Blithewold Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds

The birds may have landed in July, but the Blithewold Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds celebrated with an opening reception on Saturday, September 21st. The Great Elephant Migration of Newport is off to a new home. However, these big beautiful bird Avatars will continue to delight for another year!

Blithwold Bamboo Birds - Peakcock distance - The Social Diary — Peahen (20′ height and tail)

Blithwold Bamboo Birds - Queenfisher - The Social Diary — Peahen (20′ height and tail)

Joining the festivities and providing a “hands-on” tour were The Myth Makers, themselves. The husband and wife team, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, used recycled materials in addition to bamboo. The Social Diary had the pleasure to meet the team behind the Blithewold Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds exhibit.

Blithwold Bamboo Birds - The Blue Bird - The Social Diary — Eastern bluebird (15′ height)

Blithwold Bamboo Birds - The Great Owl - The Social Diary — Eastern bluebird (15′ height)

Blithwold Bamboo Birds - Blue Bird The Greeter signage - The Social Diary

Blithwold Bamboo Birds - The Great Owl signage - The Social Diary

Opening Reception: Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds

Blithewold went all in for this festive event. And despite the “wet” weather, our spirits were high. The working kitchen is unique to Blithewold. Additionally, the staff prepared the delicious reception fare. Among the delightful treats was an abundant charcuterie board with accoutrements, strawberry and basil canapé, puff pastry filled cups, one bite potato spoons and fruit medley skewers.

Blithewold Opening Reception - Charcuterie board - The Social Diary

The food offerings and cocktail including wine and beer was enough for a small army. However, the weather was not very cooperative this day. It rained all day, but it never dampened our spirts either. Although, it may have driven away additional party guests.

Blithewold Opening Reception - Fruit medley skewers - The Social Diary

Blithewold Opening Reception - Puff Pastry cups - The Social Diary

Blithewold Opening Reception - Lemon water - The Social Diary

Blithewold Opening Reception - Cups Saucers and Glasses - The Social Diary

A warm cuppa tea was the perfect foil for the cold and wetness. We returned soaked from our Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds tour. We enjoy walking the grounds at the Blithewold Mansions. And since our last excursion during Daffodil month, we encountered some delightful critters as well. Well, say “Hello” to our little friends!

Blithewold Bamboo Birds - Racoon gathering - The Social Diary

Blithewold Bamboo Birds - Racoon king - The Social Diary

Blithewold: Etiquette and Manners

To be honest, it’s disturbing that The Social Diary has to address yet another “elephant in the room.” We are not talking about security, but etiquette and manners. Why is it that some people, especially the older generation, turn into Neanderthals in public? Perhaps they are this way in private as well. The Social Diary lists these “best practices.“

When consuming food, please “close your mouth.”
When at reception, please do use the plate, napkins and any utensils provided.
Do not walk around the room “grabbing” food from serving trays.
Do not eat directly off the serving trays or charcuterie boards.
Do not place your tray passed hors d’oeuvres or canapés on a public table or chair
Do place food items from serving trays onto your plate and eat from it.
Do place tray passed food items on the napkin provided and eat.

It’s rather alarming that some guests cannot behave with decorum. No body respects a “double dipper.”

Seinfeld: Double Dipped (Clip) TBS