DINING
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I saw on the Web.
+ The stunning wallpaper & lampshades from British brand Miss Print can be ship to any global destination. A glimpse at the magnificent collection will convince you of my excitement. Via Apartment Therapy Chicago
+ Mata Hina is involved with interior styling, food styling and illustrations. This is a good source of inspirations. Via design to inspire
+ I am a huge fan of antipasto dinner parties. For casual entertaining, nothing beats serving charcuterie (cured meats), patés de foie gras, terrines and cheese. Via The Kitchen
Categories:
HOME decor
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, August 10, 2008 12:33 AM | Feedback (1)
When I received an invitation from Seven Daughters to sample their wines, the first thing I did was to check their Web site.
Let me tell you that they got my attention right away. The reason is that Seven Daughters target women, a rare move in the wine industry.
Instead of boring us with wine jargon, they emphasis on what, when or where I can drink their wines. I like their concept.
They made wine fun and exciting by suggesting party themes with my girlfriends. After all, women have always get together to talk, share and laugh. Click Girls’ Night In on Seven Daughters’ Web site to download themes for your next girls’ night in.
The Composition
The brand is called Seven Daughters because seven California grape varietals compose each wine.
French Colombard, Chardonnay, Riesling, Symphony, Orange Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc are the main ingredients of the Seven Daughters White Winemaker’s.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, August 08, 2008 4:29 PM | Feedback (0)
To be frank, I never cook an Indian meal. I eat Indian food at the restaurants. A few friends made the plunge and enjoy this adventure.
So if you do not know how to start, I suggest you stop by Hooked On Heat, a blog by Meena Agarwal. There are plenty of tasty recipes.
Newbies should read first Indian Cooking 101. To avoid frustrations, be prepared and stock the must-haves in every Indian pantry, fridge and stove suggested by Meena.
Based in the Toronto area, Meena is a cooking instructor and recipe developer so she has no problem teaching us a few tricks.
Gift Ideas for Foodies
Since spices are crucial in Indian cooking, why not buy a cute spike kit on Etsy from Purpose Design. I introduced before her brushed aluminum spice box collection. Because you will use many different spices, I suggest that you buy for yourself the large kit instead of the small one. You can store a few small spice kits for future hostess gifts.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, August 07, 2008 10:46 AM | Feedback (1)
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I saw on the Web.
+ Having dinner in the streets is a public form of entertaining that is born out of necessity in a mega city. Citizens assemble temporary dining terrace in the sidewalks. Suzanne Seggerman holds “Chez L’Hydrant” dinners in front of the building where six or eight friends share a one-pot dish. Calvin Tsao is more daring; he held dinner parties on the Brooklyn Bridge. Via New York Times
+ I added a new blog to my RSS feed that I must tell you about. This Ain't No Disco (it's where we work) is blog that shows some of the best agency interiors in the world. I foresee lots of creative rooms in sight. Via desire to inspire
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, August 06, 2008 11:38 PM | Feedback (0)
Christine sent me a request for sources where to get more interesting ramekins or custard cups. The world of ramekins is still pretty traditional. But I dug a few options for you.
Mayfair & Jackson
The Pretty Petals ramekins are my favorite for a baby or a bridal shower. The soothing sage green, butter yellow, and cloud blue are always in style.
If you are looking for a more streamline design, go with the basic 4-piece ramekin set. The sets are available in blue and in white.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
DISHING tips
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, August 05, 2008 12:39 PM | Feedback (0)
Get inspired for casual summer entertaining with three different table linen looks.
I selected tablecloths from Simons, a retailer with stores in Quebec and Montreal. Simons sells women’s wear, men’s wear and home fashion at affordable prices. I often bought table and bed linens from their own brand.
Playing with Patterns
I cannot wait to throw a brunch with this setting. Everything starts with a china pattern. I am so glad that I selected the Chirp Dinnerware set because I can experiment with new tabletop styles.
I discovered that lots of accessories harmonize with the Asian feel of these teal and watercolor bird drawings. I did not expect that when I selected this pattern from the Simple Fine collection by Lenox. I chose this pattern because the drawings were cute and different from my own tableware. I wish to disclose that Lenox sent me a complimentary set last spring to get familiar with their line.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLESCAPE
TABLEWARE
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 11:19 PM | Feedback (1)
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I read via my RSS feeds or that I saw on the Web.
