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Thanksgiving Tip: Have Extra Place Settings Ready

partysugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00:11 -0800

Besides setting the table early - a couple of days before Thanksgiving - I also put aside several extra place settings. I'll stack two to three plates, chargers, napkins, and utensils in a hidden spot in the dining room.

My Thanksgiving is a "the more, the merrier" type of event, so if someone shows up with an unexpected friend or family member, all I have to do is grab the extra place setting that's ready and add another chair to the table.

It's one less thing to worry about, and will ensure that you don't have to go digging into your China cabinet looking for extra plates on the big night. Got a great Thanksgiving tip? Please share it with us below!

Yummy Links: From Cupcakes to Star Trek

partysugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:50:02 -0700

Why there will never be a "new cupcake." - Eat Me Daily
Ten tips for successful grilling. - Chow
Brides-to-be: get to know this fun software that makes setting your table a snap. - Hostess With the Mostess
Is it OK to serve white wine with steak? - The Epi-Log
The restaurant industry reacts to the news about Frank Bruni. - Eater
Everything you need to know about the food and drink of Star Trek. - Serious Eats

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Come Party With Me: Passover - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:15:10 -0700

Passover revolves around a traditional ceremony at a dining table, so take the time to set the table a couple of days before the dinner party. Cover the table with a printed satin gray tablecloth. Place a plate in front of each seat and top it with a gray napkin (preferably one that matches the tablecloth) rolled into a silver napkin ring. Use your best flatware and properly set the silverware with the forks on the left of the plate and the knife to the right of the plate. A spoon is necessary for enjoying the matzo ball soup - it goes on the outside of the knives. White wine and red wine glasses belong on the upper right side of the plate. For an intimate glowing atmosphere, light low candles. Fill a silver vase with flowing white flowers and make the Seder plate the centerpiece and focal point.

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Napkin Rings With Bud Vases: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 04:00:35 -0800

I'm normally a huge fan of alternative napkin rings. However, I don't know how I feel about these napkin rings that have a bud vase attached. I'm sure they look lovely resting on a plate and would be wonderfully pretty at a wedding, but once you remove the napkin and start to eat, what are you supposed to do with the napkin ring and flower? Place it on the table? How stable are they? I can see a dinner table dirtied with water stains and crushed flowers. What do you think? Are they fabulous or not functional?

Come Party With Me: Fast Thanksgiving - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:15:49 -0800

If you have no time to cook dinner, you won't have much time to worry about the table. However, set aside 15 minutes to transform your everyday dining table into a beautiful Thanksgiving table. Cover the table with a cream-colored cloth and brown runner. Take a walk around your house and get creative with the place mats. Stack plates on the table and fill a basket with utensils; when the dinner is ready, guests can grab a plate and servingware. Choose a versatile glass that can hold the cocktail, and both red and white wine.

Line the glasses in a row next to the wine and drinks and let guests serve themselves. Instead of running around the house lighting a million candles, save time by assembling them all in one place. No time to run to the florist? Step outside and gather pretty, colorful Fall leaves. Fold white cardstock in half for a simple place card.

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Do You Use Good China For Thanksgiving Dinner?

partysugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:00:04 -0800

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Dress Your Table With Cinnamon and Roses

partysugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:15:33 -0700

Walking around the tasting tent at the Food Network NYC Food and Wine Festival, I came across a fabulous decorating idea - it's perfect for Fall or the holidays - that I plan to re-create in a tablescape. You can to, here's how to:

Start by covering the table with a simple cloth. Arrange a thin layer of gauzy fabric over the tablecloth.
Sprinkle the table with rose petals in a color that matches the party's theme. Place the cinnamon sticks around the rose petals.

This is an inspiring idea that can translate into many different table decorations. You could wrap twine around cloth napkins and place a cinnamon stick inside each one. Or make placecard holders by cutting a slit into the side of the cinnamon and sliding a piece of labeled cardstock inside. What do you think? Have you ever used cinnamon sticks as party decor?

Wedding Centerpiece Trends

partysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:13:38 -0700

One of the many decisions you have to make when planning your wedding is how to style the tables. A spectacular centerpiece on the table is like the icing on the cake. It's an eye catching piece of decor that stimulates conversation and sets the atmosphere for the reception. This year centerpieces have moved beyond the traditional: fruits and vegetables abound, nature adds down-to-earth glamor, and the glowing cast of candles shadow the arrangements. To see some of the most popular centerpiece trends, click the "Start" button.

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How Often Do You Set the Table?

partysugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:01:33 -0700

What Would You Do?

partysugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:30:59 -0700

We've all been in crazy situations and I want to know how you handle entertaining fiascoes and bad restaurant behavior. I'll present a situation and you tell me what you would do. Here's this week's scenario: You're hosting an intimate dinner party for 12 of your friends. You've been planning for weeks and no detail is spared. The food is exquisitely prepared and a pitcher of cocktails waits to be poured. The house is immaculately clean and the mood enhanced by tons of glowing candles.

To promote mingling and conversation, you took the time to create a seating arrangement with place cards - separating those couples who are always together - so unacquainted guests can become new friends. Everyone arrives and the party is going fabulously until one of your girlfriends pulls you aside. She says,"I hope you don't mind, I moved some of the names on the table around so I can sit next to my boyfriend." What would you do?

To see what I did in this situation - true story, it's happened to me! - read more.

I smiled politely and told my friend that I had spent time putting together the seating chart. I reminded her that it was my party and my house and asked her to kindly respect my rules and feelings. I also explained why I had chosen not to seat her next to her boyfriend. I filled her cocktail and excused myself. I went into the dining room and changed the place cards back to the arrangement I created.

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