Entertaining
FROM THE MARCH, 2012 ISSUE
A Fabulous Cal-Japanese Dinner Party
Chef Sylvan Mishima Brackett of Peko Peko Catering treats California as if it were a province of Japan, serving hyperseasonal dishes on exquisite ceramics.
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February, 2012
Ali Wentworth: A Comedian's Semi-Serious Guide to Parties
In the new memoir Ali in Wonderland, comedian Ali Wentworth shares hilarious stories about growing up as the daughter of the White House social secretary. Here, she tells F&W’s Christine Quinlan how she and husband George Stephanopoulos entertain.
December, 2011
A Retro Christmas Party Planner
Two fanatical collectors of 1960s and ’70s design pull out their favorite pots, platters, dishes and bowls for a retro Christmas party around a spinning silver-tinsel tree.
October, 2011
Tasty & Twisted: Halloween Dessert Recipes, Party Snacks and More
From a gravedigger's salad to cookies made with leftover candy, the Halloween party recipes that follow are tempting enough to bring back the dead.
June, 2011
CSA Farm-Fresh Cocktail Party
Members of an Austin CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) include an amazing chef and a talented fabric designer. Here, their farm-fresh happy-hour party.
June, 2011
Outdoor Decorating: Adding Pop to the Party
A hit of color, a quirky shape or some combination of the two mark the season's new decorating essentials for outdoor entertaining.
September, 2010
An Indulgent Chef's Healthy Makeover
Mississippi chef John Currence was once infamous for his profligate eating habits. But now he makes low-fat versions of the Southern dishes he craves that are delicious enough to serve guests at a dinner party. Here, he tells how.
June, 2010
Great Asian Party Recipes
The duo behind the Opening Ceremony boutiques throw stupendous parties with great food. Their secret weapon: co-founder Humberto Leon's mom.
April, 2010
A Stellar Zodiac Party
Wine and astrology meet at a bold dinner party celebrating the energetic Aries spirit of spring.
December, 2009
Potluck Tips from Brooklyn's Best Bakers
Running a successful bakery means putting in long hours, so Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito, the owners of Baked in Brooklyn, New York, often throw potluck parties as a time-saver. Here are their foolproof tips for a perfect potluck:
December, 2009
Holiday Cooking: December Recipes
Last year, we asked prolific home cook and writer Eugenia Bone to keep a food diary for the month of December. Bone, the author of the cookbook Well-Preserved, did just that. Herewith is her real-life recipe journal, detailing her cooking experiences all the way through New Year's Day.
December, 2009
A Sparkling Wine and Cheese Tasting Party
Sparkling wine goes well with many cheeses, because the bubbles cut through the creaminess. Here, some wine and cheese selections that the Cheesewhizzes sampled at a recent party.
November, 2009
Supper Club Confidential
The FourCoursemen of Athens, Georgia, run an underground supper club with a cult following—and they never make the same thing twice. F&W’s Emily Kaiser reports on their best and simplest recipes.
August, 2009
Street-Fair Party
Fairs with vendors selling tube socks, batteries and gyros define summer in the city. Re-create classic street-fair foods with the recipes here.
August, 2009
Folk-Festival Picnic
Evoke the free spirit of the legendary Newport Folk Festival with a feel-good picnic of quinoa-and-snap-pea salad and cool red-pepper soup.
August, 2009
Fireworks Feast
These spicy chicken wings honor the incendiary spirit of the Pyrotechnics Guild International.
August, 2009
Bikini Party
Give a beach party worthy of Gidget with guests in bathing suits and sunglasses and a menu of lean-but-luscious turkey burgers.
August, 2009
Camp Care Packages
These bars were inspired by the candy and cookies you’d mail to a homesick kid at summer camp.
August, 2009
French Riviera Party
Salade Niçoise is one of the great summer dishes of southern France. It’s the centerpiece of a party that’s all about sunny Mediterranean style, from the wine to the plates to the tea towels.
August, 2009
Garden Swap Party
When your garden’s too prolific, have friends over for a swap: your excess produce for theirs. But save some vegetables to make the irresistible casserole here.
August, 2009
We Heart Julia Child Party
To celebrate the film Julie & Julia, starring Amy Adams as blogger Julie Powell and Meryl Streep as Julia Child, throw a cooking party featuring one of the amazing matriarch’s favorite foods: quiche.
