Swap a Semi-Homemade Dessert Bar for a Formal Homemade Creation | Tuesday’s Tip of the Day!

It’s ok, no one will remember 2 minutes from now that your delicious bite size brownies, peppermint bark, cookies and eclairs weren’t homemade. They won’t even remember that they were served with minimal fan-fair and rigmarole. Your party should be about great company, conversation and delectable bites (and sips!). Bite size creations are easy to serve only requiring a few cake stands or platters and can be plated earlier leaving you more time to mix and mingle. And for those guests that are nagging you to bring something, have them bring a batch of their favorite holiday treats to share with all. And yes, if you must, make a few treats beforehand like my Peppermint Bark, Peanut Butterfinger or Chocolate Pecan Fudge all that can be made a few days in advance.

For other terrific tips and hundreds of recipes, visit my website (thetabletogether.com). While there, consider “subscribing” and I will send a new tip or blog post directly to your inbox every Tuesday and Wednesday morning!

P.S. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel, The Table Together with Tiffany Lewis, for dozens of videos solely dedicated to bringing all of these fantastic tips and recipes to life!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Throwing the Ultimate Party in a Small Space | Tuesday’s Tip of the Day!

Yes, entertaining is often about refinement. A pressed tablecloth, folded napkins, oh, and chairs for every guest. Let's face it, come the holidays we are often entertaining more people than normal and you may just not have the space. When your motto is like mine, "there is always room for another," don’t be afraid to kick traditional entertaining refinement to the curb, sans-chairs, “proper” tables, linens and a 5-course menu. There is no need to spend countless hours and dollars trying to refigure your home and purchasing more chairs, wine glasses, and linens to what, impress your guests? After all, isn’t hosting a dinner party all about the company you’re with?

Instead, have fun with what you do have using a bathtub filled with ice to chill wines, cutting boards over your burners for more counter space, pretty dishtowels for makeshift runners or tablecloths and paper plates, napkins and drinkware for serving. At the end of the day, your guests won’t remember the chair they sat on or the fork that touched their lips with delectable bites and incredible flavor. What they will remember is the company they shared and the evening itself.

For other terrific tips and hundreds of recipes, visit my website (thetabletogether.com). While there, consider “subscribing” and I will send a new tip or blog post directly to your inbox every Tuesday and Wednesday morning!

P.S. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel, The Table Together with Tiffany Lewis, for dozens of videos solely dedicated to bringing all of these fantastic tips and recipes to life!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Extra Counter Space in a Jiffy | Tuesday’s Tip of the Day!

Looking for a little more counter space this holiday season? Consider bringing your cutting boards into the mix. With the oven off and burners cool, place cutting boards over your burners and allow guests to serve themselves buffet style. Pretty nifty tip, wouldn’t you say?

For other terrific tips and hundreds of recipes, visit my website (thetabletogether.com). While there, consider “subscribing” and I will send a new tip or blog post directly to your inbox every Tuesday and Wednesday morning!

P.S. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel, The Table Together with Tiffany Lewis, for dozens of videos solely dedicated to bringing all of these fantastic tips and recipes to life!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Go Potluck-Style for a Fuss-Free Thanksgiving Feast | Tuesday’s Tip of the Day!

When it comes to hosting Thanksgiving, a successful delicious fuss-free Thanksgiving, the winning combination is part homemade, part store-bought and part potluck! Let’s face it, there is only so much time in a day and we all live busy crazy lives. No one says Thanksgiving should make you a slave to the kitchen but for some reason, it has gotten that rep. Here are a few ways to help lighten your load while making your guests feel as though they have had a working hand in the feast.

Go Potluck Style!  Reach out to your guests and ask them specially what they can bring. Trust me, be specific or you may have 8 varieties of dinner rolls. I like to think, and hopefully this is the case in your home, that your friends and family genuinely want to help but just need some direction. So, they don’t cook, or you wouldn’t want to chance it? Ask them to bring wine, cider, rolls from your favorite bakery, or whatever else you may think of. The more involved your guests are in the evening, the better for the both of you.

Use Local Purveyors to Help Lighten the Load! Do a little research whether at your local farmer’s market, bakery, butcher, or other retailer that can help strike a few items off your list. From pre-made spice mixes, gravy starters or enhancers, mulled wine, homemade pies and Parker House Rolls, and even your pre-seasoned or brined turkey, take advantage of them! 

And if nothing else, by enlisting some help, you lighten your load allowing more time gathered around the table with family and friends. Isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about anyway? 

For other terrific tips and hundreds of recipes, including dozens perfect for sharing around your Thanksgiving table like my Parker House Rolls, Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust and Maple Whipping Cream to Foolproof Turkey, Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Marshmallows, Velvety Smooth Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce and Cranberry Relish, and Green Beans with Shallots, Toasted Almonds and Cranberries, visit my website (thetabletogether.com). While there, consider “subscribing” and I will send a new tip or blog post directly to your inbox every Tuesday and Wednesday morning!

