perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Lately my husband has been such a sweetheart I thought I’d bake him a pie. Wait a minute- me make a homemade pie? Those of you who know me know that I’m not very skilled when it comes to baking. But just because I’m not terribly accomplished at something doesn’t
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
What in the world happened to spring? I just arrived home from meetings in Savannah only to find my daffodils covered in sleet. Snow is in the forecast and the temps are plunging into the 20s. I thought those dark dank days of walking my dog were over. Time to
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
One of the best parts of throwing a party is in the planning. I get a certain thrill when all the components begin to come together. From the menu to the seating chart, it’s a culinary “words with friends”. I knew I wanted to do something a little different for
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Last week I was the guest chef at Moraine Country Club. We decided on a tasting menu to showcase all the season had to offer. It was such fun working with the staff and being back in a professional kitchen. As I uniformly chopped crates of vegetables for my gazpacho
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Farm stands and markets are cropping up everywhere in southwestern Ohio. Worth the trip- the 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton and the Yellow Springs Farmer’s Market. But I have to say that Dorothy Lane has a pretty incredible daily farmer’s market right inside their grocery store. And right now
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Falling head over heels doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have crazy good ingredients. Here is a truly decadent dessert that is easy as one, two, three. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth but I make an exception for Pure Madness peppermint bark. It truly is
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
What a fun evening at DLM’s Culinary Center. I hosted a Girl’s Night Out cooking class with Dorothy Lane Market’s wine expert Teresa Kearney. The topic was holiday canapés. And the point was to learn how to make an array of nibbles that would impress without any stress. Have to
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Ok- I am now longer on safari in South Africa but that doesn’t mean one can’t find some sweet inspiration a little closer to home. The other week I took a group of aspiring photographers and art lovers up to the Springfield Art Museum to see the “Ohio Perspective” exhibit.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Well the last week was filled with activity. Monday night a dinner in honor of our visiting floral design presenters. Thursday morning a surprise birthday brunch at our house for my husband’s entire office. Saturday night- cocktails and a buffet for Dave’s actual 60th birthday. Three parties, three menus, three
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
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
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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! read more →