August, 2009
Bubble Party
Bubbly drinks in all their forms, from sparkling wine to fizzy ginger beer, inspire this effervescent party. Pair them with a cool Vietnamese-style noodle salad tossed in a bright (and fat-free) citrus dressing.
August, 2009
Ice Cream Sundae Potluck
Invite friends to make the toppings for this indulgent party—peanut brittle mixed with crispy rice cereal, fresh blueberry sauce and an over-the-top mix of crushed chocolate-covered pretzels, cookie crumbs and more.
March, 2009
Picture-Perfect Party Food
Food stylist Alison Attenborough and her chef husband, Jamie Kimm, play with scale to transform the unglamorous meatball into the ideal party dish.
December, 2008
Gumbo Party
A real gumbo, slow-cooked for hours, is cause for celebration all by itself.
December, 2008
Impromptu 1-Hour Party
Eight guests, three courses, 60 minutes to prepare. The secret: The chicken roasts while you cook the rest.
December, 2008
Open House Party
Marcia Kiesel makes easy and impressive roasts that can sit out on a buffet table.
December, 2008
Iron Chef Potluck Party
Choose a theme ingredient one week in advance— fresh ginger, say, or carrots. Assign a course to each guest, asking them to prepare a dish with that ingredient. At the end of the night, vote for your favorite dish, with the winner earning the title of Iron Potluck Chef.
December, 2008
Pantry Purge Party
December is a perfect time to clear out the kitchen. Raid the pantry to make these snacks, then invite friends over for a cooking-tool swap.
December, 2008
Soup Kitchen Party
Organize your friends to volunteer at a soup kitchen, then invite them over for dinner afterward.
December, 2008
Wrap Party
Eat soup and wrap gifts for kids in need through the U.S. Postal Service’s Operation Santa (usps.com).
December, 2008
Gail Simmons' Hanukkah Party
F&W’s Gail Simmons, a Top Chef judge, makes latkes, applesauce and brisket.
December, 2008
Winter Solstice Party
Light up the longest night of the year by making a flambé-themed dinner or grilling steaks on a fireplace grill ($159; spitjack.com). Or try a warming cheese fondue.
December, 2008
Cheese Tasting Party
For the ultimate cheese plate, fromager Tia Keenan of New York City’s Casellula Cheese & Wine Café shares her recipes for homemade condiments, both sweet and savory.
December, 2008
White-Wine Tasting Party
Red wine is the obvious choice for winter, so defy convention and try some full-bodied whites.
December, 2008
Cookbook Party
The Italian recipes from Domenica Marchetti’s Big Night In are great for entertaining. Feed guests the cheese-stuffed red and yellow peppers and the grilled Caesar flank steaks with lemon-anchovy butter, then give each a copy of the book as a gift.
December, 2008
Asian Tea Party
F&W’s Emily Kaiser, who co-authored Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, creates Asian-style snacks to pair with her favorite brews.
December, 2008
Après-Ski Party
These cheesy enchiladas can be made in the morning, then reheated when ravenous skiers return.
December, 2008
Antipasto Party
Serve this fantastic collection of easy Mediterranean-style appetizers using jarred or prepared foods.
December, 2008
Do-It-Yourself Truffles Party
Melissa Rubel sets out a huge bowl of ganache and dishes of coatings, like almonds and cocoa powder, so guests can create their own truffles.
December, 2008
Feast of the Seven Fishes Party
In a riff on Italian Christmas Eve tradition, F&W’s Marcia Kiesel creates easy seafood hors d’oeuvres.
December, 2008
Retro Cocktail Party
Dress in your vintage best and serve these throwback whiskey cocktails and party snacks.
December, 2008
Fight Cancer with Cookies Party
Make holiday cookies with friends, then hold a bake sale to raise money for children’s cancer research. For tips on organizing a successful bake sale, go to cookiesforkidscancer.org.
October, 2008
A Star Chef’s Harvest Dinner
When chef Peter Pastan helps California winemaker Sashi Moorman at harvest, he lugs fruit, hauls barrels and—best of all—cooks an exceptional meal with just-picked grapes and Moorman’s wines.
June, 2008
Easy Grilling: Do-It-Yourself Kebab Party
F&W’s Tina Ujlaki has a sneaky party strategy: She sets out chunks of meat, poultry, fish and vegetables, then lets guests make and grill their own kebabs.
