Host

The Three Brands of Christmas

2012-12-04T18:08:00.000-06:00

It is FINALLY Christmas.

Though as always, the season seems to be passing me by, my decorations are finally up (pictures to come once I find one final wreath).

Though I love Christmas cast-offs from small shops, craft fairs, and of course, HomeGoods, there are three brands that I couldn't rock around my Christmas tree without.

Three wise men may have followed a store, and three more turned that inspiration into the perfect seasonal accents for any table, classic or kitschy.

Spode

O, Christmas Tree! O, Christmas Tree! This pattern is the equivalent of that one casserole dish that everyone who was born between 1975 and 1990's mom has. You may not have known what it was, but you've definitely eaten, drank and been merry around this classic brand. It's a touch pricey to buy from a department store, but I found the tumblers for $3.99 each at HomeGoods this weekend... and then I found the dish towels... and pot holders... and platters. Crap, I hope no one else wanted presents.

Lenox

If your event is an elegant affair, you can't be a stranger to the Lenox Christmas collection. Classic enough to be comfortable, but formal enough to be called "China," your guests will be impressed before you even roll out the yule log. Also - the ornaments... so many ornaments.

Waterford

Maybe Irish homes are biased in favor of this Christmas classic, but for crystal to hold your Cristal, it's like a Porsche - there is no substitute. The crystal is a stunning table topper or gift, and the ornaments are unrivaled in picking up tree light. If you have newlyweds on your nice list, check out the annual ornament they create to signify the first family Christmas.

After-Dinner Delight

2012-11-13T18:49:00.000-06:00

The saddest part of a dinner party is when cocktail hour is over. But the consolation prize is perfect coffee after dinner.

I love my morning Joe as much as CNN loves theirs, but there's something about after-dinner coffee that feels very sophisticated and grown up, like buying two-ply toilet paper or talking about politics. It's also a good excuse to splurge on something that doesn't come in a giant tub.

A colleague said over lunch the other day: "I drink black coffee if it's good coffee. And this stuff is shit, so pass the milk."

Good, bold, black coffee speaks for itself, and serving up these crowd-pleasers will say loud and clear that you are a lady, professional and hostess.

Gevalia German Chocolate Cake ($7.99 regular, $8.99 decaf)

Dean & Deluca Queen City Blend ($14)

World Market Caramel Pumpkin Pie ($8.99)

Five Essentials for the Thanksgiving Table

2012-11-12T20:23:00.001-06:00

It's the most wonderful meal of the year!

Seriously. You can mess around with corned beef recipes in March, try a new strawberry-blueberry breakfast in July, and roast those pumpkin seeds with some cinnamon in October. But when it comes to Thanksgiving, do NOT get in the way of my green bean casserole.

Though I love Christmas like a crackhead loves crack, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's got cozy, warm feelings, family that you haven't seen since patio season, and a meal that legitimately warrants days of stomach-stretching.

I've never hosted Thanksgiving because Mamacita has it down to a fine art and science, but I have tried to replicate some of the show-stoppers for pre-holiday dinners with friends. Though most of what it takes to put together a holiday meal is a brave heart and holiday spirit, these five finds will help to make a memorable meal.

Williams-Sonoma Fall Pie-Crust Cutters
The magazine spread picture-perfect pies may seem out of reach in your, let's say, emerging kitchen. But with these stencils, you can bake pieces of pie crust to add festive garnish to your sweet or savory dishes. Oh, and they're on sale. $14.99, Williams Sonoma.

Crate & Barrel Pumpkin Patch Loaf Pan
If you're saving pumpkin pie for the main event, serve up a perfectly-printed pumpkin cake with this aptly-shaped loaf pan. Use this for heavier breads and cakes that will hold their form to impress guests. Oh... ALSO ON SALE!!! Crate & Barrel, $14.95.

Martha Stewart Collection Serveware
Even if you're - ahem - a few years out of college, your friends will still probably be impressed by a coordinated kitchen set. Macy's - second only to Kohl's on having everything on sale all the time - has these beautiful fall pieces by Martha Stewart Living and... THEY'RE ON SALE. Macy's, prices range.

Kohl's Mikasa Champagne Flutes
Speaking of Kohl's... no Thanksgiving toast is complete without beautiful glasses to clink (while making very serious eye contact - I mean, why risk it). This set from sale-champion Kohl's offers more than words - but also words. SALE. SALE. SALE. I feel like Oprah! Kohl's, $51.00.

Amazon.com Spode Woodland Turkey Platter
If you're going to do holiday kitsch, do it right and pick up this Spode platter. Normally associated with Christmas, the Mufasa of holiday dining brands rolled out this beautiful piece of Thanksgiving tradition and - gasp - sold it discount on Amazon.com. And YOU get a car! Amazon.com, $84.99.

Sunday Dinner - October 21

2012-10-21T19:22:00.001-05:00

Normally I do up Sunday dinner with family and friends, but on the tail end of a weekend with both, this Sunday is officially sponsored by Rocco's pizza in South Bend.

Mom and Dad were nice enough to send leftovers home with us, and cold pepp and green pep pizza with white wine is the perfect companion to cold white wine and last week's episode of Revenge.

What are you eating?

The Tasteful Tailgate

2012-10-21T18:11:00.001-05:00

The tables have turned on tailgating since I was sixteen and sneaking beers out of a family cooler. It's come even further since I was old enough to drink early and often, but not old enough to know better.

