The holiday entertaining season is here. American Thanksgiving is next week. The December holidays are right around the corner. New Year’s Eve soon to follow. It is party season, not to mention food season. Deep breaths, we got this. Let’s channel our inner holiday entertaining goddess, and remember the lessons of blog posts past. I have tried and tested nearly all the strategies, and made lots of organized plans over the years. I’ll share a few more of my favorite tips this week, just in time for holiday entertaining. … [Read more...]
giving thanks: pairing wine with turkey and the trimmings
The American Thanksgiving: a food lovers favorite holiday. All the family love, gratitude, and joy of the holiday season, with far fewer demands on our time and sanity. We are able to focus almost completely on the meal. The turkey, the trimmings, and in my house, the wine pairings. I know, after all that fuss and planning over the menu, the wine may not be first on your mind. But this year, no excuses. Pairing wine with the legendary Thanksgiving meal is actually quite simple, and may just take your already festive food holiday to the next level. … [Read more...]
this Halloween, host a trick-or-treating party
Fall is in full swing. The kids planned their Halloween costumes back in August, but luckily, the annual neighborhood trick-or-treating party requires far less planning and effort. I keep it real on Food with a View, so I’ll confess: I don’t usually host the Halloween festivities. I have wonderful friends who have taken up that tradition. As resident foodie and party planner, I often lend a hand with the food. So of course, I have a view on Halloween party planning. … [Read more...]
late September gatherings
The dilemma of planning a [northeastern] September gathering: you and your guests want to enjoy the late summer sunshine, the transition of a warm day to a cool evening, and the last vestiges of summer outdoor dining. There remains a risk, however, that the weather will not cooperate. It could be oppressively hot and humid. A thunderstorm could strike. It could be cold and dreary. So while the deck could be the most popular spot in the house, you may also find your party guests huddled indoors, reducing the number of designated eating locations. … [Read more...]
easy, breezy, summer entertaining
Summer should be simple, and summer entertaining is no exception. Summer is my favorite time of year to host people in our home. The kids are maniacs outside, limiting the impact of their crazy, and the adults can relax with a beverage, a good meal, and excellent company. … [Read more...]
a long distance baby shower
I’m lucky to have a sister for a lot of reasons. As a big sister, I get the special privilege of providing advice and wisdom as she navigates life events, having already experienced them. [I’m sure she really appreciates and loves this particular feature of sisterhood.] … [Read more...]