gift guide 2021 – Pauline Parry

When Women Inspire: An Interview with Pauline Parry

By Christine Birmingham-Reyes Meet Pauline Parry, the Founder and President of Good Gracious! Events, an award-winning food and beverage company. She is also the author of My Culinary Love Story, a memoir and collection of recipes from her journey. The book is a testament to how food, fun, and love enhance life. Pauline explains more as we kick off the conversation by discussing the inspiration behind the book. Congratulations on your latest book, My Culinary Love Story! What inspired you to write it? My inspirations were my grandchildren, George and Miles. My father was Polish, and my mother was English.

Saying It Out LOUD!!!

Growing up, who knew what my future would bring me? I was not one of those girls who made plans and goals and, yes, I lacked ambition and confidence which one might think to be a stumbling block when it comes to wanting to be successful. Oh, but here we are a million years later and as I reflect on my life it seems although not a goal maker, I have always been open-minded at finding opportunities and somehow it seems I do not fear taking a risk in life. In fact, if I analyzed and overthought every opportunity that

Pauline’s Favorite Things 2022

As I sat down to curate my favorite things this year, I noticed a theme: brands with unmatched quality that have lasted for generations. I like to think we at Good Gracious! know a thing or two about first-class quality, having been in business for nearly 40 years, a milestone that makes me quite proud. Anyways, here are 10 items I LOVE that have always been fabulous. I hope you enjoy! The Montblanc Fountain Pen was a recent gift I received from my husband Dennis, incredibly thoughtful as I was signing copies of my new memoir-meets-cookbook, My Culinary Love Story. I LOVE the

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