So I made another batch of homemade orange ice cream. Yes, with nothing but the real ingredients, nothing at all artificial. Why? Well, we were having new neighbours over for a personally-distanced BBQ. “Pull up a chair. Take a taste…. Read more
General
Making time for friends
Flowers supple and languid as ballerinas posed in a pretty vase. China, tea cups, napkins, and personalized note cards shone like presents at each place setting. Soon the ladies would arrive, each wearing their tea-party best and bearing thoughtful hostess… Read more
General, Print Your Photos
a breakfast table
“What nicer thing can you do for somebody than make them breakfast?”— Anthony Bourdan Nathaniel Hawthorne said, “Life, within doors, has few pleasanter prospects than a neatly arranged and well-provisioned breakfast table.” Breakfasts, and I’m talking the full sit-down variety with… Read more
General
What would life be without home grown tomatoes?
Do any of you remember that song? Though I didn’t grow tomatoes this year, my next door neighbour did and in abundance. Lucky for us, she shares! This basket of tomatoes was sitting on our fence last Friday morning (6:30am) — a… Read more
General
10 easy tips for seating guests at a dinner party
Are you reluctant to hold a dinner party, whether formal or very casual? Don’t be reluctant — here’s a few simple tips for seating guests that will help you as a host/hostess and will also have your guests feeling relaxed… Read more
Books Diane Recommends, General
Lately . . .
Lately … . . . We have been entertaining by having couples over for brunch — what a great way to entertain! Nearly everything can be made in advance so that the morning-of all that’s needed is toss things in… Read more
General
One of the Delights of Life
It was our turn to host Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner with our local newcomer’s club. Eight couples, lots of fine food, and plenty of interesting conversation. I love dinner parties. And then up early this morning, enjoyed our cappuccino,… Read more