P.S. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel, The Table Together with Tiffany Lewis, for dozens of videos solely dedicated to bringing all of these fantastic tips and recipes to life!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Thickening Stew: The Basics! | Tuesday’s Tip of the Day!

With cooler weather comes succulent, rich, warming to the core stews and soups simmering gently on the stove top. Today, I share my top tips for adding that delectable texture and richness, the type that coats the back of your wooden spoon and fully responsible for your “happy dance.” Whatever you do, don’t dump a spoonful of flour in your simmering liquid as it will lump and make, well, a lumpy mess!

Here are a few of my favorite thickening agents!

Slurry: Whether with flour or cornstarch, add 1/4 cup of either into a mason jar. Top with equal parts water or stock (preferred), we are eyeballing here so no need to get out your measuring cup, secure the lid and shake until no lumps are present. As you near the end of your cooking time and flavors have reached their full potential, gradually whisk in the slurry in small increments until the desired thickness has been reached. If you want it thicker, add more!

Beurre Manie: Using a fork, mash cold butter with flour creating a thick paste. Gradually whisk into simmering liquid and cook until desired thickness has been reached.

Dredge Proteins in Flour: Before you begin, dredge your protein of choice in flour before searing.

Cold Butter: Add a few pads of cold butter to simmering soup or stew at the end of the cooking process to help (slightly) thicken.

Cream: Add a few tablespoons at a time toward the end of the cooking process for thickness and richness. It’s important to note, cream will change the color of your soup or stew.

Now that your stew game is on point, it’s time to pick up a loaf of crusty bread and get reading for dipping. Dinners served!

For other terrific tips and hundreds of recipes, visit my website (thetabletogether.com). While there, consider “subscribing” and I will send a new tip or blog post directly to your inbox every Tuesday and Wednesday morning!

P.S. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel, The Table Together with Tiffany Lewis, for dozens of videos solely dedicated to bringing all of these fantastic tips and recipes to life!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Rose Me! Selecting the Perfect Rose! | Tuesday’s Tip of the Day!

If you’re looking for the perfect rose, regardless of what perfect may be, remember this tip! Generally speaking, the darker the hue or color, the sweeter and fruitier the rose. Of course, this is a generality, but by using that tip as a benchmark, you can gauge which will be sweeter or dryer.

For other terrific tips and hundreds of recipes, visit my website (thetabletogether.com). While there, consider “subscribing” and I will send a new tip or blog post directly to your inbox every Tuesday and Wednesday morning!

P.S. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel, The Table Together with Tiffany Lewis, for dozens of videos solely dedicated to bringing all of these fantastic tips and recipes to life!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Tips for Throwing an Impromptu Fourth of July Celebration | Tuesday’s Tip of the Day!

With Fourth of July just around the corner, chances are you may still be humming and hawing over whether you want to throw a red-white-and-blue cookout. If that’s the case, I’ve got your last-minute festivities covered!

Less is more!

I say this a lot as it relates to a lot! From nail polish color to makeup and Thanksgiving dinner, less is quite often more! The same goes for throwing a patriotic bash! Purchase as much as you can that’s pre-made and ready to either be assembled, tossed, bedazzled or hung and you’re ready to go!

Keep it casual!

No one minds sitting on plastic chairs, eating off their laps, sipping out of plastic cups and noshing on paper plates when they are surrounded by family and friends in a casual setting. Keep the dishes at bay by serving your bites and sips on disposables, red-white-and-blue themed if you can find them.

Set the Tone!

It’s amazing how something as simple as lit candles, music, freshly cut flowers, a roaring fire and stringing lights can enhance the overall ambiance. And, chances are, you may already have most of these on hand or can easily purchase them at your local shopping mall.

Stock your Bar Cart!

Create a big pitcher of lemonade and keep a few bottles of bitters or flavored liqueurs, like watermelon Schnapps, on the side for those 21 and over to adorn! This way, kids and adults alike can enjoy a refreshing beverage. Don’t forget big coolers of beer, rose and any other sips you may enjoy!

Menu:

Save yourself a headache and create a simple and streamlined menu. If you over complicate your menu, the next thing you know you’re trying to find room on the grill for everyone’s specifications–not to mention all the variations of buns–and more room for those 6 other side dishes. Offer a veggie and meat main course, 1 type of bun, fixings, condiments, fruit salad, pasta salad, corn if you want, and coleslaw. Easy!

Dessert:

I love the idea of smore’s as they are made by the guests and one less thing for you to do! If you don’t have access to a bonfire, consider buying a store-bought angel food cake–bonus points if you make one yourself–and dolloping with whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries for a festive, but simple, light dessert following your bountiful supper.

For other terrific tips and hundreds of recipes, visit my website (thetabletogether.com). While there, consider “subscribing” and I will send a new tip or blog post directly to your inbox every Tuesday and Wednesday morning!

