Happy Monday to you! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Who has seen The Help? I saw it yesterday and LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!! I didnt' think it was possible to even hold a candle next to the book but I stand corrected. I would see it again and again and will most certainly buy it when it comes out, I laughed, cried tears of joy, sadness, triumph and hope, sympathized, pitied and cheered, it truly brings out so many emotions.....and does so brilliantly. I strongly recommend it. Moving along.....
Today I have an exciting announcement.... for a fabulous giveaway! One of my favorite blogs and one of my cannot miss daily reads, Party Resources and I have partnered for an incredible give way of not one but two amazing and signed copies of the new highly anticipated, not yet out, entertaining book, Bite by Bite by Peter Callahan. How tantalizing does the cover look? Wait until you see his work.....
Celebrity caterer Peter Callahan is a favorite caterer and personal friend of Kate and her team over at Party Resources. Peter's career spans over two decades and a client list including celebrities, politicians, Fortune 500 companies and New York city socialites. Peter and his staff are not only the best in the business, but word has it they are the nicest too!
Guess you can understand how he has earned a reputation for creating hors d' oeuvres that are as inventive as they are beautiful and delicious!
This much anticipated cookbook is due out in late August. Peter welcomes readers to share in the fun and beauty of his creations, providing inspiration for parties from the most casual gatherings to grand formal occasions such as weddings and holiday fetes. There are recipes for the home cook, ranging from delicious comfort food to elegant haute cuisine.
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I am truly mesmerized by what he does with food! |
I mean seriously? His creations are spellbindingly beautiful and his creativity with food is off the charts! It is almost too pretty to eat. I said almost:)
With that in mind, Peter has also included a convenient "kitchen tools and conveniences section", listing the key equipment that will help you create delicious masterpieces found in this must have book. He also divulges his secrets and inspiration behind all the fabulous dishes he has dreamed up for his impressive roster of clients! Peter says the key to pulling off a party like a professional is being prepared.
And speaking of good looking food....here is Peter doing his thing! |
Want to win these two books? I bet you do! Be the first of your friends to have it and ever so generously give one to one of your nearest and dearest...here's how!
The rules- Please leave a comment on our blogs with one or two of your favorite party ideas. You must be a follower of both my blog and Party Resources to be eligible. Friends and family are welcome. The winner will be randomly chosen on September 6th. You must be a resident of the U.S. Good luck!
So all this talking about food and entertaining has me thinking and getting excited about how much fun it is to set a beautiful table. I love brainstorming about how best to set the most beautiful table with what I have and enjoy inserting my own special little touches and creativity. I have accumulated many wonderful pictures of various settings, from very informal rustic get together's to the most formal and opulent, all beautiful. So lets take a look just for some fun entertaining inspiration coming off the heels of those incredible pictures from Bite by Bite. This might get you in the mood to plan a party or dinner, so hope you get some ideas!
Always been one of my favorite settings, the blue and white just adds such beauty and drama!
This is such a pretty coastal inspired table in soft shades of light blue, cream and pale green
Love the use of this vivid, eye catching colors..mixing and matching pieces!
A beautiful example of how to mix and match soft colors and patterns....
Love pink and gold together.....stunning!
Yellow and green is so fresh and crisp!
I think anything would taste incredible with a setting like this!! Pam Pierce
Love the instant festive feel this bright color scheme gives..the pop of blue is the perfect color against the vivid pinks...love it!
This table is positively breathtaking!
Love the idea of incorporating beautiful seasonal flowers for the holidays!
I have always liked this beautiful table! Blue, white and yellow is always perfectly elegant
Love the rich colors and a ginger jar always adds such grace to a table!
Beautiful rustic earthy colors compliment the beautiful yellow daffodils at this spring setting
A beautiful all white table with just a hint of color from the beautiful hydrangeas on the table is such a delicate touch
How scrumptious is this incredible setting!
How about this incredible setting for an Easter table? Love the "grass" placemats!
Even a simple idea can look amazing, pale blue painted cans hold seasonal blooms..clever!
Navy, white and a little candlelight!
Love the shimmer of fine crystal, a little gold, beautiful flowers and really like the statuary they used on the table too
In the mood to eat some great food, throw a fun dinner party, attend a fancy soiree AND start collecting beautiful pieces for your table? Yes, me too! If this post won't get you excited I don't know what will! Maybe Peter coming over and offering private lessons? Don't forget to leave a comment telling me how you like to entertain or give us your favorite tip or two...... Hope you enjoyed this post and good luck! Wishing you an enchanting day!
What a brilliant food orientated post! The table settings are wonderful and as again you have spoilt us for choice! Will have to look out for the book!
