Entertaining

Entertaining Ideas ..The experts speak out!

Planning a special dinner for that special someone this Valentine’s Day? Add some romantic flair to the mix with these tips for creating the mood:

Clear the clutter, can the kid’s crayons and clean the counters – February 14 is all about you and your Valentine. Create a calm space (even if just for an hour or two!) that allows you to focus on the most important thing: each other.

Choose a sexy, sheer red tablecloth. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas; a gorgeous sari or other sleek fabric would work wonderfully.

Make a bold statement with a floral centrepiece. Pick up a spray of baby’s breath and one tropical flower, such as a pink orchid, from the florist. Cut the stems and place in a small glass cube vase with a few smooth pebbles.

Place crystal bowls of floating pink and white candles around the room. Candlelight is most flattering to a woman’s complexion – and no doubt a man’s too!

Sprinkle pink and white sugared almonds or cinnamon hearts on the table.

Attach red and pink bows to your chandelier to give it a little added pizzazz.

Spice things up a little by draping a red feather boa around a bottle of wine.

Tie love notes with red ribbon and hide them around the room – the more daring the message, the better.

Prepare your favourite special romantic meal – but I can’t offer help in that department. Beans on toast sounds pretty good to me, which proves you can take the girl out of England, but you can’t take the England out of the girl.

Susan Victoria Phillips appears on the Main Stage Friday March 23 (2PM), Saturday March 24 (1pm) and Sunday March 25 (12pm).


Tip 1: Create a guest list: Invite the suitable number of guests for your space. If you have too many people in a smaller space you will ultimately get stressed out. If you are short on space consider a few smaller, intimate parties rather than one large event. ALSO be sure to send your invitations early, calendars always book up fast for the holidays.	Tip 2: Create a timeline: Set up a timeline that outlines every step leading up to your event. From food shopping to décor, if everything is on a schedule you won’t forget anything. Come the day of the party you won’t be running last minute errands.	Tip 3: Start with a theme: Before the invitations go out, before the menu is set, and before a cocktail is selected, pick a theme! A theme will help guide any choices you need to make when planning a holiday party. An event always has more impact if all of the elements are tied together. Remember to print up a stylish “bar menu” that has at least one signature cocktail that reflects the theme.


Tip 4: Plan a menu: When planning a menu, consider the number of guests attending and the type of food they enjoy. Avoid having too much of one thing--variety is the spice of life. Have fun when displaying food, vintage holiday trays add a touch of fun or use a cake plate to add levels to a buffet table. To make life easier, prepare as much as you can ahead of time. A tired hostess running in and out of the kitchen is no fun.	Tip 5: Arrange your home: Arrange your furniture to allow movement and flow when entertaining for a large number of guests. This means leaving plenty of pathways and open areas to gather. If you are hosting a more intimate gathering consider arranging living room furniture into a conversational arrangement. Tuck away the television and gather around a focal point like a fireplace.	Tip 6: Prep a playlist: No party is complete without musical ambiance. Download a pre-designed playlist from itunes or design your own. Email guests a week ahead of time asking for their five favourite songs and compile them all together for a custom party soundtrack. For an extra thank you gift send your guests home with a copy of the soundtrack in a custom designed sleeve.


Tip 7: Utilize rental services: Short on glasses, no room for coats? Consider using a rental service for all your party needs. From coat racks to seating and tableware, party rental companies have everything you need at a fraction of the cost of buying. The best part? You can return dishware unwashed!	Tip 8: Don’t forget about safety: Have your guest room ready with extra linens and towels in case and out of town guest needs to spend the night. Preorder taxi chits so guests won’t even consider driving if they have had several cocktails. You will appreciate the ease of ordering and paying for a taxi, and you’re your guests will thank you in the morning.

If throwing a festive fête is less than de rigeur in your household, look to these holiday entertaining tips to throw a chic cocktail party that’s high on style and low on the blood pressure.

1. Instead of throwing a lavish dinner party, think about cocktail parties. They are a hugely popular and easy to pull off – all you need is a signature cocktail and some appetizers.

2. There should be no plastic or Styrofoam in sight. Hit up the dollar store for some inexpensive glass or ceramic dishes and glassware.

3. Everybody loves a theme so consider holding a 60s-inspired party or even a tacky Christmas sweater party. Your guests will have fun, and you can base your party drinks and food around it.

