It was hubby’s birthday last Saturday. With his birthday being so close to Halloween, we usually have a costume party. This year was no different, except that it was themed – Arabian! An afternoon party was planned to make it easy for the folks with children and early bedtimes.
Our friends obliged with costumes dressing as gypsies, Arabian princesses and sheiks. Red and gold duvets (thanks to my MIL) covered the floors along with pillows galore.
Floors and tables were decorated with amazing lanterns from a friend who had used them at her July wedding as centrepieces (thanks A!). Food was served in copper serving dishes, water from a copper pitcher (thanks S!).
Food was plentiful, inspired by Middle Eastern and Moroccan specialties. Little copper bowls were filled with olives, figs and sweet peppers stuffed with feta.
Bowls of baked pita chips waiting to be dipped in creamy hummus and chunky baba ghaouj.
Mini falafel balls ready to be loaded into mini pitas.
Tabouli with parsley, bulgar and veggies made a tasty side.
Refreshing shot glasses of chilled carrot and cauliflower soup were topped with a dollop of yogurt and were a hit with even the kidlets.
The main course consisted of a chicken tagine and marinated beef skewers topped with onions and red peppers. Pea and mint couscous was the perfect starch to absorb the flavourful sauce from the tagine.
We had cupcakes to celebrate, mini coconut ones with a buttercream frosting. These were topped with gold chocolate coins, making them little treasures for everyone to devour. The idea for these came from an old friend on Twitter. Thanks N!
Hubby had a request for my mom’s creme caramel and she happily obliged. It’s one of her specialties and it was delicious as always.
Mom also brought a platter of homemade baklava. The flaky layers of phyllo were filled with almonds, pistachios and cashews and covered in a sweet rose glaze. Luckily she made lots and I’m still snacking on them.
Thanks for everyone’s help in making hubby’s birthday special!
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