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Dinner Party on the Fly
Recently, my husband called at 3pm on a Friday to inform me that he had invited a few friends over for dinner that night. Apart from the fact that our cupboards were bare, three hours could never be enough time to tidy the house, shop for food, and prepare a delectable meal, could it?
As a matter of fact, it is! Though it goes without saying that a home-cooked meal is always appreciated, your guests needn't know that you haven't slaved over the stove for hours on end in preparation.
A quick trip to Kowalski's and I could feel the stress of planning fade away. For starters, I chose the delicious Salmon Fritters with Mango Salsa and Panko Parmesan Crusted Vegetable Frites. For the main course I opted for the Sushi Sunset Platter, which features a Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll, Small Roll, and assorted Nigiri. Normally, I would slave for hours making sushi (and let's face it, it's never as good as you would hope it to be - sushi is not easy to perfect) - placed on my own platters and dishes, and it had the luxe look of being made by my own personal sushi chef.
If you've chosen right, there may be no takers for dessert, but I still like to have a little taste available. (I've been told that dessert makes one feel less full - a rationalization, I think). Offer your guests a selection of Buttercream Dessert Shooters - delicate little shots in flavors like Amaretto, Raspberry Chambord and Red Velvet - I guarantee, everyone will miraculously have room.
Ina Garten, the Queen of home entertaining once said, "Your guests aren't going to enjoy those brownies less just because you haven't made them." Take a cue from the Barefoot Contessa!
- Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair
Dinner Parties: Managing & Accommodating Your Pets
Setting the scene for a party can be a bit of a nerve-wracking experience when you are worried about making your guests as comfortable as possible in your home. Some hosts have more than just their guests to worry about - their pets. Having a party at your home can be a tricky situation for both guests and pets, ranging from guests with pet allergies to pets that are uncomfortable with new people or large groups. But the potential challenges shouldn't stop you from throwing parties, you just have to be prepared.
First, as an individual with severe allergies, including to my own pets, I recommend having some basic allergy pills stocked in your house to help guests with allergies be as comfortable as possible. Benadryl and Claritin are both readily available and can help take the edge off of allergy symptoms. It is a good idea to include in the invitation a reminder to guests that you have pets. Even if you decide to keep pets in a separate part of the house or off-site during the party, hair and dander remaining in the house is typically still enough to set off an allergic reaction.
Then, consider the situation from your pets' perspective. I know my cats get uncomfortable with large groups of guests, so we take measures to separate them from the party to help alleviate their potential stress over the situation. Baby gates are useful for keeping the cats in one part of the house, which also makes them feel more relaxed because there is a boundary line the guests will not likely cross.
However, managing your pets' behavior in these types of situations is not always that simple. That's why it is good to have resources you can turn to for advice. Sidewalk Dogs is a great resource for those interested in finding businesses and events in the community that fit their love of dogs. The site has links to everything from dog-friendly restaurants and events, pet care service providers, and doggie products, to artists that specialize in commemorating your favorite pet, like Sarah Beth Photography. If your pet has behavioral issues that you want to work on, The Canine Coach can work with you on dog obedience, either in-home or in group classes. If you prefer to have your pets out of the house during a party, Sidewalk Dogs can connect you with a pet sitting service in your area as well. Or, if you just want a new cute outfit for your pet to show off at the party, Sidewalk Dogs will lead you to the right boutique, like Bone Adventure. Just remember that it is easier to be relaxed and enjoy your own party when you know that you have taken steps to make both your guests and your pets as comfortable with each other as possible.
- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair
Which Wine to Choose?
Steak. It's what's for dinner. And that must mean you're pairing it with red wine. A nice salmon filet? Gotta be white. This is the tried and true way to pair the right wine with your food. I'm also fairly certain that there are about as many opinions on this as there are types of wine. Don't know where to start? Here are a couple of great resources for you...
Troy and Laura Chamberlin at Chateau St. Croix Winery built up their cache of wine knowledge while living Germany and visiting the many wineries throughout the region. They brought their found information with them when they moved back to the US, and now you can benefit from their hard work! The best way is to experience their winery in person, as it just a short drive northeast from the Twin Cities in the beautiful St. Croix Valley. But if you can't make the trip, check out www.chateaustcroix.com. They have great pairing info, along with events that they hold at the winery.
If you simply want a resource that will tell you which wine to serve with your meal, visit www.surdyks.com/WinePairing. Step 1, choose your main course from the huge drop-down menu. Step 2, it will give you a whole list of wines with their bottle prices. Step 3, click on the one(s) you want and shoot 'em right into your shopping cart. Step 4, be done with it!
Enjoy your freedom of choice and have fun with it!
- Laurie Ziegler, Gourmet Food & Wine, the Affair
the Dinner Party
You could wear a little black dress...again, but if you want to spice it up, here are a couple of fun ideas. Why not change it up a little bit with a sheer ivory long sleeved blouse by Parker, paired with a high-waisted black skirt by Missoni? Throw on a strand of pearls and a pair of sassy black patent pumps, and you are sure to make a splash. These are classic pieces - you will most certainly wear the simple black skirt over and over again, and you can even wear the shirt with a cami under a black suit for work.
Another fun combination is a sheer black turtleneck and a wide, black palazzo pant. These are two basic pieces, but when paired with layers of chain necklaces, stud earrings and loads of bracelets, this comfortable ensemble will surely make a statement. And if the little black dress is still calling your name, there are two perfect designs by Alexander Wang to choose from at Bumbershute - a strapless and seductive black dress with a zipper up the side, or a black jersey rouched long-sleeved mini dress. Alternatively, if you're hoping to visually shed a few pounds, a Valentino Red Label black dress with a side ivory panel is incredibly slimming.
Recently, these looks were featured in a photoshoot for the Affair. Be sure to check out the ads in upcoming issues of Metro and Lavender for all these great looks!
- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair
Help for the Host
Elegant: Festive Dinner Party with your Besties. Not Elegant: Rubber gloves, pigs-in-a-blanket, lackluster linens, fingerprints on the windows and smudges on your mirrors. What's a modern-day Jackie O to do? Delegate.
Hire-A-Host is an award winning party planning and hosting company. No need to wrinkle your party dress! Hire-A-Host not only offers menu and event design, but also provide professional and friendly wait staff and bartenders!
Before the attire is finalized and accessorized, your turf needs to shine. In The Pink Cleaning Service provides general house cleaning on a regular basis (weekly, bi-monthly, every 3 weeks, and monthly schedules), and they also clean for one-time events. Plus, they offer cleaning tips and encourage phone calls with cleaning questions! Plus, their motto is too cute: "More than pretty clean since 1992."
Festivities of Edina exceeds any expectations that you may have from a party rental and event design company. From linen selection to lending a hand the day-of, their team of professional event stylists work...so you don't have to!
Simplify your search for the perfect hostess gift and floral centerpieces in one lovely stop, Bachman's. If you haven't swung into your local purple paradise lately, you'll be delighted and surprised by what you'll find at Bachman's flagship store on Lyndale Avenue.
- Janna O'Meara, Entertaining & Events, the Affair
Dinner Party on the Fly
