Tennis Parties

Today's Agenda: Doublechecking the dates of US Open. Can't wait for some more tennis!

Also thinking back to this year's Wimbledon tournament and the brunch we hosted. It's now been two years in a row that we have hosted brunch for the men's final match (it's really more like breakfast given the time it starts and goes into/past lunch these past couple years given the fantastic tennis being played!) and on its way to a solid tradition! I love hosting a brunch -- interesting foods to choose from, it doesn't have to be sit down and everyone can bring kids and just relax.

I had some fun creating the invitations -- there is nothing like getting an invite in the mail! I used a simple Crane's set of flat cards for the invite + wrapping paper from Container Store that looked liked little tennis balls (and in the perfect colors!) for the envelope liner + round labels from Paper Source (their labels are fantastic and have templates that really work) to address the invites.



And, even more fun thinking about the menu. Last year's tennis ball cookies were a hit so those were non-negotiable. (The frosting came out a little bit different this year; I like to think it looks more like the texture of a tennis ball now!)



And we had:

• Apricot Spritzer // frozen berries (as ice!), apricot nectar, seltzer, ginger ale, white grape juice, splash of vodka (just for one pitcher!)
  
• "Beet It" Salad (a tribute to MJ as well) // baby beets soaked in orange, crumbled goat cheese, hearts of palm, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, greens
• Grilled Chevre + Arugula Sandwiches // olive bread, chevre, arugula
  
• "Tennis" Club Sandwiches // sourdough bread, steak or chicken, cheddar, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, delicious mustard
  
• Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary + Sea Salt // lots of rosemary, lots of sea salt, lots of time in the oven
  

And, strawberries, of course. (I didn't get to make the cream -- next year!)



It was great fun planning and preparing and to spend time with great friends. Looking forward to next year's!