P.S. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel, The Table Together with Tiffany Lewis, for dozens of videos solely dedicated to bringing all of these fantastic tips and recipes to life!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Stocking the Bar Cart: Celebrating New Years with all the “Fixings"| Tuesday’s Tip of the Day!

Photo by Papereskimo 

When it comes to a festive New Year’s, its important to stock the bar cart with an element of sophistication while not breaking the bank – or countless hours of sleep. Today I offer my top tips for a fully stocked, festive and show stopping bar cart primed for your guests every wish.

Sips:

• To keep things simple, offer a signature cocktail that is pre-mixed and only in need of a shake, stir or few ice cubes to finish. By streamlining the bar cart – remember, less is more – you minimize clutter and spillage all while keeping your costs down. If you would like to take your bar cart to the next level, keep a supply of the basics like prosecco, whiskey, brandy, vodka, and even sparkling cider from which your guests can choose from. While on the subject of sips, consider offering a hot cider or mulled wine for those looking to take off the cold chill from their commute.

Add-Ons:

• Don’t forget tonic water, club soda and freshly squeezed orange juice or grapefruit juice as well! Bitters, cherries, orange peels, simple syrup…consider your options and have fun with it. Heck, pomegranate seeds for your prosecco is another simple and festive way to take ordinary to extraordinary levels.

Glasses:

• Depending on available drinks, have a collection for glasses available for guests to craft their drinks in. Prosecco? Champagne flutes. Old fashioned? Rocks glass. 

Ice:

• Use the right cube for drink. Crushed ice simply won’t do with your scant of brandy – plus it melts faster – in your rocks glass. P.S. don’t forget that ice scoop and bucket!

Napkins:

• Always have cocktail napkins on hand. One way to help adorn the bar cart, is by using festive holiday themed napkins which are both useful and practical.

Festive Accompaniments:

• From festive colored straws, umbrellas, fancy bamboo pics skewered with olives or cherries, or really whatever may suit your fancy, have a collection of stirrers and straws to adorn even the simplest of sips.

Equipment:

• Cocktail shakers, stir sticks, strainers, muddlers, lemon or lime juicers, peelers…don’t forget the details because each and everyone make the difference in your overall success! 

Decorations:

• A small vase of flowers, Glassybaby’s, bowls of gold and silver M&M’ – don’t forget the spoon – and even outlining the bar cart with fresh garland, you immediately take your cart to a whole new level with minimal effort.  

Now that you have a fully stocked bar cart, prepare yourself for an incredible evening as you cheer to 2016 and toast to 2017!

For other terrific tips and hundreds of recipes, visit my website (thetabletogether.com). While there, consider “subscribing” and I will send a new tip or blog post directly to your inbox every Tuesday and Wednesday morning!

P.S. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel, The Table Together with Tiffany Lewis, for dozens of videos solely dedicated to bringing all of these fantastic tips and recipes to life!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Homemade Edible Gifting: Quick and Easy Recommendations for Giving the Gift of Food this Holiday Season | Tuesday’s Tip of the Day!

This holiday season, consider giving the gift of food! Whether homemade fudge, caramel sauce, candied nuts, or peppermint bark neatly nestled in my favorite weck canning jars, giving the gift of a homemade creation is one way to make a memorable impression.

Follow these steps to get started:

1)    Make your selection! Determine what you would like to make and try a test run. There is nothing worse than making your treats, packaging them and realizing they aren’t shelf stable, for example. This is your chance to make sure that your edible gift, truly will make a positive impression.

2)    Canning Jars: Select and purchase the appropriate size canning jar for creation – i.e. a wider canning jar for peppermint bark and fudge, and a slender jar for caramel sauce. It’s also important when considering the size of jar, to commit to filling it to the top. Make sure you know exactly how much fudge, for example, is needed to fill that jar before committing to its size. Kitchen stores, like Sur La Table, offer a great selection of canning jars while Amazon offers an even extended variety.

3)    Label: Determine how you want to label your creations. Whether using a traditional label maker, hanging gift cards tied around the top, or chalk board stickers, make sure they work with the canning jar at hand.

4)    Shop: Figure out exactly how many batches of treats you need to make to fill the chosen mason jars, make your shopping list, and head to the store!

5)    Time to Get Baking! Once you have made your sweets, make sure they are at room temperature before securing the lid. Regardless of what you have made, be mindful of where and how you store and transport your gifts. 

For other terrific tips and hundreds of recipes, including several for gifting, like my Chocolate Pecan Fudge, Foolproof Caramel Sauce, Spiced Nuts, and Peppermint Bark, to name a few, visit my website (thetabletogether.com). While there, consider “subscribing” and I will send a new tip or blog post directly to your inbox every Tuesday and Wednesday morning!

P.S. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel, The Table Together with Tiffany Lewis, for dozens of videos solely dedicated to bringing all of these fantastic tips and recipes to life!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!