Making Room for MUST-Have Cooking Tools (Take 4)

While we're busy DE-cluttering the kitchen for all the good food gatherings to come this year, we're also making room for some new tools to help make delicious entertaining happen.

Here are a few MUST-haves that will be key to our cooking adventures in 2011.

8 entertaining essentials

The Savvy Host believes that entertaining is most simply gathering people together in enjoyable surroundings ~ offering good food & drink ~ to share stories, ideas, & laughter,...life

The Savvy Host’s 8 Entertaining Essentials© will inspire entertaining of all types - dining in or out, gourmet cook or not, large party or intimate dinner.

Packed with creative ideas, budget conscious hints, and time-saving tricks, 8 Entertaining Essentials© can save a little of your sanity - and a few of your hard-earned dollars! Inside you'll find a step-by-step guide with easy-to-use checklists, interesting resource references and recommendations from Savvy Host.

Go-To Gifts for the Season | Holiday Workshop

Fusion Lumieres

And what is The Savvy Host offering in the way of holiday entertaining know-how?  Read on...

Go-To Gifts for the Season
Mid-October through early January, there's seldom a few extra minutes to spare.  We always like to be prepared (yes, there is Brownie-turned-Girl-Scout training in our past).  Not that this happens regularly enough - no we're not THAT good - but isn't it an alluring concept?

With so many dinner parties, cocktail events, family gatherings and holiday merrymaking, it is hard enough to coordinate schedules, hosting details, and sassy attire!!  Often overlooked - and then a source of discomfort - is how best to prepare for unexpected or last-minute gift-giving needs.

This is not a lesson in the etiquette of gift-giving (see Don't Forget a Gift for the Host!).  Instead, we offering our list of Go-To Gifts to keep on hand to ensure that WHEN (never IF unfortunately) you unexpectedly need "a little something", YOU are PREPARED with an appropriate gift for the host, teacher's gift, special co-coworker, Secret Santa, ... remember last year?

Six Go-To Gifts - along with savvy tips to help budget while you stock up -  can be pulled together whether your budget is $100 or $15.

Save yourself a little bit of frantic this season - keep a few tucked away in a "gift closet" (or pantry - or guest room...)

AND, the best way to make any gift a true success is to customize...even just a little bit.  MAKE IT SPECIAL with special accents or pairings to create an interesting, tailored gift-set.  Highlights the savvy-ness of the giver.  Brings an appreciative smile to face of the giftee. Take a look...

1. Wine

An ever-traditional host or thank-you gift.  Red, white, pink or SPARKLING champagne, we always enjoy receiving a special selection to enjoy around the holidays.

Napa Vines Spreaders

SAVVY TIP - Now's the time to watch the store specials to find an extra-special VALUE you'll be proud to share.  Buy a set of 6 or more and often you'll save an additional 10%!!


MAKE IT SPECIAL - Feeling festive? Add an ornament or other seasonal decoration tied around the neck with holiday ribbon.  Prefer functional? Wine charms, champagne stoppers, or other specialty wine tools add a little something extra.

2. Spreaders
Ever-so-useful for any entertaining occasion!  We love the diversity of styles, colors and shapes of cheese and other spreaders.  Use for spreadable hors d'oeuvres or to pass with the butter or to serve certain condiments at the table. 

SAVVY TIP - Often packaged as a set of four, look for sets that you can break into pairs, perfectly appropriate to have on-hand for a Go-To Gift (and allows you a little budget to make it special!)

MAKE IT SPECIAL -  Add a specialty mustard - preserves - or even jam to a package with two spreaders for a unique pairing.  Trader Joe's, iGourmet and Gourmet Delights are all offering wonderful gourmet additions to fit any budget.

3. Salt Server or Condiment Bowls
Something a little elegant, we love the trend to serve fine sea salt, or other specialty condiments, from specialty serving dishes.  Salt pigs, salt servers or specialty condiment bowls are a unique gift - often made of stone or olive wood.


SAVVY TIP - Keep your eye out for those servers and bowls that include a matching spoon. Typically at no additional cost, the tiny spoon is quite a value-add!

MAKE IT SPECIAL - As a starter, complete the set by adding a package of Fleur de Sel. Or specialty salt - we love Secret Stash Salt's Lavendar Rosemary and Bloody Mary Salt.  Or, consider adding another favorite - Truffle Salt.

