Origin Story

After my parents moved our family from the East Coast to San Francisco, my mother discovered artichokes. She made it a family speciality - she steamed them with cloves and bay leaf and would simmer melted butter, garlic and lemon juice together to make a deliciously rich and toasty dip bomb. All five of us kids loved the taste and the drama of eating artichokes and it was always a top request for birthday dinners and special occasions.

Years later, when I returned to San Fransisco after a bruising chapter in Baltimore, I wanted to reconnect with Bay Area friends and thought a party would be a good way to do it. But I needed a theme — something interesting, unexpected and provocative.

As I was searching for an idea, my eyes lit upon the artichoke plates. My grandmother had given them to my mother and my mother had given them to me. All those happy memories of family celebrations came back to me.

The plates were perfect for artichokes - they had a place in the middle for the artichoke surrounded by a landing spot for the nibbled leaves and a place for the dip - and the theme was perfect for a party.

Ideas started to trickle in - I was working at a company that made direct marketing software and I would use the tricks I learned to invite people. My older sister is an artist and could do the art. She had young children so we could have a kids party on the side. I knew how to cook artichokes so I could be the chef at the first party etc.. And so it was to be - an Artichoke Party!

If you want to experience some of the rich Artichoke Party history, click on the party gallery tab above and see the art, a recap and some additional fun facts party by party.

Have fun!