Wrap Place Settings in Parchment Paper Parchment paper does double duty at the table: It makes an elegant place-setting wrap (who doesn’t love paper packages tied up with string?) that unfurls to become a no-muss, no-fuss place mat. Tear off a 16-inch piece and lay it down against the curl, so when it’s untied it […]

This dip is a great way to use up the flesh from unused artichoke stalks. Alternatively, you can use the prepared flesh, inner hearts and peeled stems of whole artichokes. You’ll need about three. Serves 6 Cooking Time Prep time 30 mins, cook 30 mins (plus proving) INGREDIENTS 11 oz artichoke flesh (about 9 thick […]

Still trying to come up with a great New Year’s Eve plan? It’s a safe bet that many of your friends are too. So spare yourselves and your crowd the hassle of squeezing into a packed club or the expense of a six-course meal at a restaurant and throw a party at your place. Although […]

With these party-perfect snacks, you’ll be the toast of the town. Make sure to check out Petit Luxe, our featured image for the perfect crostini with goat cheese and olive tapenade. Smoked Salmon Crostini Makes 24 | Hands-On Time: 10m | Total Time: 25m INGREDIENTS 24  thin slices baguette (from 1 small loaf) 2  tablespoons  olive oil […]

Make all three flavored cheese balls or prepare just one or two, adjusting the ingredients accordingly. {via Martha Stewart} For a different spin on the traditional cheese ball, try Wendy’s Fresh Cherry Cheese Ball at Around my Family Table. Yield: Makes three 4-inch cheeseballs Serves: 10 INGREDIENTS Base Recipe 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened […]

Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Dip Spinach is a vitamin powerhouse. Cottage cheese subs for sour cream, making the dip high in protein and low in fat. Scoop it with whole-grain baguette toasts. {Recipe} Miso, Sesame, and Sweet Potato Dip Sweet potatoes are naturally silky textured yet low in fat. They’re also a great source of […]

If a flight and hotel room in the city is too much for your budget, throw a Mardi Gras party. A well-organized Mardi Gras party has the potential to rival the excitement and mayhem of Bourbon Street, without the price tag. The Food No Mardi Gras food menu would be complete without a King Cake. […]

Stock up on winning beers Give your guests a selection of beers that reflect the names, the mascots, or the hometowns of the competing teams. Or, stock up on pints that represent your favorite teams. AFC Teams Baltimore Ravens: The Raven Buffalo Bills: Bison Brewing Cincinnati Bengals: Tiger Beer Cleveland Browns: Honey Brown Lager Denver Broncos: Dark Horse Beer Houston […]

Home Bar Basics A home bar doesn’t have to be a headache: Invest in basic equipment, stock up on essential liquors, and you can have a spread that will impress amateurs — and even make professionals nod in quiet approval. Storing Liquor Liquor will keep for a long time, particularly in a cool place away […]

Cocktail Party Planning Tips How much food should I serve? New Year’s can be a little tricky given the length of the party and the consumption of alcohol that is often associated with the night. In addition, given the celebratory nature of the occasion, most want the fête to have some sort of extravagance. For […]