We hosted friends for a champagne tea this week. Here are some tips and recipes for a pretty tea table for this simple entertaining option...
Read More
Getting Organized for Thanksgiving
Planning ahead and getting organized can go a long way toward a stress-free Thanksgiving. It won’t help with your weird relatives, or your sister-in-law who is allergic to everything but tofu, but it might give you the stamina and grace to negotiate THOSE things if you don’t have a million other things to worry about!
If you are hosting there are a few things to sort through now so you don’t get caught scrambling the day before….
Read More
Guest Room Essentials
It’s that time of year again…you know, that time when you have to unearth your guest room that has been standing in as an extra storage closet for the last 10 months! Here are the essentials you need to ensure your status as the host/hostess with the most/mostess!
Read More
Easy Elegant Table Centerpieces
It’s the start of the fall and winter holidays, and that means the season of entertaining family and friends is here! Here’s the secret to a key ingredient for setting a gorgeous table for your guests…
Read More
Casual Elegant Entertaining
Elegant entertaining does not have to be hard and it doesn’t have to be formal, but it does require some thought. I am SOOOO happy to be able to have people in again, aren’t you? Creating an atmosphere where your guests feel relaxed and pampered is the essence of hospitality…here’s some inspiration from a recent luncheon we hosted.
Read More
Simple Joys: Table Linens
I know what you are thinking…table linens? Simple? Joy-inducing? REALLY??? But hear me out! One of the simplest ways to elevate the everyday is to substitute cloth napkins for cheap paper ones, or heaven forbid, paper towels :-). I realize that not all meals call for…
Read More
Entertaining Outdoors
Outdoor entertaining season is here…well at least according to the calendar it is. I know those of you in other parts of the country are enjoying lovely gardens and warm sunshine, but here in the northeast we can’t seem to shake the damp and cold. And “at least it isn’t snow” only counts for so much now that it is MAY. As my friend Nancy remarked this morning, “I think I’m beginning to mold!”! In any case, EVENTUALLY we will get some gorgeous weather to make us forget all about this slime. And when we do it will be full steam ahead with outdoor living and parties so we are planning now in anticipation!
Read More
Tales from the Kitchen: Do ahead tips so you can enjoy the party
I love to bake and I love entertaining. So naturally, I enjoy creating parties centered around desserts. Dessert parties are some of the easiest parties to manage since desserts generally require very little last minute attention.
Here are some tips I have found helpful over the years as I have honed my dessert party skills:
Read More
A Thanksgiving Feast
A Thanksgiving Feast
Food and it’s presentation has been central to our family gatherings for as long as I can remember. That may be why I love to host meals and parties…I equate food-centric gatherings with feelings of love, comfort, and celebration.
AND it’s almost Thanksgiving…the beginning of the holiday entertaining season! We have SO much to be thankful for…family, friends, and the blessing of a warm, safe, and welcoming home.
Read More
Tales from the Kitchen: Misadventures in Baking
When life hands you lemons…Make lemonade! Or so the saying goes.
How optimistic!
In this case life handed me cake crumbs. The lesson of turning a disaster into an asset is so important, in the kitchen and in life. We learn the most from our failures, I think. My most recent kitchen flop started out innocently enough…
Read More