the Affair

the Fare

2009-11-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

the Big Day & the Day After

A lot of focus is placed upon "the bird" at Thanksgiving - as it should be. But for those with house guests, the party doesn't end there. What is a host to do the day after? The answer is easy - be prepared - ideally with something other than turkey sandwiches and mashed potato cakes.

But first, let's talk about the bird. That is, the rockstar and it's groupies, otherwise known as the sides. For me, the sides make or break the meal - and they allow the cook an opportunity to add a little creativity to the big meal.

I'm a huge fan of sweet potatoes, but just thinking about the typical baked version with marshmallows on the top makes my teeth hurt. Instead, try roasting sliced sweet potatoes with canola oil, honey, salt, pepper and a light dusting of southwestern or Cajun seasoning. The spice will be nicely balanced by the sweetness of the honey, and as a bonus, you won't need to have any cavities filled post-meal.

Recently, I divulged my love of brussels sprouts, and I'm happy to say I have a new recipe to share. Take washed & trimmed brussels sprouts, cut in half, and add to sautéed onions. Cook on medium high heat until nicely browned, then add apple cider. Cover and braise until tender, then add goat cheese and stir until melted and well distributed. Sooo yummy, and the slightly sweet sauce is guaranteed to benefit any turkey that may have spent a few too many hours in the tanning bed.

Pies are the staple of any Thanksgiving meal, but I prefer to drink my calories. A tasty recipe for a Pumpkin Pie Martini can be found at www.slashfood.com - a perfect ending to any calorie-bomb meal, (and I like to think it helps with digestion).

And then comes the morning after. Chances are, you may still be a little full from the day before, so it's best to keep things on the lighter side. I like to prepare as much as possible in advance, which allows me to sleep in along with my guests. I'll bake a quick bread or two ahead of time, and have those ready to serve sliced, or as muffins. You can never go wrong with fruit (you'll be surprised to see how quickly it's gobbled up), and chicken sausages are a light alternative to pork. For the eggs, Kowalski's has a great recipe for Oven Scrambled Eggs with Roasted Asparagus - much of which can be prepared in advance. Let's face it - this is Minnesota, where Egg Bake is as ubiquitous as jello salad, but this allows you to satisfy the traditionalists as well as the foodies.

Happy Thanksgiving!

- Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair

the Flare

2009-11-17T19:59:00.000-08:00

Planning Ahead - Be Prepared for a Last Minute Party

I always appreciate any article I read about throwing a party - whether an elaborate dinner soirée or a kid's birthday - that includes tips on when to do each of the planning tasks in advance of the guests arrival. Remembering that certain supplies can be purchased a week or two in advance, dips can be made 2-3 days ahead of time, certain entrées and desserts can be prepared and sit for hours or days without compromising flavors, and the bar can be set up at your convenience with only ice to add at the last minute always reassures me. So with that in mind, I have a few tips so that you are prepared if you suddenly find yourself needing an appetizer to bring or serve your last-minute guests, or if you simply want to minimize the amount of work needed to be done at the ninth hour.

Frozen appetizers are handy to have stocked in your freezer. I always keep a package of frozen phyllo shells, which can quickly be transformed into Goat Cheese and Chutney Phyllo Tarts in a matter of minutes, especially since I always have a couple of varieties of chutney in my fridge. There are also a wide variety of quality appetizers available in the supermarket now, ranging from Indian Samosas to Greek Spanakopita triangles (www.realsimple.com has a list of the best frozen hors d'oeuvres). Recently, I discovered Lunds & Byerly's mini vanilla bean cheesecakes - they have a great flavor, and are an easy portion size dessert that works well for a small or large gathering, especially dressed with a small pile of fresh berries and a spring of mint, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

There are a number of items that can be stocked in your pantry to make quick dips and spreads at the last minute or ahead of time. Making your own olive tapenade only requires pitted olives, olive oil and a few pulses in the food processor. A can of white cannellini beans or great northern beans, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice quickly become a savory white bean dip that can be served as is, or topped with fresh tomatoes, diced red onion, shredded zucchini, feta crumbles and sliced olives for a fancier presentation.

Soup parties are another easy option that allow most of the work to happen well in advance of the party, and enables you the freedom to hang out with your friends throughout the party, rather than being trapped in the kitchen starting the next course. I recommend making one or two soups, depending on the size of the party, and offering a variety of mix-ins for each, such as tortilla strips, shredded cheese, cilantro, diced red onion, and avocado for a spicy Mexican style chicken soup. Good quality bread from Panera Bread or Great Harvest, a few hunks of quality cheese and a green salad (to appease my mom) round out the meal. Kowalski's cheese department offers a great selection of local cheeses and their experts will help you find just the right ones to pair with your soups. Dessert can simply be a cookie or cupcake, which of course can be made well in advance. So you see, throwing together a party doesn't have to be stressful if you take some simple steps to prepare yourself and your food ahead of time.

Goat Cheese and Chutney Phyllo Tarts

30 store-bought mini phyllo cups (Athens brand in freezer section)
6 oz goat cheese (room temperature)
1 small jar chutney (I used Fig & Apricot Chutney - you won't need the whole jar)
1 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°. Lay the phyllo cups out on an ungreased baking sheet and put a ¼ teaspoon of chutney in the bottom of each cup (you may need to cut the chunks of fruit in the chutney into smaller pieces first). Top the chutney with a generous teaspoon of goat cheese.

Bake tarts on center rack of oven until pastry is golden and cheese has softened, about 12 minutes. Watch carefully. Remove from oven and transfer tarts to a serving tray. Sprinkle each with some parsley, if you like.

Best served warm.

Greek Six-Layer Dip
from Delicious Living magazine

Serves 8
1 15 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp minced garlic, or to taste
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp salt
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon-style mustard
1/2 large red onion, finely chopped
1/2 large zucchini, shredded
2 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped tomato
1 2 oz can sliced black olives, drained

In a blender or food processor, place beans, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, oregano, salt, vinegar, and mustard. Purée into a somewhat smooth mixture (it will still have some texture.) Spread bean mixture on the bottom of a serving dish.

On top of the beans, evenly sprinkle each of the remaining layers: onion, zucchini, feta, tomato, and olives. Chill. Serve with chips, crackers or slices of bread.

- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair

the Alternative

2009-11-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

From Record Breaking to Ground Breaking...

After being a vaudeville theater, a house of burlesque, a street-front church, a downtown movie theater, and earning a Guinness Book of World Records title for the largest building ever moved, the Shubert Theater begins yet another chapter. You might wonder why we need another performing arts space in a city that boasts more theater seats per capita than anywhere outside New York City, but The Minnesota Shubert Center will break ground on the Twin Cities only dedicated space for dance, and provide a much needed home for over 20 existing dance companies, many of which are nationally recognized. Already, educational programs at the Minnesota Shubert connect thousands of students across Minnesota with great dance educators at no cost through a nationally acclaimed online education program.

The entire community is invited to celebrate this exciting addition to the arts scene with a reception and performances from local dance partners, which will follow in the Hennepin Center for the Arts.
Because Everybody Dances...

Minnesota Shubert Center Groundbreaking
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Remarks and Groundbreaking Ceremony
Parking lot between Hennepin Center for the Arts and Shubert Theater
12:30-1:15 pm

Reception and Performance
Hennepin Center for the Arts
1:15-2:30 pm

528 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

RSVP for the reception to Jessica Mehlhoff at:
612-465-0231 or jessica@mnshubert.org

- Barb Sustad, Strategic Partnerships, the Affair

the Fare

2009-11-04T07:21:00.001-08:00

Not-So-Traditional Traditions

In my family, there was never a question as to what might be put before us on any given holiday, from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve. Tradition dictated exactly what would be prepared, how it would be fixed, and on what it would be served. (We even had a specific vessel for mixing the gravy slurry - never to be used for another task). Now don't get me wrong - I love the comfort of old habits and of knowing what to expect, but after 40 some odd years, I do get the urge to mix it up a bit. As a compromise, I appease the family by mixing our age-old traditions with new ingredients, techniques, and decor.

Growing up, the holidays inevitably meant brussels sprouts. Never my favorite - the mini cabbages smelled, in my opinion, and without a hefty coating of butter and salt, tasted rather foul. And then I had an epiphany - Chef Philip Dorwart, while chefing at Tryg's, had roasted brussels sprouts on the menu, served with caramelized shallots and blue cheese. I woke up the morning after tasting these little nuggets of goodness, and now they are an important part of all my holiday menus, and a far cry from the ones of my youth!

Another staple of my childhood holiday fare was boiled rutabagas. Hmph. As far as I'm concerned, no amount of butter, salt or even bacon could help that out, so I opt to substitute another dish altogether. Keeping seasonal, I reach for the beets, and serve a roasted beet salad. Golden Fig Fine Foods in St. Paul has a great recipe on their website, as well as many yummy condiments to aid in the ease of party preparations.

Of course, no holiday meal would be complete without the ubiquitous turkey. But does it really have to be a gargantuon bird injected with fats, salt and chemicals? Not anymore - the options for fresh, locally raised turkeys are much more abundant. Check out Wild Acres Shooting Preserve in northern MInnesota. With wild turkeys, geese, and even quail available to ship anywhere, you can be assured you will receive a healthy bird, raised on the farm from their own stock of eggs. I like to roast two small birds rather than one large one - they cook quicker, and stay moister. (You can even taste-test these extraordinary birds at the Progressive on Saturday, November 7 at the Hotel IVY - this will be an evening you don't want to miss!)

