Why Hello!
My name is Genevieve and this is my little blog, She Keeps a Lovely Home. I’ve been throwing tasty little parties in my tiny Brooklyn apartments for over a decade, and want to share some of my favorite treats, tips and tricks for throwing a lovely affair, no matter your budget or the size of your kitchen.
I’ve always been a little sad that the hay-day of dinner and cocktail parties hit their peak in the 50‘s and 60s, then we ladies moved further into the workforce and couldn’t be bothered to throw extravagant dinners and mix cocktails for a group of folks after a long week.
But don’t get me wrong, I’m not upset about the “ladies moving into the workforce” part. I, myself, LOVE my career. When I’m not making deviled eggs, I’m editing and designing motion graphics for a video agency. But I would truly love to bring back the intimacy of the elegant dinner party for friends and family, despite the challenges of being a very busy, professional gal.
I love throwing parties, but I have a secret to tell you that you might find a little hard to believe. For someone who appears very social, I’m quite introverted.
Social situations can be pretty uncomfortable, but even though I’m introverted, I still want company and love my friends, so I’ll often write about the emotional side of party planning and hosting, too.
We all have reservations and fears about throwing parties, whether we’re introverted or not, and we’re all very busy. Whether we have full time jobs, kids or both, party planning shouldn’t be a hassle, so I’ve made entertaining elegantly, EXTRA simple.
I think elegance should be easy, affordable and fun. It’s nice to go a little overboard sometimes too, but for the most part, simplicity is key.
It’s all in the tiny details… A simple flower garnish, a wisp of thyme and recipes with fresh, healthy, nutritious ingredients that ensure every dish tastes exquisite, no matter how much time they took to make.
It’s about working smarter, not harder. Thinking lovely, not lofty.
There are enough limitations in our lives to make fancy get-togethers tricky, so I’ll show you how to make the process a simple one. If I can do it, you can too!
Let’s bring back the intimacy and the joy of gathering friends together for cocktails. Let’s share delicious food with the people we love, and show them how grateful we are for their company.
Let’s throw a perfectly lovely, little party together!
… and just a little more about me
Favorite music! I have a pretty eclectic taste, especially when it comes to party music, but when I was about 14, I was commissioned to write my first symphony by a major symphony orchestra in NJ. Suffice it to say, I’m a classical gal. Primarily renaissance, baroque and early classical when I’m bopping around the house or in the kitchen. Later classical when I can sit on my couch, pour a whisky and do nothing else but listen.
I’m also a HUGE fan of Jazz, specifically 20’s era to 60’s. Lester Young, Oscar Peterson, Stan Getz, Red Norvo, Ben Webster and visionary wackos like Martin Denny. Love it!
Favorite cocktail! The French Gimlet, but I love a simple glass of prosecco or lambrusco any time, anywhere. Also a big fan of a glass of whisky to sip, nice and neat.
Favorite appetizer! Obviously, the gorgeous, feminine, elegant, precious and romantic deviled egg.
Favorite way to spend an evening! If not surrounded by friends at my dinner table, then soaking in a milk bath in my extra-long tub (I’m 5′ 9″) with a glass of something pretty, listening to Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries on the TV outside my bathroom. I also love a well-curated Burlesque performance at the Slipper Room in NY.
Favorite dessert! Oh that’s a tricky one! But I think my favorite desserts are my sunshine lavender lemon bars, pumpkin cheesecake mousse and my cranberry apple crisp!