4. Specialty Serveware
A special serving pair - soup spoons - cheese knives - or pasta tongs - elegantly boxed and tied with a festive bow, will fit the Go-To Gift occasion (whatever that may be!). 

High-Heel Cake Server

SAVVY TIP - Keep your eye out for serveware items already pre-packaged in box, saving you the trouble of trying to box and wrap.

MAKE IT SPECIAL - There are so many unique serveware items - consider investing in a decor theme that is meaningful to you in some way - or buy a few MUST-haves that you wouldn't mind having at your entertaining disposal.  Need a really creative idea under $20?  High-Heel Cake Servers (see left) never miss the mark in Decadent Diva - Gourmet Glam and so many other styles.  Also love gourmet cooking MUST-haves including NexTrend Garlic Twist Mincer and Sous Chef.

5. Tea/Coffee Service
A tin of gourmet tea or package of specialty coffee beans are an energizing treat! Added to a special cup & saucer, or demitasse set - this will forever be an afternoon break in your honor. 
SAVVY TIP - Buy a special roast or leaf in bulk - and then package in smaller portions for your Go-To Gifts.  Similarly, find a set of tea cups or mugs - and package individually or in pairs!


MAKE IT SPECIAL - There are so many new shapes, sizes and styles of coffee and tea service - seek out unique demitasse cup sets or glass coffee cups that work for both coffee and tea.  Design conscious pieces will pair well with a small portion of specialty tea or coffee to make a wonderful impression.  Take it up a notch by adding flavored sugar spoons.

Rondo Cappuccino and Espresso Sets

6. Votives & Candleholders
Hard to go wrong with a lovely glass or crystal votive or decorative candleholder.  Opt for something seasonal if you like or stick with an all-occasion style – be it contemporary, traditional or glitzy.  Perfect decorative element for dining décor - for the powder room - or bedside, your recipient will enjoy this special touch.  We find beautiful options at a full range of budget pricing.


SAVVY TIP - There are enormous savings to be had in buying sets of the candles in bulk - and then being generous enough to include more than one candle with your gift!


MAKE IT SPECIAL - If you are crafty (we're not), creating custom candleholders is a way to make it personal and unique - often on a very limited budget!  We rely on Martha Stewart for these types of how-tos. Another way is to include specialty candles. We love Oak Forest Designs festive square glitter tapers or the unique soy-based scents from Colette Candles. Another alternative is Bright Endeavors – beautiful candles that offer a special chance to support a great cause!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

May you remember to give as you would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers. ~ Seneca

We are thrilled to be part of this season's Holiday Workshop hosted by the ever-charming Housewife Bliss!  Drop in to pick up all you need to know to prepare for the holidays from some these favorite savvy resources!!

2010 Holiday Workshop - 10/6 Sessions

• Mindy Lockard Tips for Holiday Tipping
• Pemberley Collections The front door: Make a statement
• The Entertaining House
• Lily Lemon Tree Cracking the Code: The Blissful Guide to Dress Codes for Holiday Parties and otherwise...
• AB Home Interiors Holiday Survival Guide- 5 tips for effortless decorating
• Tatertots and Jello  Creating inexpensive and beautiful feminine gifts
• Lucky Life Parties Invitations 
• The Daily Basics Plan Ahead Hand-Made Gifts
• Housewife Bliss Planning the perfect gathering

Mark your calendar to check back next week to gather the insights from our fellow Holiday Workshop participants! 

Back to Basics | Abby Dodge Shares Dessert Magic in 4 Ingredients

Desserts 4 Today ($17.95, 188 pages)

Wow! Take a look at that photo. Are you salivating?...if not yet, we promise you WILL be ;-)

We have been test-driving the simple, yet ever-so-delicious ideas from Abigail Johnson Dodge in her latest culinary creation, Desserts 4 Today.

And we're ready to RAVE about her recipes.

First, an admission.  From the albeit limited virtual interactions we've had, we already find Abby to be a savvy host in her own right.  She's approachable and engaging. She's enthusiastic and willing to share secrets to success from her kitchen.  Her motto? Baking the world a better place one recipe at a time. (And, we ask you...so far...what's not to like?)

