Just Ask Greta

Trader Joe's Entertaining Staples

I heart Trader Joe's and some of their frozen appetizers have become a staple in my freezer to have on hand for easy entertaining. Pictured clockwise (1) Coconut Curry Chicken Stix (2) Lemongrass Chicken Stix (3) Mandarin Orange Chicken (4) Vegetable Gyoza (5) Chicken Shu Mai.

Espresso Set from MoMA Store

I can always find unique stylish gifts at the MoMA Store. Just checking out their what's new list and LOVE this espresso set by Fellina Sok-Cham, 2008. I can see myself using these for so many things other than espresso (Serving Ceviche, fruit, and desserts).

Ribbon Table Top

I love this woven-ribbon on table cloth look from the Martha Stewart Weddings Spring Issue. You could do this with so many different color palettes for so many different occasions.

Centerpieces I like too!

These centerpieces on Jen Schefft's Wedding Blog (remember her from the Bachelor/Bachelorette?) caught my eye. I became a fan of Jen Schefft after I read her book, Better Single Than Sorry. This arrangement is very simple and elegant.

Dogfish Head Monthly Beer Pairing Dinners

Every Month (on a Sunday), Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth, DE has 5 course beer pairing dinners for $57 (including gratuity) per person. This past Sunday was a mardi gras theme with lobster ravioli, crawfish, blackened snapper & grits, and bananas fosters. We started with the Midas Touch Brew which is my all-time favorite, reminds me of Chimay Ale, but richer. Monthly brew dinners at Dogfish Head are really fun and a great way to try a variety of beer and enjoy delicious food. Did I mention they give out prizes? I won a cute Dogfish t-shirt! 

King Cake for Mardi Gras

Fat Tuesday is next week! I never bake anything that requires active yeast until this time of year. A long time ago, my friend from Georgia sent me the moistest King Cake Recipe from Southern Living Magazine. It is SO DELICIOUS! You can really make this cinnamon roll anytime a year. I bought a bag of plastic babies from the Baby shower section at Michael's or AC Moore and use one or two for my king cakes every year. They say, whoever gets the piece of cake with the plastic baby is lucky, or has to throw the next party!

Save your small boxes

Create tiered entertaining displays by using different sized cardboard boxes tucked underneath a table cloth.  A simple way to spruce up your entertaining spread. Here is one example, although I typically create 3 different tiers on a larger table, but you get the idea.

Hot Toddy!

I made this yummy epicurious.com recipe for Mulled Cider at my holiday open house last night. Like some of the reviews suggested, I too, skipped the brown sugar and made it with Apple Jack Brandy since I could not find Calvados. I increased the quantities and served in a 55 cup hot beverage server (I found at JC Pennys on sale for $49), and used cinnamon sticks as stirrers. It was a huge hit and such a festive signature drink this time of year.

Birthday Candelabra by Fred

I love shopping and getting ideas in museum stores. I found these Birthday Candelabras by Fred & Friends at the Perelman Building museum store in Philadelphia. They are about 5 inches tall, and can be placed on any birthday cake.

Happy Birthday Kyla!

My niece Kyla had a princess party to celebrate her 4th Birthday. Girls came dressed as their favorite princess and the boys came dressed as knights. There were many themed games and activities. My sister Lesley was very proud of her craft idea where each child made a castle out of rice krispies treats, tooth picks, and candy.