Q: I'm taking a couple of side dishes to a dinner party and I want to dress up the plates a little. What would you use?A: Garnishes can make even the simplest dishes look special. Say you want to take stuffed mushrooms, mashed potatoes and green beans to the party. Why not scoop the mashed potatoes into martini glasses? Or have a mashed potato bar -- it makes a simple dish more fun.
Garnishes can be so simple, but they really make a big difference. For instance, flowers look wonderful on just about any plate. Try adding Gerbera daisies to the dish with the stuffed mushrooms to brighten it up. But you also have to know when to leave something alone: some dishes, like the green beans, can be runny, so you wouldn't want to garnish something like that.
Q: I'm printing invitations to a party on my computer, but I want to dress them up to make them look special. Any thoughts?
A: I think it's great to use your computer for that. It can really save you money and time. There's a lot of software on the market that can help you make gorgeous invitations, and remember: every computer probably has a selection of fonts to choose from. If you don't want to invest in software, find a font you like and print your invitations out on attractive paper, then add special touches with rubber stamps, adhesive stickers, whatever fits the mood of the occasion. Your guests will love the fact that you took the trouble to create personal, original invitations!
Q: I'm hosting and paying for my sister's wedding reception. She wants to have an open bar. How do I control the cost of it all?
A: Choose a limited bar, or consider serving just a few specialty drinks like martinis. If there's going to be a champagne toast, do it a little later and serve a moderately priced champagne, because once people start drinking champagne, they'll keep drinking it.
Q: I have some friends from out of town spending the weekend with me. How can I make the guest room especially comfortable?
A: All guests like to feel they have the comforts of home, so make sure the room has a robe and slippers. Add a small floral arrangement to the bathroom along with some scented candles (be sure to provide some means of lighting the candles). Lay a pair of pajamas on the bed with a Do Not Disturb sign your guest can place on the door after retiring for the evening. You can also leave an eye mask (your guest will get a kick out of that). And I think every guest room should have a minibar, just like they have in hotels. What a great discovery!
