perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
A salad to span the seasons. Saturday night we were invited to a cozy dinner for four and because the weather was on a downward dip we bypassed the porch and supped in front of a fire. My contribution was a first course salad. I wanted to bring something that was suitable for the chill in the air but hinted at spring which just like the buds on the
continue reading →
entertaining with style- making it work for you
There’s something esthetically pleasing about three’s. This is especially true in flower arranging. Truth be told I’m a bit of a fumbler when it comes to floral design. (Please don’t tell my Garden Club of America ladies!) But what I lack in innate talent I make up with a keen power of observation and the shameless ability to repeat when I happen
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
This season spring has definitely pulled a fast one. We can only hope warmer temps and blooming buds are around the corner. But just because Mother Nature and the Punxsutawney groundhog can’t get the forecast straight doesn’t mean our menus have to follow suit. The night before Easter we had a full house and I was determined to cook up a meal for
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
In a world of texts and tweets we can fall victim to the illusion that anything is instantly available. Some things in life to take time to develop. Consider the evolution of a friendship or a simmering ragu. Time and genuine attention can alter what is seemingly simple into the truly sublime. As fate would have it last Friday night we had the
continue reading →
entertaining with style- making it work for you
Spring is around the corner… or so the calendar says. Last fall I optimistically ordered six flats of pansies as part of a fundraiser. They arrived last week and just as I loaded them into my car the snow began to fall. I paled at the thought of chipping away at the frozen earth to plant this bit of spring. If the outdoors was unrelenting
continue reading →
making it your own
Please don’t throw away the key. Sometimes it’s best to beg, borrow or steal. When you can procure a superior component rather than make it from scratch- go for it. The trick is to tweak it to make it your own. Last weekend my dear friend Pokey asked me to bring an hors d'oeuvre to her Saturday soiree. I couldn’t resist the alliteration and decided
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
What’s more special than an array of irresistible nibbles to begin and end an evening? With a small group it’s easy to splurge. So pull out the stops and create an assortment of delectable bites to greet your guests and send them on their way. Here are some distinctive bookends that can be prepped entirely ahead of time, ensuring your night
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Nothing thaws the February blues like a cozy dinner party. The key to making an intimate dinner a success is being out with your guests not locked in the kitchen. Easy to do when your entire meal is planned and prepped ahead of time. Think of yourself as a caterer- catering a party for you! When entertaining a small group it’s easy to splurge.
continue reading →
food detective
Back to the desert from a whirlwind tour of Los Angeles. Moved my recent college grad into her West Hollywood apartment. Had an incredible Peruvian meal at Picca. Sat on a plush couch while Elvis Costello played a mere feet away. Paid seven dollars for twenty minutes to run in and have a cup of coffee with my UCLA daughter. And an unexpected
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Watch out for those blue diamonds. Cooking can be like skiing the back bowls of Vail. Pay close attention to the ski report. Tonight I’m making a chicken Thai soup. Simple and fresh. Just the punch of color needed to hopefully kick us into spring. But recipes like this one can be the culinary equivalent to skiing moguls. Easier done when you are
continue reading →
Page 29 of 41 pages ‹ First < 27 28 29 30 31 > Last ›
Wherever I find myself, I’m happiest with a full dining room table. As a former professional chef and caterer I want to share what I’ve learned over the past three decades of entertaining. On this site you’ll find tricks of the trade to help even the most harried of you pull off a seemingly seamless fête. Come join the conversation!