Highlight of 2010? Small acts of kindness...

The smallest act of kindness is worth more 
than the grandest intention.

Oscar Wilde

2010 was full of new friends, interesting encounters, creative collaborations, stimulating challenges, and ... a few hard bumps in the road!

Leaving the most meaningful impression throughout the excitement and chaos?  The kindness and hospitality we've experienced along the way...so many little moments of delight and pleasant surprise.  How lucky we have been...and we are!

Tomorrow we will share a list of top-tier savvy hosts we plan to rely for our entertaining lifestyle in 2011.  These will be special personalities and brands adding value to your savvy hosting for the many good food gatherings and celebrations to come in the next year.

For tonight, perhaps there's still enough time to add a few additional small acts of kindness to the history that will be 2010 by tomorrow morning.

Who knows? Maybe the ripple effect of a little action this evening on each of our parts will go a long way to securing a very happy new year for us all...

Thank you for your kindness in 2010 - and very warm wishes for a wondrous 2011!  

Happy New Year!!

Seasonal Hospitality: Chapter 1 - Causes We Support

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. 

 ~ Charles Dickens

In the midst of all of the chaos that accompanies every holiday season - from travel, busy party schedules, end-of-year business, and, of course, the ENDLESS ads encouraging us to BUY everything in sight - it is inspiring to observe true hospitality in our community of friends, family and business colleagues.

Hospitality ~ the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly generous way ~ is key to our lifestyle, and a trait we value in others.

We highlighted a lifestyle mindset of entertaining hospitality before - peek at The (Louisville) Art of Hospitality for a refresh.

For the next few weeks, please share some holiday spirit as we shine a light on the hospitality that we see around us this season, and the hospitality we wish to share with special friends.

Music To Be Grateful For!

With not one but TWO Thanksgivings to plan for, we're scurrying about getting our gameplan in gear.

One of the most fun - though often overlooked - entertaining essentials is creating ambiance.  Music, key to ambiance in our opinion, is such an easy way to add a little something to the gathering.  The right music gets toes tapping, can trigger a smile, and can fill the room.

For Thanksgiving, we're pulling out a few old favorites - and some new musical friends - to set our stage.  Take a listen (directions below) and see if your hearth fires burn a little more brightly.

Chatting with Housewife Bliss: Entertaining & Crowd Control

We're back with the very charming Housewife Bliss swapping stories and ideas for holiday entertaining - this time we're sharpening our hosting toolkit to address CROWD CONTROL - aka. Large Group Entertaining.

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! 

Enjoying a visit with Housewife Bliss...

Had to share what a fantastic time we're having getting better acquainted with lovely and charming Housewife Bliss.  If you don't know her already, she's a definite GO-TO for the finer points of nesting & the delights of a modern traditionalist housewife.

We're spending time with dear Mrs. Bliss this month (and each month through the holiday season) to plan together our approach for Fall Entertaining.  She's dubbed this "The Savvy Host Series".  We're thrilled!  Our first feature is Stress Free Fall Entertaining & a Giveaway.

To help fellow hosts along in September, we've focused on Fall Entertaining: Checklist for a savvy host...over a dozen items we're suggesting you might want to "squirrel away" to be prepared for whatever this entertaining season may bring your way...

AND...this month only there is a special giveaway to get help you along with your entertaining creativity.  You'll just have to wander over there to get the full story ;-)

Happy (Fall) Entertaining!

A Year of Celebrations (& a Giveaway)

September - Back to School

How lucky we are to have discovered the amazing celebration and party ideas available through PurpleTrail!

Talk about a key resource for a savvy host - PurpleTrail is a one-stop-shop for not only party details such as online invitations, printed cards, photo albums...but also a creative cornerstone for occasions to entertain with their holiday ideas, party basics, invitations wording ideas, and other celebration details!

We are thrilled to feature a FULL YEAR of celebration ideas that PurpleTrail shared with us as part of our series of Savvy Experts to rely on for your entertaining. Don't miss the very special PurpleTrail GIVEAWAY offering 3 prizes to our lucky readers.  So many reasons to celebrate!

August - Camping

We all know the major holidays to celebrate, but what about all those days in between?  Life is full of reasons to celebrate.  Even if there isn’t a holiday in sight, there is always a reason to gather with the ones you love.  In fact, at PurpleTrail, we think there are at least 12 reasons to celebrate every year outside of the holidays.  Starting now - this month - get inspired by these celebration ideas.

