Kick It Up With a Kentucky Derby Party

Kentucky Derby Party

The Royal Wedding had many ladies donning their fancy hats. This Saturday’s Kentucky Derby is a great excuse to trot yours out again. Why not plan an impromptu viewing party? The race will be aired on NBC at 6 p.m. with coverage beginning at 5 p.m.

Send out a Derby-themed evite via paperless post. Be sure to indicate proper attire. Fancy hats are a must. Guests can even make their own custom creations with craft store finds. Hold a contest for biggest or most creative. Award winners red roses (the official flower of the race) or a horse figurine from a toy store.

Decorate with red roses, spring flowers and horse-themed collectibles. It doesn’t matter whether you serve on fancy floral paper plates or your best china.

Keep the menu simple with Southern BBQ favorites. A sample menu might include seafood appetizers, Bourbon-glazed sliced ham, Hot Brown sandwiches, a layer salad and Kentucky Derby Pie as dessert.

Wash it down with Mint Juleps (served in small silver cups, but you can use silver plastic as a nod to the tradition), ice tea, lemonade and Kentucky Bourbon.

 

Midnight Interlude, KentuckyDerby.com

Provide guests with betting forms to add to the finish line fun. Take lots of photos and send them to me here. I’d love to post.

 

 

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Posted: May 3, 2011 by Susan Matthews |Filed Under: Cooking & Entertaining | , , , , , , Leave a Comment image

Get Your British On With May’s Luxe List (Inspired by the Royal Wedding)

See the Luxe List Here.

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Posted: April 28, 2011 by Susan Matthews |Filed Under: Beauty & Fashion | Cooking & Entertaining | Luxe World | Personal Time & Luxe Mindset | Travel | , , , , , , , Leave a Comment image

St. Patty’s Party Ideas for Luxe Irish Lads & Lassies

St. Patrick’s Day is a great excuse to have a wee bit o fun. Invite your pals over for a pint (or two). Create signage for your “pub” to go above your front door. If you weren’t blessed with an Irish last name – just add an O to the beginning. Example: O’Dachowski’s Pub. Remind invitees to wear green. Those who don’t, will be pinched. It’s tradition.

Be prepared with your best brogue, booze, Irish fare, a few good toasts and a couple dirty limericks. Here are some helpers from this very Irish luxe lady.

 

Centerpiece & Decoration Ideas:

Magically Easy – Place flower stems in individual water viles (available at craft stores). Arrange in a round clear vase. Fill in with Lucky Charms cereal to hide the stems.

created by Susan Matthews, The Luxe Lady, 2011

One Potato, Two Potato…- Fill Baskets with multi-colored potatoes (available at Whole Foods and gourmet grocers).

Pot of Gold - Get a large black cauldron (Halloween variety is fine). Spray paint green, if you’re inclined. Fill the bottom with crumpled newspaper. Fill in with gold foil-covered chocolate coins or gold plastic coins.

Lucky Find – Put a plastic shamrock in small pots of wheat grass.

Flag Flowers – Place floral foam for fresh flowers along the bottom of  a low-sided, rectangle box. Divide into three equal areas with one section for green spider mums, one section of white carnations and one section of orange roses. Cut stems close to bud, keeping all flowers the same height. Place stems in wet floral foam to create color blocks of Irish flag. (Found on celebrations.com.)

celebrations.com

 

Beer Mug O’Blooms – . Fill a beer mug with acrylic amber crystal nuggets, cut a circle of floral foam to create the look of beer foam. Insert green carnations into foam. Prado carnations are naturally green. (Found on celebrations.com)

celebrations.com

· Drape streamers or tulle in orange, white and green throughout the house.

· Place a large rock on a table with Hershey kisses. Kiss the Blarney Stone!

 

St. Patrick’s Party Toast:

“May you live to be 100 years, with one extra year to repent.”

Slainte (Slon cha) = Cheers

 

Danny Boy’s Beverage List:

Guinness (dry stout from Dublin – used in many recipes including Irish stew)

Jameson Irish Whiskey (Five Things You Didn’t Know About Whiskey)

Baileys Irish Cream

 

St. Patty’s Day Playlist:

The Chieftans; The Corrs; The Dropkick Murphys; Van Morrison; U2; Cranberries; The Commitments (crowd favorite); Sinead O’Connor; The Pogues; The Irish Rovers; Enya; Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day: 30 Essential Irish Drinking Anthems (available on iTunes).

 

St. Patty’s Party Food:

What’s a 7-course dinner for an Irishman? A potato and six pack. But you might want to serve up something more substantial.

