I love to entertain, whether it’s for a planned dinner or an impromptu gathering of friends. Here are my rules and some go-to wines that make this...
Entertain
Sample the “New” Dinner Party
I recently helped my college-age daughter host her first dinner party for her friends. (She said they were just “hanging out,” but it was, in fact,...
A Goulish Good Time
We dissect a brain full of party planning ideas sure to make your monster mash a smashing success. Concept 1: The Alchemist/Mad Scientist. Go with...
Pitch Perfect
The ideal “campground” might be in your backyard or home. Backyard camping is a timeless outdoor experience, but it can come at a cost—time, spent...
On a Roll
The Fab Tap serves up bubbly, flowers and fun. Do what you love. This expression has been key to many people’s success, and Lindsey Pattee took it...
Graze Local Provides Customizable Charcuterie Boards and Boxes
“The presentation is just lovely.” As a customizable charcuterie business, Excelsior’s Graze Local makes made-to-order graze boxes and boards that...
How to Fondue: Delicious Recipes and Helpful Tips for a Fun Night In
A couple of local food experts share their favorite fondue recipes and tips. Spending an evening gathered around a bubbling fondue pot of melted...
5 Tips for Being a Great Dinner Guest
Impress your hosts by following these five easy guidelines. Over the years, I’ve shared strategies for hosting holiday parties, but the hardest part...
Wayzata Flower Boutique Makes Centerpieces as Easy as A.B.C.
Arrange beautiful centerpieces with the help of Lilia Flower Boutique. The menu is complete. The table is set. It’s time to place the exclamation...
Big Batch Cocktails for the Holiday Season
Big batch cocktail recipes for Thanksgiving, December holidays and New Year's. The countdown starts now—three months of eat, drink and be...
Cooking Game for Thanksgiving Dinner: Recipes, Tips and More
Local food blogger Michele Phillips offers recipes and tips for cooking duck, pheasant and Cornish hens for Thanksgiving dinner. Our more than...
Your Guide to Planning a Lake Minnetonka Bachelorette Party
Melissa Johnson of MLJ Vacay shares tips for a perfect pre-wedding party on Lake Minnetonka. Planning a vacation can be daunting, especially when...
‘Only the Best’: The Caterers in Hopkins Handles All Things Food
Kitchen turns out great food and deep culture in Hopkins. If you’ve ever met someone who is doing what they’re truly meant to be doing in life, you...
How to Host a Modern Thanksgiving
Tips from local vendors to help refresh your table and hack the holidays. Plaid potholders, canned cranberries and mom in the kitchen all morning...
Hosting a Dinner Party? Use These Tips from MasterChef Junior Ariana Feygin
Tips from Masterchef Junior Ariana Feygin. Prep, prep, prep. When I host my private dining experiences, one of the most important parts of making...
Take to the Lake with Paradise Charter Cruises
Paradise Charter Cruises offers party boats for a fall-color tour. Since 1985, Paradise Charter Cruises has offered yachting trips on Lake...
Party Hearty
Gretchen Fleener’s love of face painting started early. When she was 15, the Mound resident began face painting at Valleyfair during her summer...
’Tis (Always) the Season
Visit Excelsior’s year-round Christmas store. For a lot of people, the Christmas season creates a certain kind of magic. That’s always been the case...
This Local Chef Can Do Dinner for 2 or 200
Ted Hallson creates in-home dining experiences for every kind of local client. He shares a few of the party lessons—and a favorite recipe—he’s...
Laid-back and Lovely
Excelsior’s Water Street shop owners share tips and tricks they’ve learned from throwing laid-back (yet beautiful) community dinners. Shop owners...
