Easy recipes and ideas for the reluctant entertainer!
December 4, 2011 | Author Trish
It’s that time of year again. You vowed last year that you were going to have a Holiday Party but time got away from you and before you knew it, it was March and you missed another entertaining opportunity…Does this sound like you? Making excuses because entertaining seems daunting?
I used to equate entertaining to exercising! I really wanted to do it but I needed a bit of inspiration to get motivated. Entertaining is fun, but it’s sometimes hard to get started especially when we are all so busy.
Here’s how I make it easier to find the motivation to entertain!
1. I clear a date on my calendar and get invitations organized at least 4 weeks before the event.
2. Once I send out the invitations – there’s no going back. Nothing like a deadline to get you motivated!
3. I make a list of tried and true, EASY appetizer recipes that I use year after year so that I don’t have to stress about the food (that includes beverage recipes).
Helpful Hint: take photos of your food and decorating displays as a reference for next year!
4. Choose only 1 new recipe to try on that occasion just to spice things up and purchase things that you aren’t good at like desserts or hot appetizers.
5. Prepare everything the night before so you are relaxed and ready to entertain leaving time to look your best.
………………….
So here are a few ideas that you might like as party time approaches…
Try this easy-to-make crostini and white beans recipe. Easy, inexpensive and delicious!
It doesn’t get easier or prettier than this! You could do this with any soft cheese.
What a pretty presentation!! Super easy too.
and don’t forget to thank your guests…how about this thoughtful, home-made idea for your guests to take home and enjoy?
A little Holiday Cheer! It’s almost party time…
December 2, 2011 | Author Trish
If you’re anything like me, you love to entertain but your time is limited. You still want to make a great impression but you need help!
My rule is simple: Make one or two WOW dishes that you make well and then fill in with store bought (that you will finagle) goods so that you can have fun at your party too!
Here are some fun ideas to help you out…
With recipes like these, you’ll want to celebrate everything…all the time!
Click on the link below the photos for the recipes!
This recipe uses only 3 ingredients…
Again just 3 easy ingredients…
Good luck and enjoy your entertaining!
Tags: Easy entertaining, Easy party ideas, Holiday entertaining, Holiday food ideas | 
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Decorating with ornaments for the Holidays!
November 28, 2011 | Author Trish
Decorating the table doesn’t have to be difficult.
Check out these ideas to get you inspired!
How about digging out all those holiday ornaments and using them to add some sparkle to your table setting?
Keep it a one-color theme to create a story…
Easy decorating using what you have…
Take the decorating outside too…so simple!
A Blog Award…Really?
November 27, 2011 | Author Trish
The word *BLOG* is a weird sounding word, don’t you think? Apparently it’s an abbreviation of web log and if you say it fast enough and drop the *we* you can see how it evolved…
About a week ago, I was nominated for the versatile blogger award by my friend, re-designer and artist Linda Holt from Newlight Redesign. I was honored and surprised as I really don’t consider myself an awesome blogger but I do enjoy recounting the things that I love to do and talk about the amazing people in my life but especially, I like to create a two-sided conversation within my website at Soiree, Andover.
I love Linda’s blog because it reflects her designs…clean, to the point and effectual. You get her point as soon as you land and her photos are so meaningful (could be because she was a photographer in another life). I get a lot of inspiration for my own home from her blog.
So the following is what I’m supposed to do with this award…
- Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you
- Share 7 things about yourself
- Send the award along to 7 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!
So here goes:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you
Dear Linda from Newlight Redesign,
Thank you so very much for this distinguished award you have bestowed upon me. I hope to make you proud and hope that I am worthy of such an award. Thank you for following my blog and I will continue spreading the word about yours too.
Enjoy the following post!
Keep up the good work in blog land and beyond,
Yours truly,
Trish – Soiree, Andover
2. Share 7 things about yourself
Here are 7 things about myself that probably don’t matter much but here they are anyway!
