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Labor Day Celebration Ideas
We have weeks of summer left, yet Labor Day signals a return of sorts. Little ones get tucked into their fluffy beds a bit earlier. Colleagues come back from their last beach vacation and quicken the pace of work. Even sunlight itself, which seemed endless some days, is meeting the streetlights while we watch. If summer is about ripening berries, September is about the few left to find, making Labor Day celebrations a time to savor what we cherish most about the season. As you entertain family and friends, or take a moment to relax, here are my tips on how to make the most of the holiday. Serve and…
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A Creative Table: Meaningful Place Markers
Gathering for a farm-to-table feast or a weekend brunch with loved ones offers the opportunity to communicate what you cherish about each of your guests. Whether the fare is simple or elaborate, a creative tablescape adds to the festivity and to the fun of hosting the party. You can throw away all the rules and pressure associated with entertaining, but always hold onto the joy of infusing meaning wherever you can, even down to the place markers. We all know that the best hosts take time to relax and enjoy the celebration. New friends or old, we feel truly welcomed in their home while we enjoy their signature dishes and…
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Holiday Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving calls for a proper feast. While the first sighting of a pumpkin inspires some to plan Halloween costumes or jump ahead to gift-giving lists, autumn has me thinking about turkey, stuffing, and every dish that makes the feast delicious. Now that Thanksgiving is a little over a week away, I finally can share the holiday cranberry sauce recipe that will be on my table this year. Homemade cranberry sauce is a holiday essential that is simple to prepare and adds vibrancy with its ruby tone and bright flavor. In this recipe, tart cranberries are made irresistible with the addition of brown sugar, Cointreau, and a touch of balsamic vinegar…
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Valentine’s Day Inspiration
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and I have to admit that it’s my favorite holiday. As a child, I was thrilled to head off to school with a heart-shaped bag my mother would sew out of a few pieces of red patterned fabric, and which I would stuff with little notes for everyone. Two hearts sewn together simply with a handle long enough to hang off my shoulder. Perfection. Of all the holidays, Valentine’s Day can be fraught with disappointment for those expecting declarations, gifts, and romantic messages. The greatest love letters come at random times, with motivations often ranging from loss to apologetic desire. Consider the closing lines of…
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Host a Stress-Free Holiday Party
The holidays are most definitely here. With less and less time for last-minute preparations, those of us who are hosting parties can benefit from simple ideas to keep things calm and scrumptious. Throughout my recipes and tips, I advocate slowing down to enjoy the results of time spent in the kitchen, as well as the ingredients and processes involved. Savor the act of cooking while you uphold your own food traditions and experiment with creative approaches. Certainly, admiring the magnificent shape of star anise seems easier during the lazy summer, but I still make sure to slow down and enjoy Christmas and New Year’s preparations. Fresh herbs, spiced wine, and…
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