be the judge

entertaining with style- making it work for you
Categories: Setting the Stage, Posted on May 23, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
The past couple weeks have been absolutely crazy. A last minute trip to Florida to help my dad pack up. A flood in our house in California. My husband’s 60th birthday week filled with a myriad of get-togethers, parties and surprises. And last fall I invited nationally renowned floral designers Martha Marsh and Cathy Miller to come to Dayton to give
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slow burn

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Posted on May 7, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Some fires smolder until they burst into flames. My husband’s frustration with our debunked bundled cable was nearing the boiling point. No Internet, no phone and no golf on TV. Thankfully for all of us his actual course was across the street and he could take his aggression out on their tees and bunkers. While I waited for our sixth cable man
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reboot

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Sauces and Such, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on April 29, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
There are times when your battery is so low it’s unable to hold a charge. Last week my husband and I headed west to our house in the desert. It wasn’t until the third day that I realized how utterly drained I’ve been. This long winter has had more than it’s share of loss. Each time I’ve attempted to apply myself to some project I’ve succeeded only
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sweet ending

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Desserts, Dinner Party, Posted on April 5, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
It is with a heavy heart that I report that my dear sweet mom left this earth the morning of March 28th. She was the epitome of grace and elegance. Everything she touched made the world more beautiful. My mother was a purist. Perfection seemed to be her norm. I was so very blessed to live and learn by her side. Everything I know about entertaining
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spring forward

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Soups, Dinner Party, Posted on March 17, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
It’s time we set our clocks an hour ahead in anticipation of spring. And while the weather may not be cooperating there’s no reason our entertaining menus can’t oblige. Last Monday I hosted a dinner to welcome our national judges for my garden club’s photography show “Through the Seasons”. Despite the fact the Weather Channel’s ten-day line up
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the oscar goes to …

something in a snap
Categories: Appetizers, Cocktail Party, Posted on March 2, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Whether you’re throwing a bash for thirty or curling up on the couch in your jammies most everyone who’s watching will want an academy award-winning appetizer for tonight’s festivities. But if the big event has sneaked up on you like it has me you might need something sensational in a snap. Try this bite with guaranteed glam. And while it ensures
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a new leaf

food detective
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Sources, Eating Out, Posted on February 24, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
When New Year’s resolutions lose their novelty it might be time to turn over a new leaf. This year I resolved to get healthy, and not for the short run but for life. I’m a pretty healthy person but I wanted to hold myself accountable. One of the ways I’m doing just that is by keeping a detailed food diary. “A moment on the lips forever on the list
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brutal winter

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Sauces and Such, Sources, Eating Out, Posted on February 16, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
This one has been one for the record books. Polar plunges. Incredible ice storms. And my dear mom’s heath battle. She is a fighter and a champ, but like this winter it’s been a relentless rollercoaster. It’s hard to find your footing when you feel like you’re constantly skating on thin ice. Having my folks so far away has been difficult. They are
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dip week

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Posted on February 5, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Certain times mark highs and lows. Last week was Dip Week on Living Dayton and they asked me if I would come do a spot on a Super Bowl dip. After I hit the send button on the email confirming my appearance I ran into the kitchen to tell my best friend and sous chef that I was going to be on tv. She wagged her tail and licked my face. You see when
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a super bowl

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Soups, Supper, Sources, Posted on January 22, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Dayton Daily News asked if I would be an entertaining expert on a column about throwing the best Super Bowl Party. I had to laugh- me providing insight to the mother of all football gatherings. In all my years of entertaining I don’t think I’ve ever had a Super Bowl party. I don’t even really watch that much TV let alone have a man-cave setup with
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