The third December Festival of Light is Kwanzaa, a week long holiday, celebrated each year from December 26 to January 1st. Kwanzaa was established in the United States in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies, as a non-religious, non-political African-American holiday celebrating the family, community and culture in America but has […]
Author Archives: Jean Thorpe
Christmas Traditions: December 24 to January 7 and in Between!
The second Festival of Light this month is Christmas on December 25, however, in Orthodox Christianity it’s celebrated on January 7, observing Christ’s birth according to the Julian calendar. But, did you know that in many cultures, Christmas Eve is a celebratory holiday as well, complete with unique foods and traditions? For Christians around the […]
Hanukkah: the Menorah, Sufganiyot and a Potato Pancake
The first of the December Festivals of Light to be celebrated this year is Hanukkah, which begins on December 22. I was familiar with the story of Judah Maccabee and the menorah that burned for 8 nights but not why two traditional foods: sufganiyot and latkes, are eaten during this festival. Hanukkah, known as the […]
Celebrating the Season of Festivals of Light
During the month of December, we’ll be featuring posts about four Festivals of Light: Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and New Year’s Eve, celebrated in the United States and around the world this month. Each week we’ll focus on one holiday and talk about the origins, celebrations and, of course, the food! This year, Hanukkah begins on […]
Change Up A Thanksgiving Staple This Year: Your Cranberry Sauce!
Cranberry sauce is that ubiquitous condiment found on every Thanksgiving table and you may have wondered why. Turns out that cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America and that many Native American tribes ate them as a staple of their diet. It’s thought that they also sweetened them with sugar and […]
Bring the Autumn Inside to Brighten Your Living and Entertaining Spaces During October and November
Crisp fall weather is upon us and from now through Thanksgiving your friends and family, who stop by for coffee, dinner or just to chat, will be visiting with you inside rather than on the deck or patio. Why not wow them with tables, the mantle and/or hearth decked out in fall fashion? Our fall […]
El Dia de los Muertos – A Time to Remember and Commemorate Family and Friends
El Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage throughout the world. It’s not meant to be scary or sinister like Halloween but is a celebration of life and a homage to ancestors. The Day of the Day is celebrated by dressing […]
Should You Hire a Server For Your Family and Friends Holiday Bash This Year? Absolutely!
September and October, with crisp weather and dwindling days, can’t help but make you think of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the December holidays and the parties that are fast approaching. Perhaps you’re the neighbor who goes all out with a massive Halloween costume party. Maybe you host the family Thanksgiving dinner for 25 like Gloria or […]
Budgeting for Your Event
You have the Vision for your upcoming event. And you know that following our blog 5 steps: budget; date, time & location; guest list and invitations; food & beverages; and entertainment, will guarantee that your party is a success. Our best and most successful budgeting tip? Set a realistic amount first and use a spreadsheet! […]
Hosting a Tasting Party – Tips, Tricks and Ideas
Try something different and unique for your next get-together – a tasting party! Jean hosts an annual holiday party for friends & relatives and a few years back she changed it up by having a Cocktails and Cupcakes party. She made Josh’s recipe for Champagne Cupcakes and 3 other dessert varieties including these chocolate ganache […]