Even if the weather isn't reflecting the season quite yet, the markets in Northern California are showing signs of Spring. What better way to celebrate than by inviting friends over for a delicious meal? I've looked through our recipes and created a menu that's perfect for entertaining at this in-between time. It features the beloved produce of the season (strawberries and asparagus!) and the majority of the dishes are vegetarian, but more importantly, they can be made in advance, which is a must in my book for any successful dinner party.
Like Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day is a popular night for restaurants to create a special prix fixe menu. Although I've been known to order a prix fixe or tasting menu from time to time, when it comes to meals with a holiday theme, I generally avoid them. They seem overpriced and extravagant. What's your take on them? 
Hollywood's 
Instead of joining the crowds of party-goers this New Year's Eve, I'm staying in, and I invite you to do the same! Call up some friends and host a festive and special dinner party that lasts until the countdown. Start with a luxurious duo of appetizers: oysters on the half shell with two types of sauces (cucumber mignonette and classic cocktail sauce) and a bubbling pot of cheese fondue with lots of delicious items for dipping (bread cubes, potatoes, broccoli, etc.). For the main course, offer a thick and slow-cooked pork ragu with pasta. It's comforting and hearty. Crusty bread and a big green salad round out the menu. Check out the recommended recipes 
Last December, my family started a new tradition: a holiday pub crawl! We met for heavy hors d'oeuvres at a cousin's house, then afterward took a tour of the neighborhood's best bars. It's a casual but festive style of soirée, and since everyone always has lots of parties to attend, friends and family members can stop by for one drink or take part in the entire crawl. When planning the first leg, offer a good quantity of appetizers with an assortment of textures and flavors: serve something cheesy, something meaty, and something seafood. Baked camembert is sophisticated and colorful when topped with sun-dried tomatoes; pair with crackers and bread. 
Don't be scared to host a holiday party. With a little planning and creativity, one can easily throw together a fabulous shindig. A holiday open house is ideal because it doesn't involve making a complete meal, and it's less formal than a cocktail party. Begin the open house in the afternoon or late evening. Offer a couple of uncomplicated but classic apps alongside store-bought nuts, olives, and charcuterie. Chicken skewers are always a hit, and they're delicious fresh from the oven or at room temperature. Puff pastry pinwheels are one of my go-to recipes during the holidays. Fill with cheese and herbs in advance, then slice and bake as needed. 