Yesterday saw the entire family together to celebrate Daddy’s birthday–a rare moment in time when all of us could come together in a single room and not be in cities, states, or oceans apart. I’d say it was a smashing success!
My Autumn themed dinner party included (from left to right) Roasted Maple Glazed Butternut Squash, Chicken Saltimbocca with sautéed herb Mushrooms, and Wild Rice in Mushroom Broth and grilled Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Honey Balsamic Glaze + Fried Sage, just for fun.
Here’s a single close up of a savory dish before a demanding pot threatened to overflow and guests began to arrive and whisked me away from the task at hand:
I also regret not getting a shot of the cake 
Daddy’s Dessert Bar + Homemade Banner ^.^
A closer shot of Pumpkin Macarons, Oreo Pops, Miniature Apple Pies, Gingerbread Cupcakes and Pumpkin Dip + Ginger Spice Cookies.
An even closer shot–who knew lattice work for the scaled down version would be so tedious? I felt like the Giant of Lilliput assembling treats for its inhabitants.
Albeit, it’s unconventional but my brother’s got him a 22 rifle to add to his collection. You can’t see it, but it’s Daddy grinning ear to ear and looking mighty dapper (I might add) in his new Columbia jacket that his favorite daughter got him 
My favorite moments? In our house, we have a long standing tradition of sharing a wish we have for the person giving us a gift. Those moments are always special. Another? When Daddy takes the birthday cake I took the pains to make picture perfect (with the full intention of snapping a shot of) and slices it every which way so that everyone got the tallest (and skinniest) bar/stack ever, lol–the entire cake menacingly wobbled as he made the slices smaller and smaller but you know, it’s Daddy’s birthday so he gets a pass =)
After dinner, we hiked, took pictures, and laughed at ourselves, knowing that this would be the very last time we’d all be together as a family for at least another year or two. It’s all very bittersweet you see, but couldn’t have ended on a better note.
I hope everyone else enjoyed their weekend and was able to spend quality time with their loved ones.
…for parting is such sweet sorrow…
Love,
Your Squishy Monster ^.~
Love this post. It’s nice to see you incorporate food and family in this.
My foodie life began with family and they’ll always be my fat and happy guinea pigs, lol.
The birthday display is so special! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your kind words =D
Awesome, glad you guys had a good time.
I know I did ^.^
Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I know what you mean about everyone being together as our family is currently split between the East and West Coast. What a beautiful celebration!
No problemo…I feel blessed to have this special day to remember.
Such a fancy dessert display- You really went all out! Love the decor.
Thanks, Hannah!
what a lovely feast and pleased you enjoyed time with your family
Family time is always time well spent
Happy Birthday to your appa!
and all the food and desserts looks so delicious…..holy cow.
I get a bit sad missing out on family get togethers since I love in nyc but i love when I am able to fly down to Miami to join in on the fun
I wish I could bake like you!
xoxox
NY is a gift in itself..I hope you get to see them during the holidays!
Sounds like your father had a fantastic birthday! And so much delicious food. YUM! You have no idea how hungry it made me reading through everything. I need a snack now, lol!
I’d share leftovers but I don’t think we have any
Pumpkin macarons? Yes please! Love the dessert table you created for him and loving even more that he received a rifle for his bday. Sounds like my household haha. By the way, how have I not come across your blog till now.. I love korean food. About to go through your archives for some yummies.
xx Jenee C.
{camo meets couture}
I would love to see the two households come together—behold the food and fun that would unfold!
A belated Happy Birthday to your Dad, what a fantastic birthday gathering, no wonder your Dad was grinning ear to ear. That was quite a spread, Congrats on a successful party.
Thanks, Norma! Your veggies are looking particularly stellar!!!
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! Your blog is gorgeous and what a lovely post — Happy Birthday to your dad! Your birthday traditions sound like so much fun, I especially love the idea of sharing a wish!
of course… thank you ^.^
Your dad is a lucky man with that delicious dessert bar!
We’re lucky to have him too
That looks like a dinner well crossing continents for! Looove your adorable homemade dessert bar. Happy birthday to your Dad!
