THE BIG APPLE

It has been too long and I must apologize as I had a few big changes in my life. First, I moved back to NYC. It has been an amazing journey and I couldn't have done it without my family and friends (you know who you are). Now that I am settled, I'm ready to get back to business., let the party begin :)

Weekender Vol IV

The summer is almost over and I've been talking with my girlfriends about fun weekend events and now that we're turning seasons, what better way than to do a little summer wardrobe cleaning to open up space for all the new fun fall fashion trends.

Over the years I've been to slash and trash parties and wardrobe swaps. Some have been successful and others had resulted with strips of fabric scattered across my living room of once was a floor length tube dress (yes even I had worn the 80's style fitted but something left to the imagination dress). So hit your closets and invite your girlfriends for a night of reinventing yourself with what is one's sadly unworn clothes to that cute new piece to wear for a night out with the gals:)

A few tips to help the night move smoothly, bring at least 10 items per person, note, tattered clothing need not apply. As each woman takes center stage to show what she's brought, allow your girlfriends to raise their hands if interested in the item. Should there be multiple raised hands, use the old system of picking a number and whom ever guesses the closest, wins the garment. I like to hit up the local book store to have a few of the latest fashion magazines for the ladies to peruse for some inspiration. Cosmopolitans served with hor d'ouevres for night and mimosas and tea sandwiches for day events are always fun. Any items that don't make the cut can be brought to your local goodwill.

Have fun ladies and stay tuned for more tips to turn one's trash into someone's treasure!!!

Weekender Vol III

You scream, I scream, we all scream for wine tastings!!!

For those of you that know me on a personal level know that I can't go a summer without a little wine tasting. There's something to be said when summer comes around and you're having picnics and outdoor dinner parties that a little adventure with wine is a must. For some of you (location being the key) you can hop in your car and drive an hour to the nearest winery, although for the rest of you, I've devised a fun soiree that you can host anywhere, any time...

I've hosted a few wine tastings over the years and found that having 3 whites and 3 reds are a great way to learn and have fun with your guest. Here are the tools you'll need to have a fun wine tasting soiree :)

6 bottles of wine of your choice (suggested bottles include Pinot Grigio, Savignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chianti, and Cabernet Savignon) Remember the sky is the limit, so if you have savvy wine drinkers, select varietals that are a little off the beaten path
one wine mat per person
brown paper lunch bags to disguise the wine (much easier than taking off the labels) Number each bag to coincide with the wine from white-red, light body- full body (the wines above are listed in order of body style)
food pairings to include popcorn, bread, apricot jam, chocolate, spiced nuts preferably almonds

When your guests arrive, have the wine mats set-up with 6 empty wine glasses and the food pairings accessible for all of your guests. Be sure to also have water available. For every 10 guests you will need one bottle of wine each (you will be pouring one ounce pours for starters).

Things to look for when wine tasting:
Color- some whites are almost a clear color where others are more golden; reds usually start at a ruby color going into the rich plums
Body- Light body to full body. This is determined by the "legs" on the glass after swirling the wine, aka how quickly the wine drips down the glass.
Aromas- often times I've heard people describe wine smelling like grapes and as accurate as that is, not exactly what we're looking for here. There is a sensory in your brain that is like a light switch that takes a few sniffs and suggestive wording to turn-on. Encourage your guests to say the first thing that comes to mind, you'd be surprised how many others might agree.
Next is the taste, sip a little wine and aerate the wine by making a whistle face and breathing air in. I know this is not the most eloquent means to describe the process, I might consider posting a video feed should there be enough requests.
After everyone has sipped the first wine, allow them to try a sip with the food pairings to see how each item either enhances the wine or why it doesn't work.

Once you've done this process, you can reveal the wines to see which of your guests could guess the proper varietal. As a fun parting gift, I often have extra bottles of wine to give to the guests should they guessed correctly.

I'd love to hear about your wine parties and especially love to see pictures of your sassy soirrees. Remember to drink responsibly and have fun!!

Weekender Vol II

Being that I'm from the East coast I can't help but reminisce of the days when I was seaside and enjoying a seafood feast. A fun way to spend the weekend with friends, colleagues, and family is with an old East coast seafood cook-off. Think brown paper table cloths, boiling pots of fresh crab and freshly shucked oysters. The sea is the limit!! Pending on the guests favorites, my sister Darcy can eat shrimp cocktail until the cows come home or rather until the minnows come home.... Be sure to accompany the seafood feast with silver wash basins (http://www.bucket-outlet.com) filled with your guests favorite beers. Webstaurants offers a great deal on brown paper that is 40'x300' for 13.99 (http://www.webstaurantstore.com/suffixitem/593TCKRAFT/40X300.html). Santa Monica Seafood Market is my recommended venue to purchase some of the freshest seafood in town. For all of you Philly folk and New Yorkers, Whole Foods has some amazing seafood as does Citerella and Fairway in NYC. For you lucky folk that reside in Queens, you are required to hit the fish market even if it means waking up at 4am ;) Crate and Barrel have "crab claws" at an unbelievable price of $5.95. Be sure to provide bibs for your guest or advise of the somewhat messy event that will take place (I often refer to finger painting and have had guests show-up in painter schmocks). When preparing the seafood please do not forget the key ingredient of Bay Seasoning. For all of you West Coasters or Seaporters, I'd love to hear about your recommended recipes to include in my blog and add to my recipe index cards. Epicurious.com have some wonderful recipes as does Foodnetwork.com Happy shucking!





