for her party and we talked through them all weeks ago. A fancy event, dress up clothes, a well-set table and flowers, a few tasteful balloons & a very special group of friends gathering. This young lady knew just what she wanted to serve her guests - and she was thoughtful about what they might enjoy as well as what she would like herself. We agreed a set of tea sandwiches, beverages including our great lemonade (if the day might be warm - as it turned out to be) and a very special cake - chocolate, chocolate filling, chocolate frosting & fully decorated in purples. All was set & all went well.
On the day, we had one guest who was not enamoured with any of the tea sandwich selections -- so, back to the kitchen, a few open faced peanut butter perhaps?, how about cinnamon sugar on a bit of butter - also open-faced? -- non & no. However -- the cinnamon sugar was a really big hit with all the other girls! So, this will be an offer for our next birthday or other young ladies party.

Other weekend learnings -- breakfast, no matter the day of week, needs to be served smartly - and we did a really good job of that today. I love seeing people enjoy a first cup of coffee or tea within minutes of being seated; today it went that way! I love seeing people relax & enjoy a bit of newspaper reading, chat at table after they've enjoyed a hearty meal, and show by their demeanor & body language the satisfaction of their time spent with friends & or family @ The BR. Breakfast - a great meal - served in reasonable time is a pleasure to behold at the BR!

And what about all the fab folks who come in again & again and the many who come in for the first time -- and then become fab folks who come in again & again. It is amazing to me the friendships that seem to blossom @ the BR. It is wonderful when a new visitors let me know who sent them to the BR. Today a table of 6 had two "referrals" - J&P sent a great fellow (thanks!) and can I remember?!? -- no. Maybe it will come back (likely just after a post).

And the other great comment was a firm accolade to our sponsorship of National Public Radio (NJN) - they heard, they came, they enjoyed, they felt the message matched our place & they will come again!