ReplyDeleteLove all the beautiful table settings but that book sounds exciting! I love finger food and one of our favorites to serve is "espresso crusted filet mignon and gorgonzola crostini". So easy to make since you can make the cheese sauce up before hand and people love it. I'm off to visit party resouce, great giveaway always love cookbooks.
ReplyDeleteA signature cocktail (kid or adult) and interesting flowers/center piece really would make all these great bites stand out!
ReplyDeleteWhenever we do a party, we try to have, like KD above me suggested, a "signature cocktail" in addition to the regular bar. It might be a green cosmo at Halloween or a fun little drink with peppermint schnapps for Christmas. We've also found that it's just about as cost effective to rent from the local party supply actual glasses rather than serving everyone out of those awful plastic cups. Heading over to Party Resources right now!
ReplyDeleteWHAT A Feast for the eyes to prepare a feast for the stomach!!! Tina, you always know how to pull us in with the chicest of wares!!!! Anita
ReplyDeleteLOVE the looks of Bite by Bite! Would love to try it out at home!
ReplyDeleteOMG! Those little tiny treats are so mouthwatering!!!! I must say, the tableascapes you chose are to die for! One is more fabulous than the next! I love how they are all so different! xoxo
ReplyDeleteAww... Too bad I live in Canada and can't participate of this GREAT giveaway, but I'm wishing good luck to your readers. Also, I want to wish you a very blessed week, my friend!
ReplyDeletexo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
I love serving bite size food for parties! And I love having discovered your blog as well as Party Resources. With the summer heat at full blast, I love to put honeydew melon balls, wrapped in prosciutto on bamboo skewers. Another "cook free" idea is antipasto on a stick...bamboo skewers once again with olives, roasted red pepper, provolone and salami cubes....whatever you love....artichoke hears, the list goes on and on!
ReplyDeleteI can't pick a favorite table, so many nice ones and they run the gamut! Loved the pink and gold, and the rustic country table with the blue and white ginger jars...
ReplyDeleteI love making it easy for guests. I like to label all foods so as the host I can enjoy too. I think signature cocktails make any party more fun!
ReplyDeleteGood Monday Morning!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your GORGEOUS blog yesterday & I subscribed via email.
This is a lovely idea for a give-away! The book looks to be an incredible source for ideas & inspiration.
I'm your newest follower & I look forward to getting the email alerts on your blog posts.
I've been over to the Party Resources blog but I don't see any way to follow over there???
I will comment on both blogs just the same, as I would ♥♥♥ to win this great book.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to enter.
fondly,
Rett
We love to entertain so would LOVE a copy of this incredible looking book! I will head over there right now! Thanks for these INSPIRING table settings! I LOVE the grass mats on the bunny table! Great give away! XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteI have subscribed email on both blogs.
ReplyDeleteFav tip - label each dish/drink and explain what it is if it's not easily identifiable - so people who have dietary needs (gluten, allergy, vegetarian etc) would know whether it is something they can eat or not!
Such a fun post! I saw The Help this weekend, too, and though it was fantastic. So rare for a film to live up to a book, but this one certainly did.
ReplyDeleteThese glamorous little bites would be just the thing for any party... and speaking of parties, I'm inspired to use my very best china and crystal and set up a table outside... if we get any more sunny days! Have a lovely week.
I'm loving all of the tablescape ideas.
ReplyDeleteYour giveaway sounds wonderful. When I'm hosting small group I like my dessert to be prepared and ready to bring out at the appropriate time. When the numbers swell, I try to get the guests involved. This weekend we had 18 so for dessert I offered a choice of crumble or a brownie for you to base your ice cream creation of your choice upon.
Would love to add this cookbook to my collection!
- The Tablescaper
Tina, those table settings are mesmerizing. I especially love the first one. Isn't it amazing how many creative people are out there? Including Peter- his creations are genius!
ReplyDeleteStacy
Hmmmm. I was trying to follow the rules and popped over to Party Resources to become a Follower, but it's not so easy. They don't have a Follow button (unless I'm missing something, in which case, please do fill me in) so I'm following through Google.
ReplyDelete- The Tablescaper
wow Tina the book looks grand as does the chef!!! Can't seem to follow Party Resorces...
ReplyDeleteVeronica
I am drooling those mini foods are adorable and delicious! Who can resist all the gorgeous table scapes too? I also saw The Help this weekend and cried the entire time!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic giveaway! I love to follow a loose theme, inspired by a country...sometimes based on a recent trip!
ReplyDeleteI have a US residence as well so I hope I can qualify for the giveaway! I'm off to their site to follow now!