Now at the twilight of my 26th year, it wasn't cute boys in sporty clothes, it wasn't the prospect of drinking Miller Lites through a funnel, and it certainly wasn't how I used to wake up feeling on post-GameDay Sundays that had me excited for this weekend's family festivities in South Bend. It was one thing and one thing only: tailgate beef.

For those of us who have more fond memories than actual desire for a) drinking, b) day drinking, and c) drinking outside, it's the food at tailgates that has us rooting for the home team.

If you're planning a tailgate for your favorite team, whether in your living room or live at the stadium, there are two food groups to be mindful of: meats and sweets.

Wait, is beer a food group? Because then there are three. But back to the key ones:

Meats:
Most tailgaters will start with savory food (especially if they're downing bigger beers that have more sugar, like IPAs). And though cheese and crackers are great for your book group, the parking lot pavement calls for something that packs a little more punch.

These main events are important, both for taste and preventing the beers your guests drink from chasing away their pleasing personalities. Go big on the main course so you don't have to go home before kick-off.

Some of my family's fall favorites are:

Brats,
Hot dogs,
Burgers (you MUST remember cheese, mustard, ketchup, and pickles if you are bringing burgers),
Deli sandwiches (so easy and quick to pick up),
Chili, or
Tailgate beef sammies (one chuck roast, one 16oz jar of giardinara, one packet Italian seasoning and throw in the crock pot for six hours on low, or 3 on high). Don't skimp, get the good bread.

Sweets:

The meats may be the QBs of the parking lot events, but it's the sweets that can kick that game-changing field goal. People like to munch, and the passers-by will want something with less sustenance and more sugar. Also, if you have babies on board (children under 15), double your recipe.

If you are doing desserts, hand-held morsels will be easier to serve and eat than things that need to be sliced, like a cake.

Most of the best are classics, but these are always crowd-pleasers:

Brownies,
Chocolate chip cookies,
Chocolate covered pretzels,
Seven layer (or any other kind of) bars,
Cupcakes, or
Puppy chow (suggest serving in portioned cups so that people don't stick their grimy hands in a communal chow bowl).

The beauty of a tailgate is that the hostessing is largely done before GameDay, so you can enjoy your guests, your food and a home team win without even worrying about a table setting. But to alleviate the jitters as game time nears, make sure you:

Have enough food, with a buffer of at least five people (you never know who will show up hungry... with friends);
Have all the heating and cooling devices you'll need... and ways to plug them in; and
Utensils, plates and napkins as needed.

Whether you're off to the races or bringing the away-game masses into your home, keep it casual. The point of a tailgate isn't elegance, it's delicious food, cold beer, and judging each team's cheerleaders against each other.

Hut... hut... HIKE!

Visit my tailgating Pinterest page.

Chin Chin Up

2012-10-17T18:02:00.002-05:00

I've been a very bad blogger to you, but I come bearing toast.

Or, actually, toasts.

There ain't a thing plain about champagne, but after a whole Summer spent staying out late sipping on bubbly, I could use a change.

So imagine my delight when I found this list of creative cocktails on Pinterest.

Cheers, dears!

Dinner for Two with your Boo

2012-09-24T19:32:00.001-05:00

Every good party girl does eventually fly the coop, and eventually it's time to pare down the invite list to two.

And what a cause for celebration that is!

There's a very small window, somewhere between the first date and letting him see your morning afro, where romance is alive, and the world is your Oysters Rockefeller.

Since so many romances skip courtship, there's something wonderful about those first dinners, where you plan courses, garnish desserts, and vacuum the rug an extra time to get perfect lines. But it can also be daunting trying to determine whether to take on a new and ambitious recipe, or stick with an old favorite that may not have the same curb appeal.

Luckily for you, the folks at Match.com teamed up with Fabio Viviani of Top Chef fame to create some date-proof recipes that any bottom chef can handle.

Most importantly, go with something you're comfortable with, and have enough food to feed two people (even if you'll both leave the date half-starved trying to appear delicate).

One word of advice from your very un-romantic hostess: make sure that the dinner is as comfortable as it is impressive. Excessive candlelight or the predominance of aphrodisiacs can put your perfectly prepared dinner in a pressure cooker.

Check out more date night ideas on my Pinterest board.

Mothers' Day in September?

2012-09-23T16:08:00.004-05:00

You may only thank your mother in May, but this year, my Mom's September 17 birthday turned into a Mama drama of the best sort when my beautiful niece Anna was born just hours after a bountiful brunch!

Though those of us in the throes of the day barely remember the brunch, I promise it was delicious (and alert to preggos, may speed up labor!).

September is such a fun season for entertaining - right in the midst of the pre-pumpkin days. I went with an apple theme and made a Dutch Baby (German apple pancake) alongside apple slices and chocolate truffles, and apple brandy mimosas to wash everything down.

Since there were men in the house, I also stocked up on some good harvest beers to keep the cajones in tact.

To repeat at home:

Dutch Baby

Two large yellow-green apples
One stick butter
Three eggs
One cup milk
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
Dash of salt
Dash of nutmeg
Syrup to taste
Brown sugar

I went off the recipe reservation, so for the krauts out there, I know this isn't how your fraulein made it. I sliced and thinly peeled the apples and sautéed them in quite a bit of butter. In separate bowls, I mixed the dry and wet ingredients then combined them with an electric mixer. Then, I added a bit of brown sugar to the apples before turning off the heat and adding the batter on top of the evenly spread apples. I then baked the pancake for about 20 minutes at 375 in the skillet.

