partial prelude

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Grains and Pasta, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on April 29, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Some nights things seem to come together perfectly. Last weekend we had one such evening. A great group and a meal that was comforting and light and fresh. Grilled scampi and sautéed spinach topped last Saturday night’s grit soufflé. Prepping and partially cooking both ahead of time makes this home down dinner come together in a matter of minutes.
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southern solace

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Supper, Dinner Party, Breakfast/Brunch, Posted on April 22, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Family and friends are the best tonic to counter a week of devastating headlines. With our loved ones scattered across the country one of my husband and my biggest blessings is that we have friends nearby that feel just as close as relations. Thankfully this past Saturday night we already had two such couples on the books for a laid back dinner.
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seasonal greens

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Dinner Party, Posted on April 15, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
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
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three’s the charm

entertaining with style- making it work for you
Categories: Dinner Party, Setting the Stage, Posted on April 8, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
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
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april’s fool

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Veggies and Sides, Dinner Party, Posted on April 1, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
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
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