For the finale, I call for help. Though our family traditions called for pumpkin pie, I'd personally rather have some cheese with that - cheesecake, that is. Muddy Paws Cheesecakes are amazing, come in too many flavors to list, and take all the worry out of dessert, which for this non-baker, is quite a relief. There are several varieties of pumpkin cheesecakes available, but why not start a new tradition altogether and try the Bourbon Vanilla or the Gingerbread White Chocolate - and enjoy a little new with the old.

- Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair

the Flare

2009-11-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

Holiday Parties - It's all about the Baked Goodies!

Baking is all about melding the best flavors with an enticing appearance - especially when you're baking cookies for the holidays. Be sure to catch Kim Ode's presentations on the Kitchen Demonstration Stage at the Affair, Saturday and Sunday. Ode, who writes for the Star Tribune Taste section, will demonstrate how to create a cookie plate that has a variety of flavors, textures, and a few surprises. For example - Spritz Butter Cookies might be humbly pristine, but they also can be a blank canvas for embellishment. A drizzle of salted caramel with roasted chopped pecans elevates them to decadent bites. Twice-baked Biscotti come together faster than you might think, and these traditional dunkers can be personalized with your own combination of fruit and nuts. Madeleines provide an elegant and tender contrast on a cookie plate. Ode will show why it's worth having a sheet of the distinctive shell-shaped molds on hand for this classic delicacy. Plus, she'll offer a quick primer on homemade liqueurs and how infusing a baked good with Kahlua or Drambuie lends depth to its flavor.

Kim is also an avid bread baker and author of Baking with the St. Paul Bread Club: Recipes, Tips and Stories, published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press. She will be doing book signings after her presentations, so be sure to stop by a get an autographed copy of this popular cookbook.

And since we're in a baking mood, what's more Minnesotan the State Fair? What's the connection you ask? The quintessential Minnesota baking sensation - Marjorie Johnson. This 4'-8" baking dynamo has been winning piles of blue ribbons for her baking creations at the Minnesota State Fair since she first entered in 1974. And when she surpassed 2,000 ribbons in 2000, she wrote Blue Ribbon Cooking with Marjorie, filled with her award winning recipes. Sunday afternoon Marjorie will be at the Affair sharing her stories about her baking successes and her many appearances on national television baking for the likes of Jay Leno and Rosie O'Donnell. Come meet Marjorie and get your own autographed copy just in time to learn some new favorite recipes for this holiday season.

- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair

the Model Chef

2009-11-04T07:17:00.000-08:00

If you are reading this newsletter, chances are you enjoy food. But finding a balance between your passion for food and a healthy lifestyle can be a bit challenging. Do you really have to give up one for the other?

It looks like Chef Daniel Green has found the answer to the problem. "Too often healthy equals bland" said Green, who set out to correct this. Chef Green knows this struggle on a personal level, starting when he was an overweight teenager. Looking for a lifestyle change instead of a diet, Green learned more about nutrition, experimented with cooking and creating his own recipes, and lost the weight with flavorful food that happened to be healthy.
While traveling extensively throughout the world, Green was "blown away" by the flavors and spices of Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong. His cooking has an Asian influence, creating healthy versions of his favorite foods.

There was also an added side benefit...he became a model, working for Gucci, British Airways, Hilton Hotels and Pizza Hut to name a few for several years. His true passion is cooking though, and with television shows in the US, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and the UK to his credit - along with four cookbooks - it looks like his approach is a winner!

Make sure you stop by the Star Tribune Taste Stage at the Expo where our Model Chef will be hosting on Sunday for some fun and unique ideas, and don't forget to check out his website www.televisioncookery.com for recipes and more information.

- Barb Sustad, Strategic Partnerships, the Affair

the Chocolate Fashion Show

2009-11-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

One of the favorite events from the Chocolate Extravaganza was the chocolate fashion show, Fashion Meets Confection. This show teams up students of the University of Minnesota College of Design with Le Courdon Bleu, to help them create edible fashions!

Lucy Dunne from the University of Minnesota explains, "Our students have designed chocolate-inspired runway garments using non-traditional materials. The designers then collaborate with chocolate partners to develop embellishments, accessories, and other extras to complete each look. Some go more elaborate than others - it depends on the design and the intention of the designer, as well as the ambition and creativity of the chocolatier."

Fashion Meets Confection will be on the Lifestyle Stage at the Expo, at 2pm and 4pm each day. Don't miss it - it's surely the sweetest runway show you will ever see!

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

the Charm

2009-11-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

We have all heard of the charm bracelet, but now it's time to get serious about it. Chamilia is a locally owned charm company that has taken the world by storm. Founded by Killian Rieder (former designer with Polo) and Jeff Julkowski, the individual charms are all handcrafted from Murano glass, colored stones, and 14k gold and sterling silver. They are then paired with different styles of bracelets, necklaces and bangles to create a unique and grown-up twist on the charm bracelet we remember. They are quickly becoming the "it" jewelry brand, with charms starting at $25. Come learn all about this locally owned company, and see their full collection of charms at the Expo!!

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

the Big Cheese

2009-11-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

Looking for ways to simplify your Holiday Menu without giving up the wow factor? Culinary expert Jill Forster can sum it up with one word... cheese. With countless varieties in a range of price points, there is something for all tastes and budgets, from the more widely known varieties to the more exotic: Cabot Clothbound cheddar from Vermont, Prairie Rose Swiss from an Amish cheese maker in Iowa, Humboldt Fog goat cheese from California (a female cheese maker), Northern Lights Blue made at the University of Minnesota by Joe Sherman and Delice de Bourguignon triple crème from France, to name a few. For those of you who enjoy cheese and like to experiment, try a cheese class at Kowalski's where Forster oversees the cheese department. She has cooked at some of the best restaurants in the country, and is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, but cheese is her true passion. Love cheese but worried about your diet? Forster points to the French, who typically consume cheese, wine and bread in much larger quantities than the average American diet, yet have higher life expectancies. I'm already signed up for Cheeses of Italy and I've got my eye on those Holiday Wine and Cheese Pairing classes. Finally, a diet I can live with!

- Barb Sustad, Strategic Partnerships, the Affair

the Winner!

2009-10-28T16:43:00.001-07:00

Last week, we asked readers to submit their most unusual stories of "entertaining dilemmas." It was a tough decision - we had some hilarious entries and loved them all, but "the Weigh-In" had our staff chuckling...thanks to Chuck.Lennon@state.mn.us, and congratulations! (you've gained more than just weight :)

This will be the 9th Annual Lennon Weigh-In, Weigh-Out Thanksgiving Dinner...

Each year, guests weigh in upon arrival and then weighs 'out' right after dinner.

The guest with the biggest weight gain (not necessarily the biggest eater) wins the 'paddle' trophy, which is engraved with the winners' name and weight gain.

We have had scandal. A couple of years ago my daughter's boyfriend Jake, a beast, drank several glasses of milk and a large amount of
water just before weigh-out. While he gained the most weight, my son also witnessed his immediate move to the restroom after the weigh-out, where he 'voided' most of his gain and was disqualified by the Board of Directors (me!)...

Since then we have instituted a new measurement to give the younger, smaller crowd a chance to win. Instead of total weight gain, we use the largest percentage of one's weight gained...which leveled the playing field.

Last year's winner was a darkhorse, The Honorable Judge Caroline Hagen Lennon, who sits on the court in Shakopee. While she confessed that her victory probably was the product of 'water weight' she earned the paddle anyway and thereby added some new prestige to the event.

While some may consider this uncouth, it is done with class and a lot of humor. It's talked about all year. Recently my nephew was in town playing rugby. At end of his game, his final words: "See you at the Lennon Thanksgiving."

the Fare

2009-10-28T16:42:00.001-07:00

Normally, no-fuss means going out. Or ordering in. However, we've all felt the tug at our wallets lately, and as such, I've been making more of an effort at no-fuss parties at home. It's not an easy task for a party control freak such as myself, but it can be done...

There is a personality on cable that extols the virtues of semi-homemade. This isn't a bad idea. If you start with a good base, and embellish it just a little bit, it can become something wonderful with the smallest amount of effort.

I love the idea of surprising guests - just when they think they are getting foie gras, I serve them pizza. Take-out pizza, no less. Every neighborhood has a favorite pizza joint, and with a few additional sides (anchovies, hot pepper flakes, fresh Parmesan), you are good to go. (Just be sure to spruce up your platter with plenty of antipasti items to round out the meal).

To finish, you can't go wrong with chocolate. I like to lay a variety of truffles on a pretty platter, along with fresh berries and some dried fruits, such as apricots or cherries. But, if you choose really good chocolates, they need no embellishment. One of my absolute favorites is Chocolat Celeste - located in the Twin Cities, owner Mary Leonard has infused her truffles with a passion for perfection, and the result is an amazing assortment of unusual but delicious flavor combinations. Believe me, even if your main course is turkey meatloaf with ketchup on top, you'll be a rockstar at dessert if you serve these truffles.

Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair

the Flare

2009-10-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

Throw a Low-Fuss Cookie Baking Party

As the holidays approach, the thought of planning or attending another party can be stressful, but there's always a low-fuss option available when deciding what type of party to throw. One of my favorite solutions is sharing the workload with your guests. For instance, why not have a cookie baking party and invite friends and family to join you for a low-key afternoon of rolling, cutting out and decorating cookies around the dining room table? Kids and adults can work together easily to transform a few bowls of dough into piles of warm, beautiful cookies for everyone to share. An informal set up works well - kids can wander off periodically to play when they get tired of decorating cookies, adults can watch the football game if they aren't as interested in the baking but want to enjoy the eating, and those who love to bake can enjoy managing the timers and bringing fresh cookies to decorate to the frosting station.

How to further distribute the work load? Ask friends to bring salty snacks for everyone to munch on, to balance all the cookies (and cookie dough). Designate one person to bring decorating supplies, such as sprinkles, red hots, jimmies, etc. Ask a couple of friends to bring baking sheets and cooling racks so that you will have enough to keep batches in constant rotation during peak production times. Someone can bring board games to amuse the kids between cutting out cookies and decorating them. If you don't have a pile of aprons in adult and kid sizes (like my mom who collects them), ask friends to bring their own. (Let's just say that when frosting is involved with kids, it's safer for all to have aprons handy).

Set up is easy: for rolling out and decorating cut-out cookies, I recommend covering the dining room table with plastic or oil cloth which you can easily wipe clean. Have bowls of frosting ready with plenty of knives or dip spreaders handy (small hands tend to find the small dip spreaders easier to maneuver when frosting cookies). Make a batch of cider or hot chocolate and keep it simmering on the stove, and you are all set!

Now, not everyone loves making cookie dough, so if you want to short cut this part of the party prep, pick up a couple tins of Lacey Sue Z. Yummy Cookie Mix at Golden Fig. Developed by local foodie personality, Sue Zelickson, these cookies will make you look like a great baker and humanitarian, because the proceeds from all sales benefit kid's charities. While you are at Golden Fig, pick up some of Laurie's delicious infused sugars. Try topping cookies made from a simple refrigerated sugar cookie dough with the cinnamon orange sugar or gingerbread sugar to transform them from humble to extraordinary!

Don't forget to encourage your guests to fill a tin with cookies to take home at the end of the party, so that everyone can continue to enjoy the delicious results of their hard work.

- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair

the Style

2009-10-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

the Style fashion show is gearing up to be a fantastic event! For only $65, (which includes a same day $25 Expo ticket), guests will enjoy a seated luncheon with champagne, as well as an hour and a half style show! The show will include fall & holiday women's fashions from Il Vostro Boutique, men's fashions from J.Hilburn and J.W. Hulme, home trends presented by Kerry Ciardelli, owner of Victory Boutique, a Jaguar surprise giveaway, and- we will close out with a special guest. There is also a little secret surprise...several table top designers will be decorating each of the tables at the show, going over the top to wow guests while they dine and watch the show. Don't miss this incredibly stylish and spectacular event! Each table seats 10 guests, so grab 9 girlfriends and prepare to enjoy the Style, followed by an afternoon at the Expo! You can buy your tickets online at www.theaffairmpls.com, or at Il Vostro Boutique.

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

the Bag

2009-10-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Having trouble finding a handbag that suits your style? Think you have the knack to design your own bag, selecting fabric, shape, size and trim? Then you would love Bagolitas! It allows the customer to build and create their own special handbag, providing a variety of fabric and unique trims. You can even throw a purse party, and invite all your friends to create their own hangbags! First, you pick from over 20 shapes and sizes, ranging from cute party clutches to functional day bags. Then you choose from over 70 fabrics, including animal prints from the entire animal kingdom, faux suede and leathers, paisleys, flowers, polka dots and plaids. Then select your trim and you are finished! What a fun concept and a great party idea! Check out Jana Hecker's Bagolitas booth at the Expo, or visit her website, www.bagolitas.com. Jana is also having a "Monster Mash" sale October 27th - 31st! More details on her website.

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

Share the Affair

2009-10-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

In honor of the Affair Event and Expo (Nov. 7-8), we're offering readers a chance to share stories and win prizes.

Tell us about your most outrageous "affair" - in terms of entertaining, that is. We're looking for (very!) short stories about kitchen mishaps, faux pas, wacky theme parties, decadent cocktails or anything else that suits the theme of entertaining in style.

Email your entry to contest@heavytable.com. Contest runs until October 26.

GRAND PRIZE: $100 basket of Bistro Blends premium balsamic vinegars and oils.

10 Runners Up: A pair of tickets to the Expo at the Affair (value: $50)

the Flare

2009-10-21T16:11:00.001-07:00

Color Your Party Purple (or Pink or Green or Blue...)

There are so many unique party themes out there, it's hard to choose one to highlight. But every time I see a great color themed party, I am always drawn in by how the hosts create such a cohesive vibe without necessarily having to spend a lot of money. So it's time to celebrate the single color themed party! P. Diddy made the White Party a Hamptons signature event. Or maybe you want to honor the late director John Hughes with a Pretty in Pink party.

Start with a specialty cocktail that ties in with your palate and give it a clever name (a purple cocktail could reference a classic Minneapolis rocker, Prince, with the moniker Purple Rain, or make a Jimi Hendrix Purple Haze). Be sure to have a non-alcoholic alternative for your guests that is just as creative. Even water bottles can be customized easily with a band of colored paper and fun stickers, ribbon or twine.

Next comes the menu, which can be color coordinated utilizing foods that naturally fit your color palette, (or use a little food coloring to make your vision come to life). Purple potatoes would make a far-out potato salad or homemade potato chips. Even hot dogs can be dressed up with a band of purple by substituting purple peppers for green peppers in a batch of quick relish. Surprise guests with purple varieties of carrots in your crudités assortment with a chive dip garnished with fresh purple chive blossoms. Humble cupcakes easily adapt to any color palette with vanilla frosting and food coloring. I love seeing them laid out on a platter or on a cake stand in a range of shades, from light lavender to deep violet. The simple graphic pop of the cupcakes is decoration for your party in of itself. Glass jars filled with candies in a range of colors also can be used to accent the tablescape and provide a fun interactive experience for guests - give them baggies to fill with their own custom blend of favorite candies to take home at the end of the evening.

Table linens in shades of your palette up the ante, and there are many great resources in town for renting unique linens that mix color and pattern to create a mood for your space. The team at Studio 6 Specialty Linen and Decor enjoy working with clients to select just the right linens for your occasion. Dress up the tabletop with flowers that play off the theme - throw some chartreuse in with the purple to create dynamic tension, since they are opposites on the color wheel and therefore make each other pop. Floral Logic is a great resource for funky or traditional arrangements to suit any occasion, and Eric certainly knows his way around a color wheel. Floral arrangements could be as simple as a row of bud vases with small clusters of blossoms snaking along a table, weaving between the platters of food, or as elaborate as your florist's imagination.

Depending upon the formality of the event and the location, perhaps you want to dress up the space beyond the tablescape. I'm a fan of custom flag garlands strung across a room - these can be made from triangles of fabric or paper and add a great splash of color and pattern at eye level. I think it's fun to find uniquely shaped candlestick holders in a variety of colors and use white taper candles that can be used again and again. If you can't find candlestick holders in your color palette, grab a can of spray paint and customize a few. Vintage, antique and thrift stores are all great resources for items like these that can be transformed with a little effort. Tissue paper can also be transformed into fabulous over-scaled pom-poms to hang from the ceiling.

Just like P. Diddy, ask your guests to dress to fit the color palette, which can lead to some inspired outfits from guests of all ages. My mom just attended a red birthday party and wore a red belt, red earrings and red shoes to dress up her outfit in an easy but fun way. Picking out an outfit for a party is always a challenge, but I think fitting a color palette makes it fun and gives you an excuse to find a great new look from a local boutique to enhance your wardrobe all year.

Now doesn't that sound like a party you would want to attend? Did you notice the food doesn't need to be fancy fare? By serving a signature drink you can save on stocking a wide variety of spirits, wine and beer. Renting linens saves you the investment in multiple linens you might not use again and allows others to appreciate them over and over again, making it also a greener choice. Now I want someone to throw a color party so I can attend! (Hint, hint - I love orange...)

- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair

the Fare

2009-10-21T16:09:00.001-07:00

Adults or not, we still love dress-up and holiday parties. So as we prepare to transform our perfect Cinderella carriage pumpkins into menacing jack-o'-lanterns, let's invite some friends and make it a festive adult playdate.

Need a little exercise to warm up? Pumpkin races! Grab similar-sized pumpkins and race to the other end of the yard. You'll get that blood moving and stomach's chuckling. Speaking of pumpkins, check out Bachman's Floral Gift and Garden's 25 ideas for decorating with pumpkins!

Chilly, winds and frosty mornings call for warm doughy treats and hot-spiced drinks. Cupcake on University Avenue in St. Paul is serving up steamy hot, creamy zucchini and dill soup for fall, perfect with a sugary cupcake for dessert to prepare for winter hibernation.

Gardens of Salonica New Greek Deli in NE Minneapolis is showcasing fresh, local delights, as well as old favorites like Boughatsa (a phyllo dough stuffed with feta and spinach) and Skordalia, a mix of potato, olive oil, lemon juice and plenty of garlic (which is fabulously-full of antioxidants). The fresh ingredients always make me feel relaxed and refreshed.

