The best caprese salad shows off summer's finest with creamy mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes topped with fresh leafy basil and fruity olive oil. Serve the salads individually or turn this simple Italian staple into a party by creating a DIY caprese salad bar where everyone can ... continue reading... about The Best Caprese Salad (Plus a DIY Caprese Salad Bar)
entertaining
The Best Bloody Mary Recipe (+ Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar)
This Bloody Mary recipe makes a spicy, flavorful vodka cocktail. Add as many toppings as you'd like to get your drink just right! Give me a loaded Bloody Mary or give me a chardonnay. Because when it comes to brunch, I want more, more, more. You might say this cocktail ... continue reading... about The Best Bloody Mary Recipe (+ Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar)
How to Set Up a DIY Mimosa Bar
These tips for setting up your own DIY mimosa bar make it easy for the hostess to relax as guests help themselves at your weekend brunch, wedding, bridal shower, or other reason to celebrate. Unlike cocktail party martinis or game-day beer busts, mimosa brunches aren't ... continue reading... about How to Set Up a DIY Mimosa Bar
How to Make the Perfect Mimosa
Mimosas made with bubbly sparkling wine instead of expensive champagne adds one more reason to toast "cheers" to lazy weekend brunches or any special occasion. Perfect Mimosa Cocktail Recipe My best friend Kim is the queen of mimosas. Whether it's going out for a weekend's ... continue reading... about How to Make the Perfect Mimosa
How to Serve a DIY Bagels and Lox Brunch Bar
Wondering what to serve a crowd at your next party? Make it easy on the hostess with this breakfast and brunch buffet idea: Serve a DIY bagels and lox brunch bar. Last year when my niece Chandler announced she was engaged, I knew I wanted to host a bridal shower for her. ... continue reading... about How to Serve a DIY Bagels and Lox Brunch Bar
Moms Rule! The Ultimate Mother’s Day Brunch Guide
The ultimate Mother's Day brunch guide, filled with recipes and gift ideas any mom would love! Mother's Day falls just once a year (don't forget May 10!), but it's important to remember that moms never stop being moms. They love us every day, and they never stop worrying ... continue reading... about Moms Rule! The Ultimate Mother’s Day Brunch Guide
How to Host a Wine and Cheese Pairing Party + Free Printable
I’m the first to admit it. I’m not an expert in the nuances of cheese. And I am a far, far, far cry from calling myself a wine enthusiast, let alone a sommelier. You didn’t by chance notice those ice cubes in my Chardonnay, did you? Hang my head in shame, but that’s how I ... continue reading... about How to Host a Wine and Cheese Pairing Party + Free Printable
30 Oscar Worthy Recipes and an Academy Awards Party Hosting Guide
Today's 30 Oscar Worthy Recipes post comes to us from our resident movie fanatic / FoodieCrush contributor / queen of the Academy, Hayley Teater, who every year schemes over Academy Award fétes with the same passion that Southern belles plot and plan their dream wedding. On with ... continue reading... about 30 Oscar Worthy Recipes and an Academy Awards Party Hosting Guide
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
When I received an S.O.S. comment on Facebook from one of my favorite readers, Maribel, I put on my thinking cap and went straight into action. With Christmas Eve approaching in just a wink of an eye, Maribel commented that she was in need of a recipe that had enough style to ... continue reading... about Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Hot Shrimp Creamy Cheese Dip and Friday Faves
I’m finishing up my unofficial, undeclared week of delicious cream cheese dips with just one more cheesy wonder: Hot Shrimp Creamy Cheese Dip. While I’ve been slathering my Smoked Salmon Spread on bagel crisps, and dipping chips into this Porter Caramelized Onion Dip (check ... continue reading... about Hot Shrimp Creamy Cheese Dip and Friday Faves
Porter Caramelized Onion Dip and Crushing on The Beeroness
Being deemed The Beeroness—which in drink-speak is similar to bearing the title of Princess, Duchess or Queen—has plenty of responsibilities that come along with the nobility. Luckily for us commoners in the ways of ale, stouts and malt liquor, we have food blogger and author ... continue reading... about Porter Caramelized Onion Dip and Crushing on The Beeroness