Before serving, I topped the pancake with butter and brown sugar. The recipe said it served 6 - 8, but my Irish folks could have eaten more.

Apple Brandy Mimosa

1 part apple juice
3 parts cheap champagne
SMALL shot brandy
Dash of cinnamon (or garnish the glass with cinnamon sugar)

Mix and garnish with apple slice or cinnamon stick. Serve ice cold.

It was a wonderful day with family, and it was so wonderful to celebrate Mothers new and... never mind, I know better.

Food for Boys

2012-09-19T19:22:00.001-05:00

It should be easier to cook for boys, right? Throw some meat on the grill, turn on a game, and don't talk about what your girlfriends said to each other at the club last night - man dinner party heaven!

Though this is often true - and one of the reasons I love male dinner guests - sometimes it's nice to throw on something a bit more interesting than cheeseburgers and chips.

(For the record, I don't think there is any food more interesting than chips.)

My mom, like any good Catholic mother attempting to train daughters, always made a point of noting, "This recipe is good for boys!"

So take a break from light lunches and poached shrimp on toast to indulge in some man-meals that even the ladiest lady can enjoy.

Pulled Beef

This one is a product of my college roommate, who made this dish to keep meat on our bones during the cold, Wisconsin winters. The only thing better than the taste is the ten-minute prep time (+ a few hours in the crock).

1 chuck roast
2 cans Campbells (or generic) cream of mushroom soup
1 packet powdered Lipton onion soup mix
Small amount of water (1/2 cup or less, as needed)
Kaiser rolls

Place the chuck roast in a crock pot and cover with the powdered soup mix, and then the cream of mushroom soups. Add water so that bottom of crock pot has a half inch or less of water. Cook on high for four hours, or on low for 8 - 10 hours. Serve on a kaiser roll - don't be afraid to get messy!

Sliders

Mom came up with this one last year in a blaze of tailgate food glory. Since, they've been a hit for several of my casual entertaining occasions, as well as for frozen dinners during the week.

2 lbs ground chuck
1 packet powdered Lipton onion soup mix
2 c. shredded cheddar
24 dinner rolls
Deli pickles

Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain and add the powdered soup mix, stir well. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Using a soup spoon, scoop the beef into the bun and pack down well. At this point, you can freeze the sliders for future use, or place in the oven pre-heated to 375 for ten minutes before serving with a pickle. If you do freeze them, wrap carefully in foil and bake for about an hour at 375, or until fully warm.

Paella

Paella is the wonderful, welcoming host food that has never met an addition it didn't like. This base food goes with anything. Traditional Spanish paellas are heavy on saffron and yellow in color. Mine is a Midwestern take on the tradition, with a red sauce base and more meat than seafood. Remember when making it, though, that anything goes.

4 uncooked boneless chicken breasts
3/4 lbs Polish sausage
1 1/2 cups rice (not instant)
3 c. chicken broth
1 16 oz. can diced tomatoes (I like chiles)
1/2 cup chopped green peppers (omit if using tomatoes with chiles)
1/3 c. chopped onion
Additional ingredients to taste - I usually add shrimp, jalopenos, and occasionally mussels.

Cut chicken breasts and sausage into 2 inch pieces. Place all ingredients in a dutch oven or deep pan and simmer on medium for about 45 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked. Tell the boys you're cooking it in a dutch oven for extra curb appeal.

Spooky Spotlight

2012-09-13T07:29:00.001-05:00

With Fall not even officially upon us (though I'm typing this in eery, no air conditioner humming silence), it's hard to think Halloween. But time flies when you're having fun, and with the return of football and fall beer, its hard not to have fun.

Decorating your house for the season, instead of a specific party, allows you to focus on the food and fun when d-day is upon you. Especially for a holiday like Halloween, you'll want to have your spooky kitsch in place long before your first guest hails a cab.

It's challenging to justify seasonal purchases, especially for those of us operating with limited storage and income, but coming home to a house that is festive can be almost as fun as, you know, seeing daylight somewhere between Sunday and Saturday.

I hate fake spiderwebs, and never get used to decorations that make noise when you walk past them (terrifying), so was delighted to see some strange arrangements at Marshall's to ring in the most festive season.

Like these fake books:

And these throw pillows to swap in for the boring ones you use the rest of the year.

Those of us who grew up in a time where moms and teachers actually had holiday-patterned turtlenecks often fear any holiday-specific decor or wardrobe, but when done correctly, your home can be a welcoming and festive place for friends to celebrate whatever season needs celebrating.

Autumn Accents

2012-09-09T16:12:00.002-05:00

As soon as the sun set on Labor Day, Autumn descended on the Chicago area before we could wash our white pants for next year.

Me, I'm ready. After a Summer of staying out late drinking champagne, it's a welcome change to have a reason to stay home (too cold), wear t-shirts (tailgating), and drink pumpkin lattes on weekends (ugh, there's no excuse for this pure sin).

This weekend, in preparation for the pale months, I changed out my red paisley tablecloth for a new Ralph Lauren table runner that I picked up at Marshall's, swapped gerber daisies for cattails, and brought the scary, wrought iron candle holders out of hiding for Halloween.