June, 2008
Easy Grilling: A Virtuoso Griller’s No-Fuss Dishes
F&W’s Marcia Kiesel, once an overachieving griller, recently cried, “Enough!” and toned down her cooking style.
June, 2008
Easy Grilling: 5 Great Techniques for the Lazy Griller
F&W’s Nick Fauchald uses his grill to cook big, brawny cuts of beef, delicate little chops—and a tin of muffins. For him, each recipe includes at least one clever shortcut.
January, 2008
A Denim & Cocktail Guru’s Mexican Fiesta
When Earnest Sewn denim designer and spirits aficionado Scott Morrison throws a party at his Catskills house, guests hang out at his custom-built bar, drink inventive cocktails and sample Manhattan chef Sue Torres’ delicious Mexican dishes.
December, 2007
Peace, Love & the Perfect Potluck
Lebanese-born fashion consultant Rita Nakouzi and her three best friends— who have roots in Israel, Iran and Montenegro—discuss their unique alliance and their favorite holiday dishes.
November, 2007
The Definition of a Perfect Host
Lexicographer Jesse Sheidlower, author of The F-Word, will study ancient Persian or East African recipes—or the latest cookbook from Charlie Trotter—to find compelling dishes for his famous Manhattan dinner parties.
November, 2007
Baking from the Heartland
As the pastry chef at one of New York City’s most acclaimed restaurants, Nancy Olson makes everything from madeleines to mousse. But some of her favorite desserts are still the ones she grew up eating in North Dakota.
November, 2007
The Great American Cheese Plate
World-class artisans are making cheese in almost every corner of America, from Oregon to Georgia. Here, the best appear in a truly national cheese course.
October, 2007
Sommeliers: The New Party Essentials
Sommeliers and other wine experts are leaving the restaurant floor in order to lead tastings at dinner parties in private homes. Here, a user's guide.
October, 2007
Sangria Without Apologies
Sangria has a bad reputation (bargain-basement wine, cheap spirits, soggy fruit), but America's best mixologists are making versions of the drink to be proud of.
July, 2007
Best New Pisco Cocktails
Skip the mojitos: Pisco, the South American spirit, is the base for this summer’s tastiest cocktails, says F&W’s Nick Fauchald.
June, 2007
Mark Zeff & Juli B.
Architect and interior designer Mark Zeff and his wife, Juli B., founder of the e-zine julib.com, love to entertain at their Hamptons home. Here, they answer questions about some of their outdoor party essentials, from an insider’s British gin to the best German safari lanterns.
April, 2007
Wine Country Kitchen
A Sonoma vintner and her tea-impresario husband use their beautiful outdoor kitchen for everything from weeknight dinners to blowout parties.
December, 2006
The Greatest Party Playlists
To find the most compelling music for holiday parties, audiophile Charlotte Druckman turned to the pros behind the best restaurant soundtracks.
November, 2006
Beth Arrowood
The co-owner of the fabulous new Miami design shop NiBa Home, Beth Arrowood throws parties just about every week in her color-saturated apartment, from Moroccan-themed evenings to buffet dinners for 75 friends. Here she shares her tips—including how to (nicely) ensure that a friend brings the proper dessert.
November, 2006
Design Your Own Dream Plate
Ever wished for china that matched the exact color of your dining room walls? Custom plates are the solution. Here, top artisans to fulfill your fantasies.
September, 2006
Teutonic Plates
The brothers behind Germany's Sieger Design, maker of a bold new china line, shake things up.
August, 2006
Cocktail Clinic
At the new Sidebar, Italian-born Vincenzo Marianella creates some of L.A.'s most sensational cocktails. Here, his rules for summer drinks.
November, 2005
Nathan Turner
Nathan Turner, owner of Nathan Turner Interiors & Antiques in Los Angeles, has found an extraordinary place to give dinner parties: his own shop. As he travels the world buying for his store, he also finds wonderful entertaining ideas. Here he gives his secret sources for everything from the perfect roses direct from a flower farm to the best dulce de leche cookies.
October, 2005
Entertaining: Maximilian Riedel
Chief executive of Riedel Crystal of America and designer of the stemless "O" glasses, Maximilian Riedel entertains with enviable elegance. Here he shares advice on how to give a great party—in the United States, Italy or his native Austria.