Finally, here's a subtle decorating tip from Stems and Vines; give your indoor plants an autumn look by adding a few sprigs of preserved fall foliage between the leaves.

Janna O'Meara, Entertaining and Events, the Affair

the Style Informant

2009-10-21T16:07:00.001-07:00

Before visiting your favorite boutiques this season for the perfect holiday ensembles, be sure to check out the most recent issue of Twin Cities Statement (formerly Twin Cities Luxury & Fashion). It is the local fashion and trend magazine surely to keep you up to date on local and national fashions, as well as the best boutiques and places to buy them. The magazine began as a "way to capture the sophisticated and sexy style of the Twin Cities," says editor in chief Andrew Rice. With Twin Cities Statement as the media sponsor, and Il Vostro Boutique providing all the women's fashion, the show will most certainly be sexy and sophisticated...

Check out the October issue - the Form meets Fashion section, styled by fashion editor Christina Holm-Sandok, is absolutely spectacular. It combines spot on fashion fall trends while showcasing luxury home builders. My personal favorite spread is with the Robert Rodriguez pearl top from Arafina paired with a Frascara ivory pant from Dugo with layered Konstantino necklaces from Omorphia. A steller ensemble for any holiday event! And don't forget the men! The Men's Book within the same issue showcases men's fashion, accessories and gift items. It's no wonder that Twin Cities Statement has teamed up as the media sponsor for our fashion show, the Style.

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

the Secret

2009-10-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

Do you know the secrets of your city? Kristin Henning does. Know why? She runs www.secretsofthecity.com. And we at the Affair are lucky enough to have her throughout the event on November 7th & 8th!

Secrets of the City will be exhibiting at the Expo, offering "Theater All Year" vouchers for sale (it's a great holiday gift item; see www.theaterallyear.com for details), demo-ing Secrets of the City's events and restaurant guides, offering prize drawings, and displaying Secrets of the Cities' own holiday entertaining suggestions. They'll also be moderating the entertainment stage, highlighting "Secrets of the Affair" (their own on-site discoveries) along with our Secret recommendations.

Come down and unlock the secrets of your city at the Affair. It'll be worth it!

- Laurie Ziegler, Gourmet Food & Wine, the Affair

2009-10-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Party Around the World

Are you hungry for travel? Do you thrive on experimenting with new cuisines? Embrace your curiosity and throw an "Around the World with a Fork" dinner party.

Start the preparation by choosing a different country/region for each course you will be serving. Love Thai food? Try Yum Hoi Mang Pu (Mussel Salad) for an appetizer. Take your guests to Greece for the main course, and serve Lavraki sto Fourno se Harti, (Herbed Sea Bass baked in paper). For dessert, why not visit Germany with Pflaumenkuchen (Plum Pie).

Of course, no meal is complete without a cocktail or wine, so be sure to pair each course with a complimentary drink. I like to begin the evening with a cocktail, then graduate to wine with the main course, and finish the evening with a liqueur or ice wine. A rule of thumb to follow relates to where your food comes from; if you are serving a tapas of Jamón Serrano, it makes sense to pair it with a wine from that region, such as a young Rioja. When in doubt, try pairing your dishes with beer - New Belgium Brewing Company has some great ideas.

To really set the mood of each unique region, be sure to feature music from the corresponding country with each course. You'd be surprised how a little "Ooompah!" music can really get the party started!

Finish your evening with a goodie bag for your guests, filled with a CD containing the evenings playlist and recipes for the meal. ไชโย!, Yamas and Prost!

- Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair

the Flare

2009-10-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Travel the Globe
from Your Dining Room

Inspired by Land Rover's involvement in the Odyssey: Driving Around the World expedition, I am excited to plan an event highlighting food from cultures all over the world. Now you don't need to have a Land Rover or fully off-road capable vehicle in order to pull together a globally inspired menu in the Twin Cities, but it sure would make the drive around town to pick up all the food and decorations more enjoyable! Stop by Jaguar Land Rover Minneapolis in Golden Valley to see their 1951 Series 1 Land Rover (one of the first aluminum 4-wheel drive vehicles Land Rover created after the company was founded in 1948) and learn more about all the latest features that make each Land Rover a lifetime investment in quality performance.

For decorations, why not use the expedition theme to create unexpected décor? Create vignettes around your home with groupings of items like binoculars, a compass, an atlas or globe, travel journals, and a Swiss Army knife. Backpacks, sleeping bags and tents can either be stacked in a corner like you are gathering supplies for the trip, or why not set up your tent (inside or outside) and create a tasting station inside it. It's all about being creative with items you already have or can borrow from friends to set the mood. Dress like an explorer or in an outfit that reminds you of a favorite country, and suggest your friends do the same. Then you can have fun guessing what country inspired each person's outfit.

The Odyssey trip traveled through Australia on their journey, and thanks to the abundance of local fresh fish, the Australians love their sushi. Tiger Sushi offers custom sushi platters for large groups, or you can book a sushi making party right at the restaurant for an educational and delicious evening with friends.

If you want to make your own asian inspired menu, you must visit the ultimate resource for oriental groceries in the midwest: United Noodles. It is tucked behind two industrial buildings in an out of the way location in Minneapolis, but once you walk in the door to this emporium you realize it was worth the effort. I feel fortunate to be able to pick up fresh kaffir lime leaves for my thai chicken soup, countless varieties of rice, fresh produce and meats, kim chee, kitchenware and dishes, and even my favorite lemon soda I drank every day when I was in Japan. It was a breeze to collect all the food for a Japanese themed party here in one quick trip. From the multiple varieties of rice crackers, to the pickled vegetables, dried squid, and mochi, they had it all.

A great local resource for middle eastern food is Holy Land Gourmet Grocery, Bakery and Deli. The store on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis is a great resource for everything from goat meat and fresh pita bread to unique eggplant spreads and baklava (my personal weakness). You can pick up ingredients to make your own spread or utilize their extensive catering menu and create a complete meal to impress your guests.

Whether you find inspiration all over the globe, or focus on one culture's cuisine per party, enjoy yourself! Remember, nothing has to be perfect. Your job is to set the tone for the party, and being in a good mood is key.

- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair

the Space

2009-10-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to create a unique environment for your event, Debbie Fallon of Sapor Design is the girl to call. Specializing in vintage European flair, Debbie just completed designing the interior of a palatial Spanish boutique hotel, El Cigarral de las Mercedes. The two owners converted an old traditional farm on the hills overlooking the city of Toledo, Spain, into an exclusive venue for weddings, celebrations and events. Fallon designed the guest suites with a unique personality, decor and color theme, but with each of them tying into the personality of the Spanish venue. In preparing for this large project, Debbie spent months traveling across Europe looking for the perfect elements, and in doing so, gathered an incredible collection of unique, European vintage pieces. Her talent, flair and enthusiasm for her projects have helped her business take off in the Minneapolis market. Visit the Sapor Design website at www.sapordesign.com to see great pics of the hotel, as well as other projects she has worked on! Also visit the Sapor Lounge in the Affair Expo, and you will step into a whole new world...

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

the Fare

2009-10-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

Economy Friendly

Have you ever wanted to throw a party but was hampered by your pocketbook? If so, I have two words for you - pork butt. Yes, that under-appreciated cut of piggy goodness can save you and your bank account.

The simple part is the roasting - low and slow are best. For a four pound roast, 4 hours in a 300° oven will render nice results. The creativity comes in the pre-bake seasoning, and post-bake assembly.

Mexican flavors lend nicely to pork, as do Southwest seasonings. To prep your butt, sprinkle evenly and somewhat liberally with Kosher salt, chili powder (I like Ancho), garlic powder, fresh ground pepper, oregano, cumin and paprika. Roast covered until a thermometer reads 160°, cool and shred - you will have a flavorful base for a variety of yummy applications.

Pork tacos: Fill corn or flour tortillas with shredded pork, chopped tomato, chopped avocado, cilantro and a little cabbage mixed with sour cream and lime juice. Finish your taco with a dab of Tastefully Simple Gotta Lotta Garlic Salsa (in my opinion, you can never have too much garlic).

Bulgogi-style: Combine your pork butt with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic and scallions - serve with grilled red pepper and onion, and wrap in butter lettuce. Visit www.trifood.com for a good recipe.

BBQ: Use your favorite barbecue sauce (or make your "own" - add hot sauce, fruit juice or cola, fresh garlic, and chili flakes to bottled sauce and reduce). Combine with shredded pork butt, and serve atop a soft roll with a little coleslaw - simple, classic, and oh-so-satisfying. Not to mention budget friendly!

- Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair

the Flare

2009-10-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

Proper for Free: Table Setting Etiquette Tips

Tips provided by Laura Barclay, Founder and President of the Etiquette Centre of Minneapolis

Just because you are throwing a party, doesn't mean you have to break the bank or buy new dishes and decorations to accommodate a large group. From the invitations to the table top décor, there are numerous creative, economical choices available that will still help you throw a fabulous bash with an expensive look without dipping deep into your budget.

Use an electronic invitation rather than a formal invitation on stationery for guests with internet access. Evite offers a wide variety of invitation styles for many types of events. It even automatically sends out a reminder email to guests before the event, which can be particularly helpful when planning an event with significant lead time. As much as we all try to write everything on our calendars right away, there are always those events that slip through the cracks unintentionally.

