4 Ways to Get Into the Spring Spirit With Floral Flavors


Updated 04/23/12 12:05 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Cooking With Flowers

With Spring in full bloom, there's no better way to get into the spirit of the season than some fresh, fragrant flowers. You may think that getting a dose of the color and beauty of flowers could only come in the form of an arrangement, but guess again. It may sound a little outside of your comfort zone, but injecting a little flower power may add a potent punch of flavor or lively color to wake Read more

Taste Epoisses, the "King of All Cheeses"


Updated 01/27/12 2:24 PM · Posted by · 6 comments

Epoisses Cheese

Napoleon loved it, and Jean Brillat-Savarin, a famous French epicurean, dubbed it the "king of all cheeses." Époisses de Bourgogne is a creamy, semisoft white cheese with a runny interior and a distinct wrinkled orange rind that was created in the 16th century by a group of Cistercian monks living in Époisses, France. Women in the region learned the unique method, and carried the tradition Read more

Tastemaker Tips: Easy, Eco Entertaining With Greenhouse Design Studio's Laurie Furber


Updated 11/16/11 9:53 AM · Posted by CasaSugar · 0 comments

Entertaining Tips From Greenhouse Design Studio

After spending over a decade running the mail order division of Pottery Barn, Laurie Furber decided it was time to channel her pursuit of a stylish, sustainable lifestyle into a new business venture. As a mother of three, her interest in finding eco-friendly alternatives for the home piqued when she had children. "After watching them crawl on the rugs, chew on the furniture, and touch Read more

7 Tips For Gluten-Free Entertaining


Updated 09/13/11 10:22 PM · Posted by · 3 comments

Gluten-Free Entertaining

Did you know that today's National Celiac Disease Awareness Day? Neither did I — but then again, I didn't know that imitation crab meat, oyster sauce, and licorice all have gluten, either. Gluten may seem innocent enough — it's a protein composite found in all wheat products — but for an estimated 3 million Americans with celiac disease, it can have devastating effects if consumed. A Read more

10 Appetizers Ready in 5 Steps or Less


Updated 09/13/11 4:46 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

Easy Appetizers For Entertaining

While it's always nice to plan ahead, some nights just call for an impromptu get-together. Whether you have unexpected guests from out of town, or you simply want to enjoy a happy hour at home instead of a crowded bar, these dishes are sure to be your savior. Each has less than five steps and doesn't require a lot of laborious assembling. Instead of worrying about how you're going to throw this Read more

Hosting a Dinner Party? Read This Beforehand!


Updated 02/08/12 3:29 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Plan a Menu

When it comes to cooking, there's nothing more rewarding than serving your friends and family at a party. Whether it be a dinner, baby shower, or birthday bash, crafting the perfect menu is crucial to an event's success. From your guests' dietary needs to the occasion to the season, there's a lot to consider when planning a menu. Don't be overwhelmed, I've got a handful of suggestions to keep in Read more

Happy Hour: Fizzy Berry Sangria


Updated 05/27/11 12:50 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Berry Sangria Recipe

When it comes to Summer entertaining, my go to beverage is sangria. It's easy to make a large batch and must be put together in advance. It's a wine-based punch, making it lower in alcohol than its spirit counterparts and it has a fruity profile, meaning that most people will enjoy a glass or two. I believe a hostess can never have too many sangria recipes and this is my current fav. It's a Read more

Are Seating Charts a Dinner Party Do or Don't?


Updated 05/13/11 3:01 PM · Posted by · 14 comments

Are Seating Charts a Dinner Party Do or Don't?

This weekend I'm hosting a big dinner party that 22 people are expected to attend. I keep asking myself the following question: should I do a seating chart? Many of the guests are couples and traditionally couples should not sit together; a seating chart will ensure that everyone is separated. Still, I want to the conversation to be lively and hope that everyone will have an awesome time. Is this Read more

Tips For Hosting a Weeknight Dinner Party


Updated 05/12/11 10:53 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Weeknight Dinner Party Tips

While some people believe that dinner parties can only be thrown on a Friday or Saturday night, I happen to think that any evening is a great time to host a dinner! Annie, of TrèsSugar, agrees because she hosted one last night, on a Monday! Before she left work, I offered some of my suggestions for a successful weeknight dinner. To find out what they are and to share your own, keep reading. Read more