take your time

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Sauces and Such, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on March 24, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
In a world of texts and tweets we can fall victim to the illusion that anything is instantly available. Some things in life to take time to develop. Consider the evolution of a friendship or a simmering ragu. Time and genuine attention can alter what is seemingly simple into the truly sublime. As fate would have it last Friday night we had the
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virtual equinox

entertaining with style- making it work for you
Categories: Dinner Party, Setting the Stage, Posted on March 18, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Spring is around the corner… or so the calendar says. Last fall I optimistically ordered six flats of pansies as part of a fundraiser. They arrived last week and just as I loaded them into my car the snow began to fall. I paled at the thought of chipping away at the frozen earth to plant this bit of spring. If the outdoors was unrelenting
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in the poky

making it your own
Categories: Appetizers, Fish and Seafood, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on March 10, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Please don’t throw away the key. Sometimes it’s best to beg, borrow or steal. When you can procure a superior component rather than make it from scratch- go for it. The trick is to tweak it to make it your own. Last weekend my dear friend Pokey asked me to bring an hors d'oeuvre to her Saturday soiree. I couldn’t resist the alliteration and decided
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starts and finishes

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Desserts, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on March 3, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
What’s more special than an array of irresistible nibbles to begin and end an evening? With a small group it’s easy to splurge. So pull out the stops and create an assortment of delectable bites to greet your guests and send them on their way. Here are some distinctive bookends that can be prepped entirely ahead of time, ensuring your night
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