Dull conversations? NOT at MY parties!

Consider this your lucky day!  An all-time favorite weapon of The Savvy Host to prevent boring, dull discussion at any entertaining occasion is being made available to one very special reader.

A MUST-have for entertaining, TableTopics are packaged sets of specific questions to help elevate the status of your next party from ho-hum to happening.  We've been fans of these creative little cards for years!  They are perfect savvy host helpers to break the ice and encourage lively - and often VERY provocative - conversations.

As all savvy hosts know, the main course in entertaining isn't really about the food or the wine.  It's the sharing of ideas, laughter, and life between and among guests and host.  How you handle this critical part of your entertaining can make or break an otherwise perfect gathering!  We are thankful to TableTopics for coming to the rescue on more than one occasion!

Flower Power (enough to make you smile)

Following Mother's Day, into graduation season, adding in a few spring/summer birthdays, and you might be able to understand why we're under the spell of flowers.


Floral arrangements have always had such an impact - the colors, the perfume, the textures.  As we focus on getting back to basics in entertaining, using flowers in a creative ways seems to us to be a natural priority.

Flowers add value as a get well gift, a show of appreciation, to celebrate a special occasion or simply to brighten someone's day.  It has been a longstanding tradition to bring flowers to the host or hostess, and while flowers are not mandatory this basic guest etiquette is an important entertaining essential.

Flowers have also played a significant role in our entertaining decor throughout the home - not only on the dining table, but in the entranceway, in the guest bathroom, and accenting the dessert tray.

Take a look at some of the flower power we've been experiencing.

Must-Have Cooking Tools - Take 3

Sharing a few more of the cooking tools we MUST-HAVE in our kitchen to prep for entertaining!

Are any of these favorites of yours?

Microplane® Medium Ribbon Grater
Microplane®  says....
Grates ingredients in both directions, saving time and effort. It is one of the coarsest of the Microplane blade styles.

Blade made of surgical grade stainless steel. Choose between Black, empire red, and cobalt blue plastic handles. Dishwasher safe.  Dimensions: 12" x 1 5/16". Weight: 4 oz.

We recommend rinsing your grater in warm water immediately after each use. Remove particles stuck in the blade from the back side whenever possible. To remove "stuck on food" from the front, first soak the tool in warm water and then use a cleaning brush and stroke in the same direction as the teeth.
Store with blade covered when not in use.

The Savvy Host says...

We so enjoy ALL the Microplane products and love the fact that they originated as woodworking tools.  This handy grater offers an alternative texture and visual appeal to grating apples, horseradish, beets, ginger, cucumbers, cheese and chocolate.  It's extremely useful for adding those "finishing" touches of flavor.  A nice little gift item for someone who loves food preparation.

Guest Etiquette Tip: Don't Forget a Gift for the Host!

Following up on an entertaining etiquette post earlier this year, we thought we'd offer some ideas to help gracious guests with what to bring the host or hostess.  Here's a short list of items ~ all around $40 or less ~ shared by other Savvy Hosts as hostess gifts they greatly enjoyed receiving (or giving!).

1. Flowers or potted plant ~ fresh cut flowers are always appropriate, but if you are feeling a little creative, consider a seasonal green plant or potted herbs (see Photo from www.proflowers.com).  Note: if you are incredibly organized, you can arrange for these to be delivered directly to the host on the day of the event ~ we use ProFlowers for easy online ordering and delivery (flowers arrive in a long box!).

2. Wine or champagne ~ this can be a challenge if your host is a sommelier (or similar), but don't stress too much on the points and ratings.  Either bring a bottle of something you know and enjoy ~ or simply ask at the wine store for an "interesting" recommendation within your price range.  For a celebration, a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne is a guaranteed winner ~ and even authentic French Champagne can be found around $30-$35.

3. Chocolates or candy ~ even local grocery stores now stock gourmet chocolate truffles and sea-salt caramels.  It's easier than ever to find a lovely gift box of something sweet to offer your host. The Savvy Host is crazy for Vosges ~ conveniently available online, at Whole Foods, and in the airport!!

