Memorial Day is upon us. It’s a time of reflection and thanks and the time to bring out the white. In celebration of finally being able to wear white again, it’s really like my favorite color (even though it isn’t a color); I decided to throw a white party. My dear friend Amara was kind enough to let the occasion serve as her birthday too.
I took to a white theme like an artist with a blank canvas, only this canvas was going to stay white. I hung huge decorations; high homemade white pom-poms dotted the trees and white lanterns stretched across the yard while large urns of hollyhocks dotted the landscape. I used my arsenal of white sheets, blankets and shams to cover the furniture and created some small spaces for people to sit and get lost in the warmth and beauty of the day.
The food was all made ahead of time so I could mingle with the guests and drink some bubbles myself, and celebrate the return of white. Laid out were several white crostini, one with white beans and shallots, another with ricotta and honey and finally one with goat cheese and the palest of yellow plum tomatoes; the first from the back porch garden finally ripened and were ready to be devoured.
We enjoyed white cheddar popcorn and a simple light cold pasta dish made with spicy arugula from the garden, succulent chicken and a dash of olive oil. This was served alongside a cheese trio to tantalize the taste buds, an apricot stilton, an Oregon blue and a local goat cheese pleased just about every palate.
A dessert bar was set with white treats filling glass containers. Partygoers enjoyed yogurt covered pretzels, pristine meringues, crisp blanc de blanc wafer cookies, white chocolate, mallows, and powdered donuts.
Finally; the piece de la résistance, three layer lemon chiffon cake with homemade melon curd and cream frosting with tall thin candles that were blown out with dreams on breath.
We drank bright white wine and crisp summer beer late into the night each toasting the birthday girl as the sun set and the lanterns glowed.
To bright white celebrations all summer long!
Marcella Rose
Marcella Rose's 
