These days, being a party host can be tricky, especially with all of the food preferences, allergies and intolerances people face these days! I was recently at a dinner party where there was a LOT of cheese. Bacon-wrapped jalapeno cream cheese appetizers (ooh!), gouda on toothpicks with pita crackers (ooooooh!) and the most delicious dip […]
One of the best resources I have found as a party host are free online music streaming websites. I find them invaluable for easily curating a soundtrack for a party, regardless of the theme or purpose. My favourite is Songza, which I access from my iPhone and throw on my doc for flawless surround-sound (but […]
Let’s face it, sometimes our best-laid plans run horribly late. When having guests for dinner, if you are running behind, make sure that if nothing else, you have something on the stove when your guests arrive. As long as the cooking is in progress, your guests won’t feel like they are NEVER going to eat. […]
When freezing ice cubes for summer drinks and punch bowls, choose distilled water over tap or filtered. Distilled water will freeze clear, adding visual appeal for your guests! Â
For large or more casual parties, the buffet-style food presentation is an easy answer, and it’s convenient for both hosts and guests – except when it’s not. The placement of your buffet table is actually quite important to the flow of your party, and I see it placed inconveniently at more parties than you would […]
Chocolate and wine – a combination I didn’t believe could be delicious until my chef friend invited me to a chocolate and wine pairing party – and it was incredible! So, this Merlot-lover thought she would give it a try. There’s no denying it, it’s sweet! For the first sip, it may be all you […]
As many party hosts know, the more you entertain, the more you feel as though you spend most of the time in the kitchen! Hiring a caterer is a great option for many hosts, but we know that cooking and serving your guests is half the fun! When should you hire a caterer? When your […]
When hosting a party that includes a sit-down dinner or a games table, many hosts will create a seating arrangement, while others will tell their guests to sit where they like. Some hosts swear by seating arrangements, while others feel it creates a stuffy atmosphere. But what does etiquette dictate? Traditionally, a seating arrangement is […]
It's the night of the biggest film awards ceremony in Hollywood, and the stars have come out to shine! And while the ceremony itself, televised worldwide, is believed to be the highlight of the evening, people in the know will tell you the after-party is really where history is made – and tonight is no exception. Director Elliot Vogel is hosting a party inside his Old Hollywood mansion and the festivities are in full swing. Suddenly, Sarah Westmore discovers that her Best Actress award has gone missing! Who stole it and why? Now some of Hollywood's elite find themselves suspects in the disappearance of Sarah Westmore's award, and it's up to everyone there to question the suspects and discover who had the motive, means and opportunity to commit the theft!