Thanks also so much for dropping by my blog and your lovely comment
x
you are sweet! no probs =D
Happy Birthday to your Dad! You have prepared a really amazing line of food, no wonder it was a huge success!
He’ll love this flood of happy birthdays…thank you!! You guys roooock!!!
i can’t believe how much delicious food was at your dad’s birthday celebration – it sounds absolutely amazing!
Thanks y’all!!
You all know how to throw a party! The table and decor are marvelous…and the food looks glorious!!! I love your tradition of making a wish for each gift giver…great idea!
I think that’s one of the best parts …It’s the gift that gives all around the table =D
Woohoo!!! Happy Birthday….lets eat!
I do like to eat… ^.^
Wow, you must have had to work for 2 (or more) days to get all that delicious food ready! I’m so impressed. It’s wonderful that you held the event, I’m sure your Dad was happy. My husband and I are gun collectors so I don’t find that gift odd at all. I’d be smiling from ear to ear also
It was so worth it…no more birthdays until February so I can take a break, lol. Niiice! I’d love to see it (if you blog it, I shall come) =D
what an awesome spread, im not surprised knowing he has you as a daughter. happy bday to your appah!!!!!!!!! xO!
http://www.thehautecookie.com
Aw, Unni. I’m so glad the move went well…and thank you, I shall relay it to him =)
Looks like a fabulous birthday feast!
I hope Dad enjoyed himself 60 times over =D
I’m so glad you guys all got to be together! You really went all out on the food. Sounds amazing!
Thanks, Jo! I hope you’ve been well =D
Sounds like you all had a great time! I know what it’s like having family spread over continents! Isn’t it frustrating when you forget to take a picture of something you made before it gets gobbled up?! Looks like an amazing menu though! Does your dad have a huge gun collection?
It sooo is, afterwards I argued with myself–lol– bc I swore I took a pic but I didn’t
He has a fairly decent collection.
Happy birthday to him! It sounds like he had a great time.
Thank you–and I do hope so!!
what a lovely birthday feast! Hope you had a super time
I definitely did, Tandy! Thank you
I hope he had a wonderful birthday! You’re so sweet to write a post for him!
Daddy is the best and only deserves accordingly =D
Yay!! What a fabulous celebration. I’m happy everyone was able to get together; it seems so hard nowadays to coordinate such great events when you have family all over the place. Your dinner spread sounds absolutely succulent!! And your sweet treats down-right scrumptious!! I bet everyone enjoyed such a fantabulous culinary smorgasbord.
The oreo pops and ginger-bread cupcakes have my eyes a glazed. You’re mini-pies look great too, I bet they were a mountian-onous ~.^ (monotonous) task. I really enjoyed hearing about your tradition of sharing a wish for the gift-giver. I couldn’t help but “awwwww” when I read that. I think the only tradition we have is that awkward present-face hug we give each other after opening each present one at a time. But who doesn’t enjoy a good hug? It sounds like it was a wondrous gathering. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. My wish for you and yours is that it will seem like the time just flies by until you are all able to be together again.
Warmest Regards, –and good night til it be morrow.
Paul
How true. LOL–sometimes we have those moments too. Thank you for the well wishes, Paul. You rock!!
A belated happy birth day to your Dad! Sounds like you all had a wonderful time Angie!Every thing looks great! Great job Angie!! Nice interesting gift for your Dad!!I love all the pumpkin flavored dishes you served Angie!
I had a great week end also thaks.Have a great day Angie!
Love.
Les.
Thanks bunches, Les! I adoooore Pumpkin anything. Tis the season for PUMPKIN =D
Awwww! What a nice birthday your dad had!
Hope you and your bf had a great one, Kayle!!
AWWWW happy 60th to your dad I bet he was absolutely thrilled with such a fun and delicious night
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
P.S. Come check out my international giveaway for my Blogiversary
I definitely will =D
What a wonderful birthday celebration. I especially liked hearing about your birthday tradition. Such a thoughtful expression! Thank you for sharing. Your blog was a delicious stop during my lunch break. I hope you have a great Monday!
I feel honored to have been a part of your lunch! =D