dinner party – In Good Taste

How To Throw a Lasagna Party

Maris Callahan — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 21:59:49 +0000

If you’re hosting a holiday dinner this year, you’re probably already busy planning your menus, grocery shopping and even beginning to start advanced prep for the marathon of baking and cooking that lies ahead of you. Add to that a house full of hungry guests that actually expect to eat between now and Thanksgiving and it’s enough to send anyone over the edge. I know that I’ll be doing very little actual cooking between now and Thanksgiving, and I’m sure anyone who entertains for major holidays is planning to do the same. Combine a Stouffer’s lasagna, an easy store-bought appetizer and a make-ahead dessert to create an Italian-inspired menu to welcome your holiday guests. Stouffer’s is a family-founded brand that still runs on some of the original recipes that Abraham and Mahala Stouffer made for their dairy stand in 1914, and later at their restaurant in 1924 . The Stouffer’s Cookbook has a prized place in its test kitchen (and now my kitchen — I ordered it from Amazon and I love thumbing through the pages to see how people liked to cook decades and decades ago). The Stouffer’s brand is rich with nostalgia — the frozen food line was actually created because so many customers wanted to take […]

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Sparkle & Dine: Table Style in Box

Maris Callahan — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 01:10:40 +0000

How often have you wanted to throw a dinner party, but opted against it because you lack the basic essentials for hosting, like plates that match and cloth napkins? It’s okay to ask for help. Sparkle & Dine, founded by entrepreneur Stacia Marlow, offers tabletop table decorations and party-styling kits that include everything from napkins and table runners to place cards and centerpieces. Crediting her mother and Martha Stewart as her primary sources of inspiration, Marlow’s company offers premiere table styling kits that make setting the perfect dinner party table a breeze. You can choose from growing selection of stylish designs, including a Kate Spade inspired kit and Thanksgiving and holiday themed options. Pricing begins at $59 and will even include dinner party menus and inspiration, too. “Entertaining comes naturally to me,” said Marlow. “I grew up with it! My mom is a master entertainer and my sister, Shannon and I helped Mom throw every kind of party imaginable. ” Marlow’s family parties included Christmas Eve Mexican food dinner for 50 people, Easter luncheons with all the trimmings, elegant dinner parties, casual dinner parties, baby showers, wedding showers, graduation parties, birthday parties and more. She founded her business after friends would come to her for help […]

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Four Myths About Decorating for a Dinner Party in a Small Apartment

Maris Callahan — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 11:00:33 +0000

Living in the city has so many perks, the view, the nightlife, the shopping…and of course easy access to some of the best restaurants in the world. Of course, there is one downside to the fast-pace of city living: when you think of hosting a dinner party in a small apartment, do you begin to imagine your guests awkwardly crammed together around your coffee table? A space limit is one downfall of city living, but hopefully, we can put your fears to rest. You do not need an abundance of space or a huge dining area to bring elegance and to a table and create a welcoming environment for your guests. Doubts can arise when you think of bringing people into your home…but they shouldn’t! Let’s address some potential misconceptions about throwing a dinner party in your apartment and turn those negatives into reasons to get your party started in no time. I need to have matching or fancy place settings. No, you don’t! Did your guests agree to attend because they heard you had some rocking plates and silverware? We sure hope not, because if so, well, you might need to reevaluate how you choose your friends. Mismatched china can look chic and creates […]

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