gift guide 2021 – Pauline Parry

The Table was Set with Love

“I feel comfortable in this world of hospitality. I was brought up with people who cared about creating a celebration around all the big and small moments of life. They cared about one another’s comforts, joys and happiness This was ingrained in me.” Chapter 16 | My Culinary Love Story It was a glorious Saturday. The rains had come through Los Angeles and left everything gleaming and green. That day I welcomed 10 people to my garden table – six were winners of my giveaway, Win Lunch with Pauline. Russell Harris, Marsha Meyer, Lauren Leibowitz, Meto Pierce, Carol Rosen and

Win a Lunch with Me!

Just announced! I’ve finished my menu for the lunch! You will see many of the recipes from the books integrated into the dishes. I’ve paired it with some of my favorite wines as well! Lunch MENU As you arrive you will enjoy a glass of Kir Royale — a champagne cocktail made with Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne and Crème de Cassis We’ll spend time chatting in the garden while nibbling on these tray-passed appetizers: Liver Pate with Port Wine Pate creamy liver pate with a drop of port wine served on crostini Artichoke Smoked Salmon roasted artichoke heart filled with

A Lunch and a Launch

While I am relatively new to being an author, I am a seasoned pro when it comes to throwing a party! Usually, it’s someone else’s celebration for a milestone such as an anniversary, birthday or wedding. But this time, this time it was my own. After spending about two years starting during the pandemic sifting through memories and events that brought my family and myself to America 40 years ago, I held in my hands a beautiful book – My Culinary Love Story. What started out as a small story to tell my family who were always curious about how

A Conversation with JP Reynolds

While I was working on my memoir, My Culinary Love Story, I asked several friends to read the rough drafts. JP Reynolds was one of those friends and he asked great questions that helped me pinpoint some ideas. But there was a lot to our conversation that didn’t make it into the book. First, what you should know about JP — he is a wedding officiant who I have had the pleasure of hiring several times for our wedding clients at Good Gracious Events. But more than that, he is a great LISTENER!! I suppose that’s what makes him so

Pauline’s Favorite Things

A list of curated items I LOVE for my guests at events and at my home. I think you will LOVE them too!

Leaving the cork on the table

People ask me how I came by my passion for hospitality. It all began with my parents who gave me the guidelines I’d inherit of how to live life, and to entertain with ease and grace. There was this one phrase that my father used to say and I never understood it until later reflection. Whenever anyone would open a bottle of wine or spirits, they would usually put the cork back in. But he’d catch that, take the cork out and put it on the table, surprises the poor guest. “Leave the cork on the table!” he’s say with