Irish Stew

Corn beef & Cabbage

Soda Bread

Irish Potato Candy

Dublin Lawyer

Smoked Salmon and Watercress Salad with Lemon-Pepper Vinaigrette

Black and Tan Pork with Spicy Ale

Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

 

St. Patty’s Party Favors:

A bar of Irish Spring Soap

A pot of chocolate-covered gold coins (craft store for pots)

A clover plant (available at garden nurseries and some supermarket florists)

Erin Go Braugh!

 

 

 

 

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Posted: March 10, 2011 by Susan Matthews |Filed Under: Cooking & Entertaining | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment image

Nutella – A Sublime Treat for Your Tastebuds

I may be the last person on the planet to sample Nutella. But just in case I’m not, I highly recommend the yummy spread made from hazelnuts, skim milk and cocoa. There are no artificial colors or preservatives, but the sugar is a bit steep to consider it the health food it’s depicted as in recent ads.

It’s been a pantry staple in European kitchens for decades. Pastry maker Pietro Ferrero concocted Nutella in the 1940s. Chocolate rationing during WWII prompted him to create a way to stretch the flavor. Hazelnuts were plentiful in the Piedmont (Northwest) region of Italy and he found they did the trick.

The Luxe Lady Facebook fans shared all their favorite ways to eat Nutella – on crepes, waffles, pizzelles, biscotti, water crackers and fruit. My Aunt Eileen even recommends it straight from the jar. I’m going to try Bobby Flay’s recipe for a grilled banana and Nutella sandwich. Sweet and savory decadence!

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Posted: March 9, 2011 by Susan Matthews |Filed Under: Cooking & Entertaining | , , , , , , , Leave a Comment image

Holiday Tablescapes

After the cooking is done and you’re ready for entertaining, dress up a long kitchen island or table with a tablescape. Sometimes a traditional centerpiece doesn’t cut it. I’ve placed a snowy branch with pinecones along a quilted table runner. Three sparkly white birds and three tree trunk candlesticks punctuate the ends and the middle. The combination of white, green and yellow is festive and works with my decor. It’s not overtly Christmas-themed so it carries me into New Year festivities and winter entertaining. Next year, I’m going to use a vintage train set to create a scene. Please email photos of your holiday table tops for posting. Merry Christmas, friends!

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Posted: December 23, 2010 by Susan Matthews |Filed Under: Cooking & Entertaining | Home Care, Decor & Garden | , , , , , Leave a Comment image

Cheese Please – A Party Platter Primer

cheese platterNeed an inexpensive crowd-pleaser for your next cocktail party? When it comes to serving guests, there’s nothing quicker or easier than a cheese platter. They also work well before or after any dinner party. For me, it’s a great meal in and of itself. Here are my “cheese board”-certified tips.

1- When choosing your cheeses go for a variety of different colors, textures and flavors.

2- Purchase one to two ounces per person when serving before or after dinner.

3- Serve on a flat platter, plate or board that allows guests to safely cut.

4- Arrange in advance, cover with plastic wrap and store in the frig.

5- Let all the cheeses come to room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before serving.

6- Provide a separate knife for each cheese so that flavors don’t co-mingle.

7- Serve with a baguette and crackers. I break out the Longaberger cracker and bread baskets I felt obligated to buy at those basket parties back in the day. If you missed out on the craze, try ebay. The Pepperidge Farm Entertaining Quartet may not be gourmet, but everyone loves them.

8- Garnish or serve with olives, grapes, pears, nuts and/or apples (be sure to drizzle with lemon juice to keep slices from turning brown). If serving the cheese as an after dinner course, you can also partner with chocolates or cookies.

Susan’s “It’s Christmas Eve and Mice are Still Stirring” Cheese Platter

After a lovely dinner at my Aunt’s home, we come home to set out Santa’s cookies, read stories, spread magical reindeer dust on the front walk and make final preparations for Santa’s arrival. A cheese platter is the perfect snack to take us into the wee hours.

- A large wedge of double or triple cream brie with fig chutney on top or a brie en croute (wrapped in puff pastry and baked). Brie’s ivory-colored creamy texture is encased in a white edible rind. It’s salt and butter flavor is simply divine. Cranberry chutney and other fruit preserves are tasty toppings.

- A pound of sliced sharp pecorino or sharp provolone drizzled with 1/4 cup of honey. Have your holiday napkins on hand. This one is messy, but much loved.

- Yellow sharp cheddar is my husband’s favorite. Simple, understated and reliable – just like him.

We wash it all down with Bellinis made with Prosecco (a sparking wine). The peach infused drink originated in Venice but this Irish girl enjoys it every Eve. Click here for Giada De Laurentiis’ Bellini recipe.

And to all a good night!

