a moment in time
I just welcomed in a new decade. Earlier this year I proclaimed it was going to be sixty and sensational. Several plans were made, and just as many pivots. With my husband out of town on a business trip and the arrival of my new grandson my daughters decided to surprise me with a “staycation” at my desert home. Honestly, it sounded idyllic.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
What fun to keep the party going. When my daughter made the tough decision to downsize her wedding she asked if I would host a party for her Chicago friends later in the fall. My answer was a resounding yes! As the date approached my daughter reminded me that this was actually going to be a small wedding not simply a cocktail reception. Which
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entertaining with style- making it work for you
So excited for my first Chicago party. My youngest, who is in business school at Northwestern, wanted to invite some of her classmates over to meet me and see the apartment before they took off for their summer internships. With my husband and I driving back across the country the week before, time was going to be too tight to pull off a proper
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entertaining with style- making it work for you
There are so many things to love about Trader Joe’s. They always have a beautiful array of fresh vegetables. There’s their convenience items like steamed and peeled baby beets or ready to serve lentils. Affordable finds such as creamy burrata. I’m simply mad about their pita crackers. And then there are the flowers. No one has an excuse not to have
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entertaining with style- making it work for you
When tulips start to pop up in the grocery store it’s a sure sign that they will soon be blooming in our yards. With that optimism, I rush to fill my home with these spring beauties. I’m always looking for inspiration on how to arrange flowers. So, the other day when I was waiting in the checkout line with several sleeves of tulips in my cart
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entertaining with style- making it work for you
I just returned from the GCA Zone X Meeting in Cincinnati. The Town and Country Garden Club put together an outstanding conference. The two-day event beautifully accentuated the regal splendor of their Queen City on the Ohio River. Not only were the gardens and vistas spectacular, the lineup of speakers was impressive and made a real impact on
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Last Wednesday I hosted a luncheon for the Garden Club of Dayton’s Executive Board. To mark our final meeting of the year and to show this group of amazing ladies how much I appreciate them I wanted to make it extra special. Serving multiple courses is a sure way to show you care. But while you want to make your meal memorable you certainly
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entertaining with style- making it work for you
Sometimes the key to a fabulous flower arrangement is in the container. Right now the sunflowers are in full bloom in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The waves of bright yellow faces looking up are truly a sight to behold. One of the amazing perks of living in Southwest Ohio is that there are actual fields of corn, soybeans, oats, and yes, sunflowers
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entertaining with style- making it work for you
The past few months I’ve been on the flower show circuit as a photography judge. Walking through the floral design entries I’m continually blown away by their sheer beauty, creativity and inventiveness. Flower shows for me are what five-star restaurants are to others. I’d love to try to replicate what I see at home but I’m confident it’s most likel
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entertaining with style- making it work for you
This spring I have been traveling non-stop judging flower shows for the Garden Club of America. While my expertise is in the photography division I delight in seeing how the national floral arrangers interpret and execute their themes. I marvel at their creativity and expertise because for me a centerpiece needs to be as simple as one-two-three
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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 →