Ideas & Tips

Whether you are hosting a casual dinner party or celebrating the wedding of your son or daughter, being able to make an appropriate toast is a crucial life skill. While it can be difficult to know just where to start, following some simple tips and tricks will enable you to graciously raise your glass at your next important event. Brevity is the soul of wit: The Wall Street Journal says that no toast should exceed three minutes.  Consider your audience: It's crucial to consider your audience when making a toast. A joke that your former college roommate would find hilarious...

Summer is the perfect season for low-fuss, no-cook food preparation. We love to assemble an elegant cheese plate, which is the perfect party hors d'oeuvres or even simple supper. (We also offer a scaled-down version for your smaller cheese assortments.) Here are our top tips for putting together the perfect arrangement of fromage:  Choose a flavorful cheese: Food Network recommends choosing at least one cheese that packs a big punch in terms of flavor. If you're wary of very strong cheeses, try Manchego, a tasty yet relatively mild option. Spread it with a little honey or served with dried figs...

Whether you're the consummate host or hostess or just starting to entertain, your home bar is a crucial ingredient in your recipe for success. Here are some tips for making it as sophisticated, chic and stylish as you. Bar cart  Don't hide pretty tumblers and stirring spoons away in the cupboard! Instead, arrange them in a stylish display on a retro-chic bar cart. Include objects in a variety of sizes and shapes for visual interest. A sophisticated candle holder adds a nice touch! Detailed decor By honing in on design details you can make your next cocktail hour shine. Elegant touches, like beautifully designed...

Feeding an entire family can be expensive, but fortunately there are some budget-friendly options that are also healthy and delicious! Here are some tasty meals to make if you're keeping a close eye on your wallet: Chili: Chili is always a great option when you're watching your budget. For a lower-fat version, try ground turkey instead of beef. Serve it in brilliant stainless steel bowls.  Easy chicken and dumplings: Grab a rotisserie roast chicken and a can of ready-to-bake biscuits from the grocery store on your way home from work, and you're ready to make Southern Living's inexpensive take on an...

If you've built up a miniature greenhouse in your home during the summer, you may be wondering how best to prepare your green babies for the harsh weather they're about to face in the wintertime. Called "over-wintering", the process of preparing house plants for winter is relatively simple, but important to perform carefully if you want your garden to live to see another year: Make sure the air is humid enough. Heating a home through the winter takes a toll on the humidity of the air, often reducing it by 10 to 20 percent. To keep your plants from being harmed...