Monthly Archives: April 2007

Sicilian Dinner Party

This menu was inspired by an article in an old Bon Appetit magazine…

Since Sicily is almost surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, it’s cuisine is inspired by fresh ingredients. Sicilians enjoy Italian fare as well as dishes inspired by citrus and fresh seafood.

Quince Paste and Manchego Cheese can both by found at Whole Foods, or you [...]

Italian Dinner Party

Italian is usually everyone’s favorite, so you can rarely go wrong with an Italian-themed dinner party!

Of course, a selection of red & white Italian wines, as well as Pellegrino and Italian beer are nice to have on hand.

An antipasto platter is a must… complete with salami & other meats, roasted peppers & artichokes, cheeses and [...]

Collecting Serving Pieces

What sorts of serving pieces are good to have for parties?
When shopping for serving dishes, consider collecting various sizes, shapes and heights.  This will add needed variety to your display area. If you’re using a tablecloth, you can also create the “illusion” of height by placing different sized boxes, stacked books, or pots turned [...]

Presentation and Decor

How do you get ideas for Presentation and Décor?

*Collect interesting serving pieces in varied sizes, colors and heights.
*Study pictures in magazines to see how to present food in an appealing manor – you want your food displayed on your table at different heights and not all flat
How to do this…
When you order/buy paper products, make [...]

Trim & Terrific Home Entertaining

Holly Clegg’s Trim & Terrific Home Entertaining the Easy Way

This cookbook is a complete guide to cooking for company and planning a party—while eating healthy and delicious food! Expert at creating user-friendly recipes tailored to the busy, health-conscious consumer, Holly provides simple and stylish decorating suggestions and tips for advance preparation. From a sumptuous but [...]

Secrets from a Caterer’s Kitchen

Secrets from a Caterer’s Kitchen: The Indispensable Guide for Planning a Party by Nicole Aloni

After a celebrated career catering for the Academy Awards, Queen Elizabeth II and Julia Child, author Nicole Aloni has mastered the tricks-of-the-trade. Now she shares them with readers everywhere in Secrets from a Caterer’s Kitchen: The Indispensable Guide for Planning a [...]

Cinco de Mayo Dinner Party

My favorite party to host is one with a Mexican theme.  Since we’re in Southern California, Mexican ingredients are abundant, and Mexican food is the favorite of just about everyone.  If you’re hosting a Mexican party, use Mexican blankets or bright colors for decor.  Try to find a sombrero to use as an avenue for [...]

Mother’s Day Brunch

Depending on where you live, you may be able to have your Mother’s Day brunch outside.  Keep it simple with flowers picked from your garden for decor.  For a mid-day sort of gathering, I lean toward quiche and salad for a perfectly filling,easy and impressive meal. 

Most quiches are easy to make ahead and heat up, and [...]

Greek Dinner Party

For a Greek theme, try to stick with gold & blue… the typical colors associated with Greece. 

Greek wine was tough to find in our big city, but a few of our guests managed to find it.  Instead, we included a Greek cocktail.  Use all or some of the recipes below to create a Greek-themed dinner party.  [...]