Entertaining Articles

Dolce Salato Antipasto

Sometimes a full course meal doesn’t set the tone for a rustic, romantic evening. This sharable platter mixes both sweet and salty tastes (“dolce” is sweet in Italian and “salato” is salty), and its sample-sized portions are open for a variety of tasty choices.


Brie cheese
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Prosciutto
Spicy cacciatore sausage
Olive and rosemary focaccia bread

Fruity Sangrias are popping up on menus everywhere because of their communal potential - ideal for outdoor entertaining on the patio. This easy-to-make and refreshing crowd pleaser goes quickly so you may want to double the recipe.
 

2 750 mL bottles of white wine or Prosecco (sparkling wine)
1 1 L (1 qt) bottle of sprite or club soda
2 1 L (1 qt) bottles of peach (and white grape, if...

It's no blarney, we love St Paddy's Day! It's a great excuse to goof around at the office erm, plan a mid week night out with friends without all the pomp and circumstance that so often accompanies other holidays on the calendar.

The Huffington Post is reporting a severe shamrock shortage this year (yes, really), so leave the clover for the leprechauns and just share the Guinness and...

Some years it’s just bound to happen.  You’re a single girl, and just as you’ve shelved your sparkling pumps until next year’s holiday season, your favourite stores are suddenly taken over by a crush of red and pink.  Valentine’s Day is coming, and it seems every card and confectionery maker in the world is hell-bent on making sure you know it.

As the new decade gets underway,...

Whether it’s an evening soiree with friends or a birthday bash for your hubby or little one, today’s woman needs a green thumb for eco-conscious party hosting.  It’s a scary thing living with pollution and all the toxins in our environment, never mind the thought of raising our kids in this world. Moms are rightfully concerned with how those things are going to affect their children.

Dinner with wine used to be simple. The rule was white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat. But most of us don’t just eat meat and potatoes or drink claret and chablis these days.

With modern fusion cuisine and wines from new regions around the world, the choices – and confusion – are great. One new school of thought is that any wine goes with any dish. However, most of us don’t...

Holiday entertaining is always fun, but let’s face it – sometimes you need a break from the classic Christmas party. Don’t misunderstand – I love mulled wine and Sinatra Christmas carols (who doesn’t?) but sometimes we want to throw a party that’s a little different.

Thought about trying your hand at a salon evening? Literary and conversation salons date all the way back to Ancient...