I can't wait to gather friends around this table for heavy beers and macaroni and cheese. What are you doing to prepare for Fall?

At-Home Premiere Party: The Return of TV

2012-09-05T07:13:00.002-05:00

The end of Summer is so bittersweet.

There are so many goodbyes to be said, and I ain't talking about college kids.

So long, Bachelor Pad. Farewell, MissAdvised. Auf wedersehen, Final Witness.

But as with lost loves, there are as many new shows coming out this Fall as there are investment bankers at Stanley's - countless.

So it's time to celebrate new beginnings, with premiere parties far from any red carpet.

Food: For a casual get together, dinner isn't necessary, but if people are coming straight from work, you may want to pick up a few pizzas to keep peoples' pleasing personalities. Plan on having TV snack favorites like popcorn, chips, salsa, hummus, and, obviously wine, for guests to munch on.

Dress: Make sure your guests know that PJs are welcome, or for the controlling hostess, required. Nobody likes to watch TV in work clothes. If you're hosting a more high-end premiere, consider providing some cheapy PJs at Old Navy that your guests can take home as a favor.

Shows: Depending on what your crew is into, try to pick something everyone will like. For music-lovers, welcome the return of The Voice. Funny valentines can swing by for Modern Family. Drama queens will obviously be waiting with baited breath for the return of Revenge. This year, I'm also looking forward to becoming addicted to Nashville and 666 Park Avenue.

Timing: Make sure folks show up at least an hour before the TiVo starts rolling, since they'll probably want to chat, eat, and have a drink before sitting down for the main event (and silence is still golden!). To DVR or not is the key question - since some groups may want to take commercial breaks for opinions and the bathroom, and others may want to fly through.

Seating: If, unlike me, you can live without overstuffed furniture, make sure to find comfy spaces with giant pillows and blankets for your guests to cozy up under while they catch every plot twist.

For more tips on the perfect TV night for the TV tray hostess, visit my Pinterest inpsiration board.

Good Hostesses Make Good Neighbors

2012-08-30T07:16:00.004-05:00

The unfortunate downside of living in the middle of an exciting city is that spacial constraints often prevent the palatial estates a good hostess was born to occupy.

As such, having a successful party can be the best of times, and the worst of times.

It's great that your guests want to stay, that they play songs, that they shout, and laugh, and talk over each other.

It's not great that your downstairs neighbor is one high heeled-step away from calling the police.

Your party may not be a rager, but if it's more than you and the latest Ryan Gosling flick (and ain't nothing wrong with that kind of party), it may lean more toward "Let's Get Loud" than "The Sound of Silence."

So plan ahead.

I'm a Type-A Catholic with general anxiety disorder, so have a compulsory belief that everyone is mad at me, all the time. This makes me a very good neighbor. Having had very, very bad neighbors has also made me a good neighbor.

Here is how I keep my hallway cred:

Plan ahead. Let your neighbors know that you're having a party. Whether it's dinner or miscellaneous libations, stop them in the hall to say, "Hey, just wanted to let you know that I'm having a few people over this Saturday. It won't be late."
Make it not late. Take the show on the road if you're not planning on turning into a pumpkin at midnight. People get grumpy when their sleep is interrupted by Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" on repeat, even if you warned them.
Be mindful of heels. I don't like asking guests to take their shoes off, but if it's close friends and you have wood floors, it may lower your anxiety levels for the evening. If not, just ask gently when your guests walk in that they try and step lightly - blame your lame neighbors.
Invite them. If your neighbors aren't lame, why not invite them? You don't have to worry about the noise, and they might even help you clean up the yard after.
Give them a treat. Even if you were naughty, they can still have a treat. Cut a piece of the cake you made, or save them some chicken and drop it off the next day as a token of your infinite appreciation and expectation that they'll be as easy to entertain above next time.

John Hancock Your Party: Signature Drinks

2012-08-28T07:27:00.003-05:00

Surely your pleasing personality is the perfect signature to your party, but if you want to make sure your face is in the entertaining hall of fame, consider a signature cocktail.

Okay, if you have cocktail wieners wrapped in bacon, you're already half way there, but adding a distinguishing drink can't hurt.

Most of my exposure to signature cocktails is through Four Weddings, where the sippers always look sugary sweet and are colors usually only served in a fishbowl. Unless you are serving your drinks in a fishbowl (invite me), it's probably better off to stick with something a little simpler.

A signature cocktail serves the purpose of differentiating your cocktail, but also of minimizing your personal bar tab by allowing you to buy one type of booze, one mixer, and save you dish time by allowing for one type of glass.

So if you're planning an end-of-Summer soiree, here are a few quick-mixes to your perfect cocktail.

Honey, Do Make Me Another: Take one part gin to two parts tonic, and change up the flavor by adding honey and mint leaves in the shaker (to taste).
We are the Champs: I can't hear "We are the Champions" without my vision going a little sepia-toned, and this drink certainly helps with the process. A spin on the traditional French martini, ditch the Chambord and add a generous pour of champagne, a small pour of vodka, and some lavender to a mixer (add tonic if you're a lightweight like me), and shake with ice for at least one full minute.
Skinnygirl Beergaritas: My Midwestern roots made me a beer girl, but I like to class things up from time by adding accoutrements. Adding a can of limeade per three beers (since the flavor will be overpowered anyway, go with Coors Lite or MGD 64) may not turn water into wine, but it does make for a nice afternoon.

