all the trimmings

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Desserts, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on November 26, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Traditionally my husband and I celebrate a poultry-free Thanksgiving. Oft times we find ourselves flying solo, usually at our desert home near Palm Springs. On such an iconic Thursday night we will sit among the stars with our pool lights twinkling and feast on something spectacular. But this year heralded a happy surprise; my oldest hopped a plane
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two from the sidelines

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Sauces and Such, Dinner Party, Posted on November 18, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
It’s that time of year. People you love gather. And whether you are hosting a turkey dinner for twenty or a more intimate affair here are a couple tried and true sides guaranteed to add holiday sparkle to any table. No one needs to know you can make these both today then strategically pull them out of your freezer on the big day
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the big… countdown

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Fish and Seafood, Meat, Veggies and Sides, Sauces and Such, Desserts, Beverages, Dinner Party, Wine Line, Posted on November 11, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Saturday I turned the big five-oh. And what better way to herald this milestone then a cozy dinner for twelve the night before. One of the best presents this girl could ask for is a table full of dear friends laughing, toasting and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Want to know a truism I’ve learned over the past half century? Guests only have as
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morning after

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Lunch, Breakfast/Brunch, Posted on November 5, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
I’m having my old Cleveland girlfriends down for a Dayton sleepover to kick off my fiftieth birthday. Cocktails, dinner, and brunch (before I ship them north on their merry way). And to make sure it is a chipper car ride back I want to make sure they have a scrumptious, and substantial, send-off. The morning after my wedding anniversary I had
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