ESAA REGIONAL CLUB BASKET CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

Hello ESCC Club Members! FROM JANET COATES!!

It is hard to believe it is almost time for the National! I have agreed to coordinate and put together our club's regional basket entry for ESAA. (with y’all’s help!)

I believe our Southern Hospitality basket entry for the ESAA competition will be fun and amazing!    My thoughts are to try to be as inclusive as possible with all our members by allowing everyone the opportunity to represent the state/town in which they live as well as giving a nod to our beautiful English Setters.

To start with, the picnic basket (foundation of our entry and provided by the Club) is from a company located in Sarasota, FL called Field Traditions. The company is in the south, American owned and inspired by both British and American sporting heritage.  Their website offers unique and beautiful outdoor gear, field furniture and more. (https://fieldtraditions.com/collections/picnic-baskets-blankets )

Wow!  Great news!  I am very excited! I shared with the representative of Field Traditions that we will be using their picnic basket (Classic 4-Person Newbury Picnic Basket with Navy, Burgundy & Pale Blue Plaid Lining - $165) as the basis of our club's raffle basket at the National and she upgraded our basket to the 4-person wine basket for the same price ($375)!   How generous and awesome!    I didn't even ask!   Am very impressed! (https://fieldtraditions.com/products/4-person-green-tweed-picnic-basket-with-wine-drawer)

There are many creative ways that club members can choose from to add to the basket especially from choosing foods, drinks, crafts from businesses local to where they live as well as English Setter/ dog related items. Ideas include:

“Brochures/passes to fun places” –

• I plan on shopping at nearby Mt Airy, NC.  Will pick up brochures for the Andy Griffith museum.  There is a shop that makes moonshine pies, cookies and brownies and the Mayberry Spirits Distillery.  Should be a good time and I hope to bring back some fun stuff!

• The McBrides will donate two 1-day passes to the Biltmore Estate (knowing ESAA 2027 will be in Asheville)

"Southern Sips" -

• Southern bourbon or whiskey or related items.  A whiskey glass with etched ES or game bird motif, or bottle stopper. (Some items available on ebay).

• Snack foods that pair with bourbon/whiskey such as dark chocolates, caramels especially from local shops.

• Sweet tea pitcher set.  A glass pitcher filled with Southern teas, a wooden stirring spoon, jars of local honey etc

• Mint Julep cups and a recipe for Mint Juleps (or the same for another Southern drink)

• Local artisanal coffees, perhaps a pecan flavor!  Complete the idea with an ES coffee mug and local cookies or scones!

• Local craft beers and "beer snacks".  Beer glasses/steins etc

• Wines from Southern vineries.  Wine glasses from the establishment or with an etched ES.   

  • Pfeiffer’s have offered to donate Biltmore wine and wine glasses

"Southern Eats" -

• Southern biscuit or pancake mix with gourmet peach preserves or jams

• Roasted, candied or spiced pecans or authentic pralines or locally made candies

• Southern style snacks which could include cheeses and artifical crackers

• Craft Southern hot sauces or dry rub seasonings

Hospitality items:

• Southern scented candles, soaps, lotions.  There is a shop here in Galax that makes amazing lotions, candles etc from goats milk.

• Magnolia wreath/decor or garland

• Cutting boards, cheese knives, serving pieces etc (especially with ES or game bird motifs)

• Southern entertaining cookbooks

• Embroidered towels, napkins, aprons, tablecloth etc. Quilted items.

• Salt/pepper shakers with ES, game bird or "Southern" design

• Items such as a small sign or tea towel with Southern expressions

• Picnic blanket

Other Misc. Items:

• Outdoor "field" furniture big or small.

• English Setter/ gun dog Items:

• Leather dog lead and collar

• Field dog items

• Locally made dog treats/snacks

• Setter corkscrew or bottle stopper

• Note cards with upland bird hunting artwork or English Setters

• Serving pieces such as Spode Woodland game birds or even vintage Churchill Hunting Dog plate, English Setters

These are just suggestions to spark creativity!   Where some ideas have multiple parts, club members do not have to contribute to every item.  I can round out ideas as long as I know ahead of time what to expect.  It will help to keep a running list of contributions. Ideas are always welcome!

Connecting up with me for contributions ahead of time will be tricky!  Tom and I will be arriving to Purina Farms on Sun, Nov 1.  I can assemble the basket (and possible spill over items) there.  I suggest members bring their contributions directly there or send them with someone who will be attending. Monetary contributions can be made directly to Linda Wozniak, Club Treasurer. - Please email Patty McBride (briarpatch.englishsetters@gmail.com) if you plan on donating items for the basket, let her know what your donation will be and how you will have it arrive at the Nationals. She will be the keeper of our list on this page with donations indicated in RED FONT and will communicate regularly with me beforehand to help coordinate.

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS FUN PROJECT AND FOR YOUR DONATIONS!!!

Looking forward to seeing you in Missouri!!!