perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Who dares venture out for dinner on Valentine’s Day, appropriately dubbed Amateur Night. Dining in one can splurge with a plethora of the best ingredients simply prepared. Foie gras, salmon roe, black truffles, and chocolate- now that if that doesn’t put you in the mood what else will. My Valentine has a soft spot for all of the above.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
How to tackle a dinner party? Break it down. No better way to impress than to present something made with love and care. Here’s a secret- pull something lovingly homemade out of the deep freeze allowing you to entertain with ease. A perfect example- cheddar cheese tartlets. If you think of ski slopes these little gems would be blue diamonds.
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the hostess with the mostest hotel
Can’t believe my baby is turning twenty. To celebrate we are having a houseful in our desert home. Family tradition dictates that the birthday girl picks the meal- or in this case meals. Tonight the request is pistachio pesto with grilled shrimp. One of the challenges of a vacation home is that it isn’t quite equipped like our more permanent one
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perfecting the done before they arrive party- a work in progress
Nothing quite wraps up the old and heralds in the new like caviar and champagne. Who can resist this dynamic duo. Whether it’s for a crowd or for something a little more intimate.Trader Joe’s does a bang up job on delivering bling without breaking the bank. I am impressed with their American paddlefish caviar. Equally so with their Louise d’Estree
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perfecting the done before they arrive party- a work in progress
About to kidnap all five kids for our first destination holiday, really shaking things up this holiday season. That said there are circumstances that are certainly sacrosanct, so stockings are stuffed and tucked in my bag (six in all because the big guy would be bummed if he was left out of that fun). And because Christmas eve morn is literally
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what to bring
Bringing an appetizer to a special friend’s party calls for something a little exceptional. Nothing says "home" like a dip, though there is certainly nothing humdrum about this one. First glances are deceiving, this concoction is sophisticated and sublime. Smoked salmon and salmon roe. Don’t skimp on the ingredients
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what's for dinner- cooking for two
The last thing you might want to do after hosting a large party is make dinner. But the day-after often offers up the most alluring ingredients, making it a shame not to cook up something special. How often do the components for beef tenderloin bourguignon so willingly present themselves?
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perfecting the “done before they arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
When faced with a big event it’s best to break it down into manageable pieces. Hosting a large party can be daunting, if it’s for business the stakes can feel higher. There are certain expectations for a work-related affair such as a prompt schedule, accommodating a range of diets, and providing a format that is conducive to the business at hand.
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perfecting the “done before they arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
Blue jeans, a roaring fire and just one other couple. Now that’s my kind of Friday night. After a flurry of business it’s great to be able to let down your hair and soak in your company. It’s also a perfect opportunity to do a test run on any key components for next week’s dinner for twelve.
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perfecting the “done before they arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
The old saying a stitch in time saves nine holds true when entertaining multiple gatherings. Tonight’s dinner is the first of four. I’ve been strategically stocking the freezer with key components. These designated hitters when brought in from the cold will hit a homer each time they come up to a new plate. Desserts can be a real stumbling block.
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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!