Entertaining
May 2012
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Summer wine to dine for!
Don’t let rising summer temperatures be an excuse for putting that wine opener away.
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Fresh tortillas … at home!
Not much compares to the taste of a fresh, warm tortilla straight off the griddle.
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Tip your fedora to the ’50s with retro cocktail party
Say “so long” to beer and hello to Tom Collins and Frank Sinatra with a retro cocktail party!
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April 2012
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Hosting an Easter egg decorating party
Break out the Dixie cups and bring on the wire loops!
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The “new” garden party
Turn any homegrown gathering into a garden party your friends and neighbors will remember long after spring has sprung.
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It’s a slumber party!
The best slumber parties always include plenty of fun food, but don’t settle for the standard pizza, popcorn, and potato chips. Think outside the bag!
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March 2012
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Rethink pizza night
If you’re short on time, there’s no shame in using French bread, English muffins, or tortillas.
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Five reasons to celebrate March
Best of all, these celebrations don’t need to include obligatory visits from distant relatives or romantic entanglements.
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Throw a St. Patrick’s Day party
For an offbeat game, hide a leprechaun somewhere in the house and reward its finder with a “pot of gold” prize, like a bagful of chocolate coins.
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February 2012
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Host a slam-dunk March Madness party
Don’t let the tip-off catch you unprepared—start planning your March Madness party right now!
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What’s your entertaining style?
Playing to your strengths makes all the difference in how you entertain.
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A twist on pretzel treats
Pretzels are great because they are pre-made and really easy to handle. The saltiness pairs great with chocolate and they offer a lot of versatility.
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January 2012
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Soup shooters: ultimate party food
Soup shooters make a great first impression on your guests.
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Host the ultimate Super Bowl party
Super Bowl parties are all about getting together with a group — it’s what’s fun about watching the big game.
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Top catering secrets
Professional caterers know the secrets of a perfect party. Here are tips that can help even the most seasoned amateur planner throw a professional-quality party.
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December 2011
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Holiday flashback parties to remember
Certain decades lend themselves to holiday party themes, giving an instant touch of nostalgia to the event.
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Decorate cookies like a pro
This cookie season, kick your decorated baked goods up a notch with a few tips from the pros.
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Gifts that can’t be wrapped
Giving the gift of an experience isn’t easily contained in ribbon and wrapping paper.
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November 2011
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Surprising stuffing variations
It’s fairly hard to mess up stuffing. The bread base lends itself well to the dish’s ability to improve overnight.
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Place cards with pizazz
Dazzle your party guests with place cards that reflect a theme and spark conversation.
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Gifts inspired by nature
This holiday season, create a shopping list with some help from Mother Nature.
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October 2011
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Avoiding party store pitfalls
Party supply stores can be a last-minute lifesaver, but the convenience often comes at a price.
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Pumpkin bread: reimagined
With a few twists on the traditional recipe, pumpkin bread transitions from sweet treat to savory staple.
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Spooky October drinks
Look past apple cider and have fun with anything from a green witch’s brew to a punch overflowing with fog (really!)
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September 2011
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Fantastic apple recipes for fall
Whether baked or steamed, these crisp fruits lend themselves to as many preparations as there are varieties in the orchard.
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Dramatic Fall Party Flowers
The fall season offers several new options for your party décor.
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5 party essentials
Before you usher in your first guests, do a quick inventory to see if you have these five indispensible party essentials.
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August 2011
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Take a dip in hummus
Whether you scoop it up with pita or spread it on a sandwich, this Mediterranean staple brings savory and satisfying together with endless variety.
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Color-theme your next party
Think one consistent color for everything from decorations and appetizers to entrées, desserts, and even guest attire.
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Summer’s ‘bucket’ list
Along with floating in the pool, try a few of these activities to help summer go out with a bang.
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July 2011
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Patriotic cocktails that sparkle
Your drinks can showcase Old Glory’s colors and bring extra sizzle to your holiday celebration.
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Sizzlin’ summer kabobs
From savory meat and veggie combinations to sweetly seared fruits and desserts, these skewers are delicious.
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Plan an unforgettable family reunion
Ensure that your family has a blast at your next gathering with a unique reunion for all.
