It’s a title many have claimed, but only one can truly possess. The quest to find the best chocolate chip cookie recipe has led me on a journey through countless cookbooks and hours in the kitchen, and ‘A’ has dutifully tested versions that were crisp, chewy, fluffy, & flat, with all manner of “secret ingredients”… read more
Tag Archives: Hosting
Margaritas y Fajitas!, Pt. III
Today we’re wrapping up our sizzlin’ summer fiesta with two crucial elements: libations & Latin beats. See previous posts on decking it out with pinatas & papel picado, and serving up a spicy menu.… read more
Margaritas y Fajitas!
Hot Texas nights call for casual parties with friends: sizzling fajitas right off the grill, icy margaritas, and upbeat music that keeps things going way past sunset. With just a little forethought, a simple Tex-Mex meal can be elevated to an unforgettable fiesta. Here’s how to make it festive:… read more
Baby Cakes
Since today is my birthday, I’m loving all things lovely, yummy, and sweet. Just so happens that all three adjectives perfectly describe one of my favorite things: Cupcakes! Here are my all-time favorite cupcake recipes, designs, sources, & serving ideas.… read more
Splendor in the Grass
The weather forecast is gorgeous over Memorial Day weekend, and I’m planning to soak up the sunshine by being outdoors as much as possible. This means simple seasonal flavors that don’t require hours in the kitchen, and dishes that can be easily packed up for impromptu picnics. Here’s what I’ll be making:… read more
Pie in the Sky: The Party
Summer nights are made for eating outdoors with friends, preparing simple and delicious meals using the freshest seasonal ingredients, and laughing and talking by citronella candlelight long after the sun goes down. I invited a few friends for dinner last weekend, and served a casual feast of gourmet pizzas, chopped salad, and a decadent flourless… read more
Best Seat in the House
As a hostess, you want every guest to feel like a VIP, and the right seating arrangement can be the difference between a sensational soiree and a total flop. Since organizing the perfect mix can be a major challenge, a primer in creating a successful seating chart is a critical skill for every gracious hostess… read more
Party Inspiration: Capri Island, Pt. III
Mangia! The Italians are famous for their love of food, so delicious flavors naturally become the centerpiece of our Capri-inspired soiree. Al fresco dining calls for light and seasonal fare, and serving it all family-style is more fun, casual, and a quick way for all your guests to get to know each other!… read more
Party Inspiration: Capri Island, Pt. II
Today we’re channeling Sophia Loren and capturing the effortless glamour of the the Italians on holiday, in our current party series inspired by Capri Island. In our last post we talked invitations and color palette (ocean blues, lemon yellows, herbal greens.) We now turn to decor:… read more
Party Inspiration:: Capri Island
Maybe it’s the hint of summer in the air, or maybe it’s the fact that I’m counting the days until my own Italian excursion, but my latest party inspiration comes from the sun-drenched, glamourous island of Capri. Think al fresco dining, overflowing bowls of just-picked lemons, bossanova beats, and the fresh scents of saltwater and… read more
