Nothing beats great friends and food in a dreamy setting, and this past weekend my family threw the most wonderous going away party for me. Hosted in our backyard with white lights creating a twinkling tent for the reveling below, the party enjoyed a drink and appetizer from the 5 continents Lee & I will be visiting – each at it’s own silver bedecked station with home grown flowers from my best friend’s garden.
Lee wasn’t able to join since he is spending the month in Texas with his family studying for his Step 2 Exam. We all missed him and were wishing he was here throughout the night, his ears must have been burning!
It was so fabulous seeing everyone who was able to join though, catching up, and hearing their travel memories and advice.
In true Donoghoe fashion, we extended the dinner & cocktails into an all night dance party that made it’s way through the entire household culminating with Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero’s “Home is Wherever I’m with You” at 5:30am as the sun was rising. The perfect end to a perfect send off!
Now as we get ready to launch, I am so thrilled to know that my sister will be joining me in Laos & Vietnam to celebrate her 30th birthday, Christmas, and New Years; my mom and dad will be meeting up in Argentina for toasts + tango, and my brother {ever adventurous} will also join us along the route!
Many thanks to all our amazing friends who made this night unforgettable – cheers!
Soil and Thread 
Way to end the night is Edward Sharp style!! so fun!
It was a wondrous, magical evening! We will miss you when you are gone but you will be in our thoughts every minute of every day.
I want to hear more about the food! What did you end up doing for South Africa?
Haha, I have a feeling we will be hearing that comment from you a lot this year! We were rather loose in our interpretations but everything turned out great! My mom + sister were vital in planning and executing all the dishes! And special thanks to our early house guests who pitched in too!
North America
Drink: Mint Julep
Appetizer: Baked Brie and French Bread with home made Strawberry Fig Jam (courtesy of Mr. & Mrs. Loe, thank you it was so delicious!)
Europe
Drink: White Wine Sangria with Peach Champagne, Cherries, and Peaches
Appetizer: Spanikopita
Asia
Drink: Gin & Tonic
Appetizer: Hummus topped with Fresh Olives and Served with Pita, Celery and Carrot Sticks
Africa
Drink: Amarula
Appetizer: African Queen Peanut Dip with Sweet Whole Grain Bread Sticks
South America
Drink: Piscola
Appetizer: Jicama, Mango, Avocado Salsa with Blue Corn Chips
Main Dishes
Watermelon, Feta, and Olive Skewers (courtesy of Monica + Bob, another smash hit!)
Homegrown eggplant with pine nuts vegetable dish (courtesy of the garden + kitchen of Debbie + Michael, a true crowd pleaser!)
Cucumber Salad with Herb Dressing
Potato Salad
Pasta Salad with Asparagus, Zuchinni, Carrots
Barbeque Chicken
Fresh Sweet Italian & Spicy Polish Sausages
Vegetarian Burgers
Dessert
Chocolate Bundt Cake with Fresh Blueberries
Brownies with Walnuts
Sounds like a good time!
Your party was great fun… all we needed was Lee!
I can’t believe I missed the party…should have canceled my vacation!
I am so happy for you and Lee! Enjoy every moment!!
We were delighted to have been invited to the party! I truly feel ageless when I am surrounded by Donoghoes twirling & stepping it up to the hits! i know that you & Lee didn’t “start the fire” but i trust you may just light up the world with your love everywhere you go. xoxoxox Monica & Bob