Recipe for Boiled or Steamed Crabs

Serves Six

Ingredients:
36 live crabs
9 oz. Of Old Bay
3 coarsely chopped onions
6 coarsely chopped celery ribs with leaves
1 small bunch of parsley
1 lb of salt
4 tbsp cayenne
2 lemons sliced

Fill a large pot with two inches of water for steaming or if boiling, enough water to cover the crabs. But set the crabs aside. Put all the other ingredients in the pot and bring to a vigorous boil for 30 minutes to create rich liquor. Dump all the live crabs into the pot; they should be frisky and kicking. After the water returns to a boil, keep the crabs cooking for approximately 25 minutes. They should smell like boiled corn on the cob. Fish the crabs out of the pot. If you want to, you can use the broth to cook another batch of crabs. Serve your crabs hot or at room temperature.

The Weekender Vol 1

Welcome to my new Weekender edition!!! Every Wednesday I will be posting fun and innovative ideas to get your weekend parties going. From theme ideas to fun events to part take in the Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York markets. I would love to hear what you think of the recipes and send photos from your own events inspired by my weekender posts!

Now that summer is here (although June gloom isn't the most ideal) it's time to clean off the BBQ and throw a fun outdoor gathering. The summer is the best time regardless of what coast or part of the world you reside. An easy way to get the party started is coming up with a theme, whether it be a color or type of cuisine. This allows your guest to have fun with what they wear or what they bring. I love the Latin theme for summer time, bright colors and easy festive food. Think bold warm colors like sunflower yellow, fire engine red, and sunburst orange when picking up paper napkins and plates or for your flower arrangements. White and red sangria are a must! Your guests can bring guacamole and chips or you can have them make it fresh if you have a mortel and pessal on hand. I've provided my two favorite recipes for white and Red sangria. Enjoy!!!!

WHITE SANGRIA
1 750-ml bottle Pinot Grigio
4 6-ounce cans pineapple juice
2 11 1/2-ounce cans guava nectar
4 cinnamon sticks
2 cups 3/4-inch cubes fresh pineapple
2 oranges, halved through stem end, thinly sliced crosswise
Ice cubes

Mix first 5 ingredients in large pitcher. Set 12 orange slices aside for garnish; add remaining orange slices to pitcher. Cover and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.

Fill tumblers with ice. Pour sangria over. Garnish with orange slices and serve.

Makes 12 servings

RED SANGRIA
1 gallons Zinfandel
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup Cointreau
1 quarts orange juice
1 cups lemon juice
1/2 cup superfine sugar
6 to 8 ice cubes
1 quarts chilled club soda
1 1/2 oranges, thinly sliced
1 1/2 lemons, thinly sliced

Thoroughly chill all ingredients. Pour the wine, brandy and Cointreau into a large punch bowl. Stir orange and lemon juice with the sugar until sugar has dissolved. Then add to bowl and stir to blend. Add ice cubes and soda and garnish with fruit slices. Serve in 4-ounce punch glasses or wineglasses.

Makes 50 servings

Fashion Dilemma for 4th of July weekend

The big weekend is coming up, with BBQ, beach days, and fun gatherings amongst friends and colleagues. The big question on my mind and many of my readers is what am I going to wear? Don't fret my pets as I have come up with some fabulous suggestions that won't break the bank so you can enjoy a few more ribs and summer cocktails ;)

Tunics have been a huge staple this year. Even top designers are on the wagon such as Matthew Williamson with his St. Tropez inspired line for HM. Tunics are great for any shape and truly show off some of your best assets. If you don't have curves, not to worry, neither do I. I found an easy solution by adding a belt to give a little more shape to the silhouette. To take this look from day to night, add a great pair of nude heels and change your hair to an up do (messy chignon or twist) keeping in mind that the look is not meant to be polished. Great for tresses that have been in the sun all day...

Maxi dresses are every women's best friend. Regardless of your shape, this sleek design is an easy go to outfit with out thinking too much about it, our time is valuable ladies. Best to spend it doing something fun and interesting, not staring into your closet. Grab and go ladies!! It's all about the accessories. Think big flimsy hats, metallic sandals, and big bangles for the day time. To transition to evening, add a cropped jacket, a big scarf, hooped or dangle earrings with a chunky necklace and your off to meet your girlfriends for cocktails.

Remember, have fun this 4th of July and be safe.

xoxo
M

Event planning

Creating a final look with your color scheme can sometimes be a bit tricky. The room should showcase your personal style rather than draw too much attention to specifics. A few examples to accentuate a color for table settings can be something as simple as using a ribbon to tie the napkins. If your budget permits, using a sheer table topper such as organza or lace in the themed color or chargers (aka plate liners) can give the added touch to bring your theme together. Below are a few examples of simple and elegant ways to tie in your color theme with table settings. Enjoy!

Images courtesy of theknot.com