BTW The Help isn't available here in Munich yet - at least not in English - but glad to hear it's great! I'll be first in line when it arrives!!! :)
Tina, that first table, Oh my perfection in every way. I also loved the simple pink and gold. So many pretty table settings in one post. I can only imagine what a lovely table you will be setting in your beautiful new dining room. When we have special family Holiday meals I love to go all out on my tables but for casual meals I love a simple table. Your post gives me some good ideas, thankyou for inspiring me!! Kathysue
ReplyDeleteTina, you have outdone yourself - this is possibly my favorite post of yours. I just LOVE ALL the fabulous tabletop inspiration here today. That first shot is one of my all time favorites!! I of course follow you both!! I'd absolutely ADORE a copy of this fabulous much ancticipated volume!! I just love his style! As summer is ending one of my favorite party ideas is a croquet party. Each couple is required to dress in their designated color of the mallet. And then there is a tournament made all the more fun after a few signature cocktails!! Good luck to all entries. I will looms forward to reading everyone's ideas!,
ReplyDeleteWe tend to keep our dinner parties small so we can maintain a certain level of intimacy. Are must haves for decorating are flowers and candles. We typically try to incorporate whatever is fresh and in season at the moment such as fresh Louisiana seafood or vegetables.
ReplyDeleteWe are heading over to Party Resources.
Angela and Renee
If this wasn't such inspiring post, it would be almost be cruel to show all that gorgeous food...makes me want to toss the turkey sandwich on my desk in the trash!
ReplyDeleteI love setting a pretty table...beautiful examples in all styles!
Love the charming last table. Just so you know you can become a follower of any site you like thru your own blogger dashboard. That's how I do it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat! I have bookmarked Peter Callahan's release of his book for months. He is a genius. I love using different flavors of financiers, such as blueberry, chocolate, vanilla and carrot cake. These small desserts able people to enjoy quality over quantity.
ReplyDeleteWhat incredible tabletop inspiration here! Would love a copy of the book.
ReplyDeletexo,
cristin
A wonderful post, Tina! I attach fancy rhinestone costume jewelry pins of lobsters, fish, and crabs to a grosgrain ribbon and use them as napkin rings for lobster salad luncheons. The pins make a lovely momento for guests.
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday! Glad you got to see "The Help" I know you were excited about the movie being made months ago. Your excitment is contagious for sure.
So let's get started shall we...I love planning, parties, and great get togethers. My favorite finger foods are little quiche's in three different flavors and deviled eggs. It get people smiling, and all excited about the events to unfold.
Love the ceremony of setting a table and being creative for all occasions.
These setting are divine as is the book give away. More fun to come.
You know I follow you and am following Party Resources as well I'd love to win too. This is a really fun post.
Bette
Tina,
ReplyDeleteAs always…AMAZINGLY gorgeous post!!! I love tablescapes, I love to set the table and am always on the lookout for new ideas.
The pink and gold will be in my heart forever. I.Magnin used to have pink and gold Christmas boxes and I loved, loved loved them. My mom and I still have a few that we keep our ornaments in.
I cannot get over that cookbook and the pictures of what he does with food! Who thinks of these things? Well, obviously he does. The lox doggie is almost too hard to get my head around.
Glad you liked the movie…i loved the book.
Happy Monday my friend,
Amy
Tina and Kate,
ReplyDeleteHow fun!!! Peter is truly a master at creating chic cocktail bites --- and his book is sure to be a smashing success!!!
My way to entertain:
1) I love to have a signature drink for the evening, even just as a starter
2) I love to give my guests a little "favor" on the way out the door - nothing too precious, but it gives me one last chance to tie the whole evening together.
xoxo Elizabeth
I can't wait to see The Help! It was definitely my favorite book I've read this year!
ReplyDeleteSuch gorgeous place setting ideas!!
love all of the beautiful table top decor today!! my favorite party tip is trying a little shipping label on my drink pitchers so everyone knows what their drink options are... this is great if you have alcoholic and virgin drinks available. also love doing the same thing on wine glasses, putting my guests names on the shipping labels, then tying it on the stems. okay... heading over to party resources now:)
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteThese table settings are lovely! And I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Bite by Bite. The food looks delicious, and the presentations are so creative!
Thanks,
Ginger
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis cookbook looks like a must-have for entertaining! When it comes to a party I love creating unexpected details like personalized favors or theme inspired appetizers and this seems like a perfect resource for that. I would love a copy.
ReplyDeleteTIP 1: When I have a guest who abstains from alcohol and white sugar I like to make specialty ice cubes for their sparkling water. Mix fresh lemon juice and honey with hot water. Fill the ice cube trays with this mixture, then add a fresh mint leaf and raspberry to each. When the ice cubes melt, the water will be lightly flavored, and your guest will appreciate the thoughtful gesture. TIP 2: If making ice ring molds filled with herbs, flowers, etc, use distilled water - it freezes more clearly. P.S. Peter's book looks very INTRIGUING!