Arts and Crafts

2012-08-21T07:39:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'll admit that I stole this clever title from a bar by my house (to which I would give credit, if only I could remember which one). But the idea was so good that I had to plagiarize it shamelessly and make it my own.

So you heard it here first - the perfect Fall activity can be paired with the upcoming spicy, hoppy (what does that mean?) Fall craft beers resulting in... Arts and Crafts!

This time of year makes us all feel pressured to freshen up the space in which we will spend the next eight months hibernating and watching Bravo, and it also makes us want to enjoy pumpkin beers on a patio, enjoying each of the "last" nice days.

So why not combine the two for a domesticated day-drinking festival?

That's the idea. This party is best served during the day, especially if you have an outdoor space where people can DIY some new home decor. The best part? Things get messy, so even ladies should drink beer out of the bottle, leaving the hostess with no clean-up (as long as she laid down newspapers before things got messy) and some new tsotskes.

As for the crafts? That's up to you and your household needs, but a few that I like on Pinterest lately are:

CORN CHANDELIER!

Indian corn wreath

Old romance novel pumpkin

And now to the more important stuff, the beers. A few fall favorites are:

Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale (available at World Market)

Any of these, but save the Red Lager for a boy

Follow me on Pinterest here.

You are cordially (and cutely) invited.

2012-08-14T07:40:00.000-05:00

People who think an event starts at the time on the invitation have never worked for a band of wayward executives planning a global meeting. Au contraire, it begins the moment you send the save the date.

For less formal occasions, you probably don't need an STD (hehehehehehe), but A-types like myself will always gauge the key players availability before spending and sending the invitations. That way, when you purchase the perfect paper goods, you know the event will not only be perfect, but attended.

Beth's baby shower was my first baby shower - attended or hosted - so it was a bit daunting to me, especially since I think I held a baby one time, maybe ten years ago. In short, it's not my most natural setting.

However, my sister is one thing that I know, and a shower is as much a celebration of the Mommy-to-be as it is the baby. Since it was her girlfriends shower (other people were handling the family ones), I bi-passed the usual baby things, aka gingham, diaper envelopes, and cutesy language for this one that referenced the past of a party girl and the baby that we were gathered to welcome.

These invitations, from Minted, were a splurge, but once I saw them, I couldn't go back. I promise, the photos don't do the quality of paper or color justice.

And if you give a mouse beautifully personalized paper....

It will obviously also buy the matching address labels. Sorry, SwimFans, address removed.

This was actually used to direct people to the side door, after its counterparts
served as return address labels.

Whether you're hand-making the invitations or purchasing from a paper company, these five tips will help you pick the perfect ones.

Check for discounts. LivingSocial and Groupon have promotions almost weekly for huge discounts on quality paper goods. If you're in a wedding party, between the ages of 24 and 30, or know anyone who's even contemplating pregnancy, get it now. Trust. You'll use it.
Go with your gut. One can easily get lost in all the pages and pages of paper that inevitably come with invitation shopping. But when you have a reaction to one, you know, that say-yes-to-the-dress tearful moment when you realize that this is the invitation you've waited for all your life, put it in your shopping cart and step away from the "Next Page" button.
Make template lists of information. It is so, so, so easy to forget information on an invitation. Even when it's basic stuff, like the time, putting it into the template can be overwhelming. It's very easy to forget the registries, as those will usually require adding a line. Etiquette comment: it is okay, and makes life easier, to put the registries on the invitation.
Proof and proof again. Minted, and many other companies, will send you a proof in the mail. Look at it, cross-check it, and then walk away from it. Sleeping before looking at it again will give you time to have that 3am "Come to Jesus" moment when you realize that the address you listed was two addresses ago.
Write slowly. When you're addressing the invitations, write slowly. Your handwriting will look better and you'll be less likely to make mistakes that will result in "return to sender."

Unusual Outings: Back Yard Theater

2012-08-09T07:26:00.001-05:00

I don't care if the skies are grey, this weather might be the best of the Summer yet, or maybe it's just having slept a full night without waking up once to complain about how hot it is.

The world feels alive with possibility, no?

This upcoming weekend is supposed to be absolutely prime, and with the cooler nights comes the opportunity to change up your weekend plans (Sorry, Kirkwood patio). In the coming weeks, I'll be detailing some unusual outings, and this family-friendly one (unless it's R-rated, of course) is the perfect August antidote for the back-to-school blues.

The above-pictured may be a bit ambitious, especially for city-dwellers who may be working with smaller spaces, but they've got a few key things represented.

Screen-ing. Call me country, but what is a projector but a really tight white sheet? Cheap out there, because a projector, even to rent, will cost you. But won't it be worth it to see the delight on your family and friend's faces when Squints kisses Wendy Peffercorn in the pool?
Seating. Even the campiest outdoor theatre-goers don't hate a blanket or pillow to sit on. If you're going for one of the Lord of the Rings movie (or any other of the three hour variety), be very sure your seats are going to go the distance with your guests. If you want to make sure that all your coupley guests are leaving room for the Holy Spirit, pick up some lawn chairs.
Eating. Popcorn! You definitely need popcorn, perhaps popped over an open fire, but hot dogs and other grill delicacies never hurt.

Bonfire Bliss

2012-08-03T06:34:00.000-05:00

August is, I think, my favorite time of year.

