Entertaining
-
Serving of fruit: Carve out a place on your summer entertaining table Photo
Hot weather, especially this hot weather, is hardly inspirational. But, it has inspired us to think cool, especially when we are contemplating summer evening dinner parties. What better dish to bring the temperature down than a colorful basket brimming with the summer's bounty of fruits? more
-
Holy pigs in a gimlet! It's bacon vodka Photo
It had to happen sooner or later. Bacon enthusiasts, ever insatiable in their quest for everything bacon, can now belly on up to the bar for a bacon cocktail made from Bakon Vodka. more
-
Take your party to the porch Photo
When we walk through the neighborhood of an evening, surveying the houses — with envy — we're struck most by those with porches. But they're all empty. more
-
White wines at the ready for summer Photo
Despite summer's reluctance thus far to make a lasting appearance, there soon will be plenty of gatherings by the pool, picnics at the Bowl and alfresco meals under a panoply of patio umbrellas. The superstars of summer produce — peaches, cherries, tomatoes, peas, haricots verts, sweet corn &#... more
-
Easiest garden party ever Photo
You could always slap peanut butter onto bread and tiptoe out to where the petunias bloom. You could sit there nibbling, watching bumblebees buzz and dart amid the nodding heads. more
-
Picnic trends: Light foods, eco-loving storage Photo
Over the next several months, you probably will take a road trip with the family to a fabulous park, attend an outdoor concert or settle down on a patch of grass for a few moments of sunshine and solitude. And you probably will have something to eat. more
-
Beautiful ways to serve and style desserts Photo
Sometimes the most delish sweet treats can come along in the simplest packaging. There's no reason to look for the heavier options when fruit is in season and can be absolutely ideal for hot summer days, if you present it well. It's all in the presentation. more
-
Calorie counts of your favorite barbecue foods Photos
You may want to think twice before taking a bite of that bratwurst. We've compiled average calories of America's favorite backyard flavors. more
-
Aprons: Go ahead and tie one on Photo
Is there another kitchen object that carries as much baggage as the apron? more
-
Popover pancakes for a memorable brunch Photo
Dutch baby pancakes, sometimes called German pancakes, are baked rather than cooked on a griddle. They are best made just before serving because they will deflate quickly. The pan is heated in the oven with some butter until it is just melted, and then the batter is poured in. more
-
The art of Japanese cocktails Photo
Sushi and sake go together like beer and pretzels. And the pairing has a certain appeal: When sitting at the sushi bar, drink like the Japanese, right? more
-
The goods: Shakers Photo
Poms for your palm: They are so gorgeous and lifelike, the only thing keeping us from eating these Michael Aram Pomegranate Salt & Pepper Shakers is their chic gold-plate and oxidized bronze finish. Cost: $99; michaelaram.com and select Neiman Marcus and Macy's stores more
-
Ancient brews brought back to life Photo
It's hard to quibble with the coolest nickname in the world — "The Indiana Jones of Beer." But a more fitting moniker for Patrick McGovern might be "The Lazarus of Libations." more
-
A last-minute gathering doesn't have to mean hours in the kitchen
Even a last-minute get-together doesn't have to stress the host or hostess. Choose a time, call friends, and run to the supermarket. It's not necessary to cook all day. You can assemble a hearty antipasto platter, then add quick and easy appetizers. more
-
How to be a good host or guest Photo
Manners always matter. Rude is ever rueful. And the "anything goes" era has up and gone. more
-
The dinner party has changed
Karen Sheridan isn't a fan of potluck. Semi-cold casseroles, pasta shells stuffed with mystery meat, mismatched appetizers. more
-
Throwing a monster Halloween party on a broomstick budget Photo
Halloween parties are becoming more popular and more elaborate. But that doesn't necessarily mean more expensive. Shopping on a dime is on the mind of many party hosts and hostesses these days. But, even if your budget is small, you can still have a spooktacular party. Maria Everding, St. Louis... more
-
For a wicked Halloween party, choose a theme
At Jamie DeBree's house, grass skirts, palm trees and parrots pass for Halloween decorations. more
-
Football feeding frenzy: Tailgate like a pro Photo
Ahhh, football season. It signals the return of cookouts, especially tailgating parties. more
-
Perfect wine pairings for hard to match foods
There are many foods that can take a punch out of wine, especially a bottle ill-chosen. But there are four real wine killers out there: artichokes, asparagus, chilies and vinegar. No need to switch to water. You've got some of the nation's savviest wine-food pairers watching your back. Here are... more
-
Pizza slices: Two foodies debate the merits of wedge versus 'party cut'
Recently, restaurant critic Phil Vettel and his cubicle neighbor Kevin Pang engaged in a lively discussion over the virtues of wedge versus square pizza slices: more
-
How to order wine like an expert Photo
OK, so you don't know a box wine from a baby brunello and that big dinner with colleagues/clients/current object of obsession is just a day away. You want to be dining and wining but will likely be dining and whining ... especially if all you can say to the waiter is, "Got any... more
-
Smart steak cuts for lean times Photo
In the old days, say about this time last year, it wasn't so hard to throw a bang-up backyard barbecue: You just picked up some nice, thick 28-day dry-aged prime New York strip steaks, lighted a fire, grilled to medium rare and then made an extended curtain call, trying to appear humble as your... more
-
How to plan a dinner party
Dinner parties should be about the guests - everyone gets along, enjoys the food and can relax in a nice, cozy space. So how do you pull off a simple one for a small group of friends? more
-
Losing Your Job? Have a Dinner Party!
A group of soon-to-be unemployed retail workers are determined not to lose their connections with each other. Despite facing a unforseeable future, these people celebrated losing their jobs by having a dinner party. Leah Beno was there. more
-
Romantic inspired cocktails Photos
Treat your sweetie to a yummy cocktails made with love. Enjoy responsibly! more
-
Rosh Hashanah menu ideas and tips
Food is especially symbolic at Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, which this year begins at sundown Sept. 18. The menu is full of meaning at this holiday, which is not about ringing in the new year with abandon but about solemn reflection and remembrance -- as well as joyous hope for a good year to... more
