Entertaining With :: Holli & Moses Thompson

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Holli and Moses bought their 1798 (!) farmhouse and estate over ten years ago, and lovingly restored every inch, beginning with it’s historic stone walls dating back to pre-civil wartimes. Maizemoor, as the estate was named in the 19th century, was used as a hospital during the civil war, and the farm today is home to several rescue dogs, cats, horses, cows and chickens.

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Holli’s dream lunch guests:

Martha Stewart, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mario Batali, Stella McCartney and her Dad,  Michelle OBama and her husband, Katie Couric, Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, John Stewart, Michael Pollan, Tina Fey, Donna Karen.

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The field of riders often carry port; Moses is holding an antique flask made of glass and sterling silver. His crop is also antique, with a curved bone handle that allows him to unlatch a gate without dismounting.

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Most people in the northern Virginia countryside ride English style (as opposed to western riding), and their favorite horses are generally thoroughbreds or warmbloods; horses able to keep a fast pace and jump stone walls, fences and coops, a slanted board jump built into farm fencing to accommodate local riders.

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The kitchen rule Holli rarely breaks: 

Everybody out of the kitchen! I used to have a big open kitchen, and when we bought our old farmhouse, I loved that it had a kitchen that was hidden, with a hinged door so I could hide my mess and enjoy a seated dinner without having to stare at pots and pans.

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Always in their refrigerator:

home made almond milk, raw sauerkraut, ripe avocados, tons of greens

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Holli likes to entertain with old family silver flatware mixed with new transfer ware china that features foxes and hounds for fun. She loves the extra large platter size for buffet dining, and is happiest when all 25 plates are in use.

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The restaurant meal Holli will never forget:

The first time I ate at Pure Food and Wine in NYC , Easter two years ago at the Inn at Little Washington, in Washington, VA.

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When Holli and Moses entertain, they try to serve crowd pleasing dishes, but as a nutritionist, Holli always adds a healthy touch. The salad greens are from a friends farm and were picked the day prior. She added fresh mandarine slices and pomegranate seeds for color and extra antioxidants. It was delicious!

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Get the recipe for Holli’s White Bean Cassoulet here

This hearty white bean stew can be made with sausage, or omit the meat and it becomes a vegan dish. Kombu seaweed adds a rich flavor that makes this a rich, satisfying meal either way. I usually reserve half of the stew before adding the meat for my vegetarian friends and myself.

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Holli collected this fox coffee set after a dear friend gave her one many years ago. It took her many years on ebay to find all the pieces to the adorable set. Moses drinks coffee while Holli prefers tea.

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Head over to Go Forth Creative to view more of Chelsea’s work.