4. Music is a must and you’re not limited to Christmas carols. Think of some Christmas-inspired music or even just some great chill-out lounge tunes. Check out iTunes for inspiration!

5. Candles are very necessary for any chic party. Make sure to have plenty around the house (even in the bathrooms) to create some great ambiance. Nobody likes a party where all the lights are on, so dim the lights and add some delicious scented candles throughout.

Alykhan Velji is one of Canada's hottest young interior designers, having appeared on HGTV's Designer Superstar Challenge, The Style Department and CityTV's My Rona Home. For more tips from Alykhan, catch him at the Calgary Home + Garden Show http://www.calgaryhomeshow.com

Entertaining friends and family can be stressful at the best of times. The pressure just seems to double during the holidays. With all the holiday get togethers, you want to make sure yours is fabulous! So here are some easy tips to ensure “Fabulousness”.


Tip 1 Pick a Theme...Keep it simple, no need to get all Cirque du Soleil. A great choice is colour. This is a simple theme and will help you narrow down your decor choices.	Tip 2 How Much?...This is always the hardest thing to figure out. How much alcohol to do I need for my party? A good rule of thumb is that each guest will have approximately two drinks in the first hour and one drink every hour after that. There are some great “drink calculators” on-line, simply type in the number of guests and it will tell you how much alcohol you will need. So much easier than trying to count on your fingers and toes. Be sure not to forget glassware, have two glasses for every guest.	Tip 3 Be Prepared...Avoid the last minute scramble. Have a round of drinks ready when your first guests arrive. This sets a fun tone right away and gives the guests something to do and talk about as they mingle. This also allows you the opportunity to personally greet each guest and if you’re planning a signature cocktail this is the best time to try it out.


Tip 4 Limit your Menu...A fun and cost effective way to set up your cocktail bar is by offering a couple signature cocktails, wine, beer and of course a non-alcoholic option. Mix up your juice concoctions ahead of time in a punch bowl and then simply add ice and your guest’s poison of choice. Also unless you have an actual bar, it is best to simply use a large table and set it up in a spot where guests have easy access and can grab a cocktail and mingle. It will give them a chance to chat about what a fabulous soiree you have put together.	Tip 5 Get Moody...A good party is not just about good eats and great cocktails, it’s also about the feel. A relaxed, inviting ambiance is key and a great way to achieve this is with lighting and music. Keep the lighting soft, use candles and a dimmer switch on a ceiling light is perfect. As for your tunes, mix them up. Don’t use anything too heavy and stay away from the dreaded elevator music soundtrack. The best way to keep a great selection of music flowing is by going digital. Hook up your MP3 or computer to just play on hassle free.	Tip 6 No matter what type of party you are planning, if you don’t follow any of these tips there are two others that are a must.. Always have a safe way for your guest to get home. Have taxi numbers handy or provide a designated driver for the evening and have fun, it’s a party after all.

Tip 1
Lotʼs of Booze...Even if your not partial to certain liquors , keep your guests in mind. Make sure you have all the basics. Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila,Whiskey, Beer,Wine and Brandy/Cognac. Throw in a couple of fruit flavoured liqueurs for some fun shooters. Also a total aesthetic, shallow tip...pick the “pretty” liquor bottles. Remember your going to be displaying them and you want to make it pleasing to the eye and create some wow factor.

Tip 2
Mixes...a key component to any great cocktail. Keep lotʼs of cola, lemon/lime, ginger ale and diet cola on hand. A good variety of juices will allow you to get creative with your flavours. Donʼt neglect the simple things, soda and tonic waters are a must have. Coffee and hot chocolate are handy to have around if your planning on whipping up some hot totties.

Tip 3
Cocktail Tools...keep it simple, my philosophy is- if you donʼt know what itʼs used for, donʼt buy it. A basic cocktail shaker, large ice bucket, jigger (fancy word for measuring shot glass), a good blender, bottle opener, corkscrew and cutting board. Also donʼt forget great recipes and youʼll be mixing up wonderful libations in no time.

Tip 4
A wide variety of glassware...everything tastes better in a fabulous glass, just be sure to have more than enough to go around. Fabulous does not have to be pricey. The key is not to worry about being all “matchy matchy”. An eclectic collection of fantastic glassware is perfect for any bar.

Tip 5
Ice...and lotʼs of it! The only thing worse than an warm drink is no drink. Good rule of thumb, if you think you have enough ice...double it! Now everyones drink can stay full and chilled.

