Hip Tip: Clean Sweep Your Bathroom Before Parties November 30, 2012

This isn’t a glamorous or creative tip, but it’s a very practical one that many people overlook when entertaining.  Do a sweep of your bathroom the day of your party to stash anything you wouldn’t want your guests to see.  Check your medicine cabinet, under your sink and empty the bathroom garbage right before guests arrive.  I don’t think most people purposely snoop in your bathroom, but looking for the spare roll of toilet paper or a feminine product may lead to an embarrassing discovery.  Your friends would likely rather not find something so personal, so do them a favor and stash it in the back of your linen closet or another discreet place.

If you’re curious, that is my bathroom pictured above.

Hip Tip: White Cow Dairy Yogurt April 24, 2012

My newest obsession is yogurt from White Cow Dairy – a small, family farm in Western New York that uses dairy produced from their grass-fed cows.  White Cow yogurt is hands-down the most delicious yogurt I have ever tasted.  Their flavors are amazing: rueberry (rhubarb berry), lemon raspberry, lemon ginger, pumpkin and red fruit (grapefruit) are a few of my favorites.  The flavors are seasonal and change often.  

The yogurts contain purees and chunks of fruit rather than being flavored and strained.  The grass-fed milk produces a wonderful texture – rich and creamy with a luxurious mouth-feel. 

These amazing yogurts are pricey ($3.25/ 5.5 oz jar), but worth every penny.  They’re a nice treat and would be wonderful to serve at brunch.  Set out several jars in various flavors with pretty teaspoons to give your guests a taste of this truly special yogurt.      

White Cow yogurts are available in select Western New York store (including Wegmans) and in NYC at Murray’s Cheese (both locations).  Hopefully they’ll expand their retail outlets.  For now, they’re worth a special trip.

Homemade Hostess Gift May 23, 2011

You could pick up a bottle of wine, but why not bring a homemade hostess gift instead?  Next time you’re baking, make a few extra to freeze and bring as hostess gifts.  I like to bake mini loaves of quick bread – like zucchini, cranberry-orange or pumpkin – and freeze them for future giving.  A good way to keep the breads nice and moist is to wrap them in plastic wrap while they are still hot (it seals in the moisture).  Put them in another layer, and then a freezer bag to keep them fresh.  Seal the treats with a label (“from the kitchen of ___”) and a pretty ribbon for a professional look.  It’s always nice to get a homemade gift, especially one that can be enjoyed by the tired hosts for breakfast the following morning.

Hip Tip – Schedule “Me” Time November 24, 2009

You’ve planned all the special touches to make your party perfect, but don’t forget to schedule time to get yourself party-ready.  Make your grooming appointments well in advance of your party so you get first pick of appointment times.  Schedule a haircut, blow-out, manicure, pedicure or a massage for the day before or day of your party.  You’ll probably be on your feet for most of the day and will welcome a productive break for a little “me” time.  You can also get a spa-like experience without opening your purse strings by using the jacuzzi or steam room at your gym, or doing a home treatment with a store-bought mud mask and cucumber slices.  If spa treatments aren’t your thing, make time for something that you enjoy, whether it be a run in the park or a relaxing yoga class.  Remember: The foundation for any great party is a happy host.