+ A one-of-a-kind hammock designed by Karin van Lieshout in collaboration with Rachel van Outvorst. It took an immensible amount of work to produce this handmade hammock. Their monkish work also includes several pendants, a huge chandelier and a cool sea urchin chair. Via ROOM & Serve
+ Certain fabric colors for the Nurseryworks Storytime Rocker are at 50% off at Zac and Zoe. The idea to look for it came to me after reading about the best scavenger finds on Ohdeedoh. Do not bother to check the ad since the Craiglist listing has now expired. Via Ohdeedoh
Categories:
HOME decor
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 1:07 PM | Feedback (0)
Every week, I compiled the list on Sunday from what bloggers published over the last 7 days.
+ The Los Angeles Times talked about how a 1958 Edward Fickett house hangs on to its contemporary cool. The current owners are huge fan of this architect since this is their second Fickett house. The interior is a feast for the eyes. I really like the hip sun umbrella next to the pool. Via Apartment Therapy Los Angeles
+ This pretty snack is from a collection of charming photos sent by emma to the famous Holly of Decor8 for Haug Maus, her latest blog project. Haus Maus is Holly’s diary about living part time in Germany.
Categories:
HOME decor
DISHING tips
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 12:39 AM | Feedback (0)
After my radio interview, I went for a shopping trip. Since I wanted to visit Zone, I headed to Westmount. Luckily, I discovered an adorable new store filled with an eclectic mix inspired by French style.
I talked to Danielle, one of the co-owners. The store is the labor of love of two girl friends. We even talked about our respective wedding photographers. It turns out that her wedding photographer trained with my photographer.
My wedding photographer Angela Campanelli opened the trail in Montreal for the updated style in wedding photography. Angela is so busy that she does not update her Web site very often.
What is in the Store?
Opened since May 2008, Madame de Pompadour proposes a small collection of tableware, home accessories, linens and kid clothing. Their catalog is updated frequently.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, August 02, 2008 10:04 AM | Feedback (0)
As I laid my eyes on these sunflower cupcakes by Joycelyn of Kuidaore, I knew I found the topic for a post.
Be ready for seeing your guests in awe if you bake and decorate similar sunflower cupcakes.
Prepare in advance you dessert table, the sunflower toppings look too great to not show off your cupcakes.
Menu Ideas
Here are some recipes with simple yet stylish food presentation. This menu can be an alternative to the real-life sunflower bridal shower party and gerbera birthday theme I shown you this week.
Sweets
Kuidaore gives no recipe but the site lists the ingredients for the sunflower icing. If you have some experience, you probably can concoct your own version.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
BABY showers
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, July 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Feedback (1)
After lunch, my friend H. wanted a cupcake. This is how I discovered this cool ice cream and cupcake place in the heart of Old Montreal. You can see the side of Notre-Dame Cathedral while you are eating sweets at Les Glaceurs.
I was not hungry so I did not taste one. After the fact, I was hungry around 5pm. So I regretted not having bought a cupcake for take-out.
For your information, we typically eat dinner between 8 and 10pm so eating a cupcake at 5pm would not have ruined my appetite.
The Décor
The fun décor and girly colors please me. Instead of the retro vibe, they went with modern counters. The eating area has reference to the French bistro.
In fact, you could reuse their color palette for a birthday party or a baby shower. It looks festive. The palette is ideal for any kids party. The medium to dark wood brings sophistication to the decor.
Categories:
KIDS party
TRAVEL
CAKES
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, July 31, 2008 9:03 AM | Feedback (0)
The top 3 are Red-Dot Design Award winners and an honorable mention. The fifth is there because it is cute and original.
Zyliss' Easy Spin Salad Spinner
On my book, noting beat a Zyliss salad spinner and I got a 10 year old model. Zyliss won in 2004 for its Easy Spin salad spinner.
The latest model, the Zyliss Smart Touch Salad Spinner won a Red-Dot in 2008. Sadly, the consumer reviews are mixed so far.
Everywhere I checked, people were more than satisfied with the Easy Spin Salad Spinner. So I will say to go with the previous edition (the ones I am showing you).
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 9:18 PM | Feedback (2)
I felt in love with the work of two more Etsy sellers today. I love to shop on Etsy as I am telling my girl geek friends at lunch today. I find that my friend Tanya is a huge fan too.
In her Etsy Take Five Tuesday, decor8 introduced five amazing etsy sellers. Simple design note cards and stationery usually grab my attention. That is why I enjoy the work of Wendy Chung for Dozi Design.