Father's Day - How Lucky We Are

With multiple gatherings scheduled on the family holiday tour today, just a quick note to share our perspective about Father's Day, and what we will be celebrating.


We like entertaining on Father's Day - it's a chance to focus extra special attention on the great men in our lives, and to appreciate their unique contribution as role model ... protector ... bread winner ... family leader ... referee ... counselor ... provider ... even comic relief ;-)


We are so fortunate to count so many exceptional men as a part of our family.  Godfathers, uncles, brothers, grandfathers, cousins, friends.  Each bringing forward qualities and characteristics that are the best "fatherly" attributes and influences.  Dads within the family - fathers within the community - leaders in our faith and culture.

Are the key men in your life and your family grillmasters, sports fanatics, techy wizards, golf geeks, foodies, motorcycle gurus, little league coaches, cigar afficionados, beermeisters or ...?

Today is an opportunity to let them know how much they mean to us, and what an influence they have had on our lives.

Don't miss this hallmarked day to share your appreciation with a breakfast, a backyard barbeque, a brunch buffet or a cold beer together!

Take some time to share a few memories and laughs with each of the unique Father figures in your life today - including those special men who are no longer with us, but who's influence carries forward in the character, personality and traditions of our lives.





Consider how lucky we are to count these extraordinary individuals as part of our families, and our lives.

Happy Father's Day!

(p.s. much love to you Pops!)

There's a New Margarita in Town

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, we had to share two margarita creations to expand your fiesta horizons ~ Tamarind and Campari.

See if these don't add a little "OLE" to your evening...

Tamarind Margarita

We've tasted some of the best while on travel in Puerto Vallarta.  This blended, more sour than sweet tasting margarita is now a staple for us.  If you read reviews, there seems to always be the word "complex" in the description of the taste - we would have to agree.

There is something to be said for the fresh tamarind approach, but the Mr. Manish Tamarind paste recommended by "Transcendent Agave Master" works well and is readily available where ever you can buy Mexican, Indian or Asian specialty foods.  If you have the time, it's worth trying the tamarind pulp.

Recipe Ingredients (serves 4)
4 oz tamarind pulp (from a block) OR

3 oz tamarind concentrate or paste (recommend Laxmi brand concentrate or Mr. Manish brand paste)

If using tamarind block - break into small pieces (should yield ~ 1/2 cup packed). Soak in 1 cup boiling water, stirring to break up and soften about 10 minutes.  Strain through sieve, using spatula to force as much pulp as possible. Discard solids.  Cool liquid to room temperature and add as noted.

8 oz. your preferred white tequila

2-3  tablespoons superfine sugar
2 cups ice
1/2 cup fresh lime juice + 2 tablespoons for lining rim

1/4 cup Cointreau (optional)

splash Orange Juice (optional)

Blend tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, sugar, and ice with chilled tamarind pulp (or tamarind concentrate).  If you prefer your margarita on the rocks, skip the blender and use a shaker instead adding the ice to the glasses.  

NOTE: some prefer to add a few tablespoons of orange juice to increase the fruit flavor.

Dip glass rims into reserved lime juice and then into salt garnish.

Garnish

~ 1-2 tablespoons kosher salt mixed with finely grated orange or lime zest & chili powder to taste (recommend a 3:1 ratio of salt to other ingredients)

~ lime wedges

Campari Margarita

Despite our passion for all things Campari, we cannot take any credit for this bittersweet spin off.  

Coincidentally, two favorite sources of cocktail inspiration shared different versions of this margarita which we are thrilled to pass along for you to taste and compare.

The Intoxicologist posted this recipe, as part of the great series of Drink Recipe Cards through Facebook. The Intoxicologist is a favorite Savvy Host source of cocktail intelligence, so when we saw this, taste-testing for today's fiesta was mandatory.  We like including the tequila as a strong balance to the Campari (much like gin with a traditional Negroni).  The Cointreau adds that orange note which is always a winner with Campari and many margaritas.

Our friends at Campari suggest an even more simple approach in their version of this Margarita.  Be sure to test drive their Campari Cocktails How-To video!

Recipe Ingredients

1 part Campari

1 part lime juice and 2 tablespoons for rim garnish (we prefer freshly squeezed)

1/2 part Grand Marnier (or Cointreau)

Ice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, and pour into prepared glasses (see below).

Dip glass rims into reserved lime juice and then into sugar garnish.

Garnish

~ 1-2 tablespoons superfine sugar mixed with finely grated orange or lime zest to taste (recommend a 3:1 ratio of salt to other ingredients)

~ lime or orange wedges

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.