For more information, check out Laura Werlin’s Cheese Essentials for more dairy dos.

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Posted: December 16, 2010 by Susan Matthews |Filed Under: Cooking & Entertaining | , , , , , , , Leave a Comment image

Have You Been Naughty or Nice?

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Posted: December 13, 2010 by Susan Matthews |Filed Under: Cooking & Entertaining | , , , , 1 Comment image

Let’s Talk Turkey

Cornucopia Centerpiece

Easy Centerpiece That You Can Eat

Is your table setting as plain as a pilgrim? If you’re looking to add a little “Ta da” to your Thanksgiving meal, I’ve got three inexpensive ideas that don’t involve any cooking. Grateful, yet?

Pumpkin & Fall Flower Centerpiece

What you’ll need:

· Large, good-looking pumpkin

· Sharp knife

· 2 fall flower bouquets from the supermarket or produce stand (bittersweet branches are a bonus). Don’t skimp. Think abundance.

· Floral shears

· A wide mouth vase that will fit inside your pumpkin or floral foam for fresh flowers (not for dried). Floral foam is available at craft stores.

· H2o

Floral arrangement are pricey. This stylish solution requires little skill. Clean the outside of your pumpkin thoroughly with soap and water. Cut the top off in an even horizontal line. Scoop out the insides and discard – unless you’re way more ambitious than me and want to make a pumpkin pie.

If you’re using a vase, fill it with water and place inside the pumpkin. Or, soak your floral foam and place inside the pumpkin on a small plate. DO NOT ever fill your pumpkin with water. It will rot through the bottom, ruin your antique table and give your family members something to tease you about for years to come. Just ask my friend Marianna who duplicated mine without knowing the inner workings. Ironically, she went on to become a talented florist.

Cut your flowers varying lengths but so no stems can be seen from outside the pumpkin. It should look as if your pumpkin is bursting in bloom. Vary color and texture throughout your arrangement. The bittersweet branches can be a bit longer for visual interest. Tuck some colorful fall leaves in, too. Check them first! You don’t want a stinkbug to end up on your mother-in-law’s mashed potatoes. Place in the center of your table or on your buffet and Voila.

Too much trouble? Here’s an even easier centerpiece.

Fresh Cornucopia Centerpiece

What you’ll need:

· A cornucopia wicker horn basket from the craft store

· Fresh fall veggies and fruits (carrots, grapes, mini pumpkins, apples, squash, peppers etc.) Get a variety of colors.

Place cornucopia in center of table and fill with produce. It’s that simple. Now that’s “real” elegance that you can eat later. Yum.

Serve Soup In Style with Pumpkin Soup Bowls

Whether the meal is catered or home cooked, you can add panache along with salt and pepper. Use small pumpkins as individual soup bowls or one large pumpkin as a soup tureen.

Unless you’re a sadomasochist, the soup bowl option works best if you’re serving less than 10 guests. Otherwise, go with the easier and just as impressive tureen option. Thoroughly clean the outside of your pumpkin(s) with soap and water. Cut an even horizontal line across the top and scoop out the insides. Rub fresh lemon wedges along the inside of the pumpkin(s) to prevent browning (which looks rather unappetizing) and refrigerate until an hour before dinner. Place the tureen on a large platter in case of leaks.

Pumpkin soup pumpkin bowl

Serve your Thanksgiving Soup In Style

You’ll want them to be room temperature to keep the soup hot. That’s soup to not-so nuts! Move over Martha.

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Posted: November 17, 2010 by Susan Matthews |Filed Under: Cooking & Entertaining | , , , , , , , Leave a Comment image

Spring Wedding Savvy Savings


The leaves may be falling soon, but many brides are thinking of Spring and Summer blooms. I remember nearly falling off the chair when I got my wedding florist’s price quote. Get creative with your centerpieces and save your money for something that won’t wilt (your first home!). That doesn’t mean you should sacrifice style. Every bride deserves a lavish and lovely wedding.

I recommend Home Reflections, the line of flameless candles I represent on QVC, as a fabulous alternative to pricey floral centerpieces. They won’t melt, accidentally blowout, leave soot marks and are completely safe. The candles are real wax and have the same warm flickering glow as a lit candle. Better yet, they will last long after your wedding day and can be used to mark the milestones of your married family life for years to come.

Home Reflections flameless candles come in an array of decorative containers in different colors, shapes and sizes. There is a choice for every style. Our glass hurricanes are mouth blown, many elements are hand rendered and all display quality craftsmanship. There is an infinite variety and many offer the opportunity to add your own signature touches with creative customization.

Check out the following Home Reflections flameless candles on QVC.com:

· Fillable Glass Hurricane – H164608 – It can be filled with silk flowers, berries, seashells, lemons, marbles, crystals, sand…anything your heart desires.

