ESU Seattle Branch Summer Garden Party

“An Afternoon at Mount Vernon”

For this year’s Summer Garden Party, we will take you back to colonial days with the theme “An Afternoon at Mount Vernon,” as we celebrate America 250.</p

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.

Situated along the banks of the Potomac River, Mount Vernon was a grand estate, ten times the size of the average home in colonial Virginia. 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 on the couple’s prosperous plantation. Martha 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 plantation. 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 colonial 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 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 music, a silent auction, and a few other surprises. Colonial dress admired but not required. This is a party you won’t want to miss — we look forward to seeing you there!

Visit the main event page for more information, including registration and payment.

MOUNT VERNON MENU

Open Bar

Appetizers

Apple Hors d’Oeuvres

Mushroom Snacks

Deluxe Chicken Salad Bites

Main Dishes

Virginia Ham with Mustard Sauce

Cornbread with Honey Butter

Cheese Au Gratin Potatoes

Spinach Salad with Bacon (vegetarian option offered)

Fresh Fruit Platter

Desserts

Washington Pound Cake with Whipped Cream

Non-alcoholic Beverages

Choice of Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee, or Tea