I have a thing for Finnish design. Syko stands for whimsical and happy designs in patchwork and appliqué. She sews hand made housewares. Her cushion covers are adorable. Her laundry bag and shoe bag would be practical when you travel.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:59 PM | Feedback (1)
This is the latest video from the talented flair bartenders at Mixoart. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, checkout their latest video available on You Tube.
Read More About:
cocktail,
fun
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Monday, July 28, 2008 4:09 PM | Feedback (1)
Ever since my friend Nathalie brought a bottle of this delicious lemonade at a party to make mojitos, I am craving for more. This French lemonade tastes amazing. Her mojito was memorable too.
I felt sad last weekend since I failed to find any at the European and specialty shops in my neighborhood.
I invited a few friends tonight for an apero, the French word for a simple before-dinner drink served with something small to eat (see recipe at the end). I am thrilled that Nathalie bought me a bottle of Elixia Lemonade as a hostess gift.
As I started mentioning on my post about the Apple Sainte-Catherine store opening, the most cherish gifts fit the desires of the recipient. The Elixia Hand-crafted Lemonade is the best hostess gift I ever received because it was on my most wanted list.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 3:15 AM | Feedback (5)
I love all green salads except for the watery Iceberg lettuce. Watercress is at the top of my list.
Very Nutritious
I make a watercress salad at least once a week. I will keep doing it now that I know that watercress is deemed to be a super-food by dietary experts.
Watercress is a top source of vitamins C, B1, B6, K and E, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Click here for a comparative nutritional analysis.
If you wish to add watercress to your diet, you can start with these super easy recipes.
Tea Sandwiches Recipes
I always want to host a tea party but never find the right time. In the meantime, I collect recipes and delightful tea leaves.
Nikki of Canarygirl proposes her Homemade Aioli and Baby Watercress Tea Sandwiches, a simpler version of the classic. Nikki elevates the sandwich by using an arabesque pattern breakfast china set.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 5:17 PM | Feedback (3)
I cannot resist this amazing dessert by Vanille of At Down Under. It is not simply beautiful dished, the soufflé mixes chocolate and pistachios,
An origami box gave Vanille the inspiration to reinvent the individual cake pan with parchment or waxed paper.
I am impressed! It is so original and lovely. If your guests are not be blown away by your flood presentation, you should think twice before inviting them again for a home meal.
The soufflé recipe is from Donna Hay; a relevant choice knowing that Vanille, a French woman married to an Hungarian man, has moved with her husband to New Zealand not long ago. They used to live in Paris.
I wish all the best to this new blogger. Vanille started At Down Under last June. Already her blog posts captured my senses more than once. You will find how to create the baking paper star pan and how to bake this recipe on her blog.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:38 PM | Feedback (1)
Passing from a NASA engineer to a successful cake designer and baker makes a pretty extraordinary story. BethAnn Goldberg had the creative gene since she started out as a ceramic sculptor before graduating from Stanford.
Studio Cake makes three types: the tiered cakes, the sculpted cakes and the cupcakes. The level of details is impressive. Look at the icy snow on the ground of the snowman cupcakes.
Let the Birthday Cake Be The Gift
If you are planning a birthday for someone that has everything, give a one of kind birthday cake instead. The guest of honor will be in awe when he/she sees the cake. Highlight the event with harmonizing invites, party décor and even wear costumes. Let the party of a lifetime be your gift.
Categories:
ALL occasions
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 12:30 PM | Feedback (0)
I marked down this hipster bakery and coffee shop on my itinerary for my next visit to New York. Baked NYC is located in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Baked first caught my attention for their third place as the best cupcakes in New York city. That ranking was obtained on the 2008 New York City Gourmet Shopping & Entertaining survey organized by Zarat. In fact, three NYC bakeries shared the third place.
It is finally the design of the place, the beautiful photos and the stylish cupcakes that convinced me to bookmark Baked. I hope these cupcakes taste as good as they look.
Baked’s Sweet and Salty cupcake
I am curious to taste their famous Sweet and Salty cupcake. This creation is composed of a dark chocolate cake infused with salty caramel, topped with caramel chocolate ganache and fleur de sel. I know this is a winning combination. MSN.com named it the one the best cupcakes in the United States.
Categories:
TRAVEL
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:46 AM | Feedback (1)
Brighten your kitchen with a dash of yellow. You can start with a few accessories.
You can grab and nicely display the napkins and tea towels by Heather Moore of Skinnylaminx. This illustrator and designer from Cape Town, South Africa, makes beautiful table linens. Her gray and yellow look sophisticated when put together. The mix feels soft.