1. I love to travel – Paris is one of my favorite European cities. When I went for the first time last year, I felt as if I was visiting an old friend. Paris and I have a lot in common…we both love good food, slow, long conversations on the side walk; we love fresh bread and we both enjoy open air markets, art history, European fashion and the Eiffel Tower. Even though I don’t speak French, Paris and I speak the same language!
2. I love dogs – especially smart dogs! My dog Jet is so smart that when he drools he can swing a thin string of drool up and over his head, landing around his snout…every time! Clever don’t you think?
This is how I feel about my Jet!
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.” - Milan Kundera
3. I love to cook – I’ve been cooking for as long as I have memories. I remember cooking with my parents every single day (making things the old fashioned way) when I lived with them and learning something new each time. Before I owned Soiree, Andover I was a cooking instructor. I still miss it! I particularly love cooking apple strudel – one of my husband’s favorites! Cooking makes me happy…
4. I love entertaining and creating family traditions – especially based around food…surprise!! I really enjoy creating a relaxing, holiday atmosphere and celebrating life and family…
5. I love quotes – my website if full of them. Why do I love quotes so much? I guess it’s because a quote, written by a much more eloquent writer than me, is a feeling put into words that I could not come up with by myself. One of my favorites is from Winnie the Pooh…
“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.” – Winnie the Pooh
6. I love Australia – where I was born. I love it’s easy going people, the ocean that I miss so much, the landscape and the weather…
7. I recently became an American citizen and proud of it! After 12 years of living in the United States, I decided that it was time…and I really want to vote next year!
3. Send the award along to 7 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!
Now the best part. I get to pass the Versatile blogger award along to 7 other bloggers whose ideas I look forward to reading and thought you might too.
Thanks to all the bloggers out there that feed my passion for entertaining, celebrating and just plain enjoying what I do. If you would like more information about us please see our website at Soiree, Andover and stay tuned for more blogging!
A Very Personal Wedding – Part 4 All the beautiful memories…
November 25, 2011 | Author Trish
And the memories of a spectacular Wedding stay with us for a long time because of where we were, who we had to help us and what we did…
The Boston Harbor Hotel and staff made the day seamless
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross was beautiful and made it a day to remember
The Programs from Soiree, Andover were embossed on the front using the same motif as was on the invitation
The Christopher Limousine transportation company was on time and very friendly
The Gilded Harps made the cocktail hour so relaxing!
The embossed Menu cards from Soiree, Andover
The Cake was also provided by the Boston Harbor Hotel where ALL the food was amazing as was the staff.
Thank you to everyone for such a wonderful experience and memories that will last forever…
ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY Person and Killian Photography and VIDEOGRAPHY by
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A Very Personal Wedding – Part 3 – It’s all too beautiful!!
November 17, 2011 | Author Trish
Our hair and make-up artists were amazing!
Each bridesmaid and our lovely usher had a different hairstyle. Jeni designed a hairstyle that suited them individually and was perfect. What an amazing artist to do 7 different hairstyles in one morning alone…whew!
( Jeni Teran Hairstylist ) (All photography by Person + Killian Photography)
(silk hairpiece for the bridesmaids from Carina and Co.)
On the left, Jeni was tending to the bride’s hair and adjusting the headpiece so it fit to be comfortable all day. After doing all the girls’ hair, she still had a big smile on her face.
On the right…well, the look says it all…she loved it!
And what a find with make-up artist Christy Lavalle (not shown) from Makeup Artistry by Christy. Christy applied a very natural and appropriate look for each age group. The air-brushed make-up was as fresh at midnight as it was in the morning. I didn’t want to take mine off!! Christy is a master at what she does…no wonder she’s so busy!
Of course a wedding wouldn’t be complete without the gorgeous flowers from Les Fleurs in Andover
The initial inspiration was taken from the Les Fleurs retail store in Andover. It’s like walking into a French Floral Boutique. 
From the outstanding Bridal bouquet to the small arrangements on the cocktail tables, each detail captured the feel the Bride and Groom were looking for.