Chef Chris from Sorrentino's top 4 tips for preparing an Italian Summer Meal! www.sorrentinos.com

1) Use seasonal vegetables in your recipes.
Choosing indigenous, seasonal products from your local farmer's market promotes a healthier diet and also brings the best of the season to your table.

2) Don't be afraid to try something new.
Take Italian ingredients you're not familiar with, add them to your recipes and see what happens. Italian cuisine is so diverse—it should be explored. Lasagna and meatballs aren't the only items on the menu!

3) Pair your meals with lighter Italian wines.
Try an Italian Pinot Grigio with grilled meats or vegetables or for a truly Italian dessert make a fruit salad and top it with Moscato di Asti dessert wine.

4) Set your table outdoors as often as possible—even for family meals. Our summer is too short, enjoy it while you can!

You can’t celebrate a holiday in style without getting a little advice from Calgary’s own Alykhan Velji. Here’s his top three tips for creating festive, fabulous floral arrangements to impress all your Thanksgiving guests.

1. Take orange Chinese take-out containers and place them on the centre of your table. Groupings of five or more will create the most impact. Put a glass in each one and fill with the fresh flowers in white and lime green - think lilies, hydrangeas, or orchids. A mixture of flowers will create a nice casual look.

2. Nothing makes a bold statement like an over-scaled arrangement on a table. Take a large glass container and fill it with branches found in your yard. Remember, think bold and oversized. You can hang lanterns or other such items from the branches for a bit of whimsy and colour.

3. For the traditionalists, think about filling apothecary jars with acorns or pine cones. For something a little different, spray-paint the cones in shades of red, orange and yellow. Place three of the jars on a table to create a simple, traditional center piece

Go from bland to bold this Thanksgiving by taking a few pointers from design aficiando Rosalyn Lazaruk.

1. Invest in a great set of white dinnerware. It allows you to use the same dishes for every occasion and all you have to do to change it up is add hits of color and texture to give you the mood you are looking for.

2. This Thanksgiving try adding hits of eggplant, plum and lavender to your décor. Add some flowering kale and cattails to your porch planter, include eggplants and purple cauliflower in a traditional harvest basket, and add fragrant lavender to your centerpiece.

3. Take a twist on the traditional menu as well! While I don’t think it would feel like Thanksgiving without turkey and stuffing, why not try something new on the side? This year I am going to replace my usual mashed potatoes with a butternut squash risotto, regular dinner buns with herbed biscuits and for dessert, a twist on pie… pumpkin crème brulee!

“Don’t be afraid of colour! This summer, spice things up with punchy reds, organic green and out of this world yellows! Be it with toss cushions for your outdoor living space, dishes for that fabulous garden party or just flowers in your garden.

Take it outside! Patio and garden parties are the “it” thing for summer entertaining. Themes such as Beach Chic or Exotic Getaway are sure to be a hit for all the lucky ones invited to your outdoor soiree!

Have a small condo with no outdoor space? Bring the outdoors in by decorating with sculptural topiaries and plants to give your indoor space the look of an outdoor urban oasis.

Candles are a must for any party! Group candles of different shapes and sizes together to create warm ambient lighting. By grouping you are also creating focal areas to draw the eye. But do take note: Outdoor lighting also has to be taken into account, as you don’t want your guests to be left in the dark. Lanterns, series lights and torches are a great way of lighting your outdoor event!”

Summer Entertaining Wine Hints by
Erin Rosar Sommelier, WG Wines Consulting Inc. (www.wgwines.com)

With summer in full swing and outdoor dining and barbeque cuisine being enjoyed by many, here are a few wine hints and pairing suggestions to try on your deck with good friends and great food:

When shopping for wines for outdoor summer events, choose wines that were grown in hot climates. The wines from hot climates are generally more forgiving in hot, outdoor temperatures so they don’t spoil as fast in the sun. Many of these wines also have flavours that pair naturally with grilled dishes.

Keep an ice bucket on hand to keep summer white styles crisp and refreshing.
Screw cap closures make outdoor entertaining simple by making it easy for you to reseal a bottle when it is not in use.
Always keep wine bottles out of direct sunlight and in a cool, shaded place before serving.
Don’t forget about Rose wine styles – these are food friendly and dry in profile. Look for delicious styles from Spain and the South of France.