all set

entertaining with style- making it work for you
Categories: Sources, Well Equipped, Setting the Stage, Posted on April 19, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Many people don’t entertain because they don’t feel they have what they need to entertain properly. So when it comes to setting the stage what exactly do you need? Well that depends on what type of party you want to have and how many guests you want over. Let’s start with a dinner party for eight. First of all you need to make sure your table will
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spring forward

entertaining with style- making it work for you
Categories: Setting the Stage, Posted on March 6, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Maybe it’s because I’m an early riser, but I always look forward to the morning we set our clocks ahead. Instead of the sun setting before six o’clock we’ll force the situation so it will begin to stay light well past seven. This year particularly all vernal aspects seem to need a bit of a push. There is no better way to force the season than to
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good reason

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Grains and Pasta, Dinner Party, Sources, Setting the Stage, Wine Line, Posted on February 8, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
One of the most fun aspects of entertaining can sometimes be one of the most challenging- the reason to throw a party. Some are obvious such as birthdays, showers, and graduations. But where can you draw inspiration when an event seems elusive? I found myself with just this challenge. My husband and I wanted to have a certain group over for dinner
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center stage

entertaining with style- making it work for you
Categories: Sources, Setting the Stage, Posted on October 26, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Every year I tag along on my husband’s business retreat to DC. While he is toiling away in meetings and conferences I’ve perfected the art of perusing the boutiques. I adore Georgetown’s interior design and antique shops. One of my absolute favorites is Frank Milwee’s on M Street. He collects the most gorgeous antique silver and specializes in
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party line

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Soups, Meat, Grains and Pasta, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Setting the Stage, Posted on July 21, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
How do you pull a party off in a matter of minutes? The answer is by planning and prepping everything weeks, months and hours ahead of time. The secret to successful entering is in the pre-work. There is actually a direct correlation between the amount of time you put into planning and the ease with which your party comes off. Knowing we wanted to
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be the judge

entertaining with style- making it work for you
Categories: Setting the Stage, Posted on May 23, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
The past couple weeks have been absolutely crazy. A last minute trip to Florida to help my dad pack up. A flood in our house in California. My husband’s 60th birthday week filled with a myriad of get-togethers, parties and surprises. And last fall I invited nationally renowned floral designers Martha Marsh and Cathy Miller to come to Dayton to give
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beauty, place and grace

entertaining with style- making it work for you
Categories: Setting the Stage, Posted on January 1, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Make a new year’s resolution to craft a more beautiful world. Creating a fresh bouquet instantly enhances any living space. It’s as easy as one, two, three. Something so effortless as three fresh cut blooms placed in bud vases. Surrounded by votives. Mercury glass adds that certain sparkle. When creating a centerpiece count on odd numbers.
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fall to pieces

entertaining with style- making it work for you
Categories: Setting the Stage, Posted on October 6, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
My day job has been competing with my care job, leaving little space for anything else. I can tell my battery is really run down. In times like these I know it’s important to carve out a few moments to take a beat and see the beauty that is all around us. So last weekend I decided to take a break and go to the farmers market. I was stunned that the
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raise the bar

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Beverages, Cocktail Party, Setting the Stage, Wine Line, Posted on September 3, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
When entertaining you agree to do three things: provide you guests with something to eat, something to drink, and the opportunity to be merry. The easiest part of planning a party should be the beverages. Most folks make this step complicated by thinking they need to come up with some snazzy signature cocktail. Few will be happy with your frozen
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simply arranged

entertaining with style- making it work for you
Categories: Setting the Stage, Posted on July 29, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Creating a stunning centerpiece for your table couldn’t be simpler. All you need is a bunch of flowers from the grocery store, a square vase, a little scotch tape, and a pair of scissors. If the thought of creating your own arrangement previously put you in a panic, take a deep breath and utilize this little trick used by many floral design experts
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