perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Nothing thaws the February blues like a cozy dinner party. The key to making an intimate dinner a success is being out with your guests not locked in the kitchen. Easy to do when your entire meal is planned and prepped ahead of time. Think of yourself as a caterer- catering a party for you! When entertaining a small group it’s easy to splurge.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
As for many with adult children our holidays are looking more like a sprawl. This year we must divide and conquer. All this entertaining demands that memorable meals come together with a minimum of last minute effort. For selfishly I want to be with those I love, not tied to my overused stove. Here’s the first of our three “Christmas” dinners.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
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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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
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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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
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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what's for dinner
Busy week, busy day. What to have for dinner? Greek burgers and Israeli couscous with roasted grape tomatoes and basil. My take on Greek excludes lamb. Not sure why but I can’t stomach it. Lamentably lamb was the celebratory meal of choice in my first husband’s family. Because he was the last of five to marry there was lots to celebrate.
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what's for dinner
In the past two weeks I’ve been to Chicago, Martha’s Vineyard, Washington DC, New York City, and Cleveland. The food lineup has been impressive. Highlight’s include the signature hamachi sashimi at Macku’s on North Clybourn, the chowder at Larsen’s Fish Market in Chilmark, the six course tasting menu at Marcel’s on Pennsylvania Avenue, the oyster
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Took my baby to the airport. I’m as predictable as Old Faithful. The waterworks starting misting up days ago. My maternal tears can be quite disarming. Pity the person who encountered me on the first day of preschool, the back roads of New Hampshire after I dropped my little ones off at summer camp, or heaven forbid the airport when they went off
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
With my parents in for the weekend I thought it would be fun to serve several small courses for dinner. I also wanted to wow them with a showstopper. In Dayton Foremost Seafood has the most incredible soft shell crabs. You need to call ahead to see if they’re available but when they are Foremost will clean the live crustaceans for you on the spot
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
One of the many gifts my mom gave me was showing me the importance of putting everything in its place. There is an air of elegance if everything is exactly where it is supposed to be. For a large party you’ll strike gold if you set out your serving pieces the night before. Marking each piece with an identifying post-it is a certain silver lining.
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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!