A quiet electric “Duffy” boat is a fun place to have an
intimate cocktail party.
In the last couple of weeks, I have been lucky to attend one in
Newport Beach, California, above.
.
And one on a river in Weybridge, England.
Both with different, but lovely, water views.
Notice all the greenery on this serene river in Surrey.
We enjoyed great English and French cheeses and a truffle paté…
with a French white Burgundy wine.
My friend, Lisa, keeps baskets of chestnuts in the boat to ward off spiders
(have you heard of that?).
Here is their home with their American electric boat docked…
bet the British neighbors all want one.
Last weekend, we went out for a sunset cruise. I made cocktails of lemon, fresh basil, sparking lemonade, vodka and lots of ice inspired by the one I had in London recently.
I just sort of “winged” the recipe–but it seemed popular!
Here are some houses we saw from the water…sorry about the shaky camera.
We made a meal of the appetizers…fun!
I took these right out of the oven before we got on the boat.
They are from a “Cooking Light” recipe.
My sister made these first and I asked for the recipe…a winner. Try it!
Thanks for joining our little boat parties–thousands of miles apart from each other.
Really a small world with good friends.
Participating in
Monday on the Menu @ Stone Gable
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Show And Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Vintage Inspiration
Friday @ Common Ground
Friday @ Common Ground
Savvy Southern Style @ Wow Us Wednesdays
Chic Coastal Living says
Great theme for a party! You do the most fun things! Can't believe Liz from Shorely Chic has never been here! Liz you've been out of the loop girl!! XOXO
Shorely Chic says
SO in love with you blog!! How have I never visited before?!
Liz @ Shorely Chic
Maureen at The Inglenook Decor says
I haven't been on a Duffy! looks like you had a fun time…gorgeous scenery, wonderful friends, scrumptious food!
Linda of DesignInMyView says
I recently spent most of a day in a home on the water on Balboa Island. (we were stuffing and folding mailers)
On occasion I looked up from my "work" to imagine Duffy-ing by …. thank you for the tour!
Cheers!
Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says
I love them both! The vegetation in Surrey looked amazing! And the Newport homes look absolutely stunning. Yummy food too!
Have a great weekend.
Pam
designchic says
It just looks heavenly, Mary Ann. Such beautiful homes and I can almost feel the cool breeze from your photos…enjoy! Equally love both views…
L o v e l y t h i n g s says
Mary Ann,
I'm trying not to miss CA! But your killing me…I loved doing this…it's like the perfect little cocktail party at dusk when you can see in people's windows. I'm such a stalker! The food looks wonderful and a great shot of you!
xo
annie
Val says
Wow – this is such a lovely post!! The food and view looks amazing.
LRS4AMANDA says
Looks like a nice relaxing time! Our neighbor is hosting his annual get together on his boat this weekend. Usually is about a dozen of us…once he gets the boat way out in the water, he stops and everyone pulls out the food. Your pictures reminded me of that!
Linda
Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} says
Some day, I'm going to be looking out the window at water! Not sure when, or if it will be a mud puddle, but I'm making plans! Gorgeous places and lucky friendsA,
Anna says
Oh…can I just be you for a day? lol Thanks for sharing, beautiful pictures!
Annamay
Garden, Home and Party says
Mary Ann,
Thanks for the recipe, it looks delicious. I love afternoon rides in a Duffy. There is something so relaxing about being on the water viewing the bay front homes. You've got a picture of one of my favorites above.
Karen
Nancy says
I have never heard of using chestnuts to keep spiders away – definitely going to have to remember that!! How fun to do two Duffy boat cruises on two different bodies of water – looks like the weather was perfect for both! Looking at your pics reminds me how much I miss our boat – we had so many fun bay cruiises on it!! Have made that asparagus appetizer and you are right – it's delicious!!!
Leslie says
Wow! Looks like lots of memory-making going on 🙂 Love all the yummy food, wine, and the scenery is stunning! Beautiful homes and what a nice evening for an electric boat ride. Thanks for taking us along!
leslie
Taylor Greenwalt says
That looks like so much fun.What a great place to live.
Karena says
Wonderful images of the excursions and what fun! I have wrapped slightly braised asparagus with prosciutto, however the phillo is an extra treat!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artists Series
An Eye for Detail says
Two very different views and both equally gorgeous! Lucky you… Oh summer, it's just wonderful, no?
The Pink Pagoda says
What a lovely summer you're having! And so nice for us that you take exquisite photos!
Sharon (Roses and Rust) says
What a lovely way to spend time, and in such beautiful surroundings. You have friends in great places!! x Sharon
Gail says
Now that IS the life! Cruising "Duffy" style on the waters in London and then in your own back yard…in beautiful Newport Bay!
And what's the real story on the Chestnuts? Very odd way to keep the spiders at bay! As for those appetizers…got to try the asparagus wraps. It all looks divine!
Gail Peterson says
Thanks for the tour! I want to try the asparagus twist! I have been there on Newport Bay and Lido… It is a beautiful spot, it just doesn't get any better than that !
Happy August!
xo,
Gail
casualloveselegance
cindy says
I love this post, everything about it. Adorable boats, cocktail party with my favorite foods, beautiful waterside homes, English country life, homes of Newport Beach (which we have never visited)….wow. You lead a great life! Oh and my favorite summer drink…lemonata with vodka but with basil added, must try, fun!
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Looks like so much fun. Those appetizers look yummy. May have to try the wrapped asparagus.
Tammy Partin Spangler says
Wow! Everything is beautiful! From to scenery to the food!
My Little Bungalow says
Looks heavenly. I love being on the water — there's nothing like it! Your snacks look delish and your drink recipe sounds wonderful.
Claudia
Our French Inspired Home says
What a great way to have a mini party. Chestnut trick is new to me. The food spread looks great! So simple and so quickly gone I assume!
Karen says
So beautiful Mary Ann.
I've never heard of the chestnuts thing. I wonder if it would work in the house or on the patio?
NanaDiana says
What gorgeous images. I have NEVER heard of that trick with the chestnuts. Did it work? Love all the pictures of the beautiful waterside homes- xo Diana
The enchanted home says
One question…can I come over and be your pampered houseguest? Promise to bring wine! How fun!! Love how relaxing it looks and the scenery on both sides of the pond cannot be beat:) Plus throw in great food we are talking the perfect outing!
Wendi @ Classic Chic Home says
You are living the life, girl! What a magical way to spend an evening! Happy to see you're enjoying your summer.
~ Wendi ~