It’s officially party season! I’m sure your inbox is full of invites from Halloween parties, weekend brunches, friendsgiving dinners, Thanksgiving with family and of course the holidays are just around the corner… Hosting a party is tough work, so show your friends and family some love with the perfect hostess gift to give thanks for their ... read more
home is where the heart is…when hosting family
My sister has lived abroad with her adorable family for the past 6 years. We speak over the phone daily but that doesn't take away from any excitement I feel when they're in NYC. This summer I'll be hosting part of the Profeta family for a month. This brings me to ponder what it really means to host them. I'm not the most attentive host that ... read more
my monday morning obsession
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/62933159[/vimeo] My friend photographer, J-F Vergel created a beautiful and moving video of everyday objects in his home - doorknob, crucifix collection etc. Mesmerized, I had to have one of my own! Fortunately with a birthday within acceptable gift requesting time, I begged politely requested that he assemble one for ... read more
prohibition party cocktails
If you're going to accurately host a 1920s Prohibition dinner & a murder party, alcohol beverages are mandatory regardless what the law says. The creative challenge was how to serve the hooch discreetly to maintain the integrity of the speakeasy theme. I toyed with the idea of serving the drinks in mason jars with those charming daisy cut ... read more
Roaring 20s Prohibition speakeasy dinner & a murder party
... read more
dinner is served – speakeasy style
So I'm really drawing out this dinner & a murder party, but extensive blog content was the justification for throwing a budget busting bash. The 1920s theme was prevalent in lighting, invitations, signage, obviously food was to follow course. I had done my research and learned quite of a bit of 1920s cuisine was repellant to today's taste ... read more
How to be a gracious guest (part 3: dessert)
It has been a lovely event – you danced, drank and dined and now it is time for you to depart. And at the appropriate time too – not the first to leave, but certainly not the last. You do NOT want to be that person. The last to leave is neither helpful nor welcomed – just lingering because there is alcohol available and ... read more
how to be a gracious guest (part 2: dinner)
So now it has been established that your are a VIP guest with your hostess gift in hand, but what is that in your other hand? A shopping bag with ingredients to whip up a little something to bestow upon the already planned and prepared menu? Unless you are attending a potluck dinner or the hostess has specifically requested you bring that amazing ... read more
the hava nagila hostess
I haven’t been on the Bat Mitzvah circuit for close to 2 decades, so when the elaborate and (tastefully) embellished invitation arrived, I knew that this sacred Jewish rite of passage was in for a well-deserved makeover. The hostess of this Hebrew hootenanny was my best friend from high school with whom I shared a less pious, albeit equally ... read more
party prep for any given sunday
With the countdown for Super Bowl XLV in full effect, it’s time to pull out the partyjeanie playbook on game day etiquette. One might question the introduction of formalities for a party that calls for chips, wings & beer served in bottles, however being a considerate and gracious host transcends any occasion. The follow suggestions are ... read more