Coffee on the Porch

When we moved into our new subdivision, I thought my entertaining days as a hostess were over. I actually enjoyed the rather frequent parties with easily over 50 people each time. Although I was ready for a downsize, I knew this was something I would miss. Well, no more! Yesterday morning, I volunteered to host our neighborhood's monthly Coffee on the Porch.

 

The name is deceiving, though. With this crazy cold weather, I purposely moved this gathering inside . . . next to a nice, cozy fire.

Start making coffee. Easy, right? That's what I thought, too. That is, until I realized I sold my large urn as well as my coffee maker during the downsize. I knew making one cup at a time with my basic Keurig machine wasn't going to cut it. Sweet neighbors to the rescue. Thanks to Kathy for providing the large urn that gets passed from one hostess to the next. And many thanks to Rodney, the previous host, for letting me borrow his coffee maker, too!

In addition to having coffee and hot tea, I made creamy crockpot hot cocoa. This time, though, I used white chocolate chips instead. It reminded me of the white hot chocolate that Keely and I were enjoying at Angelina's in Paris about this same time last year. Very rich and decadent.

While the warm beverages kept the conversation flowing, I'm thinking it may have been the promise of homemade cinnamon rolls that boosted the attendance. ;) I made several varieties: plain, some with a caramel coffee icing, and some with pecans. Served fresh from the oven. Mmmmmm.

 

Although I personally believe life's too short not to indulge in a warm homemade cinnamon roll occasionally, I did plan for a couple of healthier options (energy bites and granola mix) given that we're still in the middle of January. I didn't want to be the blame for anyone breaking his/her New Year's resolution!

 

More unexpected treats showed up once the party got started. Thanks to Christine for sharing her wonderful spinach quiche and Rodney for his delicious banana and butterscotch bread.

Like the block parties we've already had in our alley, this type of entertaining is the way to go. No fancy invitations. No fancy over-the-top decorations. No elaborate buffet of food. Here, the emphasis is all about meeting new neighbors.  Coffee on the Porch: what a nice way to warm up on a cold January day!