A festive blog with lots of ideas on how to make a party great, or keep it from going south. Themes, recipes, do's and don'ts, and any other helpful information I've stumbled across and thought you readers might appreciate.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Arranging The Buffet Supper

Arranging The Buffet Supper


Sometimes old advice is still the best advice. This short film from the 1940's is very dated, and obviously a product of the times, but it still has some good advice that is worth following.

"The American tradition of the buffet supper is shown in its simple preparation. A 'must' for the homemaker or hostess."

I'll let the clip speak for itself:

Friday, February 5, 2010

How to Create the Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner

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February can only mean one thing. Valentine's Day. Normally, when you
think of Valentine’s Day, you associate it with flowers, nice restaurants
and chocolates. This year, change it up and try preparing a Valentines Day dinner for that
special someone. The great part about this dinner is you can create it
while being in the comfort of your own home! This article will give you
some easy ideas for decorating, dinner recipes and what to get as the
perfect gift!

Start the night off by setting up a romantic mood. A nice arrangement of
flowers will set the evening in motion, while also providing a great
centerpiece. Try filling a jar or vase with Candy Hearts and then taking
turns pulling a few out and reading them to each other. Be sure to
include candles and that special music the two of you love. Other things
to add are rose petals and a place card that has a short poem on it
professing your love. The sky is the limit on your creativity!

Next, you need to select what appetizers and/or salads you want to serve
your sweetie. An antipasto platter includes salami, cheese and thin
slices of a baguette or crackers and makes for an excellent appetizer. If
you want to get really creative, you can slice the salami and cheese in
heart-shaped pieces! I like to use Volpi Genova salami. The flavors blend
well with the cheeses. If you want more choices for the platter, try
adding some specialty Italian meats from Volpi Foods.

This is an extremely easy appetizer to assemble and create. As for the
salad, I would suggest mixed field greens tossed with a little olive oil
and balsamic. You can add some roasted red peppers for the Valentine
color. If your special someone likes salami, add a few slices to the
salad.

Now it’s time to select that perfect dinner recipe! Pasta is a perfect
choice for a romantic dinner! I would suggest Fettucini Alfredo. This is easy to
make and allows for creativity. Try adding a variety of cheeses like
parmesan and Romano. Try adding some pecorino cheese. You can mix the
pasta with fresh vegetables like peas or meats such as Pancetta.
Similarly with the salami, you can find excellent Pancetta at Volpi
Foods' online Italian store.

If you like wine, pick up a Sangiovese or Chianti. Either wine is an
excellent addition to the fettucini.

The hardest part will be deciding which dessert you are going to make or
buy. Here are a few choices. I would pick up some cannolis or tiramisu if
you want to stay on the Italian theme. You can carry on the red theme
with a cheesecake with strawberries and strawberry sauce or create
heart-shaped sugar cookies with red icing. If you want to include a
different dessert, feel free. All are relatively easy to make or purchase.

To add the magical touch, don’t forget to pick up a meaningful and
special gift! Try a couple’s massage, favorite movie on DVD,
chocolate-covered strawberries or a picture frame with a special photo?

Any one of these ideas will create a memorable and perfect night for you
and your loved one! Make sure to eat, drink and be merry. Happy
Valentine's Day!