· Beaded Crystal Holder – H168310 – This is a glam choice with lots of sparkle.

· Vine Hurricane – H12542 – Perfect for a more rustic wedding.

· 12” Swirled Art Hurricane – H165515 – This stunner is a work of art.

· Metal Holder – H19312 – I love the beaded vines on this piece.

· Indoor/Outdoor Lantern – H165617 – This was a Today’s Special Value sell out. A colleague of mine bought them for her indoor/outdoor country-style wedding.

· Set of 2 Glass Hurricanes – H164558 – I love the Champagne choice for a wedding and we also sell the matching tea light votives – H14161.

· Etched Leaf Hurricane – H166695 – Put a wreath of spring greenery and berries around this for a gorgeous effect.

If flameless doesn’t fill your bill, I’ve got two more creative options for those looking to cut down on centerpiece costs for a warm-weather wedding.

Fill any clear bowls or clear boxes (available at www.containerstore.com) with sod. Add decorative butterflies to the grass. I found mine at Michael’s Craft Store.

Or, place potted flowers inside spray painted terracotta planters. Match the paint to your wedding colors or use a metallic or opal finish. Cover the soil with river rock, crystals or any pretty stones. You can also paint boring stones to add extra pizzazz.

Happy wedding planning and please contact me with any questions. I’d also love to hear all of your great ideas so I can share them here and on air. Enjoy every minute of your engagement!

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Posted: September 27, 2010 by Susan Matthews |Filed Under: Cooking & Entertaining | Home Care, Decor & Garden | , , , , , , Leave a Comment image

Please Pass the Grey Poupon – Have a Gourmet Experience At Home

Is your kitchen the land of milk and honey or a barren wasteland? As you dial for pizza, do you fantasize about Giada swinging by to pick up the slack? Everyone deserves a “gourmet” kitchen experience. It’s time to take control instead of takeout. With a bit of planning and not too much expense, you can resuscitate the heart of your home in seven easy steps.

1. Cut the Clutter.

A chaotic kitchen isn’t conducive to cooking. Purge cabinets of items you haven’t used in the past year or more – appliances, cookbooks, etc. Let go of culinary delusions while de-cluttering. If you haven’t brewed beer, stuffed sausage or made bread yet, chances are you won’t anytime soon. Donate to a charitable thrift store and let go of guilt. Empty the fridge and pantry of items past expiration. No date stamp? My mother advises, “When in doubt, toss it out.

2. Organize.

Now you have a workable space to serve your real needs. Store items closest to where you use them and keep counters as clear as possible for food prep. Label pantry staples such as flour and sugar in clear storage containers. Use lazy Susan’s (aptly named!) to increase cabinet and fridge space.

3. Plan Meals for the Week.

Write a menu and shopping list for the coming week. Cooking at home is often faster, healthier and less expensive. It’s mere minutes in the microwave to delicious fresh fish seasoned with lemon and herbs when you use a silicone food steamer.

Simplify things by holding to and perfecting a consistent meal plan. Pasta on Sunday, meatloaf on Monday, tacos on Tuesday, etc. Leave experimentation to when there’s extra time. If a recipe lends itself to being frozen, plan to double it for re-heating on a rushed night. Now that you’ve eliminated takeout from the rest of week, enjoy it on Friday but make it special with a nice glass of wine.

4. Shop Smart.

Kick up your heels and take advantage of the free delivery many supermarkets offer. Just place your order online. They’ll even save your list for future use. Don’t forget to save with online coupons. Skip the junk food and splurge on specialty items such as virgin olive oil and gourmet mustards that will give a flavorful boost to basic sandwiches and salads. Enjoying 5-star restaurant quality at home is in the details.

I spend my extra time and money at the farmer’s market and bakery. There’s nothing more luxurious in the culinary world than good fresh produce and specialty breads.

5. Share the Apron.

Delegate kitchen duties to family members. Meal times can become a bonding experience. Showing older children how to cook empowers them and gives you more free time. Who needs a personal chef when everyone takes turns with cooking chores?

6. Add Special Touches.

Bring fresh flowers in from the garden or splurge at the florist once a week. Light a candle. Turn off the TV and make a toast to your family. Relish each other along with your food.

7. Create Après Meal Traditions.

Clear the table and quickly clean the kitchen. It will make the whole house seem more pulled together. Take a walk around the block and breathe in the fresh air while you digest a well-fed life.

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Posted: April 23, 2010 by Susan Matthews |Filed Under: Cooking & Entertaining | Home Care, Decor & Garden | , , , , , , , 1 Comment image