Food for Thought: Host a romantic dinner party this weekend

I love the thought of a Valentine's Day dinner party some time over the weekend that doesn't interfere with your own romantic celebrations.

A dinner as stated in this article that "features all the traditional flavors of love (and passion!)".

Share your love with your friends too..

Doesn't this sound great - "Your guests will swoon over the addition of passion fruit juice to the usual Cosmo recipe. The tropical fruit gives the drink just enough sweetness to complement the savory appetizers. The pink sugar rim adds a little sparkle."

There are some fabulous recipe ideas and the recipes are included..

I hope you have a happy Valentine's Day!!

Food for Thought: Host a romantic dinner party this weekend - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

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Homemade centerpieces add color to dinner table

I am all into setting the scene for your dinner party - the ambiance..

This includes the smooth music that is playing as your guests arrive, the delicious odors wafting through the air, the lighting, the table setting and more.. and yes - a fabulous centerpiece helps..

Check out this article for ideas..

"When planning a dinner party, you want the table to be just right. It needs to look inviting and be well appointed, but because accessories can be expensive, we need an idea that is both attractive and economical.How about a homemade yet professional-looking centerpiece?"

Homemade centerpieces add color to dinner table | The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.

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Cheat’s dinner party recipes: cooking on a budget for six people - my favorite column

I like to share these with you..

How does this menu sound?

Starter Seared Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Lemon Dijon Dressing
Main course Oven-baked Chicory Risotto with Roasted Apple
Pudding Cardamom Yogurt Brulee

Cost, recipes and timing included..

Cheat’s dinner party recipes: cooking on a budget for six people - Telegraph

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Think You Throw A Good Dinner Party? Read On...

Australian dinner party hosts might find this article interesting..

It's about Come Dine With Me Australia which sees everyday Australians battling it out for the title of the ultimate dinner party host.

"The unscripted show follows amateur chefs competing against each other in hosting a dinner party for the other contestants. Each week over five nights, five total strangers take it in turns to cook up their idea of the perfect evening for the other four. Each believes they can cook up the perfect evening and hopes their unique style will clinch them the title of best host.

As well as cooking, there’s also a large helping of reality on the menu as the rival hosts snoop around each others’ houses and go to great lengths to win the competition. Granada is currently looking for people to take part in the new series. Log on to www.lifestylechannel.com.au to register interest."

Think You Throw A Good Dinner Party? Read On...

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Throw yourself a 'Golden' party

"While Golden Globe viewing parties aren't as prevalent as Oscar viewing parties, that doesn't mean you can't try."

And I have suggested the Oscars dinner party in the past but, hey - why not a Golden Globe dinner?

This article offers some fun ideas about how to create the atmosphere for the event - like each person come as one of the best actor or best actress nominees.

And rather than a three course meal - you could ask each guest to bring a plate of canapes to serve with cocktails or you could focus on a range of desserts..

Throw yourself a 'Golden' party | Washington Examiner

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Hosting the perfect party requires some knowhow

One is always learning don't you think?

For instance this is one of the tips from the article I've read recently. One of the tips in the article says:

"Place a drop of cologne on the light bulbs an hour or so before you turn on the lights."

I have never heard this one before and yes, I will give it a try. This is just one of many great tips to hos the perfect dinner party! Enjy

Hosting the perfect party requires some knowhow | hometownlife.com | the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies

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Throw A Modern Potluck Dinner Party..

I though this article was great. I've recommended potluck dinners before where guests each bring a plate which helps with the expense factor.

They suggest to choose a theme just as I would and also to assign guests a course to bring. So you'll have each course covered.. Here are their tips which I think are very useful:

A few tips:

- Have each guest ‘introduce’ their dish: ask them to quickly tell everyone what they made and why it’s relevant to the theme (if it’s not obvious)

- Have each guest email you their recipe, so you can send out an email to the group the next day with all the recipes in case anyone would like them

- Have your own serving ware ready when guests arrive and ask them to transfer their dish to one of your platters. Then, they can immediately rinse out their dish and pack it up, so you’re not scrambling at the end of the night to clean and send off people with their platters or having to keep track of pieces left at your place.

- Check out PlumParty.com and OrientalTrading.com for affordable and fun decorations that go with your theme.

- Have some disposable take-away containers on hand so you can handout leftovers to anyone that wants them.