Are you in the mood for some good-old-summer food? Check out these recipes, they just scream summertime!

Slow cooking this summer? Check out these mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches with a sweet summer strawberry sauce.

So sweet! Homemade vanilla ice cream- make it yourself!

In need of a new summer salad recipes? Try this summer salad that is layered with spinach, strawberries and pot stickers!

Which will you try?

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Posted by Myriam under Occasions & Party Food | 1 Comment »

Cups, glasses, glassware… what’s the difference? Well, you should know the basic difference between two of the most common categories of glasses (glassware and tumblers). This information will come in handy if you are creating a wedding registry, working in a restaurant, or even hosting a fancy dinner. Who knows when or why you may need to distinguish between the two, but just in case- you will know.

Stemware vs Tumblers

Simply, stemware are glasses that have a foot or stem and that hold the beverages in a bowl shaped above that stem. Tumblers are glasses that have no foot or stem- they have a flat bottom that sits on the table directly.

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Posted by Myriam under Hostessing | No Comments »

Entertaining can be expensive. from the decor to the menu… all the little expenses can add up rather quickly. Here are 5 tips that can help you keep your party expenses manageable. Go ahead, throw that party- just be cautious not to overspend.

1. Make your own desserts. No need to buy that fancy cake from the bakery, simply bake your own cake or other dessert. Even baking several different kinds of cookies and placing them on a large platter can look elegant. Save some dough without skimping on the sugar!

2. Keep your guest list small. You might want to invite all of your friends and neighbors, but resist inviting everyone. Hosting a smaller and more intimate party can really help you save money. Bonus: you will be able to spend more time chatting with fewer guests to juggle.

3. Skip the DJ and supply the party music yourself. You can play an ipod, mixed CDs, or a satellite radio and have great party music. Plan ahead and get your party music set up, turn it on, and enjoy. This is an easy way to save a lot of money.

4. Skip dinner. Plan your party earlier in the evening and serve appetizers rather than dinner. Dinner can be costly to provide for a party where as appetizers will be much more budget friendly.

5. Host your party at home. Resist booking a venue or resturaunt space for your party. Hosting your party at home can be just as nice and will save you a hefty rental fee.

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Posted by Myriam under Hostessing | 1 Comment »

Did you know July is national ice cream month? How cool is that?! With the heat wave that is summer, a nice cold scoop of ice cream signifies happiness to me. I am loving this picture of homemade strawberry ice cream from Tartelette. Fresh strawberries mixed into a homemade ice cream really represent the summer season. Bonus: check out this recipe along with their strawberry thyme shortbread cookie– can it get any better?

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Posted by Myriam under Party Food | No Comments »

Pass the flowers  hors d’oeuvres! The next time you serve passed hors d’oeuvres, try this simple (yet elegant) idea from Martha Stewart. Dress up plain toothpicks by gluing a small decoration on one end like these daisies (shown above). Adding a tiny creative touch to your toothpick will make your appetizer tray look fabulous. You can also get creative with what you decide to pass your hors d’oeuvres on. Above you see a piece of wood; but what about a mirror, picture frame, or old vinyl record? Get creative and add those creative touched to your next party. Guests will surely be impressed!

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Posted by Myriam under Hostessing & Party Food | No Comments »

Every party hostess finds those “things” she just can’t do without. From a favorite pitcher to a favorite serving tray– often we have a few go-to pieces in the kitchen.

For me, I can’t entertain without using my large rectangular (white) serving platters. I have a large one and a medium sized one and have found many uses for each. From serving drinks on them to passing appetizers they have gotten many uses at my cocktail parties. They are such a basic kitchen staple for me that I often even use them to grab the patties off the grill during weeknight cooking.

I’d love to know what kitchen item you couldn’t do without. Share what items you use most and how you use it!

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Posted by Myriam under All About the Home | No Comments »

Order any dessert in an upscale restaurant, and you are sure to be served a elegant decorated plate. Fabulous chefs pay particular attention to how their food is presented, and it shows! Try a little chef magic yourself and decorate your dessert plates during your next dinner party. Here are a few ingredients that work well when creating artwork on the dessert plate:

-Powdered sugar
-Cocoa powder
-Finely ground coffee
-Carved fresh fruits
-Small berries
-Shaved chocolate
-Drizzled chocolate
-Fruit syrups

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Posted by Myriam under Holiday Entertaining & Hostessing & Party Food | No Comments »

5 Reasons to Host a Dinner Party

1. You get an excuse to gather with your adult friends and catch up.
2. You get to meet the “better halves” of your good friends.
3. You can get creative in the kitchen and try new recipes.
4. You get to dress up- yourself and your dinner table.
5. You get to show off all that nice dinnerware you have been collecting.

Have a better reason? I’d love to hear it- share your favorite reason to host a dinner party in the comments below! Let’s see how many we can come up with.

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