Several years back dinner guests brought with them a screw-top wine bottle. Because I don’t drink much wine, I was unfamiliar with the vineyard and didn’t recognize the label. However, I almost dismissed the offering as a practical joke. I internally questioned these hooligans ability to understand the heritage, prestige, and snobbery of wine. Bottom line, I thought they were being cheap and I would be stuck politely choking down cough syrup with a beautifully seared steak. Continue reading “CAN-tastic Summer” »

A summer party is the best way to assemble all of your acquaintances in one location. Friends, neighbors, family, and work colleagues can mingle and share stories while enjoying great food and drinks. Wait … maybe we don’t want all of those groups converging at the same time. In fact, it is usually best to invite guests who know several others who share similar interests. Drawing from multiple segments creates a party that is fragmented and guest who are reluctant to mingle. Certainly invite some people who don’t know others, but be prepared to help them integrate when they arrive. Continue reading “Summer Party” »