As a lifelong procrastinator, I love the combination of pressure to achieve all those Summer goals (eat a perfect peach, fall in love, end up looking like tan mom without getting melanoma) and the early autumn nostalgia of another year starting to wind it's way into old age.

But beyond all those - ew - "feelings," the weather in August is truly the best you can hope for in Chicago. With days hot enough to swing by the beach and nights cool enough to test drive that back-to-school sweater, it's the calm before the cold that makes you think "what a night, what a city."

And what better way to spend a Summer night than around a bonfire?

Though all you truly need is a beach and some driftwood, these tools will perfect your dog days shin-dig.

Target Bonfire Forks
Don't be a weenie, cook over an open fire. From hot dogs to dessert, your guests will definitely want s'more. ($19.99)

Landmann Bonfire Pit (sold at Amazon.com)
Stargaze without neck strain with these charming cut-outs ($109.14 - available for Prime shipping)

Camp Chef Cast-Iron Popcorn Popper (sold at Kohl's)
Combine the bar with the bonfire by serving freshly popped popcorn alongside some cold brews (seriously, this is so cool). ($29.99)

Scented Fire Starters (sold on Etsy)
Tuck this pinecone into the kindling and let your fragrant fire burn, baby, burn. ($3.50 for two).

Summer Entertaining Soundtrack

2012-08-01T07:17:00.000-05:00

Every year on August 1, I listen to the Counting Crows' August and Everything After album on repeat.

Arguably the best album ever made - ever - this one contains classics like "Anna Begins," "Sullivan Street," "Omaha," and "Round Here" that always make me think of late Summer.

The right music is - bear with me - instrumental to a good party. Playing Lady Gaga at a silent auction confuses people, and Beethoven is a bore at a BBQ. Luckily, Summer is the second easiest season for entertaining music (Christmas takes the yule log on that one). If you get stuck, though, here are a few of my favorites from a weekend BBQ in Long Beach:

Zac Brown Band - Chicken Fried
Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way
Bob Seger - We've Got Tonight
Old Crow Medicine Show - Wagon Wheel
Bruce Springsteen - Thunder Road
The Temptations - Stand By Me
Sugarland - Stuck Like Glue
The Beatles - Something
Night Ranger - Sister Christian
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Rusted Root - Send Me On My Way
Seals & Crofts - Summer Breeze
Sublime - Santeria
Dire Straits - Romeo and Juliet
Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll
Hall & Oates - Rich Girl
The Wallflowers - Sixth Avenue Heartache
REM - Nightswimming
Mason Jennings - Memphis, Tennessee
Stevie Nicks and Don Henley - Leather and Lace
Neil Diamond - Forever in Blue Jeans
The Marshall Tucker Band - Can't You See
Mariah Carey - Always Be My Baby

Happy Hour: Dog Days Delight

2012-07-27T07:24:00.003-05:00

When it comes to Summer, parting is such sweet sorrow. Luckily we saved the best for last - the dog days, which totally justify drinking wine on patios way past bedtime and listening to Don Henley on repeat.

And with August and everything after, comes a certain nostalgia that can only be quenched with the beer that has said Summer on boats since the Beatles topped Billboard.

Labatt Blue, seen here in popular TallBoy form, may not be the prettiest girl in the pageant, but it was holding court long before "craft" meant anything other than "macaroni necklace."

So while we, Chicagoans, have a brief weekend of Goldilocks weather (not too hot, not too cold), get outside and connect with your jean short-wearing, beer-drinking roots.

Fall Inspiration: Taste and See

2012-07-25T18:56:00.000-05:00

Most days, I don't wish Summer away, but today I do.

I'm sure the heat has something to do with it, but that's not it. It's this:

Yes, my CB2 catalog has arrived, and with it, my dreams of a fall beer tasting party.

Craft beers have taken the world by storm year round, but they just taste better in the fall with college football for background noise.

This year, I'm planning a splurge on a few of these platters and an erasable marker (I'll mea culpa with some inexpensive glasses from Amazon), and having the crew each bring over a signature brew to sit beside their name on a circle of friends tasting platter.

Pilsners, portners and pumpkin beers galore, I'm sure these glasses will leave my guests wanting more!

What are you planning for the Fall?

Six ways to spice up your Summer

2012-07-24T07:11:00.000-05:00

We've passed the center of Summer, and it's even longer and hotter than we expected.

Correction: way hotter than I expected when signing on to live with one window unit.

I'm not a huge fan of the heat, and would love to get out of the kitchen for cooler shores if there weren't the rude facts of work, money and the fact that my DVR is on the same electric bill as that AC unit.

Heat in moderation is a good thing - whether it's your Summer, your dinner or your new significant other. Too little and it just falls flat, too much and you end up getting burned - either by the sun or a serious stalker situation.

I'm no expert on changing the weather or a Summer fling, but I do know a thing or two about spicing up foods for people who don't like spice. And that's why I want to introduce you to a few family friendly ways to integrate jalopenos into your daily menu.

Jalopenos get a bad rap based on other peppers that boys wolf down to establish their dominance before breaking down into the spice sweats and - in some uncomfortable cases - tears. But the actual vegetable is very flavorful and doesn't pack a huge kick (it's the seeds that will set your mouth on fire).

If you're already picking up peppers at the store or in your garden, I hope these ideas will change up your Monday menu. If you're hesitant, I hope they can spice up both your dinner and your vida loca.