Eight flatware sets is the most common purchase - but what do you do if you are having dinner for twelve? Borrow additional flatware and needed serving pieces from friends and family. No need to purchase new flatware (unless of course, you find these at a deep discount!). The caveat is that all spoons, all forks, or all knives be of one pattern. Additionally, all salad knives and forks should match for the salad course, and dinner knives and forks should match for the main entrée.

As with flatware, dish sets of eight is common. Create depth of appearance to your table by utilizing a variety of china patterns and shapes. It is perfectly acceptable to mismatch dishes with vintage and antique pieces. Borrow from family and friends. As a guest, it is a lovely feeling to see your items mixed with the host's items.

When choosing a centerpiece, utilize an item or a collection of items you already have in your home to build the theme. For example, a statue, crystal knick-knacks, costume jewelry and multiple votive candles placed on fabric or a patterned scarf can make a beautiful display. At a family gathering, placing several old family pictures in frames as the centerpiece can bring a sense of togetherness and fondness, and inspire conversation. Be creative. Consider using flowers from your garden or even silk flowers. (While fresh flowers are lovely, they can be expensive and unfortunately, are not long-lived).

If serving alcohol, offer wine rather than mixed drinks. This is a good tip for economizing on beverages as you will not need to provide a range of mixers. Or, if you want to serve a mixed drink, create and serve one signature drink for the evening. You can even christen the drink with a new name in honor of the event.

Bargain shop. No matter the economy, most people love to find a good bargain. Thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, department store closeouts, discount home decorating stores, discount stores, craft stores, and eBay are all good options.

Etiquette is not about rules and snobbery. Rather, it is about relationships and creating comfortable communications.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair

the Alternative

2009-10-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

Keep it Local

Everyone is feeling the pinch right now, from high-end handbag boutiques to daycare centers to contractors. The message is clearer and louder than ever...keep it simple, don't skimp on quality, and go LOCAL!

Here are a few ways you can reduce your own carbon footprint and still get great value and quality for your dollar.

· Use local vendors. It allows them the option to be flexible and responsive, and results in reduced delivery & labor costs.

· Use local ingredients. Shopping within your zip code also encourages freshness and seasonality.

· Do your research. Edible Twin Cities is a quarterly print and web publication that connects consumers with local growers, retailers, chefs, and food artisans. It is an amazing resource that promotes the abundance of local food resources in the Twin Cities area.

· Get advice. You'll be hard-pressed to find event professionals who won't offer you a free or reduced rate consultation. Sassafras Floral and Garden Design Studio in northeast Minneapolis is committed to providing inventive designs to reflect your individual style and budget, and offer complimentary in-studio consultations.

· Don't rule out event planners, event designers, and professional caterers! Their local networks of suppliers provide great value, cost-cutting ideas and quality products. Create Catering offers hand-crafted menus and event design, with restaurant quality food and over 20 years of experience in local, seasonal and sustainable goods.

· Don't forget local restaurants either. Many of your favorite dining spots offer off-site catering options; everything from full-service set-up, guest service and clean-up, to large take-away orders. Just think of the time and dollars you could save if Stella's Fish Café and Prestige Oyster Bar would simmer the Jambalaya and shuck the oysters for your Mardi Gras celebration. Another option is CRAVE Restaurants - they offer off-site catering options with premium group menu packages and locations on the west end and Mall of America for easy planning.

Sourcing locally can also lend an environmental edge to your event, which is a nice reduction to your carbon footprint in today's eco-conscious environment.

Remember to think local, pay it forward, and you will reap the rewards!

- Janna O'Meara, Entertaining & Events, the Affair

the Gift

2009-10-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

Looking for the perfect gift for your hostess? Why not give a book - local author Jodi Hills has just released her newest book, Heart On My Sleeve. This latest publication stems from the phrase, "you are what you wear" and takes it to a new meaning. Wearing your heart on your sleeve is a lesson we can all learn from - just as times change, our lives change, styles change, and our personalities change. Through our experiences, memories are connected with each item in our closet. And when we can learn to let go of things that happened in the past, only then can we "empty the closet." This book is a work of art, with images that warm the heart, and a message that touches the soul. It is the perfect hostess gift, and with a price tag of $15, it will be a gift to remember that won't break the bank.

Catch Jodi Live on the Kare-11 this Saturday morning, October 10th. She will be sharing her inspiration for Heart On My Sleeve. After her news appearance she is headed to The Bibelot Shop on Grand Ave at 1pm and Borders in Richfield at 2:30pm.

Jodi will also be featured on the main stage at the Affair on Saturday, November 7th.You can also catch Jodi closing out the Style fashion show at the Affair on Sunday, November 8th, from 11:30 - 1:30pm. Tickets are available for the Style at www.theaffairmpls.com.

Heart On My Sleeve is published by local publishing house TRISTAN Publishing, (owned by Brett and Sheila Waldman) and is available at local book sellers.

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

the Fare

2009-09-29T11:31:00.001-07:00

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

the Flare

2009-09-29T11:28:00.001-07:00

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

the Glass

2009-09-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

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 Ensemble

2009-09-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

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

the Alternative

2009-09-29T11:13:00.001-07:00

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

the Fare

2009-09-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Time of Day

It's true, I may love brunch just because it's an excuse to enjoy a drink before cocktail hour officially begins, and the Canadian in me leans towards a Bloody Caesar. What is a Bloody Caesar, you say? Essentially, it's the exact same as a Bloody Mary, with Clamato juice substituted for tomato juice. Add vodka of your choice, fresh squeezed lime, celery salt, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce, and you are good to go. Don't forget the garnish - Lehmann Farms Jala-Bean-O's are a good 'n spicy addition.

Now on to the food. My favorite start to the day is a breakfast sundae - fresh, seasonal fruit, layered with plain, non-fat yogurt sweetened with a little jam. HeathGlen's makes wonderful jellies and jams which go great with yogurt, and are a healthier alternative to pre-sweetened varieties - try the Rhubarb Apple Jam with Gewurztraminer Wine. The perfect topper? Crunchy granola, of course! On the Go Granola is locally produced and offers several varieties to choose from.

If savory items are more your style, try a dish that covers all the bases. Spinach and Sundried Tomato Strata is eggs, potatoes, cheese and veggies all in one dish, and as a bonus, it can be prepared ahead of time. www.Kowalskis.com has a great recipe that is as simple as it is tasty.

Round out your meal with purchased breads and pastries. Panera Bread has a wonderful selection - my favorites are the Tomato Basil and the Cherry Vanilla bagels. mmmm.....

- Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair

the Flare

2009-09-23T07:32:00.001-07:00

Brunch Parties:
No Muss, No Fuss

Once a month I get together with the women in my book group for a Sunday morning potluck brunch to catch up and talk about the latest thing we've read. One of the great side benefits of this is that it has given us the excuse to try out new recipes on the group as we experiment with what foods fit in the brunch category. Therein lies the beauty of entertaining friends and family over brunch - there is not as much pressure as, say, a sit down dinner. Keep it casual, from the food to the décor, and you can be as relaxed as your guests.

The key to keeping the atmosphere of your brunch appropriately casual is to not fuss too much about decorating your home. A buffet style set-up works well for guests to serve themselves and is easy on the hosts. The buffet area can be a simple preparation with a basket of lap napkins, jelly jars filled with silverware (be sure to put them in handle up), trivets for hot items, and empty pitchers and glasses for beverages - all of which can be set up the evening before. It is usually easier to pick up and carry silverware and a napkin after serving yourself food, so be sure to put these items at the END of the buffet line. It can also be helpful to set the beverage station away from the buffet area so that guests can go back to pick up a beverage after setting down their food, so they aren't forced to try to juggle too many items at once.

Depending on the number of guests, the casual nature of a brunch get together allows for a wide variety of options in seating arrangements. If the group is small, and your table is large enough, you could sit at your dining room table. But why not keep the relaxed atmosphere going by inviting guests to sit in the living room, and have floor pillows available to accommodate any overflow. Despite the comfy furniture at my house, multiple guests always prefer to sit on the floor, so why not be prepared for that? In nice weather, it is also fun to set up a large table in the yard and eat outside. If there are kids present, (as brunch time tends to be an easier time for parents with young children to gather) this allows the kids to let out their excess energy running around the yard while the parents can comfortably watch while enjoying their food. So pick a location that works for you and your guests, remembering there are no rules.

Depending on the time of year, it's easy to adjust your brunch menu to suit the seasons. In the middle of winter, an easy to prep the night before egg bake could be served with roasted root vegetables and a pot of hot chocolate on the stove, the warm aroma of chocolate filling the house. How low fuss is that? In spring, asparagus and mushroom tarts are quick to make, but looks so sophisticated. Paired with scones, fresh fruit and a citrus tea punch, you are all set for a fabulous relaxed meal with your guests.

For more great brunch ideas, be sure to check out Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day by local pastry chef, Zoë François, and Jeff Hertzberg, an ardent amateur baker. This popular cookbook is filled with great recipes for breads, pastries, and other goodies that utilize a lightning fast batch of moist no-knead dough that serves as the base for each dish. Whether you are in the mood for Apple Strudel Bread or Granola Bread, there is sure to be a recipe that fits your menu. Their newest book, Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day, featuring more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, will hit bookshelves at retailers in October.

- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair

the Glass

2009-09-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Morning Libations

Morning isn't just for coffee, especially if you're hosting a brunch for friends. And this doesn't mean that you have to stick with what to me is the most obvious choice for a morning cocktail: the Bloody Mary. Not that it's bad! In fact I'll be giving you a suggestion on it a bit later, but you can be a little bold and offer your guests a different kind of breakfast drink!

"Citrus" is a cocktail that features Cointreau, the liquor that complements the best-made margaritas. For a light refreshing drink, mix 2oz Cointreau, 3oz pink grapefruit juice and 1oz lime juice. Pour over ice in a tall class and serve! Go to www.cointreau.com for more mixology ideas!

Now for the Bloody Mary, or as the folks at Prairie vodka like to call it, the Prairie Mary. Take two parts Prairie vodka, a half cup of tomato juice, squeeze a little lemon, then add Worcestershire and hot sauce to taste! For more ideas, go to www.prairievodka.com.

Cheers to starting your day off right!

- Laurie Ziegler, Gourmet Food & Wine, the Affair

the Ensemble

2009-09-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

Brunch Style

Brunch you say? Of course - brunch is the perfect time to show off your style, and it needn't cost a bundle. Why not show up in one of the season's hottest trend, the bright covered shift. This tangerine beauty by BB Dakota retails for only $96. Pair it with a lovely necklace, such as the one-of-a-kind shown here with Swarovski Crystals and Smoky Quartz or $178, to make the ensemble uniquely yours.

Not a shift gal? How about embracing the fall season, and pair this darling tweed skirt with a white T-Neck and "Theory"-like cape jacket for a very polished look that you could even wear to the office. This entire ensemble -all 3 pieces - retails for $211, only at il Vostro Boutique! Visit the new il Vostro Boutique, now open at 50th & France, or online at www.ilvostroboutique.com.

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

the Inspiration

2009-09-23T07:16:00.001-07:00

Brunch Love

You had me at 'Oat Bran French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Bananas'. Everyone loves breakfast foods, and Lancer Catering caters amazing off-site breakfast buffets for 25 guests or more. The menus offer perfect elegance for bridal and baby showers, enhanced by the full-service professional beverage service which is also available.

Though fancy can be fun, brunch needn't always be served from a sterling silver chafing dish - how about a red and white painted gourmet-serving trailer?! Chefs Lisa Carlson and Carrie Summer of The Chef Shack offer paramount ingredients, local flare and over 20 years of gourmet 'big-time' chef experience. Summer's goat's milk ice cream, made with Minnesota family farm-raised cream, eggs and honey, as well as her hot Indian-spiced (cardamom) mini doughnuts, are many metro-area residents' breakfasts. The Chef Shack is at the Mill City Farmers Market and Kingfield Farmers Market, and is available for private events.

Brunch, to me, means juice-y cocktails and coffee. The balance of the two makes for a clear conscience...especially when its a dark, steaming cup of Morning Star Coffee. This full-service coffee company, supplying fine coffee and brewing equipment, is Kosher, fair-trade, shade-grown, certified-organic coffee, locally roasted, and available at Kowalski's and many, many cafes and restaurants in the Midwest. Owner Jose Vido has worked to be sensitive to the environment and growers since 1996, while staying passionate and meeting his clients needs for amazing coffee blends.

What's the perfect compliment to said coffee? Lindalicious Biscotti, a new business featuring an old favorite. Biscotti is a twice baked cookie that resembles small slices of toasted bread, and is perfect for dipping. Lindalicious also offers gift baskets - a delicious thank-you or brunch hostess gift. These treats are enjoyable any time of day, and are available at www.lindaliciousbiscotti.com and So What's New @ The Chocolate Spoon, located in White Bear Lake.

- Janna O'Meara, Entertaining & Events, the Affair

the Fare

2009-09-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Healthful & Light

When you think of eating light, inevitably your mind lands upon the ubiquitous salad. Luckily, there is more to healthful eating than a plateful of raw veggies.

I have a lot of friends who are very conscious of what they eat, so I love to treat them to seafood and fish whenever possible. In the Twin Cities, Coastal Seafoods is my go-to for the best quality, as well as great recipes. Try their Thai Flavored Grilled Swordfish for loads of flavor without lots of fat and calories. Celebrity chef Daniel Green also has a great website with fabulous seafood recipes that are tasty and good for you at www.televisioncookery.com. His Miso Salmon is out of this world!

A favorite of mine is beans. Beans are high in protein and fiber, and can stand up well to strong flavors well. I like to add cannellini beans to sautéed onions and garlic, along with some red pepper flakes, sundried tomatoes and fresh basil. Finish with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice, and you have wonderful side or bruschetta topping.

Wondering what to start the party with? When in doubt, go simple - take a slice of hearty whole grain bread, toast, then spread with fresh avocado. Layer with sliced cucumbers or tomatoes, season with salt & pepper and serve. The lusciousness of the avocado will fool your guests into thinking they are getting something sinful. Another indispensable recipe couldn't be easier - Ceviche. Mix chopped raw (peeled and deveined) shrimp with diced serrano peppers, cilantro, tomatoes, avocados, red onion and mango - season with fresh squeezed lime juice, salt and pepper and let refrigerate for an hour before serving.

- Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair

the Glass

2009-09-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Healthy Pours

The phrase "healthy cocktail" seems to be a contradiction in terms. It's not "a cocktail a day keeps the doctor away." It's apples, so unless you're having an Appletini, that saying isn't going to take the nation by storm. But there are some healthy options to offer your guests.

Green tea is wonderful on its own, but it also can be used as an infusion with vodka. Use 1 tea bag per ½ c. vodka or 6 tea bags per 750 ml of vodka and let steep for at least four hours. From there you can use your imagination and create your own "healthy" martini! A great source for green tea is Mrs. Kelly's Tea at www.mrskellystea.com .

For the beer drinker at your party, it's simple. Offer a light beer. My choices are Miller Lite with only 96 calories and Amstel Light with 95. These two have very different tastes, and will offer a choice for your guests, depending on their palette.

It's not easy to create healthy alternatives for your guests when it comes to alcohol, but with a little help from your friends (from your favorite local spirits retailer) and maybe a fun taste testing session, it can be done.

Cheers to your health!

- Laurie Ziegler, Gourmet Food & Wine, the Affair

the Flare

2009-09-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Spa Décor - From Set Up to Chill Out

Looking to enjoy some pampered time with friends? Why not recreate the spa experience at home and invite your girlfriends over for some quality time together. Just like a good spa day, it is nice to experience a variety of services. I recommend setting up stations or zones for each treatment throughout your home. Depending on how many people attend, the stations might need to accommodate multiple people, so be sure to keep that in mind when setting them up. Have multiple mirrors, chairs, cute dishes of cotton balls, or whatever that station needs available along with baskets of towels and lots of comfy pillows. And if you are going to bring in professionals to provide services, be sure to schedule more than one of each so that multiple people can be getting massages while others do their nails or get facials.

In order to ensure you and your guests are relaxed, create a calming atmosphere using the soft lighting instructions in my previous article "It's All About the Lighting - Creating That Soft Glow." Add in some flowers or candles with calming scents, like lavender. Then let the music help set the mood - a mix of soft, relaxing tunes can help you zone out in the best way possible. I recommend Cesaria Evora's albums - I can't understand her lyrics since they are in Portuguese, but her haunting velvety voice carries the emotion of her music so clearly that I can't stop swaying. Café Atlantico and Miss Perfumado are my two favorite albums by her. Or you can have the folks at Mix & Burn create a custom music mix for your party, which also serve as great parting gifts for guests or hostess gifts. Their wide selection of music styles allows you to craft just the right blend of sounds for anything from a spa party to a global dance party. The Mix & Burn kiosk can be found at the Woodbury Borders store, along with a great selection of CDs.

- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair

the Inspiration

2009-09-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

Mind, Body and Spirit

In the true spirit of Staycations, we've modified our spa routine as well. When lounging for a weekend at Sundara Inn and Spa in the Wisconsin Dells area is no longer an option, consider bringing the peaceful atmosphere to you! Every moment and every aspect of your 'normal' routine can feel like a personal treatment, if you pair up with these award-winning, and chi-conscience vendors.

Hilary Bullock – Consultation, Land Care, and Garden Design works with you to create personal landscapes that are beautiful, dynamic and livable - while promoting ecological health, energy conservation and environmental stewardship. The use of stone, metal, local botanicals and wood will further preserve and enhance the tranquility of your garden.

To continue to surround yourself with beauty and inspiration, turn to Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry. This are not your typical bouquets! Summer's mission is to make exquisite, high-end floral design accessible to all.

A relaxed and rejuvenated spa princess needs not plan meals and menus either. Solo by Bonicelli has developed one of the most ideal fresh meal delivery programs in the metro are, it is like having your own personal chef. Solo's unique packaging makes preparation simple and entrees' cooked to perfection.

A cleansed mind, body and spirit deserves equally cleansed and clean clothing! Mulberrys Cleaners delivers, literally. 100% toxin-free cleaning, combined with innovation and customer service. The use of odorless CO2 stain-removal means no chemical smell, fading, shrinking or pilling. Freshness mission complete!