The feel of the wedding was European Romantic which is what Les Fleurs is well-known for!
We added some dimension and perfume with dried lavender and just enough color to make it a fall inspired wedding. Adding the dehydrated artichokes and pomegranates gave it that “little bit of rustic” we wanted without it going too country.
Part 4 (the final part) coming very soon…
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A Very Personal Wedding…Part 2 – Using a Wedding Coordinator
November 14, 2011 | Author Trish
Why use a Wedding Coordinator?
Come meet our Event Planner on Thursday, November 17 at
(Monique Johnson from Monx Design House)
(Photography by Person + Killian Photography)
We used the amazing and gracious talents of Monx Design House. Owner Monique Johnson and her wonderful team were able to suggest accents that highlighted the romantic look the couple wanted as well as bring in ideas that Monique knew we would love; ideas that we would never have thought of. She helped guide the vendors and told them what was important to us so that all the little details that would help us remember the day were accentuated. We could not have done that alone. The Wedding ran smoothly and we were able to enjoy it all because they had everything in hand…everything!!!
Here are a few key benefits that an event planner provides…
1. Creativity- makes your event stand out and be memorable by tailoring to your unique style. Event planners provide many creative resources and can bring ideas to the table that you would never have thought of as well as expanding on your own, personal ideas.
2. Maximize the budget- get the best and the most out of the money you are spending.
3. Save Money- in saving time, you save money. Planners can get discounted rates or negotiate to get the rate that fits in your budget.
4. Stress Free- Planners coordinate itineraries, timelines, vendors and direct your event to ensure that you, your family, and your guests enjoy a flawless event.
Monique helped us create a new family tradition that day. We had special gifts to give to the Bride and Groom and we were able to coordinate with Monique way before the Wedding day on how and when these gifts would be given to the Couple without them knowing…it was very special!
(Reception – Boston Harbor Hotel)
All the little details for the Wedding were perfect!
Join us for Part 3 …
Tags: day of coordinators, event designers, Event planners, planning the perfect wedding, why have an event planner | Comments Closed
A Very Personal Wedding…Part 1
November 12, 2011 | Author Trish
After having helped hundreds of brides over the years, this year was my chance to feel the excitement of a Wedding in our family, not only as the Mother-of-the-Bride but also as the Matron of Honor, to help organize and find vendors, (although the bride did most of this herself) look for new ideas and plan and prepare for that one single day that would stay in our memories for a very long time…
(Flowers by Les Fleurs) (All photography by Person + Killian Photography)
The key to a perfect wedding is working with amazing vendors!
Event Planner - Monique Johnson – Monx Design House
Photographer – Person + Killian
Videographer – Boston Wedding Films
Makeup – Makeup Artistry by Christy
Hairstylist - Jeni Teran
Ceremony - Cathedral of the Holy Cross
Reception - Boston Harbor Hotel
Cocktail hour music - Gilded Harps
Florist - Les Fleurs
Transportation - Christopher Limousine
Wedding Gown – Priscilla of Boston
Reception band - Nancy Paulino + the Black Tie Band
Invitations, favors, seating chart, menu cards, paper roses
and all paper accessories - Soiree, Andover
To find the perfect vendors for your wedding you need to do lots of research and most importantly make sure to meet or talk with them to see if they understand what you want for your wedding (style, budget and ideas). Don’t commit until you find one that does. Then, I think it’s important (but not highly necessary) that the vendor knows about the church or venue and has worked there before. If they feel comfortable, so will you! Go through their websites and pick the ones that reflect your style. Going only on recommendations from others is sometimes tricky. Speak to vendors at length and go armed with tons of questions. A good vendor will love that you asked questions, have ideas, and input.
It always starts with the perfect invitation…
Of course the Invitations came from Soiree, Andover…
The Letterpressed invitations were selected from William Arthur on ultra thick cardstock with gold gilding and beveled edging. The ink color used was taupe and the fonts were classic but the wedding information was kept in a block font so it was easy to read. Silk ribbon was used to enhance the invitation which had 2 layers to lift it and it was nestled in a beautiful rust colored silk box…
(Invitation by Soiree, Andover)
The front tag was printed on the same paper used to back the invitation and then, tied with an organdy ribbon on the front.
