Last week, it was my husband’s birthday. For the past few special occasions, I’ve been reaching out to artists to commission some pieces that either represent or look like they’ve been forged in Middle-Earth. Dennis is a huge Tolkien fan, and thankfully, our interior design sense is pretty similar, so we’ve been firm on a witch-cottage-meets-Hobbit-hole approach to decorating. This means there’s a bunch of earthy touches in our furniture and lots of greens, natural woods, and metals throughout the house. I made one of the walls in our dining room strictly Lord of the Rings themed, though, so we have maps, quotes, blankets, etc., hanging in one of the focal points of our home.
This year, I wanted to branch out and try a curated LOTR experience with him. I commissioned a Hobbit menu sign and decided we would put on the extended versions of the films (as many as we could handle with our schedule) and then eat like hobbits for the day. By afternoon tea, we were in a food coma (and I had to call in my parents to help eat leftovers!), but let me tell you, it was worth it and something neither of us will soon forget.
The 35th Year Birthday Menu:
Breakfast 7 a.m.: Bacon and Swiss quiche cups with a side of red grapes.
Second Breakfast 9 a.m.: Mini Belgian waffle with lemon yogurt and fresh-cut strawberries with honey drizzled on top.
Elevenses 11 a.m.: A mini charcuterie board with crackers, cheese cubes, salami, blackberries, rosemary salted cashews, and a turkey pinwheel.
Lunch 1 p.m.: A cup of cheddar baked potato soup served with parsley from our garden, green onions, and sour cream. A chunk of freshly baked bread on the side.
Afternoon Tea 3 p.m.: Strawberry hot tea, honey spoons, and various pastries from Prantl’s.
Fun fact: when I went to pick things up, the cashier asked if I wanted a free Father’s Day cookie in my order but then warned me that they kind of looked like coffins instead of ties. I laughed and told her I write and teach horror, so I’ve love them even if Dennis doesn’t. She gave me another cookie (just in case). Spoiler alert: they were terrific!
Dinner 6 p.m.: A drumstick, some broccoli, and grilled mushrooms.
Supper 9 p.m.: Steamed pork baos and cucumber salad
Midnight Snack 12 a.m.: Apple tarts (and more tea!)
For my bday this year, I stayed in an off-grid hobbit hole. Winter was in full swing, and the lodging had almost no heat. It definitely had no kitchen, so I think your feast trumps my experience 😂