- Janna O'Meara, Entertaining & Events, the Affair

the Ensemble

2009-09-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

Spa Style

StormSister Spatique carries all the fun products you need for your spa party! Located at the top of the Smith Ave. High Bridge in St Paul, StormSister is a really unique boutique. Owner Becky Sturm combines the luxury spa products you would see at a spa, locally produced organic products, as well as beautiful accessories and other must have items all in an artsy boutique style setting. In addition to having a storefront, her products are also all available online at www.stormsister.biz. Now onto the essentials!

Don't forget to pick up a Knot-a-Schmata for each of your guests. Available in many fabrics and colors, this is a great take home gift, as well an essential when holding the hair back during facials or when the cucumbers are on the eyes. They are a stretchy, cotton fabric, worn to look like a scarf, but with no knot. It never falls out, or gets tangled in your hear, and holds your hair back just like a headband. Your guests will love them!

StormSister also has the perfect parting gift - Bath Bombs. Everyone will think they are actual cupcakes! Remove the wrapper and throw it into your foot spa or bath for a fun extra special treat. Available in Eucalyptus, Lavender and Sweet Tangerine.

See these gifts and more at StormSisters booth at the Affair.

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

the Fare

2009-09-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

What's the Theme?

I love to entertain, and do a fair bit, but I often find myself stressing far too much in my attempt to create the perfect menu. What I have found really helps is to work from a theme. Yes, themes can sometimes be cheesy, but they don't need to be! Start with a locale - say, the Caribbean. Offer your guests a classic rum punch alongside some spicy shrimp, followed by Tostones with jerk chicken and sautéed chayote sqaush. Finish your meal with tropical fruit tarts and you'll have a scrumptious Caribbean feast. (Don't forget the music-the Afro Cuban All Stars make a wonderful backdrop). Epicurious.com has some great recipes to get you started.

Another go-to theme is Spanish Tapas. My guests love to graze, and Tapas are the ideal grazing fare. Patatas Bravas are a classic, as are Empanadas, Tortilla (Spanish omelette) and Spanish Ham Croquettes. For the more adventurous, try Boquerones en Escabeche (pickled anchovies), artichoke rice cakes with manchego, or Morcilla Frita (fried black pudding). Round out the meal with some of the wonderful Spanish wines available, or the traditional accompaniment of Sherry. Visit www.spain-recipes.com for some interesting menus and recipes.

- Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair

the Flare

2009-09-09T14:59:00.000-07:00

Channeling Your Inner Cowboy/ Cowgirl

Looking for a party theme that all age groups will enjoy? Then get ready to throw a Cowboy Party.

There is something about the Wild West culture that still resonates with Americans regardless of your love for country music, line dancing or cowboy boots. In fact, many of the guests my husband met at the Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona, owned by the Minnesota family who owns Grand View Lodge, were Europeans enthralled by the Wild West who had always dreamed about experiencing the cowboy lifestyle on a dude ranch for themselves.

So how do you bring the country to your home? Start with setting hay bales around your yard (or living room, if you are adventurous and have a good vacuum). These work well as flexible seating, and a plaid blanket draped casually across the top helps protect bums and legs a bit from the scratchy hay. Saddles, horseshoes, crops & whips scattered around add to the cowboy atmosphere. Bandanas strung along rope create a colorful and casual banner. Strings of lights and lanterns can be hung from trees or poles to add atmospheric lighting. Tables can be set with bandana napkins and wildflowers casually gathered in canning jars and pitchers. Large metal horse troughs are a central element in every western film, so to reference them, fill large metal buckets with beer and soda in bottles- perhaps a ginger beer or root beer. It would be fun to make a specialty sasparilla brew for your guests (with or without alcohol). And maybe it brings back camp flashbacks, but I think "bug juice" is a fun beverage, especially for kids (it is really just red Kool-Aid.)

Showing a western flick playing in the background provides great conversation starters for your guests. A large white sheet hung on the side of a garage or house can serve as a screen with a rented projector. Screens can also be rented if you what to show the movie in a different location in your yard or home. A fire pit creates the campfire atmosphere for everyone to gather around, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs, and eating your "grub." If you really want to take your food to the next level, Williams-Sonoma has a monogrammed steak brand! I can only imagine what that would look like if you used it on a piece of grilled tofu instead of a slab of New York Strip Steak! For an activity that kids of all ages will enjoy, why not have extra rope on hand to practice your lasso skills? Don't forget to encourage your guests to come in their best cowboy gear, and treat them to their own Sheriff badge when they arrive (these can be purchased for a small amount from online party supply companies along with kid size cowboy hats). Now go rustle up a good time for your guests!

- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair

the Glass

2009-09-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Theme parties rank for me somewhere between watching the neighbor's vacation slides and poop-scooping my back yard. Maybe it's because I'm just not that type...I don't like dressing up for Halloween or playing baby shower games either. But this part of me does not apply to theme drinks. Themed drinks, when done right, can be downright delish.

Coffee-it's not just for breakfast anymore. At least not when combined with tequila...Patron has a wonderful product that mixes tequila with the essence of the finest coffee: Patron XO Café. Create the perfect Espresso Martini for your next "coffee klatch" during book club or go to www.patronspirits.com for more ideas!

It's fall, so why not host a party where guests are hunkered down around a blazing bonfire and serve the ultimate Hot Tottie. Heat apple cider (don't forget some mulling spices, or at the very least some cinnamon sticks) and then combine with a nice red wine, like an Argentine malbec, and serve. For more ideas on what wine you may want to try, go to www.tgicimporters.com.

If you're still stumped on what kind of drinks to serve, visit www.haskells.com and look under "haskells gourmet" and then "recipes". There is a huge list, and I mean HUGE, of creative cocktails. How creative? How 'bout an Aquarius Punch for your next pool party, or a Hailstorm during, well, anytime between October and June (we are in Minnesota, after all).

Bottom line is, there are so many great cocktail themed choices out there, no costume is required. Drink up!

- Laurie Ziegler, Gourmet Food & Wine, the Affair

the Ensemble

2009-09-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

What in the World am I Going to Wear?

Ahh - the troublesome question we all face. We are invited to a themed party, and we have no idea what to wear... What I have found is when in doubt, select your "theme" to be the accessory. Whether it's a creative fun hat, such as those made by Anna Lee of Ruby3 designs, or a bold piece of jewelry from a local vintage shop, you are sure to stand out, while not wearing any more than a simple black sheath.

One place I like to head for inspiration for the men, however, is Heimie's Haberdashery in St. Paul. One step into this store and you are taken back in time, to a place where men dressed to the nines, shined their shoes, slipped a hankie in their coat pocket, and every once in a while wore a seersucker suit and white buckskin shoes. There is a cabaret feel to the entire store, which carries everything for men: canvas and leather tote bags, cuff links, thousands of silk ties, shiny leather shoes in every color, a wall of fabrics for custom suits, shirts and tuxedos, even belt buckles, wallets and money clips. And while you there, why not stick around for a shave and a shoe shine. You will not miss owners Anthony and Vincent, always dressed to the nines, never forgetting a pocket watch, vest or any small detail. The lucky man on your arm is sure to leave looking dapper as ever, sure to beg the question, "Did you visit the boys at Heimies?"

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

the Inspiration

2009-09-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Personalize Your Party

Hosting a themed event means hosting a personalized and custom event. Personalized stories, tabletop designs and menus make your turn-key event both memorable and remarkable.

Remove the hassle and challenge of entertaining by using an event designer, such as Bungalow 6. From gatherings to weddings to corporate events, Bungalow 6 does all the 'hard work', including logistics, design, menu creation and catering, entertainment and staffing. Input from the host ensures that the event reflects their personal taste and style, and their one of a kind floral and tabletop design is sure make your occasion unique.This means that not only will your guests have the time of their life at your party, but you will too.

Try adding interaction to your event. According to John Cosgrove of Cosgrove Trivia Challenge, personalized and custom laughs are the best laughs. Using trivia to bring excitement and energy to groups, Cosgrove has been entertaining people for over 10 years in the Minneapolis area, from Target Corporation to rehearsal dinners.

Breath, Love, Eat Cake! Gateaux Cakes offers custom cakes for all types of events, as well as custom, personalized invitations from their sister company Beau Papier- a refreshing change from an evite invitation that your guests will appreciate.

- Janna O'Meara, Entertaining & Events, the Affair

the Fare

2009-08-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

Entertain the Green Way - Locally

It can be a little intimidating to "go green" all at once - it requires not only a financial investment (though there are often big long-term savings), but a personal one. We all know change is hard, but usually leads to bigger and better things. With that said, why not take small steps, and you'll be guaranteed not to be too overwhelmed.

For your next party, try buying locally produced vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat - it's a great way to support your community and ensure quality and freshness at the same time. Because the food isn't transported across country - or overseas - it arrives at your table at the peak of taste. In addition, buying locally eliminates a large carbon footprint. Allow what is in season to inspire your menu - for late summer, a soup with butternut squash and apples (with a little blue cheese crumbled on top, yum) is a perfect starter (the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a great source for apples).

