It is with a heavy heart that I report that my dear sweet mom left this earth the morning of March 28th. She was the epitome of grace and elegance. Everything she touched made the world more beautiful. My mother was a purist. Perfection seemed to be her norm. I was so very blessed to live and learn by her side. Everything I know about entertaining
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It’s time we set our clocks an hour ahead in anticipation of spring. And while the weather may not be cooperating there’s no reason our entertaining menus can’t oblige. Last Monday I hosted a dinner to welcome our national judges for my garden club’s photography show “Through the Seasons”. Despite the fact the Weather Channel’s ten-day line up
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Whether you’re throwing a bash for thirty or curling up on the couch in your jammies most everyone who’s watching will want an academy award-winning appetizer for tonight’s festivities. But if the big event has sneaked up on you like it has me you might need something sensational in a snap. Try this bite with guaranteed glam. And while it ensures
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When New Year’s resolutions lose their novelty it might be time to turn over a new leaf. This year I resolved to get healthy, and not for the short run but for life. I’m a pretty healthy person but I wanted to hold myself accountable. One of the ways I’m doing just that is by keeping a detailed food diary. “A moment on the lips forever on the list
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This one has been one for the record books. Polar plunges. Incredible ice storms. And my dear mom’s heath battle. She is a fighter and a champ, but like this winter it’s been a relentless rollercoaster. It’s hard to find your footing when you feel like you’re constantly skating on thin ice. Having my folks so far away has been difficult. They are
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Certain times mark highs and lows. Last week was Dip Week on Living Dayton and they asked me if I would come do a spot on a Super Bowl dip. After I hit the send button on the email confirming my appearance I ran into the kitchen to tell my best friend and sous chef that I was going to be on tv. She wagged her tail and licked my face. You see when
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Dayton Daily News asked if I would be an entertaining expert on a column about throwing the best Super Bowl Party. I had to laugh- me providing insight to the mother of all football gatherings. In all my years of entertaining I don’t think I’ve ever had a Super Bowl party. I don’t even really watch that much TV let alone have a man-cave setup with
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My husband and I returned to Ohio on the eve of January 6th. We left 74-degree highs in the California desert for wind chills plunging past 38 below. It was a literal shock walking out of the airport. Thankfully we had someone picking us up. Can’t image the state of the cars left at the open lots of Dayton’s International Airport. The next day
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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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Last week I taped my first cooking segment on television… live. The folks at Dorothy Lane Market asked me if in two days I would do a piece on holiday entertaining for Living Dayton. I said sure thinking they would be coming to the DLM Cooking School. As it turned out it was at their television studio. I took a deep breath, focused all my nervous
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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 →