{book: Peace Meals cookbook}

I recently was told about this book, and promptly ordered it here .

This time of year makes me start thinking about Spring dinner parties and the summer spent with friends and family. These occassions, whether casual or formal, always revolve around food- and I'm always looking for new ways to entertain. I love this book not only for the recipes (which all come from The Junior League of Houston, and some of their chef friends), but also for their tablescapes, complete menu ideas, and party prep/setup.

Those Texas girls have lots of great ideas! Now all I need is to get an invite to one of their parties and check it out first hand.

{drink: a holiday cocktail}

I saw this recipe in a magazine, ripped it out, and promptly brought it to a bartender. Voila, The Candy Cane.

Rumplemintz

Bailey's

Skyy Vanilla

Candy-Cane Whipped Cream

Crushed Candy Canes

{chef: Elizabeth Goel's miniature "Bites" on The Food Network}

Around this time last year, I was scrambling to pull together my Inlaws 50th Wedding Anniversary party, being hosted at our home. The most important part of a party to me, is the food- well, and the music, people, flowers, location... Okay, food is one of the MOST important parts of a party, but one piece of many. If that one piece is not great, it could wreck the whole thing.

In my frustration to find a caterer that was up to par, I was given a tip to check out Bite Catering Couture, the latest rage in the Hollywood scene. I did, was blown away, she got the gig and made my party memorable in all the right ways.

Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a Shot of Soup
Miniature shrimp quesadillas
Mini Cheese Burgers
Mini Cone of Fries

About the chef:
Elizabeth graduated from Barnard College of Columbia University, and she earned her Grand Diplome in pastry arts from The French Culinary Institute of New York. Elizabeth is certified in food safety by the New York Restaurant Association’s ServSafe program and is a proud recipient of the prestigious NYC chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier Scholarship for women. Elizabeth has worked as an Assistant Pastry Chef at New York City’s famous Union Square Café, under Food Network Champions Chris Russom and Marjorie Chua at Let Them Eat Cake, and has independently catered for numerous private and corporate clients.

http://www.bitecatering.net

THE FOOD NETWORK: Watch Chef Elizabeth compete! Airing Aug 24th 8pm!

photos: courtesy of BiteCatering.net

{entertain: a smile by way of flowers & cake}

so, a few months ago, i threw a bash for my inlaws 50th wedding anniversary. there are certain things i never scrimp {word?} on- flowers, cakes, food, photographers, and stationery. i wanted to pay homage to this lovely bouquet {and the houseful of gorgeous works of art} made by my friend Jeff at Rolling Hills Flower Mart... sorry so small, i can't seem to enlarge.

and this gorgeous buttercream cake from Torrance Bakery {with jeff's accent flowers}

divine.

{shop: dessert, anyone...}

i'm in love with these plates from anthropologie. can't you just imagine serving a luscious dessert on these? alone or with friends, they are a sure thing.