Smoked Salmon Spread
Celebrations call for bites of all sizes, big, small and every other. Luckily, my Smoked Salmon Spread fits the bill no matter how big you’re craving is or the size of your eagerly awaiting mouth. There’s a beautiful reason to add to today’s celebration, because the lovely ... continue reading... about Smoked Salmon Spread
Baked Brie Graham Cracker Crostini with Lavender Honey Plus Friday Faves
While some wax on about why you should never again bring Brie to a party, I say, that’s cool, go ahead and don’t do that. All the more for me to bring. We all know brie is a favorite classic small bite at parties and gatherings. We know this thanks to observing the multiple ... continue reading... about Baked Brie Graham Cracker Crostini with Lavender Honey Plus Friday Faves
Roasted Cherry Sangria
Red, ripe and juicy, these cherry bombs are ready to be toasted in this Roasted Cherry Sangria recipe sponsored by my friends at Harry & David. I've been known to enjoy a nice, cold refreshment on a warm summer's eve. Maybe once, probably twice. Okay, like, definitely ... continue reading... about Roasted Cherry Sangria
Nectarine and Wisconsin Burrata Bite Crostini
This past weekend I allllmoooost could have posed as a hipster. If I was 15 years younger and dressed a whole lot cooler. I mean hipper. I mean I don't know what is better, cooler or hipper to say these days. And if I had a full blown beard—thank God it hasn’t come to that, YET. ... continue reading... about Nectarine and Wisconsin Burrata Bite Crostini
Roasted Garlic and Pickled Jalapeño Guacamole
How many times have you heard it? You know the phrase, the not-so-very-much-original one we all say because it's just so perfectly descriptive. You know it. Come on, say it with me. Think it. Live it: "Hoooooooly Guacamole." Okay it's a little trite, but so true. Guacamole ... continue reading... about Roasted Garlic and Pickled Jalapeño Guacamole
Escape with Ghirardelli Intense Dark: How to Host a Chocolate Tasting Party
It’s been a long, snowbound winter, and while the new rush of spring has officially arrived—along with blooming daffodils and bright colored shorts and cute strappy flip flops begging me to buy...Buy...BUY!—I’m still hanging onto the last few weeks of family and friend time in ... continue reading... about Escape with Ghirardelli Intense Dark: How to Host a Chocolate Tasting Party
Celebrate with the Bubbly French 75 Cocktail
In December of last year, my husband and I took a quick weekend-er to celebrate our anniversary and get some much needed “us” time in one of our favorite cities, San Francisco. My dad grew up just outside San Francisco so I spent a lot of time there visiting my grandma every ... continue reading... about Celebrate with the Bubbly French 75 Cocktail
Easy Entertaining with Harry & David
The wrapping paper and ribbons have made their way back into the holiday storage bins, the purple and gold polka dotted neck tie found its way back to the department store. While Christmas is geared toward filling the stockings with care and the joy of giving to others, adults ... continue reading... about Easy Entertaining with Harry & David
Fig Spread and Cheese Crostini Appetizer + Korin Giveaway
Are you tired of me saying it yet? Talking about how much I adore salty paired with sweet? I hope not, because you're in for a big dose of it today. This past weekend we made our way to our friend's annual holiday company Christmas party. No, I'm not moonlighting on the side ... continue reading... about Fig Spread and Cheese Crostini Appetizer + Korin Giveaway
Hotel Inspired White Peach Sangria with Harry & David
The weekend started innocently enough. We landed. We checked in. And then, we discovered our gift boxes. And that's when the party started. Sweet Riesling, sparklin peach juice, fresh fruit and a few resourceful food bloggers. I smelled Sangria, but we'll get to that in a ... continue reading... about Hotel Inspired White Peach Sangria with Harry & David
Short Rib Fettuccine and a Fantasy Virtual Dinner Party
Right now I'm cozying up to fall. And I'm relishing it every step of the way. I'm clearing the garden in anticipation of an imminent frost, hanging the Halloween ghosts from the oak trees in the front yard and craving simple, earthy flavors for dinner. When it comes to simple ... continue reading... about Short Rib Fettuccine and a Fantasy Virtual Dinner Party