Craving a little beef? Thousand Hills Cattle Company south of Cannon Falls, MN is a favorite with local chefs and foodies. Their grass fed beef is naturally free of hormonesa and antibiotics, and high in Omega-3's. Try slow cooking for a roast that literally falls apart on your fork. Now you can have your steak, eat it, and feel good about it too.

the Glass

2009-08-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

"Go Green" seems to be the battle cry du jour in the grocery industry as of late. It's all about "pesticide/antibiotic free", or more simply, "organic". Defined as "...pertaining to, involving, or grown with fertilizers or pesticides of animal or vegetable origin, as distinguished from manufactured chemicals." In other words, for all the non-chemists out there (like me), not made/grown with words we can't pronounce. Grocery stores like Kowalski's are increasingly promoting their organic food sections, but also gaining organic steam is the wine industry.

Now, the term "organic", when attached to vino, is not cut and dried. Apparently true organic wine must meet rigid government standards endemic to the country in which the vineyard is located, but there are also grey areas having to do with sulfites (some organic vintners believe it should be allowed when used in very small amounts to stabilize their wines, others frown upon them 100%). If sulfites are used, some winemakers will not claim their wines are 100% organic, rather, they will say "wine made from organic grapes". Well that clears things up, doesn't it (she asked, dripping with sarcasm). My advice to you is to ask your favorite wine expert, like Rick Anderson of France 44 Wine & Spirits. They carry many organic wines and can give you the right info.

Go forth (to the liquor store) and Go Green! Cheers!

the Green Clean

2009-08-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

I throw a party every month because it gets me to take my house cleaning routine to the next level. Fortunately we now have so many great earth friendly cleaning products to choose from that don't have those overpowering "i just cleaned" smell.

Caldrea and Mrs. Meyers products make your home smell like a European garden. Plus, now they offer beautifully crafted cleaning tools on their website that make tasks like dusting your books a pleasure. To go ultra green, get your hands on the Norwex line of cleaning products! The microfiber cloths have silver fibers embedded in them to kill bacteria as you wipe it up. Dry, it is a dust cloth, wet, you can clean surfaces without needing any sprays or powders. For the times you have a stubborn stain that doesn't want to budge, a multipurpose paste is available. Now that you are stocked up on green cleaning solutions, make that house shine!

the Flare

2009-08-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Green Décor for Your Home

Greening a party can be done through many small choices. Start by decorating with plants, which have a longer lifecycle than cut flowers. Succulents come in many interesting textures and colors, and they can be grouped in a large shallow planter to make a unique and interesting centerpiece or in a series of small pots scattered around the party area. These can be enjoyed throughout the rest of the year, and even be reused at the next party. If the event requires disposable plates, consider purchasing Bambu All Occasion Veneerware from Sur La Table. These plates and silverware are made from 100% organically grown bamboo peeled directly from the bamboo stalk. They are FDA approved, and biodegrade in 4 to 6 months after disposal.

It is easy to get a fresh look for your home utilizing quick change solutions. Slipcovers are a great way to change the color palette and style of furnishings whenever you choose without replacing entire pieces. Retailers such as Pottery Barn have slipcovers available in standard sizes that can work for certain sofa styles. For a wider variety of fabric, trim, and style options, an interior designer can work with you to design custom slipcovers that fit your furnishings and taste exactly. They can even suggest many new green fabrics that are available in a variety of styles.

Integrating vintage and new-to-you furniture and accessories into your décor adds variety and whismy, without generating new environmental damage as the result of manufacturing and shipping the product. Plus, when you shop vintage you have access to a wide variety of pieces that no one else will have in their home and isn't available from a catalog. For a European aesthetic, visit Euronest in Minneapolis, or for a mid-century vibe, check out Swank Retro in St. Paul and Spinario in Minneapolis.

When you are refreshing your style, don't forget your walls! Paint is a quick and easy transformation for any space, and with the wide variety of green paint options on the market, this is the perfect time to update your palette. Hirshfields offers multiple low VOC paints in every color of the rainbow, that perform even better than the original formulas do. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds - gases that vaporize, which you typically experience as the odor when you paint. I personally love Benjamin Moore's Aura line of paints and use them in my own home because they are low-VOC and low odor, typically require only one coat of paint, fully washable in any sheen, and the ColorLock technology gives superior resistance to color ruboff. Try in for your next project and experience the difference.

the Inspiration

2009-08-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry Kermit, it IS easy being green. Every aspect of every event can be 'green'. All it takes is a little thought. Here are definitions and example to inspire!

Composting: a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil. Example: Chowgirls Killer Catering started their business, day one, with common sense responsibility; their kitchen composts all 'scraps'…everything from vegetable peels to chicken bones, leaving only 10% waste in their entire kitchen operations.

Recycling: to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse. Examples: Eureka Recycling is one of the largest nonprofit recyclers in the United States. The event recycling program from Eureka Recycling assists organizers in making events nearly waste-free. Eureka Recycling will staff recycling and composting stations at events, for a fee, and ensure that the attendees 'think' before they 'throw'. In addition, RedStamp.com prints all their personalized stationery and other cards on 30% recycled content cardstock made with 100% renewable Green energy.

Reuse: Rentals! While there are also many awesome disposables that are biodegradable and compostable, rentals means reuseable! Aarcee Classic Events has everything you need for your event; from forks to coffee cups, to China and serving utensils, to safety equipment and linen napkins.

Sustainability: Capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment.
Example: Xcel Energy is the number one wind energy provider in the nation and is working towards reduced emission levels by 2020 by converting coal fire generating plants to compost or natural gas.

Organic: pertaining to, involving, or grown with fertilizers or pesticides of animal or vegetable origin, as distinguished from manufactured chemicals.
Example: Cupcake Café & Catering in Minneapolis serves up organic soups like their Ginger Chicken Noodle and Italian Tomato Bean, as well as Fair Trade coffees, and organic flour breads.

the Bling

2009-08-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've heard it before - green is the new black. But what does green mean? Of course it refers to a clean and healthy environment, but it also invokes a respect for nature.

When thinking about what to wear to a "Green Party," consider visiting the brand new website of Serenity Jewels. Designer Melissa Luoma designs spectacular solid sterling silver jewelry, which blings with AAA grade Cubic Zirconium gemstones. The inspiration for her designs comes from a love of the ocean and the sea, which has always brought her a feeling of serenity. She uses ship coins and sand dollars and presses them into the sterling silver, creating an imprint. Most of her pieces have her signature script, "May all your travels in life be filled with serenity." They are then topped of with a broad range of sparkle—perfect for casual days with jeans, or as a statement jewelry piece with your little black dress for upcoming soirées. The collection is now available online at www.serenityjewels.com.

the Coif

2009-08-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hair alert: Evolution Experience Hair Studio (2836 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis) is building a luxurious addition to their uptown salon, not to mention their Friday Happy Hour specials are back in full swing for the social season!

Every Friday, from 5pm - 9pm, you can receive a full blowout, including a full shampoo (a nice solid head massage doesn't feel better than on a Friday after work!) All this, for only $20. Nellie, the in-house make-up artist, also does eye and lip touch ups for a mere $20. She'll smoke up your eyes and get your lips popping before you head out for a fun evening on the town.

Owner Matt Swinney is expanding his salon, and the grand opening party is set for the 19th of September. Described as a masculine space that women are attracted too, the addition will help them grow as a salon experience, while helping to boost the uptown economy.

the Fare

2009-08-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Cocktail Parties. If 10 Minnesotans were asked to describe their ideal one, you would likely hear 10 different descriptions. There are no hard and fast rules except that it has to have (say it with me) COCKTAILS. Luckily the Twin Cities has tons of great resources to enable you to throw your perfect party.

First things first. The bar. Important, right? Glassware, ice bucket, cocktail napkins, coasters...the list could be endless. Get your barware on at France 44 Wine & Spirits. You can buy everything you'll need, or if you want to enlist them to run your party for you, they'll bring everything with them. That way you can "rent" that Mojito Muddler you've had your eye on before you buy it. Online at www.france44.com or brick and mortar at the corner of 44th & France Avenue (duh!) in Edina.

Lil' Tart. Pucker Up. Sunny and Bubbly. No, I haven't suddenly come down with writers' Tourrette's. These are just a few of the cocktails you can make with Phillip's UV brand flavored vodkas. There are tons more at www.uvvodka.com/recipes, and there's even a section where you can submit your own concoction. So summon your inner mixologist and have at it!

Lastly, a good cocktail party isn't complete without something to nosh on. Surdyk's Liquor Store & Cheese Shop will not do you wrong! Cheese platter? Check. Antipasto? Check. Catering and staffing? Check and check! They're just across the Hennepin bridge from downtown Mpls or at www.surdyks.com.

This should get you started, but if you're still floundering, mark your calendars to attend the Affair on November 7 & 8 at the Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis. It's everything you need for home entertaining. Wine, spirits, food, fashions for you and the home, you'll find it. See you there!

12 Weeks

2009-08-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

12 weeks- what can you accomplish in 12 week?

the Little Black Book - Cocktail Parties

2009-08-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, cocktail parties are the best events not only to attend, but to hold. Short, easy, sweet. Try some new drinks, fun little dishes, mix, mingle, and on to the next event! Though, to be honest, I do still stress a little when hosting one - I try to do as much as possible ahead of time, which helps enormously. Easy recipes with a big bang are a must (read-- if I am fed chips of any variety it's time to move on). A little effort can go a long way....