Just got back from Philadelphia where I was a delegate for Garden Club of America’s centennial annual meeting. Needless to say it was an auspicious affair. Among the keynote speakers were Alice Waters chef, author, activist and owner of Chez Panisse in Berkeley. A champion of the organic food movement, Waters spoke of how gardening had shaped her
continue reading →
Nothing thaws the February blues like a cozy dinner party. The key to making an intimate dinner a success is being out with your guests not locked in the kitchen. Easy to do when your entire meal is planned and prepped ahead of time. Think of yourself as a caterer- catering a party for you! When entertaining a small group it’s easy to splurge.
continue reading →
The big day finally arrives. The house is clean, tables set, music laid out, serving dishes in their place, bar is stocked, nametags printed. The freezer and frig hold all the components for tonight’s dinner for twenty. The beauty of this meal is that it is served room temp. Meaning I can set it all out right before the first guests arrive
continue reading →
One of the many gifts my mom gave me was showing me the importance of putting everything in its place. There is an air of elegance if everything is exactly where it is supposed to be. For a large party you’ll strike gold if you set out your serving pieces the night before. Marking each piece with an identifying post-it is a certain silver lining.
continue reading →
Tonight I am having twenty over for dinner. And to raise the bar these guests are some of the leading horticulture, flower arranging and photography judges in our country. So not only do I need to have an expert meal for this esteemed group everything inside and outside needs to be looking it’s finest as well. Planning a fete such as this takes
continue reading →
One of the wonderful things about having a vacation spot is that people you love want to come stay with you. The challenge is how to enjoy yourself with a houseful of house guests. Almost anyone can act like a short order cook and housekeeper but who wants to visit that. I’ve never played football but I like football movies. In every one
continue reading →
Page 1 of 1 pages
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 →