For a twist, use her 13.5 x 13.5 inch napkins as placemats for a dessert course or a simple breakfast. The plant and flower yellow pattern is printed on 100% cotton hopsack using water-based ink.
Heather owned cool plates and mugs. I would like to find similar, so keep me inform if you know a source in Canada or the USA.
The plates may lead to a new venture. Heather decorated these plates for the South Africa House! exhibit. She transferred 3 of her design on ceramic dinnerware. Each place setting is different and devised from one color palette. Check the rest on her collection on her blog. The patterns are all superb.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:42 PM | Feedback (0)
On Sunday, I talked about the upscale burgers prepared by French Chefs. We tried a recipe that same night. I referred to my version as my Parisian burgers on Twitter. Several Tweeple were curious.
Jerome and I relish the Parisian burgers. The burger reaches new height. We cannot wait to invite friends so they can appreciate their full flavor.
Last Winter
This is not our first excursion to a different burger experience. We savored the Father’s Office burgers in Santa Monica. We liked it but we were not overwhelmed by the flavor. Both recipes prove that mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup are not essential to make a delicious burger.
Our Interpretation of The Café Salle Pleyel Burger
This was a team effort. I dug the recipe, adjusted the ingredients to our taste and my husband Jerome cooked the meal. Be prepared to taste the ultimate burger. The burgers were cooked on the BBQ.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:15 AM | Feedback (3)
Every time we go to the States, I must take a peek at Crate & Barrel. I typically need a ruse because my husband knows it will take me a while to walk around the store.
I brought back only a catalogue from all my visits. What about the cute home accessories or the nice tableware that I spotted? This is now a thing of the past.
I am thrilled. I just learned that the first Crate & Barrel store in Canada is scheduled to open in September 2008. This leaves me some time for making space on my cupboards.
My dear husband should write this down on his agenda: extend our stay in Toronto the next time we go to a FacebookCamp.
Green Cooking
By this time, it may be late for the fun green and white 50s retro print of the Farmers Market line. The multi-purpose lidded Garden Market Storage Bowls would add a nice touch to your buffet or summer table. The flat bottoms with a ring of gripping rubber of the Market Bowl Set come handing during the cooking preparation stage.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 21, 2008 12:16 PM | Feedback (1)
Serving burgers is so common that the stylish hostess is always on the lookout to elevate the basic recipe. Using a better cheese or changing the condiments is one way to go. Now the French Chefs are playing with the burger recipes.
Eating Habits
I still see many European who immigrated in Canada eating their hot sandwich or their burger with utensils. It feels strange. I must confess that I eat warm submarines with my knife and fork at home because it is less messy. But burgers and French fries are finger food. For their comfort, I provide two large napkins to every guest when we serve hamburgers.
Burgers are Turning Chic on the New York Times
This is why I enjoyed reading an article from the New York Times. It explains how the French Chefs are reinventing this American dish. My husband is cooking our version of the Café Salle Pleyel Burger tonight. I will talk about it if we like it. But I can tell you that it smells good in the house.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
TRENDS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 10:25 PM | Feedback (1)
Last May, I talked about how the Nintendo DS handheld could be a cool tool in the kitchen.
Basically, I explained why I think it makes more sense than the computer. At the time, I introduced a French digital cookbook called Leçons de cuisine.
Preview at E3
Now it is the turn of 100 recipes by Jamie Oliver to go on the Nintendo DS handheld. What's Cooking with Jamie Oliver will roll out starting October 2008.
It is more than a cooking game with several levels and competitions. Players can store 100 of their own recipes into the cookbook. The only draw back is that you are limited to hundreds of handpicked ingredients to record your own dishes.
The coolest thing is the shopping list. You build your shopping list from the list of ingredients of the selected recipes. The shopping list supports both Jamie’s recipes and your own recipes. You can easily bring your DS when you go grocery shopping and save on paper.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, July 18, 2008 11:40 PM | Feedback (0)
This French dessert is apparently the first fresh fruit cake. Fraisier is delicious and is a favorite during the first summer months.
A fraisier is basically a genoise sliced in two halves, filled with creme mousseline (creme patissiere combined with butter) and fresh strawberries. The top is made of a pink or green almond paste layer. This is the original version that Elle à Table qualifies avant-garde in 1960.
I am taking this opportunity to talk about how you can take any old recipe, make same adjustment to the recipe to reflect current trend and develop a new food presentation. The idea is to reinvent a classic dish.
