Picnic Bakery Hosts A Garden Party

Emily of Picnic Bakery

I spent the past month composing a playlist full of songs about sunshine and gardens.  This was my version of a prayer to the weather gods, and I am so pleased to report that it worked like a charm!  This past weekend, San Francisco had the VERY rare true summer weather.  I mean, it was actually hot enough for summer dresses.  You're welcome, San Francisco.  If anyone is interested in this magical musical cure for fog, you can play it here: Picnic Garden Party Playlist.  It's three hours of summery lyrical cheer.  

So, why was I so concerned with this weekend's weather?  Well, I had a garden party/photo-shoot planned for Picnic Bakery.  Thanks to the attendance and help of several beautiful, stylish, and hungry people, the party went off without a hitch.  

I spent two days of non-stop baking for this event.  I was actually in a baking trance.  I'm not kidding.  At the end of day two, I walked into the bathroom and realized I hadn't seen the room all day.  I slowly climbed into the shower to let the flour and sugar run off.  That's when, due to a pain on my foot, I discovered that not only had I developed a blister without noticing, but it had also popped.  It was like a spell had lifted and suddenly EVERYTHING hurt.  I proudly whined about all my hard work and battle wounds for the rest of the night as I made bunting with my very tolerant and very helpful boyfriend. 

The next morning,  Ralph and I loaded the car with boxes filled with desserts and glassware.  We headed to the Red Vic and set up two tables in a private garden behind the building.  It was a gorgeous morning to be in a flower garden:

Megan and Jenn were the first two people to arrive at the party. They had fascinators in their hair and an adorable vintage suitcase in tow. 

The fabulous Megan & Jenn

Of course, they were fabulous.  These ladies are always stylish, and I encourage you to check out their fashion and food blog, Pork Is The New Black.  They brought a suitcase filled with props for the photo-shoot, including the blue tablecloth in the above photograph and several pretty serving trays.  They kindly helped to hang tarps and bunting and set up tables.  

Soon, more people turned up and a party ensued.  There were lots of pretty floral dresses and lots of smiles:

To drink, we had champagne cocktails and Pimm's with lemonade and sliced fresh fruit:

I may have walked around with both.  At the same time.  Twice.  Don't worry, I switched to cucumber water after that.

Finally, let's talk about the desserts I made:

Chocolate Mousse Trifles~ Layers of chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, chocolate cookie crumbs, strawberries, and topped with whipped coconut cream:

Chocolate Mousse Trifles

Gingerbread tiny cakes~ spicy gingerbread with "cream cheese" frosting, topped with candied orange peel:

Gingerbread Tiny Cakes

Peach filled coffee cake~ a rich, "buttery" cake baked with sliced peaches and a cinnamon streusel:

Peach Filled Coffee Cake

Peanut butter pies~ Chocolate cookie crust filled with peanut butter mousse and topped with drizzled chocolate:

Peanut Butter Pies

Peppermint pandas~ Chocolate sandwich cookies with a peppermint filling:

Peppermint Pandas

The Spread

I also unveiled my new business cards at the party:

They (along with Picnic's logo) were designed by artist Laura Allen.  She does amazing work and I will be posting more info about her on a future date.  

The party has been over for two days and I'm still washing glasses and packing them away for the next big event.  I've still got six gallons of lemonade to drink.  I put the last of the leftover cake in the compost bin yesterday.  I don't think I'll try to get it back out.  

All of the photographs seen here are courtesy of Ralph Pyne.  Thanks, love!