Category: hosting

All in Good Taste: Vera Stewart on Etiquette, Entertaining, and the Life Lessons They Carry

Vera Stewart has a motto: “Whatever you do, do it in good taste.” For the Augusta, Georgia, entrepreneur, caterer, TV host, and cookbook writer, that applies to considerations from the palate to presentation, serving, and behavior. Stewart’s personal life and business model are based upon this rule, one that she began cultivating in herself from…


Memorable Gatherings: How to Be the Best Host

What stands out at the best events you’ve attended, be they dinner parties or backyard barbecues? It’s the ambience, the conversation, the connection, and the fun. When it comes to being a fabulous hostess, it’s about much more than simply food. Socialization Savvy The first rule of being the best host or hostess you can…


Trevor Noah Goes for a Threepeat of Grammy Award Hosting

NEW YORK—Unemployment didn’t last long for Trevor Noah—he’s hosting the Grammy Awards in early 2023. The comedian who recently left his post as host of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central has been asked to be master of ceremonies on Feb. 5, which will be his third time leading the Grammys. The ceremony will return…


Design Recipes: Hygge for the Holidays

By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service By now you have probably heard of hygge, the Danish term for coziness and contentment. While you can incorporate the concept into your home and lifestyle throughout the year, the holiday season is certainly the perfect time. Looking for ways to welcome a sense of hygge this holiday…


Holiday Hosting: Tips for Decorating a Buffet Table and Serving Your Guests With Style

Don’t stress about holiday hosting; this no-fuss guide will help you plan a festive gathering. Create a Buffet Centerpiece Add to the holiday cheer of your party table with a creative display. Choose a festive tin or basket. Place some greenery in the center, then fill the container with apples, oranges, or other fruits, top…


Hosting for the Holidays: How to Turn Your Home Into a Warm, Welcoming Space for Fellowship

A long time ago, I went on a weekend college trip where the main speaker at the event made a huge impact on my 19-year-old heart. I returned home to a large family gathering of at least 35 people. My mother was always enthusiastic about such gatherings and worked at a clipped pace, smiling throughout—a…


The Gracious Host’s Guide to the Holidays: 3 Rules for a Memorable, Stress-Free Dinner Party

Years ago, I invited both sides of my family to a Thanksgiving dinner. This meant that there were 25 little children from 1 to 9 years of age; we had to deadbolt the door lest any neighborhood children wander in. The adults were 27 in number, which included my brothers and sisters, our parents, various…


Easy Entertaining: Make-Ahead Recipes to Feed Your Holiday Houseguests

For Thanksgiving hosts, Thanksgiving week, from Wednesday (or even earlier, for the extra-prepared) to Sunday, is all about a cooking and entertaining marathon at home. Planning meals ahead of time is my secret weapon for enjoyably hosting weekend guests, while not constantly worrying about what to serve for meals. Thanksgiving is no exception. Thursday’s main…


Ham and Cheese Bread and Butter Pudding

Bread and butter pudding is the quintessential leftovers-turned-comfort-food dish. Made using any type of leftover stale bread, cheese, and add-ins you have on hand, it’s the perfect end-of-the-week dish, as you can clean out all the odds and ends from the refrigerator. I love it made with crispy bacon, but boiled ham is delicious, too….