Buon Apetito!

On the patio we have 4 green umbrellas and 1 Big Red One, pun intended!

Buon Apetito... Italian for "Have a good meal"!
 One thing Quarters One has plenty of is dining space.  If the weather is just right we can easily seat almost 50 guests inside and out.  From the back patio and front porch that seats 28, to the dining room table that can (but never will while we're in residence) seat 24, to the sweet sunroom that looks like a spot from an Italian cafe and seats 4.
Now would we? That's a different question! When we were dining officially, we once sat 18 in the formal dining room and we decided that was just a few too many to be comfortable.

Set for an official dinner with china and linens that belong to Quarters One. Often,  flowers are paid for but in most cases I like to do them myself.

This stunning chandelier, belonging to Q1, is called a Maria Theresa chandelier. Maria Theresa, from the Hapsburg family of Austria,  was the mother of  Marie Antoinette. Because she was so fond of the crystal encapsulated chandelier they became known by her name. There are two smaller versions in the hall and foyer. This chandelier is not original to the house, it's only found residence here within the past 8 years.

The dining room table that belongs to Q1 is actually 2 tables fashioned together. The walls are painted in Sherwin William's "Butternut".

Being the 1ID Commander also comes with the responsibilities as post commander of Fort Riley.  Typically, the highest ranking general officer on post also holds the title of senior mission commander or post commander (different from the garrison commander).  Several other division commands in the Army are the same.  With the title comes many obligations for entertaining and there are rules governing formal entertaining.  Fortunately, there is also a little funding that is provided but those funds do not apply to Quarters One currently so any entertaining done here is out of pocket and strictly by choice.
 Here are some photos of the "eating spaces" at Quarters One!

The breakfast room, added to the house circa 1935,  I love the exterior walls, it's just like sitting at an Italian  cafe.  The walls in this room are painted in Cobble Brown by Sherwin Williams.

One of the 2 tables on the front porch!

Game table cleared and ready for diners!

Another view of the patio

Our menu was pretty wide open when Bill was here but now that it's just me I really prefer meals that can be done in advance so I can still enjoy my guests.  When we have a big crowd, the Victory Group Ladies make the best team as we all get together and put on pretty amazing events.  We also love The Blue Egg, a catering business owned and operated by one of our very own BRO spouses!

There are several china sets stored at Quarters One, this one is my very favorite.

If you like to see more before and after photos of the dining spaces at Quarters One (and a few vintage shots too) visit us on Facebook! 

www.facebook.com/QuartersOne

'Til next time...

Duty First!