The Fraisier, 2008 edition
Last year, La Tartine Gourmande reinvented the Fraisier by topping the genoise and freshly sliced strawberries with a snow-light rhubarb mousse made with mascarpone, rhubarb purée , egg whites and whipped cream. Strawberry goes well with rhubarb. Bea was inspired by the classic layout but her version looks more modern.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
TRENDS
DINING
posted @ Friday, July 18, 2008 12:31 AM | Feedback (0)
I am happy to announce that the Real-life Party series which will feature actual parties done by you is officially opened.
To be fair, it is the third real-life parties from readers since I showcased the Caveman Theme for a 40th Birthday Party in January 2008 and Yuri Gagarin's Night Party 2008 in Montreal in April 2008.
Birthday Cake and Party Favors
Steph, a.k.a. KiwiGirlSteph on Flickr made these adorable cupcakes for a boy fourth birthday party. This mom is very talented and she bakes cakes for her friends and family.
Categories:
KIDS party
CAKES
REAL-LIFE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 8:47 PM | Feedback (1)
Food covers are a necessity in certain regions. Unfortunately, they often lack style. This is not the case of these gorgeous bamboo food covers.
Available in three colors from the UK retailer Graham and Green, you can harmonize the bamboo food covers with a set of 3 baskets.
Like you can see on the left picture, the look feels more sophisticated if you mix colors. Repeat some key elements and have fun creating your tabletop.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Food Cover at Graham and Green – price: £10.95
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Baskets at Graham and Green – price: £12.95 for the set of 3
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:15 AM | Feedback (0)
I was reading an issue of the French magazine Elle à Table at lunch. As I turned the pages, I noticed something particular about the food ads.
They have a warming message like we see for alcohol. Except that the message written in large font at the bottom of each food ad promotes good eating habits.
Processed Food Advertising in France
To feed my curiosity, I visited mangerbouger.fr to get the facts. All processed food products and drinks with added sugar, sweetener or salt are subject to this law. The law became in effect February 28, 2007.
I think that Canada and the United States should do the same. Everyone can benefit by following these 4 simple rules:
- Avoid food that is too fatty, too salty or too sweet
- Eat daily 5 portions of fruits and vegetables
- Refrain snacks between meals
- Exercise regularly.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
TRENDS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 4:49 PM | Feedback (1)
Last Saturday, my husband Jerome and I went to the Atwater farmer’s market. We stocked the fresh produce to test three recipes by Eric Ripert. Our meal was simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.
We drank the white wine I received from Seven Daughters. It was a nice pairing. My review of this wine tasting experience is coming soon.
How I Did?
Every cook adapts the technique to his/her style. I wish to share things I did differently. Refer to the recipes on video by Eric Ripert for the ingredients and instructions.
I do not own a toaster oven since I have no counter space to spare. Truthfully, it is that I prefer leaving my counter free for other usages. Therefore, I set my gas oven at the low Broil temperature. It was the perfect heat.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
KITCHEN tools
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 1:13 PM | Feedback (1)
Buying the candles for the birthday cake is the last thing I typically do when I host a party. This means that I settled too many times for the usual tricolor 24-candle package. I would feel less rush if I stock in advance.
With these 5 candles from 3 brands, you will be ready the next time you celebrate the birthday of a loved one.
Fred
The first two comes from the whimsical Fred brand. The Birthday Candelabra is available in pink or white. I want it next year on my cake.
I finished a couple weeks ago watching Rome series on DVD. Therefore I feel an attachment to the Roman candles.
Worldwide Co.
Continuing with humor, Worldwide Co. proposes 10 Who's Counting? models for or age sensitive friends or just for some Birthday fun. You can let the cake speak and say Lost Count, Don’t Ask, 21 again, 29 again, Thirty-ish, Forty-ish, Young at Heart, You’re Old. The traditional I Love You and Happy Birthday complete this collection. The Who's Counting? Candles collection won the Gift of the Year award in 2007.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PARTY supplies
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 1:48 AM | Feedback (1)
The pirate theme seduces both children and adults. A pirate party is fit to be really creative with the décor and the food. I spot the cutest pirate cake and cupcakes on Cupcakes Take The Cake blog.
The Sweet Tooth Fairy, a cake shop from Salt Lake City made a Jolly Roger pirate cake plus several dozens of pirate cupcakes for a pirate party. I like everything from the blue and red color palette to the execution.
