On Saturday, I had some neighborhood friends over for a chocolate party. My pre-blogging friend Gwen (who actually does have a blog) started a little Dove Discoveries side-business. So of course I offered to host a party for her. I mean – who DOESN’T want to have a chocolate party?
I got rid of Chris and the boys, but let Eleanor stay since she’s a big fan of all things “girls only.” And she ended up being quite the little helper.
She visited with each guest as they sipped their chocolate martinis, asking them questions about how their day had been and whether or not they liked horses. She offered to take people on a tour of the house, so they could see a bathroom cabinet I inexpertly installed a few days prior. And of course, everyone was welcome to go downstairs to…well, I have no idea why she was telling one guest that she could visit our basement, but “hey, mi casa, su casa,” was the general theme.
When it came time for Gwen’s presentation, Eleanor was eager to help. So I told her that she could pass around the various samples.
The first item that we tasted was a sea-salted caramel. Eleanor solemnly offered one to me, and then took one herself before making sure each of our guests had a turn with the candy box.
When she returned, she leaned in to whisper “Mommy – I didn’t like that one.” I told her that was fine, and we settled back in our chairs to listen to Gwen describe the next treat we would be sampling.
This time it was a chocolate chipotle nut cluster. Again – Eleanor offered one to me, took one for herself and then made the circuit around the room. And again – she whispered to me, “Mommy – I reeeeaaally didn’t like that one.” This wasn’t surprising since it was a little spicy. Also? I could have eaten a whole box (and I don’t even like nuts in my chocolate).
This pattern repeated through the following rounds of chocolate samples intended for more sophisticated palettes. And by the last one, I was pretty sure that Eleanor, would finally give up and decline to participate. In fact, I myself passed on the “cinnamon apples à la mode” since I don’t care for fruit, and was a little shocked when my daughter popped one of the bits of dried fruit into her mouth.
After delivering a piece to each of the guests, Eleanor came to me with imploring eyes and puckered lips, the piece of fruit still un-swallowed. She whispered, “Mommy – can I please spit this out?” I then quietly led her around the corner to the kitchen sink.
Once back in our places, our guests unaware of our covert candy spitting, we saw that Gwen was winding up the presentation. She indicated that some Dove Discoveries brownies and fondue were on the buffet and that she was available to answer any questions about the products.
Eleanor, seeing that the show was coming to a close chose to stand next to Gwen and soak in those last few moments of the spotlight.
In closing, Gwen said, “if you would like to have another taste of any of the samples we tried today, I’ll leave them out. So feel free to have another.”
Expanding on this generous offer, Eleanor gestured toward our kitchen, graciously adding, “and if there is anything that you don’t like? You can just spit it out in our sink.”
I think that it was around this point that Oliver walked in the door and took off his pants. We’re all about making you feel at home here at Casa Hood. Kick off your shoes, put up your feet…and don’t forget to check out our basement mold before you leave!
Disclaimer: This was not a sponsored post. I just really love chocolate. And Gwen. And Dove. So if you live in the DC area, I highly suggest a tasting party. Though I can’t guarantee that Eleanor will be available.
She CRACKS me up!! Eleanor is such a little doll … and I can totally see her saying it!
I probably told you that story when you came over. I think I told it to everyone – the grandparents, the neighbors, the mail man…
Her last line just kills me. Mmmm a chocolate party. Nice!
Highly recommend it. Too bad CO is so far. I’d send Gwen over.
That is SO cute!
I try to keep the cute kid stories at a minimum since most tend to be of interest only to us…but this is one that I thought had universal appeal.
I love it! Also, any time she wants me to eat her chocolate for her, just let me know!
Next time we’re in your area, we will hand deliver. And we’ll look the other way if you need to spit anything out in your sink.
cutie pie! was she wearing her wonder woman outfit at the party?
No! But that would have been a good idea… (I just thought I’d post a picture and that one makes me laugh every time I look at it.)
You had me at chocolate martini. :) i want to give eleanor the biggest hug! You too! :)
Do you ever come to the DC area? If we were in our pre-kids years, we would definitely invite ourselved over to visit YOU in Spain!
Hysterical! So glad I found your blog!
Thanks! And now I will check out yours..
Martha Stewart had better watch out! Eleanor might be her new replacement.
We’re working on a book. Should be in stores next holiday season.
What a good little helper! Even if she wasn’t thrilled with the chocolates, she kept up her self-imposed ‘helper’ duties. Too cute! She needs her own little dessert tasting party now where everything is up to her standards. :)
Don’t give her any ideas Marcie. Of course – she can’t read yet, so I guess I won’t have to delete your comment. :)
This is adorable. She is adorable! I love kids’ honesty. Well, I sometimes love their honesty. :)
Isn’t that the truth! Sometimes…
Your little lady sure knows how to liven up a party!
I think every gathering of women needs a five year old girl in the mix. They keep things interesting.
Hysterical. I’m amazed she kept her composure for as long as she did. Mine wouldn’t have kept her comments to a whisper, I’m certain. And who doesn’t want to whip off their pants after a long day? (I finally got to check my reader, and it’s still listing you. So unless the problem was fixed in the interim, I am one of the lucky ones with uninterrupted Cake service.
If it was George doing the talking, everyone would have heard his thoughts. Reason #1 why he wasn’t invited to the chocolate party…
I do live in the DC area. I do LOVE chocolate. But I will NOT host a party without Eleanor–she’s a keeper! (Well, ok, I won’t keepher, but I must borrow her for the party and if she happens to fall asleep during the party after she’s helped the guests spit out their chocolate then she’ll just have to stay until she wakes up…
I think she’d enjoy that. Let’s check our calendars.
OK, Eleanor needs her own TV show….she is hilarious and cuter than any kid I know. I love your kid stories, Kate. xo
Now all I’m thinking about is chocolate…
Freaking hysterical, once again!
christy recently posted..Before and After: sleep nazi