August, 2005
Olatz Schnabel
Olatz Schnabel, who designs the gorgeous linens sold at her new store, Olatz, in Manhattan, loves to throw parties. Here she talks about her favorites (like one she had for her husband, the painter and filmmaker Julian Schnabel) and influences on her style.
July, 2005
Laura Werlin
Laura Werlin, one of the country's top cheese experts, has written three books on the topic, including Great Grilled Cheese. Here she outlines the basics for a cheese party, from condiments to wines.
June, 2005
Tara Guérard
Tara Guérard, the founder of Soirée, a Charleston event-planning company, will do anything to make a party stand out—even take tree branches from her neighbors to display seating cards. Here, more of her style ideas.
May, 2005
Wendy Wurtzburger
Wendy Wurtzburger, head buyer for the Anthropologie stores and catalog, searches from Thailand to Brazil to Paris for the latest in home accessories and fashion. And she can't help bringing a few things back for herself. Here, she shares her global-flea-market aesthetic.
March, 2005
Marian McEvoy
Marian McEvoy, a former editor-in-chief of Elle Decor and House Beautiful, is famous for her sophisticated do-it-yourself aesthetic. Her first book, Glue Gun Decor, will be published in May. Here she talks about her style inspirations, obsessions and sources.
December, 2004
Thomas O'Brien
At his revamped Manhattan home-furnishings store, Aero, designer Thomas O'Brien displays both vintage finds and tableware of his own design. Here, this veteran party-thrower reveals his favorite ideas for Christmas.
November, 2004
Ina Garten
Known for the famed—and now much missed—food shop Barefoot Contessa in East Hampton, New York, Ina Garten has written four cookbooks (her newest, Barefoot in Paris, is out this month) and become an authority on casual but elegant entertaining. Here, her best ideas for parties and Thanksgiving feasts.
October, 2004
Wine Shop Owners Jack & Jill Levy
"Party, party, party—there was always an album to promote," says Jill Levy of her 13 years in the music business. Recently she and her husband, Jack, opened a shop called Wine Savor in Valencia, California, where no bottle costs more than $10, and a wine bar lets customers taste before they buy. She still finds time to give parties, though. Here are her favorite tips.
September, 2004
Serena Bass
With clients like Sarah Jessica Parker and Oscar de la Renta, British-born Serena Bass is one of the most sought-after caterers and event planners both in New York City and in London. She shares her recipes, anecdotes and wit in Serena, Food & Stories: Feeding Friends Every Hour of the Day, due out next month.
July, 2004
Designing Host | Glenn Pushelberg
He's kept busy by clients like Tiffany, but designer Glenn Pushelberg still has plenty of parties.
June, 2004
Party Girl Primer | Erika Lenkert
Erika Lenkert, author of "The Last-Minute Party Girl," names her favorite entertaining extras, from frozen limeade to toy cupcake tins.
May, 2004
Straight From the Hip | Kelly Wearstler's L.A. Style
Kelly Wearstler, one of Los Angeles's hippest interior designers, shares cheeky ideas for giving parties with unexpected style—from setting a great table to dining atop a swimming pool.
April, 2004
Party Bliss | Rita Konig
Rita Konig, the London-based author of "Domestic Bliss," shares her must-haves for entertaining and the tactics that allow her to actually have fun at her own parties.
March, 2004
French Laundry's Lessons
Laura Cunningham, general manager of Napa Valley's French Laundry and consultant at Manhattan's new Per Se, explains how she creates a unique mood—both at the restaurants and at the dinners she gives with her partner, chef Thomas Keller.
December, 2003
Look-Alike Luxe | Blowout and Bargain Parties
Caviar or trout roe, silver or silver plate: you can entertain elegantly whether you spend a lot or a little. Here, the most stylish alternatives.
November, 2003
Old China, New Look
From a place-card holder bought at a souvenir shop to a scattering of delicate buds in bright vases, the unexpected touches here update classic plates.
October, 2003
Play's the Thing | A Game Party
Everyone's a winner at this game party, especially when the prizes are delicious.
June, 2003
Party Tech
Smart new gadgets for the tech-savvy host: DVD favors, CD invitations and more.
May, 2003
A Hot Tea Party
Tea bag place cards, Japanese sweets, colorful sandwiches and more lively ideas for an untraditional tea party.
April, 2003
Party Animal | A Pig Roast
At a New Jersey Fête du Cochon, 200 guests meet one 550-pound pig. Plus, tips on how to throw your own pig roast.
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