Pirate Kid Party Ideas
If you are looking for decor ideas, check out the pirate party mood board I did last year. The pirate theme was designed for an outdoor kid birthday party. Yo-ho-ho! A Pirate Party! written by The Finer Things provides more cool ideas.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, July 14, 2008 7:17 PM | Feedback (1)
We can always find unexpected creative products from the design team at Fred. This time, they outshine themselves with their latest collection.
My favorite new products from the Autumn 2008 collection are:
FINGERFOOD is an imaginative concept. The charming little plates with rings fit right on your finger to let you carry around hors d’oeuvres.
Fred is contributing a portion of the proceeds from the PEACE of CAKE mould to organizations dedicated to peaceful resolution of conflict, justice for all, and respect for human rights.
This little truck made from satiny porcelain rolls on real rubber wheels. I love the slogan for TOOTHPICKUP: it’s where to park your picks.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY supplies
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, July 14, 2008 1:56 AM | Feedback (3)
The French designers master the art of creating fun yet stylish textile patterns. And Atelier LZC continues to prove it.
We all need a few extraordinary sets to supplement our everyday tea towels. When placed on the right display, tea towels add visual interest to a simple room design. Tea towels often replace placemats and cooking mitts in the kitchen.
Entertaining Accessories
Why not put a tea towel instead a hand towel in your powder room when you entertain? Their latest Japon (Japan) and Souvenirs (Memories) models would compliment nicely an Asian party theme.
Bunny Maxwell sells a few items from Atelier LZC in the United States. They do ship internationally but you must call them to get the rates and timeframe.
The Parisian Gold Tray and the Nocturne Tray will add a definite French flair to your party. The trays are made from melamine.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 2:25 PM | Feedback (2)
The best dinner parties can be the improvised ones. Simply assure your success by keeping on hand a few easy to make menu.
I gathered wonderful recipes from Eric Ripert, the French Chef at Le Bernardin in New York city. Naturally fish is at the center of this menu. On a hot day, I feel fish is the perfect meal.
Eric Ripert started a food blog at the beginning of June 2008 called Avec Eric (that translates to With Eric). The edge of his blog is a series called Get Toasted where Eric prepares gourmet recipes cooked in an over the counter toaster oven.
The instructional videos are quick and fun to watch. Moreover, Eric is not shy to pass along cooking tips. By watching him, you should become a better cook.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, July 11, 2008 1:16 PM | Feedback (2)
This time around, I composed a simple weekday menu that is healthy and delicious from recent submissions on Tastespotting.
What’s for dinner is a question that becomes hard to answer day after day. My menu can save you time or at least, inspire you.
My goal is to give you practical options. At the same time, you will discover or be reminded of wonderful blogs by foodies.
Today’s Menu
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, July 09, 2008 10:11 PM | Feedback (0)
G. from my network got a fabulous idea. He organizes weekly friendly pétanque games in the park. Everyone brings their own boules and food. He brings a portable BBQ.
Make Your Own Club
Sometimes entertaining can be as simple as planning and hosting an event around an hobby. Everyone can bring their own stuff. Still, the investigator receives the merits of organizing the event.
G. uses Facebook to inform us of the event and gather attendances. It is quick and easy to set up. We have an informal meeting but you can easily make a league and keep leader boards.
Obviously, you can devise a Provincial party theme for an annual picnic event. Most cities require a permit if you wish to host a picnic of 25 persons or more in a city park. Often the fees will guarantee you a spot with tables and a few BBQ. Ask if you are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages.
You can find across America Pétanque clubs with actual pétanque courts. But it is not a must to play; you can play on grass if you have to. It is better to play on a hard dirk surface. Remember that the boules must be able to roll. If you like the game, here are so clues on how to build your own pétanque court.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 09, 2008 11:30 AM | Feedback (0)
I received my copy at the beginning of the week. I think Whitewater Cooks is a wonderful cookbook.
It is unusual to crave for the food at a ski resort cafeteria. But Fresh Tracks Café is not your typical ski resort cafeteria. Before acquiring Whitewater Winter Resort with her husband Mike in 1997, Shelley Adams spent 15 years as a popular caterer to the west coast film industry.
Shelley Adams finally gave in to the incessant requests of patrons who wanted her kept-secret recipes. In Whitewater Cooks, Shelley shares 80 gourmet recipes that she cooked over her career at Fresh Tracks Café and also as a caterer.
Whitewater Cooks is divided in 5 recipe sections: soups and bowls, salads and greens, savouries, salsas, chutneys and sauces, and finally sweet things.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, July 05, 2008 8:00 PM | Feedback (0)