4. Nuts or specialty snack ~ prefer salty rather than sweet?  There are many options to choose from - but try to find items that are well-packaged for a gift.  We like the 1lb assorted tins from Garrett's Popcorn (a Chicago classic starting at $28) or Dean & Deluca's Asian Snack Mix ($14) or Harvest Nut Mini Bar ($22) both available online.

5. Specialty Candle or Soap ~ we're not referring to tapers or a box of Irish Spring of course ;-)  Our favorite candles are 100% soy Colette's Candles, packaged in an elegant mini-hatbox in such delicious scents as French Fig, Mod Lavendar, Southern Pear and California Chai ranging from $18-$26 (available from SavvyHostMarket!).  Gift sets of hostess soaps are also a good idea - Mistral offers a beautiful wooden gift box set of 9 bars for $19!.

6. Serving Piece or Utensil - there are many unique and distinctive serving utensils or pieces that could make a perfect gift for the host, especially if their event or gathering is more elaborate.  We like Wild Eye Design's High-Heel Cake Server ($20), our Bauhaus Bread/Fruit Basket in Red, Black or Silver ($26.95 - see photo below) or the Island Bamboo Salad & Pasta Servers ($24.99) from Amazon.

7. Hors d'Oeuvres accessory - especially around a holiday occasion, we find that sets of accessories to use with the cocktail nibble or hors d'oeuvres are appreciated.  Cheese knives or spreaders are very popular hostess gifts.  Even a special demitasse spoon set for the host who loves their cappuccino or tea works well. 

8. Napkin Rings - One of the easiest ways for a hostess to update table decor is with a unique set of napkin rings. And, with so many hosts and hostesses focusing on "green" entertaining and eco-friendly households, there is renewed interest in using cloth napkins which beg for napkin rings.  Stockholm Enamel Napkin Rings in Black & White (set of 4, $19.95) pictured to the right with the Bauhaus Bread/Fruit Basket.

9. Wine or Bar accessories - another creative area of host gifts revolves around the bar and around wine.  Hosts and hostesses will enjoy accessories that add pizzazz to their wining & cocktail-ing including wine stoppers, wine drip collar, or wine grips, specialty olive & garnish picks, and humorous cocktail napkins.

10. Themed item to match the occasion - if the gathering has a theme - a "Mexican Fiesta" or an "afternoon BBQ" or an "Italian Pasta Night" consider bringing a hostess gift to complement the theme ~ a CD of Louis Prima music, or a Molcajete (pictured above from Crate & Barrel, at $32.95) for making guacamole, or Grill Charms (pictured below at $19.95) for the BBQ enthusiast who has every possible grilling accessory.

The moral of the story ~ a gracious guest doesn't forget a host/hostess gift!  Any of these gift ideas ~ and so many more creative options within a reasonable budget ~ will keep you on any Savvy Host's "A" list.

Martinis & Mistletoe ~ Holiday Shopping for a Good Cause

Getting ready for the holidays has begun (don't try to deny it ... Halloween puts this time of year directly in your line of vision).  Over the next few weeks, we will offer a few ideas and strategies to stay sane and look elegant throughout the maze of family visits, gift buying & giving, cocktail parties, and multiple feasts...we consider it our duty to help you maintain a sense of humor along the way.


To get the ball rolling, here's an opportunity to avoid overwhelming commercialism while getting your holiday groove in gear.  Every year, The Junior League of Chicago hosts their Gazebo Holiday Market, a charitable fundraiser/holiday market where a portion of each sale is contributed to charity.

Join The Savvy Host this year in Chicago as we participate in this year's 38th Gazebo Holiday Market from November 19th through November 21st at the Chicago Cultural Center Sidney R. Yates Gallery, entrance at 78 East Washington Street.


This year the event kicks off with the Martinis & Mistletoe Preview Party on Thursday evening from 6p-10p.  Tickets are $50 in advance, and $75 at the door.  Enjoy cocktails, hors d'eouvres, fig media dj and a wine raffle, while you are among the first to shop more than 30 Market Merchants (including savvyhostmarket). The Market continues on Friday, 11/20, from 11a-7p and on Saturday, 11/21, from 10a-5p.  Admission on either day is $10 (if you attend the Preview, your admission for the weekend is already included).


Grab a friend, take an early lunch break on Friday, or browse the market vendors at your leisure on Saturday.  We'll be there with our bells on ~ and hope to share a little holiday magic.