raise the bar

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Beverages, Cocktail Party, Setting the Stage, Wine Line, Posted on September 3, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
When entertaining you agree to do three things: provide you guests with something to eat, something to drink, and the opportunity to be merry. The easiest part of planning a party should be the beverages. Most folks make this step complicated by thinking they need to come up with some
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ole´

food detective
Categories: Beverages, Cocktail Party, Posted on May 13, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Last Sunday marked not only Cinco de Mayo but a special friend’s seventieth birthday. They threw the perfect outdoors bash complete with a traveling mariachi band, killer authentic Mexican fare and some of the best margaritas I have ever had. The secret it turns out is fresh citrus juice steeped
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21 candles

food detective
Categories: Beverages, Cocktail Party, Posted on January 14, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten - Comments (0)
My baby just turned twenty-one. What better way to celebrate than a road trip Las Vegas. I’ve never been to the strip so the prospect of tagging along with a bevy of twenty-somethings seemed irresistible. The trek from Palm Springs to Nevada was indeed an excursion. Once you pull on
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the big… countdown

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Fish and Seafood, Meat, Veggies and Sides, Sauces and Such, Desserts, Beverages, Dinner Party, Wine Line, Posted on November 11, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten - Comments (0)
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
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stormy weather

food detective
Categories: Beverages, Cocktail Party, Sources, Posted on October 1, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten - Comments (0)
Just went to a charming wedding in West Chop on Martha’s Vineyard. Everywhere you turned there were the most personable touches. It was the quintessential Nor’easter celebration. Lobster rolls and crab cakes. A killer band under a tent with a remarkable view. A bride as stunningly beautiful and unpretentious as
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