This invitation set the scene for a formal Wedding on a beautiful fall day…
It included a ceremony card for information about the church service and then a reception card for more information about the celebration afterwards. As there was some time between the ceremony and the cocktail hour, this information needed to be included to allow guests to organize their time. The reply card was included as well as a parking card which gave more information to help our guests.
A Wedding invitation needs to do 3 things:
1. Set the tone of the event. Everyone likes the excitement and anticipation for such an event. If the event is formal but you send an informal looking invitation, you will get guests arriving in casual attire and the opposite is also true. Choose the invitation that reflects YOUR wedding day so everyone will be clear on what is expected!
2. Reflect the personality of the couple. It’s YOUR day and everything about it should be about the two of you!! If everyone knows you as a conservative and quiet couple, it would be unusual to receive a flamboyant invitation to your wedding. Whenyour invitation comes in the mail, you want people to open it and say, “That’s so them”. However, if one of you is flamboyant and the other conservative, then a combination of both, demonstrated in the invitation is once again a reflection of both of you!
3. Make the guests feel comfortable and taken care of. Your guests should be able to have all of their questions answered in the invitations you send. What is the attire – casual, formal or black tie? If parking is a problem, let them know. Will there be transportation available for out-of-town guests? Is there a menu choice? Are there any unusual circumstances they need to be aware of? Is the reception immediately following the ceremony or is there a time gap? If you are having a ceremony in a place of worship, what is the distance to the reception? Is there valet parking available or will guests have to find their own? What date should they reply by? Where can they find accommodations and has there been a block of rooms reserved?
When you’re ready to set a date for your wedding and you’re ready to choose your vendors, be aware of your style and what you like. It really does reflect in everything that happens
on your wedding day…
More to come in Part 2!
Using Preserved Lemons…Part 3
November 4, 2011 | Author Trish
USING FARMHOUSE PRESERVED LEMONS – from Bella Cucina Artful Food
Chicken Piccata with Fusilli – Trish Martini
serves 4
One of my favorite recipes…
Simple Ingredients
1 boneless chicken breast {sliced + dredged in flour} . 1 Tbls olive oil . 1 chopped onion . 5 chopped mushrooms. 1 Tbls drained capers {optional} . 2 quarters finely chopped preserved lemons . 1 cup chicken broth . juice of 1 lemon
4 cups cooked Fusilli pasta . shaved Parmesan cheese {optional}
Simple Directions
In a skillet, heat the oil and add the chicken and cook on both sides until golden.
Add the onion, mushrooms, capers and lemons. Cook together until golden.
Add the broth and lemon juice and cook on low until the liquid evaporates into a sauce.
Add the pasta to the pan and blend well. Serve with the shaved Parmesan.
Stay tuned for more recipes and entertaining ideas…
Using Preserved Lemons…Part 2
November 3, 2011 | Author Trish
USING FARMHOUSE PRESERVED LEMONS – from Bella Cucina Artful Food
This is Lemon Pound Cake.
The recipe is found on the Preserved Lemons Jar that we just got in…but go to the link above and you’ll find it there too or…come in and buy a jar…
You’ll be so happy you did!
This is the Berry Sauce
Here’s the recipe (brought to you by me!)
1 Bag frozen strawberries
1 Bag frozen blackberries
1 Bag frozen blueberries
2 quarters of the Preserved Lemons (chopped finely)
3 Tablespoons of sugar
1 Tsp vanilla extract
The berries should be defrosted and purchased without sugar.
Place all ingredients in a bowl and let macerate for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
The sugar will draw out the liquid from the berries so you get a heavenly, EASY sauce to serve with your lemon pound cake. Serve with whipped cream!
Part 3 coming soon…