ReplyDeleteTina, this is amazing! I love the looks of this book and whether or not I win, I will most certainly buy this as I love home entertaining.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite 2 tips, I like to make my own ice cubes and freeze them with either berries or dried flower petals, whatever might work for the occasion
And when I set a table, I always put small votive candles next to each place setting, and dress it up accordingly, for Christmas I will put some evergreen and berries around it, for summer I might put sand in the bottom and glue on a few shells to the glass, I like to get really creative!
Love this giveaway, will go to party resource now too!
I am dying to see The Help! I am so glad to hear you say you loved it.
ReplyDeleteI already follow both you and Kate. This is a wonderful giveaway and I would love to be included!
My best entertaining tip would be to line the walk with lighted lanterns to greet guests as they arrive and set the tone for the evening! xo
Just left a comment and became follower of Party Resources. For my sit-downs I sometimes like to place mini votive-size flameless candles in my blue-and-white teacups and espresso cups to create a nice ambience. Love the effect it creates. This books sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteToo bad.. I live in Au.. but my tips for smooth effortless entertaining over here?..
ReplyDeletePrepare as much as possible.. make day ahead the dessert, the dressings for starters, set the table.. (My fav clothe is a silk Chinese print, with blue/white - I used my Spode red/Chinese Blue white dinner services as alternatives, white daisies or potted white orchid, as colour bursts and keep the wines flowing, and the water glasses filled.. Sure makes for great memories.. aah, I love entertaining..! Thanks for the great ideas re that book.. I must look out for it..
lovely giveaway! fabulous photos!~
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteThese tables are gorgeous. My two favorites are the blue and white china vases in the first image and the light blue with the boxes. Just perfect.
GREAT giveaway. I make miniature sandwiches and cakes for most of the parties I host. Making your own bread is the way to go. You get the flavor and size needed. Follow both of you.
Have a great day.
Teresa
xoxo
These tables, oh my, you have inspired many a wedding for me to plan, simply gorgeous! The photos are candy for the eyes! As for The Help, I saw it too and I cried no less than 5 times. My tears made me miss some of the film, I am sure, so I will have to go see it again, this time I am getting popcorn. I rarely enjoy a movie made from a book, but this one was different in the best way possible. They found the exact replica of each and every character that I had imagined in my head. Well, I must admit that I saw Skeeter as Luanne from Shag (the nerdy one), but Emma Stone did the role well! Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh! I'm soooooooooooo hungry now after reading this post! Yum-o!!! Everything and I mean everything looks sooooooo delicious! The table were superb as well! I always love a nicely set table with crisp linens and beautiful glasses. Hope I win! Oh and The Help...well I just bought the book and plan to start reading it tomorrow so that I can see the movie this weekend! I heard the same thing that the movie is exactly like the book! Have you started reading writing your screen play?
ReplyDeleteOh my yummy stars -- it all looks divine and so decadent. The lucite stacked sliders and jaunty frites take the cake.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Alcira
Nerochronicles.com
The book looks amazing! I like to serve bite sized appetizers when entertaining. So this cookbook would be perfect. On another note, I read The Help, glad to hear the movie was just as good as the book.
ReplyDeleteJust checking in after three full days at the show and so glad I did! What a gorgeous book (not to mention the author!) and I'm sure it would help raise my little parties to the next level. My two tips are to never let your guests leave empty-handed and mix and match your china, silver and crystal so that your table is always different. Have a great day, Tina!
ReplyDeletexxoo
Would love the books...signed up over at Party Resources, already a fan/follower of yours!
ReplyDeleteMy 2 tips...always fresh flowers on the table (former floral designer here) and always a little something for the guests to have as a 'party' favor.
Hugs~
Great giveway. My tip for a fun event is to have everthing (possible) prepared and setup in advance. Nothing's worse than rushing at the last minute with your setup when you'd much rather take the time doing your hair and putting on your makeup! :)
ReplyDeleteAhh, here are all the comments I was expecting! Thanks Tina... I do wonder if there's a lone comment on a lone post somewhere in blogland! Of course I would love this book... ironically from 2 of my very favorite blogs/bloggers! As far as an entertaining tip, I got this from a very fussy friend of mine, Kelly... she was my first inspired home! For all her parties, she puts rose petals in the guest toilet! Is she the cutest??
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was trhilled to read that you were dropping the Sunday Showhouse deals.. as much as I love every single one of your posts, it made me feel a little better about myself... like ok, this woman can't really do it ALL! It was this that prompted the intense compliments of your superwoman's!
XO,
Jan
That was supposed to be superwomaness... my computer doesn't like it when I make up words!
ReplyDeleteJV