Jalopeno-Cucumber Salsa

This Summer crowd pleaser combines crisp cucumbers with hearty avocados. Since I'm an avocado fan, I generally dice three small avocados, half of a large white onion and two medium-sized cucumbers, adding in two diced jalopenos for flavor (throw the seeds in if you live on the edge). Drizze a lime over the top to keep the avocado and serve cold on salty corn chips.

Spicy Sippers

Limes are so last year. Mix your gin and tonic as you normally would (depending on how many North Avenue beach patrons surround you, between a 1:3 ratio and 2:2), but throw some jalopeno rounds in the glass rather than a lime. Or hey, go nuts, do both.

Add honey for a sweet / spicy drinking dichotomy.

Jalopeno Burgers

Okay, I know, every bar in America has a "Texas" burger with chili, cheese, an onion ring, and jalopenos, but that is a BIT much. I prefer one that just adds a few jalopeno rounds to a simple burger topped with sharp cheddar. If you really must have more than one topping, throw some caramelized onions on.

Spicy Smoothie

Sugar and spice used to make little girls nice, but in the Millenial world, a girl without a little something spicy is bound to be ignored. No matter your smoothie, a little jalopeno flavoring will add something new and different to your boring old strawberry. I'd steer clear of combining it with the banana and chocolate varieties, but get totally weird with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and other citrus fruits.

Honey Jalopeno Ribs

As I write this, my crock-pot is cooking away a rack of ribs in a honey and jalopeno marinade. I cut up two jalopenos (with some seeds thrown in) over ribs slathered with barbecue sauce and honey and set the crock-pot to high for three hours.

Mashed Potato Skins

This is a recipe I would generally save for fall, but it's so good that it's become a year round staple. Instead of sticking to salt, butter and sour cream for your mashed potatoes, throw in some bacon and jalopenos. The smoothness of the texture takes the edge off the spice, leaving you with a far superior side dish.

Have other recipes? Email me and I'll try them out in the test kitchen!

Four ways to enhance your next shower

2012-07-22T16:04:00.000-05:00

And in the blink of an eye, Beth's baby shower came and went!

Doing multiple things at once (like vacationing and thinking) rarely works out well for me, but between Michigan's bountiful fruit and veggie supply, and my Mom and Sister assisting from the beach (yes, I put the guest of honor to work on her vacation), things couldn't have gone more smoothly.

But as always, there are a few things I would have done differently, and a few that went better once I bucked the plan. I'll have a full post later in the week, but here are a few things I learned from yesterday's event.

Wear gym shoes when working with veggies. I'm a huge believer in doing as much as you can the night before so that you might be able to throw on some eyeliner before your guests arrive the next day. This works especially well in the winter, when many of your foods can be marinaded or assembled the night before.

Not so much with a fresh menu. Chopped fruits and vegetables, whether on pastries, in salsas or served by themselves, don't do well in the fridge overnight, even if you throw some lemon juice on them. If you're going for the farm-to-table experience (and you should - it's delicious and healthy), be prepared to stand for a long, long period of time the day of your event.

Expect the unexpected. Since we had a more intimate group, my often unused shared back yard seemed like the perfect venue. It's shady so that the preggos wouldn't overheat, spacious enough for the guests to seat, and has cute furniture for al fresco-ing.

But in a rare act of my anxiety dreams actually coming true, we walked downstairs to find that the cushions for all the couches were being laundered that day.

Yes, a simple email to my landlord could have totally solved the problem, but when the cushions have been there every other day of my residence, I didn't think it would be a problem. But you betcha I'll be letting everyone in a three block radius know next time I'm having a party.

Find the right balance of sound. Showers are always tricky, in that they are awkward in nature. Watching someone open gifts that they picked out is awkward for both the guest of honor and those surrounding them.

Though everyone did the appropriate ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the adorable baby gifts, a little music could have gone a long way (and for the record, a last minute Colbie Callait pandora did NOT solve the problem. Yikes.).

Be flexible on favors. Up until two days before the shower, I totally thought I was giving the guests peaches. What's more perfect than a peach to say, "You're so sweet for coming."

But then, across from the farmer's market, I happened upon the Yankee Candle Outlet. I'd love to take full credit, but it was Mom who pulled these sand dollar votives off the sale rack. From there, it was easy to add "baby powder" and "soft blanket" themed candles to the mix.

By adding a little beach grass and sand, I called these favors a Summer success and (earmuffs, party guests) did it for less than three dollars a piece.

Inspiration Board: Summer Fruit Spectacular Baby Shower

2012-07-18T09:02:00.000-05:00

Even for a Type-A like me, it's hard to think "event planning" when I'm busy debating whether to have a Heineken Light or Rolling Rock for my four o' clock beer. I mean, could you focus on a day like this?

So instead of fighting my Michigan mentality, I decided to give into it and go with a Summer fruit spectacular theme for this Saturday's shower honoring my pre-natal niece or nephew.

Summer in Michigan is all about farm-fresh fruits. Blueberries, strawberries and perfect peaches are all in season. They require almost no recipe to enhance the natural goodness - baby, they were born that way.

Since the shower starts at 2, the main event will be more devoted to fun-sized foods with king-sized kicks, than a full meal. Though I'm still nailing down the final details, here are some items I'm eyeing.

