The Savvy Host

Sweet Homestyle Chicago - Getting Ready for 2011 Housewares Show

2011-01-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

A favorite time of year is early March. You may think this is sheer lunacy as I'm based in Chicago, and there is nothing remotely enjoyable about freezing eyelashes, grey street snow, and wind-chill factors.

The reason for my joy is housewares. Yes, housewares.

Each March, at McCormick Place in Chicago, we spend three amazing days at the International Home + Housewares Show sponsored and organized by the International Housewares Association (IHA). IHA is a full-service trade association dedicated to promoting the sales and marketing of housewares since 1938.

Who attends the Show each year?

60,000 professional attendees
2,000 exhibitors - from over 35 countries
15,000 U.S. buyers
6,000 international buyers from 100 countries on 6 continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa

The 2011 International Home + Housewares Show offers an opportunity to see first-hand consumer lifestyle and product trends for all areas of the home, both inside and out, under one roof. It's a perfect time and place for The Savvy Host and SavvyHostMarket staff to explore innovations in serveware, bar basics, gourmet gadgets, cooking tools (including grilling!) and all types of entertaining essentials. SO many of the products our friends and customers RAVE about are found at this Show!

Housewares products are categorized into 4 "show-within-a-show" expos:

clean + contain - including promotion in motion: retail promotions + continuities
dine + design
wired + well
global crossroads (international pavilions)

In addition to the product exhibits, there are also so many demonstrations and other learning spaces to explore. The Cooking Theatre - co-sponsored by All-Clad Metalcrafters LLC, KitchenAid, Wilton Products, and Whole Foods Market will feature continuous presentations from many celebrity chefs during Show hours all three days. Chefs scheduled to appear include Rick Bayless, Paula Deen, Tyler Florence, Cat Cora and Guy Fieri. You know I'll be checking out these culinary creatives for ideas to add to good food gatherings!!

AND, in case like me, you didn't make it to San Francisco this month, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) will present a wider look at what’s new in gourmet specialty foods with a broad range of new and award-winning products at the Show. I can't wait to see (& sample!) the new offerings at the Specialty Food Marketplace - always looking for new items to add to the Gourmet Pantry section of SavvyHostMarket!

While the Show is not open to the public, it is open to trade professionals. I highly recommend this show to any professional in the home arena. You cannot afford to miss the 2011 International Home + Housewares Show - a MOST unique opportunity to experience the best and latest in homestyle - you won't even notice the Chicago cold!

New Happenings...

2010-11-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

Visiting Chicago? Join us for two exciting events!

39th Annual Gazebo Holiday Market
(18 - 20 November 2010)

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4th Floor

Chicago, IL

Friday, 11/19 from 11am - 7pm

Saturday, 11/20 from 10am - 4pm

Martinis & Mistletoe Preview Party on Thursday, 18 November from 6pm-10pm.

A portion of ALL merchant sales benefits the Junior League of Chicago's mission - please consider participating, and while you're shopping you'll be making a significant contribution!

12th Annual Oak Park River Forest Holiday Housewalk & Market
(2 - 4 December 2010)

Concordia - Koehneke Community Center

7400 Augusta Street

River Forest, IL

Sugar Plum Preview Party
Thursday, 12/2 from
6pm – 9pm

Join the fun at the Holiday Market Preview Party, an exclusive shopping experience event! Sip wine, nibble on appetizers, and be one of the first to check out the 50 artisan vendors and their treasures!

Friday, 12/3

3pm – 9pm – Market
5pm – 9pm – Housewalk

Saturday, 12/4

10am – 5pm – Market
1pm – 5pm – Housewalk

A portion of ALL merchant sales benefits The Children's Clinic sponsored by the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society - your support is greatly appreciated!!

An introduction...

2010-09-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

It's a pleasure to say hello and introduce you to the savvy host.

What is it to entertain? Let's start at the basics - to entertain means exercising hospitality ~ entertaining company ~ providing entertainment for guests.

We consider entertaining as a lifestyle - that the friendly reception and generous treatment of guests or acquaintances is a priority in how you choose to greet daily life - in business, with family, socially, and as a part of the community.

Knowing what it takes to host a gathering of people - and how to participate as an invited participant - are valuable skills regardless of where you live, your social standing, your profession, or your culture.

Considering the basics involved in entertaining builds familiarity and confidence in the host or hostess, and awareness and appreciation in the guests. The 8 entertaining essentials© we think of include the occasion, guests & invitations, bar basics, the menu, creating ambience, arranging the table, serving savoir-faire, and activities behind-the-scenes.

Don't let this overwhelm you! This is all familiar turf for the savvy host, and we're willing to share a few secrets ;-) Take a look around our site, our blog and SavvyHostMarket to see what we're up to.

What's the recipe for a truly savvy host? A little confidence, sprinkled with inspiration and creativity, added to healthy dose of organization and humor. This is what we think it takes to bring out the best in your personal entertaining style.

Sharing life is at the core of what the best entertaining is about - and we look forward to hearing about the enjoyable results of your savvy hosting efforts in good food gatherings, business dinners, family events, and grand celebrations.

Wishing you a full belly, a heavy purse and a light heart!!

Mary Spada
Founder and Proprietor
the savvy host