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June 2011
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Host a lakeside party for family
Here are a few tips to make your party at the pier or beachside gathering the highlight of your summer.
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Unique Father’s Day ideas
Make time this year for dear ol’ dad. Think about something he loves and work up a fun Father’s Day dedicated to it.
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Scrumptious burger creations
Add zest to your summertime grill favorites — burgers. Includes new recipes and types of meat.
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May 2011
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Unforgettable party favors
Useful, whimsical, and unique party favors can be the ultimate send-away after any gathering. Includes favors that will last a lifetime.
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Fun outdoor party lighting
With fabulous outdoor lighting, you can set the mood for your warm-weather fête.
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New Memorial Day traditions
Make your Memorial Day memorable with these exciting party ideas, from a roasted pig to wine tastings and a field day for the kids.
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April 2011
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Spring Tabletop Ideas to Brighten Your Home
Beautiful and unique tabletop displays will brighten up your home for spring.
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Party Invitations to Impress
Pre-party favors, unexpected bling, vintage humor & more! Build anticipation for your party with these innovative invitation ideas.
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Plan a Party in One Hour
With a few simple tips, your next impromptu gathering will not only look effortless, it will feel that way too.
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March 2011
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Heart-healthy dinner ideas
Nutritional and delicious options from appetizer to dessert
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The Allure of Miniature Pies
Take this new dessert trend home with recipes & great ideas
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Picture-Perfect Parties: Taking Great Party Photos
Photographers share tips for terrific snapshots
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February 2011
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Get Creative with Brownies
Create a work of art good enough to eat! Brownie design ideas to give your taste buds a real treat.
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Lomo Saltado Recipe
Take this classic taste of Peru home with a lomo saltado recipe.
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The Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner
From appetizer to dessert, here are delicious (and romantic) ideas to pamper your special someone on Valentine’s Day.
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January 2011
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Golf Gifts for Guys & Gals
Great finds include towering cakes to GPS on the golf course
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Make This Butternut Squash Soup
The perfect recipe to impress? Serve up this hot dish with a spicy kick.
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4 Fun Family Night Ideas
From fondue to flashlight tag, spend time with your loved ones
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December 2010
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3 New Year’s Eve Parties That Pop
Don’t ring in the new year the same old way — make your party special! Plus: Unique theme ideas.
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Holiday Table Decorating
Spice up the holiday table with a vintage candy buffet, coordinated colors, and even train tracks!
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Easy No-Bake Holiday Desserts
Great holiday no-bake dessert recipes include peppermint pie with white chocolate and lemon drop trifle.
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November 2010
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Hot Drinks for Cool Nights
Sip something savory this winter with warm cocktails, gourmet hot chocolate, and tasty teas. Plus: Drink recipes!
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Is It Cheaper to Rent Your Party Wares?
Rent a tea party. Or a disco ball, right down to a groovy dance floor! Party rentals put the spotlight on your event.
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Gourmet Slow Cooking — Really!
Can you take the 365-day slow cooker challenge? Plus: A pumpkin spice latte recipe.
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October 2010
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Candied Apples are Back!
Love caramel or candied apples? This classic has gone gourmet with candy toppings and oversized servings. Plus: A caramel apple recipe!
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Decorate your home for autumn
Do you know fall’s hottest color? Plus: Seasonal style tips from entertaining expert Kimberly Schlegel Whitman
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Host a pumpkin carving party
Love to carve pumpkins? Turn it into a party! Halloween ideas for decorating, dining, and easy cleanup.
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September 2010
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Plan a Progressive Dinner Party
Pick a theme and share the cooking and entertaining with your neighbors
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Healthy food choices help you get fit for fall
Want an easy apple pie recipe that’s heart-healthy?
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Essentials for Planning Your Next Party
Turf on the floor for a soccer party? Score! Tips from expert event designers Jes Gordon and Karen Bussen.
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August 2010
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Host a Great Labor Day Party
Great celebration ideas from throwing a block party to organizing an art sale.
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An Easy Appetizer Recipe and Ideas for Your Next Party
Chef Bibby Gignilliat shares a small appetizer big on taste.
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Outdoor Party Centerpiece Ideas
Dress up the table with fun containers and beautiful flowers.
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