a Williams-Sonoma Blog
I wholeheartedly believe that the best gifts are ones that are handmade… and edible! Your mom will love that you took the time to make something just for her. I’ve compiled some of my favorite, quick, made from scratch ideas that she (or anyone else) will love.
If you’re like me, the perfect gift on Mother’s Day is to be able to host a party that is all about my favorite things. So often when I’m entertaining I design the menu and the party around my guests or my husband’s favorite things. We end up serving a lot of seared steaks with decadent chocolate desserts.
Don’t get me wrong, I love both of those things. But sometimes I want to host a part and serve just things that I want to enjoy. So for me, hosting my own Mother’s Day lunch isn’t a chore — the pleasure is all mine.
Using two very simple elements — eggs and planted daffodils — I created two different table settings that would be perfect for Easter or a spring party. Both looks are fresh and simple and incorporate unique vessels instead of typical vases for the flowers. For me, inspiration struck when I was perusing my local market and I spotted the blue and brown heirloom eggs. Sometimes the most simple of ingredients can make the most interesting centerpieces!
With a new baby in our house, babies are definitely on my mind. A lot. In fact, sometimes it seems they are the only things on my mind! When putting this idea together for a baby shower, I began my research in my daughter’s room.
I think some of the best parties are those that remind us of being young. After all, what’s more fun than feeling like a kid again?
Do you remember when you were in grade school and everyone had a pizza parties for his or her birthday? Now we’re all grown up, and there is still nothing better than getting together with your friends on a Friday night for pizza. The concept may still be the same, but the pizza has changed — it’s better!
When you think of Valentine’s Day, you probably think of chocolate. Not me — I’ve been smitten by the vanilla bean. The warm, subtle flavor of vanilla has swooned me!
I should clarify: not just vanilla, but the flavor of real vanilla beans. Using real vanilla beans in your cooking and baking can be tedious (scraping out the beans, etc.) and expensive. I’ve recently discovered vanilla bean paste. It has changed my baking forever!
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for sweethearts. Let’s be honest: the women in your life probably appreciate heart themed desserts and lovely Valentines Day table settings more than the men do! This year get out your girly pink linens and heart-shaped cookie cutters to host a ladies luncheon celebrating the love you have for your gal pals.
At most times of the year I like to entertain casually — I like rustic, earthy dinner parties that are comfortable and relaxing. During the holidays I like to up the elegant factor just a bit. I prepare festive cocktails along side hors d’oeuvres and serve dinner at a candlelit table with my best china, flatware and linen. I still rely on natural, rustic elements to make the table cozy and charming.
Here is my formula for a cozy and elegant holiday dinner party:
I usually post tips, recipes and menus for hosting parties, but what happens when you are the guest? It is important for you to be as gracious of a guest as you are when you’re the one hosting the party. I put together some ideas for great hostess gifts you can bring with you when you go to someone’s home for a party.
We’re all invited to countless cookie exchanges during the holidays. Instead of cookies, this year invite your friends and neighbors over to tackle the dessert making task as a team and to celebrate chocolate — host a pre-holiday dessert making brunch.
Baking for others brings joy to so many of us out there. I can imagine that baking with others, for others can only be that much more fun! You can share recipes and learn new techniques from each other while checking off part of your holiday prep list.
