“An Afternoon at Mount Vernon”

Mount Vernon was the home of George and Martha Washington, where they welcomed thousands of guests over the years. Over the course of the 40 years they were married, the Washingtons were known for their boundless hospitality.

Mount Vernon was the home of George and Martha Washington, where they welcomed thousands of guests over the years. Over the course of the 40 years they were married, the Washingtons were known for their boundless hospitality.

For this year’s summer garden party, we will take you back to the early days of our country with the theme “An Afternoon at Mount Vernon,” as we celebrate America 250.

Situated along the banks of the Potomac River, Mount Vernon was a grand estate, ten times the size of the average home in Virginia during the Revolutionary War era. It was a place for the emerging nation to display its wealth and hospitality to visiting dignitaries.

Indeed, the couple enjoyed a reputation among their contemporaries for keeping “an excellent table.” Most fortunately, we know a good deal about the culinary delights served at Mount Vernon. All the delicious food was farm fresh, grown in the vast fields of the estate. Mrs. Washington was closely involved in the planning and preparation of the menus, and her recipes are preserved in the Mount Vernon archives.

George Washington took charge of the libations. He was very fond of whiskey and operated his own distillery on the property. The couple and their guests also drank copious amounts of Madeira wine, the most popular drink of the day.

Looking back on history, it is important to remember that none of this grandeur would have been possible without the hundreds of enslaved farmhands, butlers, housemaids, waiters, and cooks in service at Mount Vernon.

As we gather at a beautiful estate on the shore of Lake Washington on Saturday, Aug. 8, we will do it the ESU way, bringing you the same good food and hospitality, volunteers leading the way. The planning committee has carefully researched the menu, catered by On Safari Foods. There will be festive decor, live entertainment, a silent auction, and a few other surprises. Period costumes admired but not required.

This is a party you won’t want to miss — we look forward to seeing you there!

Visit the event page for more details, including the complete menu, and payment information.