Peaches add sweetness to any meal - or color scheme - but in a savory dish, they can be refreshing without being too sugary sweet. After reading Mary Schmich's column on a worthwhile Summer, the idea for a peach-basil caprese on pastry came to me in a dream (well, technically in a daydream in a cubicle).

I was into cucumbers way before vodka was, but I can totally see why this veggie is having the best Summer ever. It's refreshing, it's good for you and it's subtle enough to be non-offensive when mixed with other delicious fruits and veggies. I'll be making Beth's favorite preggo punch, pink lemonade punch infused with cucumber slides, as well as a chop salsa including avocados, jalopenos, onions and - you guessed it - a healthy dose of cucumbers.

Blueberries are nature's perfect power food. They're good for you, and so delicious you can pop them like potato chips. I like creativity as much as the next blogger, but when nature gets it right, they got it right. I'll have blueberries set out for the taking, naked as God intended.

Though more than one of my valued guests will be off the wagon while preparing for and recovering from the arrivals of little ones, the others can enjoy some of my favorite Michigan wines. This one, from St. Julian winery, is a light enough for Summer but bold enough to stand up to the most seasoned red wine drinkers.

Mi Allergy, Su Allergy

2012-07-17T11:14:00.001-05:00

In this day and fad-dieting age, it's hard to have everyone happy at any given dinner party.

Someone doesn't eat carbs, someone else is a vegan. Somebody's dieting, and somebody else is emotional-eating their breakup. Someone hates Mexican food, and someone is on a spanakopita-only diet.

Can't we all just get along?

Food preferences are one of the hardest things to get right when hosting for a six-or-more dinner party. Especially with close friends who feel very comfortable asking you to cater to their likes (or more accurately, dislikes), the temptation to just say, "Screw it!" and order some pizzas is always lingering.

But doesn't one of your friends have that pesky pepperoni aversion?

There's an easy way to make menu decisions when it comes to managing food preferences: want versus need.

If one of your fondest friends doesn't care for feta cheese, you can graciously leave it off their salad. If they don't care for anything you're serving, they can graciously eat somewhere else.

But when it comes to allergies - the two most common I come across are gluten allergies (celiacs disease is actually not an allergy, but an autoimmune disease) and nuts - it is your job to avoid poisoning your esteemed guests.

Managing these menu-changers can seem overwhelming at first, but with a few trusty tricks at managing the wants and needs of guests, you can drop, swap or divert ingredients to manifest a totally manageable menu.

Preferences.

I hate mayonnaise. Thinking about it makes me gag. I prefer not to be in a room with it. And for all you Frenchies out there, adding some garlic and calling it aioli won't work - I'm onto you.

At a restaurant, I've been known to go so far as to say I'm allergic to it so that it doesn't sneak it's way onto my club sammy.

But as a guest at someone's house, you'll never hear me complain.

To make almost any condiment averse guest happy, serve sauce on the side. Whether it's ketchup at a cookout or Bernaise sauce on a steak, leave the power to get sauced in the hands of the people.

If there are particular non-condiment ingredients that not everyone likes, leave them on the side unless they're imperative to the recipe (mushrooms, goat cheese and jalopenos are some common offenders). But again, a guest in your house is at the mercy of your hospitality - if they wanted to special order, they could have driven through the Mickey-Ds. All you can do is your best, and no one ever starved because the host put mushrooms in the risotto.

Allergies.

Not liking the taste of olives is a totally different ballgame than having an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts. And it's not as easy as pulling the nuts out of your caramel brownies, the nut products are lurking everywhere, waiting to attack your guests between the taking of toast and tea.

Be vocal about your allergies. Since mine are bee stings, ragweed and penicillin, I don't bother pre-warning the hostess (unless of course, I have been invited to one of the "pharm parties" where you take strep throat medicine - isn't that what teenagers do instead of keg beer now?). But if you have a food allergy, let them know, and let them know how to look for it.

Here are a few ways I've learned to not make someone sick.

Celiacs: I famously - and embarrassingly - once served my Silly-Ass (Celiac) friend microwaved eggs, since my whole brunch menu was baked in flour and other wheat products. But since then, she's educated me on the many ways to bi-pass bread. For instance, g-free box mixes.

Mexican food is also Celiac-friendly, with corn tortillas / chips, fresh vegetables and taco seasoning that is both MSG and wheat flour-free.

You can never go wrong with fresh fruit or vegetables, which everyone enjoys, even if they win medals for digesting grains.

One note: g-free cakes do not rise like other cakes. I had to stuff the one below with fruit in the middle to make it stand up. And it was still too short.

Nuts: One of the executives I used to plan meetings for had a severe nut allergy. This warranted a sit-down with the head chef, hotel manager and every person that might be preparing or transporting food prior to the meeting to warn them that he would die, no really, die, if so much as hazelnut extract crossed his croissant.

And without fail, one unknowing staff member once forgot to change the filter between the hazelnut and regular coffee, and another put a peanut butter next to a chocolate chip. Chaos ensued.

It's easy to exclude nuts, but for this allergy, you can't be careful enough. Check labels when you're buying items to make sure that there is absolutely no nut product in anything. Wash the pans three to four times if you've made a nut product in them recently. Don't set nut products next to allergy-friendly ones. Label things closely so that you can spare yourself and your guest the pleasure of playing 20 questions around the appetizers.

For tips on asking the hostess to accommodate your aversion, visit Posts.