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Chili is one of those great dishes that can be served in tons of different ways and goes good with many delicious side dishes. But if you’re thinking about serving chili the next time you have friends over for dinner or to watch the big game or when the weather starts getting cooler, here are some great ideas you might want to use.

Making Your Chili Even Better

Even if you already make the best chili on your block or at your tailgate parties, you could spice it up with some toppings. Of course, you’ll find some of the traditional items on the list: shredded cheeses, sour cream, oyster crackers or crumbled tortilla shells (choose the ones with a hint of lime for an nice touch), saltine crackers, or even hot sauce.

But those are a little bit basic. If you’re talking about advanced chili topping for the chili connoisseur, then you’ll want to shop around in your produce department or farmer’s market. Adding scallions, green onions, cilantro, or avocado can give your chili a little color and extra taste. A dollop of guacamole instead of sour cream (or with sour cream) can also be scrumptious, especially if you make it homemade. Jalapenos are also nice for a kick and should be added by the individual consumers of the chili – not everyone likes the spice. Red onion or salsa can be nice additions, too.

Not Just for Bowls

Chili isn’t soup so it doesn’t have to be served alone in a bowl with a spoon. Instead, get creative with how you serve this dish. You can use Fritos for dipping or pour the chili on top of a baked potato, French fries, pasta (some people even add spaghetti or macaroni pasta to their chili), rice, taco shells, hamburgers or hot dogs, cornbread, or even scrambled eggs.

Chili goes good with almost any food but make sure to account for the potential messiness. Always have extra napkins.

Great Side Dishes

When you’re serving chili, it’s definitely hearty enough to be a main dish. And while some people like to eat their chili by itself, having some complementary side dishes can enhance the dish’s flavor immensely. Cornbread is a delicious and traditional addition to chili. If you’re trying to give your meal a Tex-Mex flavor, you could make Mexican cornbread with peppers, some shredded Colby/Jack cheese, and some kernel corn or if you want to make it spicier you can cut up pieces of jalapeno to add into the cornbread mix.

Black bean and corn salad is another choice. The salad, which is served cold or at room temperature, includes black beans, cubed cheeses, roasted corn, green onions, bell peppers, picante sauce, herbs, olive oil, and a few other tasty items. You can also toss in other items you love, such as avocados.

Another idea is a Southwest Vegetable salad that includes lettuce, colorful red peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and some toasted pumpkin seeds. This dish has just as much color as flavor and has a very delicious flavor especially when enjoyed along with a bowl of chili.

You love to cook and have parties so why not turn it into a small business that you can run from your home? Private catered affairs are very popular these days, with everything from weddings to birthdays and holiday celebrations being catered.

You probably already have the basic equipment that you need to get started on a small scale, but as your business grows you will need to expand your supply. Things like large pots, pans and serving dishes will be needed, along with a way to keep your food at the proper serving temperatures. Since catered affairs are usually served in a formal setting, you will need to have access to enough place settings to cover not only the original number of guests, but to allow for any unforeseen accidents or extra guests. Finally you should have a way to keep the food at the proper temperature until you are ready to cook it for serving; large size coolers are perfect for this.

In order to cater an event you will need to sit down with the organizers and plan out your menu well in advance, so that you have ample time to make any revisions to the menu based on availability of the ingredients. You should plan to offer a menu with at least two options, as well as ask if there are any guests with special food needs or allergies, by offering this service you will make yourself stand out in the catering world.

Financially speaking most catered events charge a deposit of the cost of the foods, with the balance due at the completion of the event. This ensures that your out of pocket expenses are covered, but gives your customer the guarantee of service. Good service is your guarantee of receiving the balance due, this way everyone is certain to be satisfied.

Most states and cities have numerous laws and ordinances covering the preparation and serving of food for paying guests, you need to learn all of them for your particular location and make sure you have any certifications such as Safe Serve that are required. You can make use of your family and friends to help with your catering business providing they follow any and all laws, this can turn your business into a fun family affair with everybody getting involved.

Word of mouth is the best advertisement you can ask for, but do not forget to make use of your local newspapers and bulletin boards. Have business cards printed with your name and what type of catering you offer, specializing in a particular cuisine will also help your business grow.

The holidays are fast approaching with Thanksgiving only a few weeks away and we are starting to think about preparing our family feasts. Whether you are serving a small family of 2 or extended family of 20, you can have the picture perfect Thanksgiving table. Your Thanksgiving table can be casual or elaborate as you want.

Setting your Thanksgiving table starts with the perfect picture in your mind. The colors of fall are beautiful and intertwined. Choose your colors for your table linens. Personally, I start with a solid color table cloth and compliment the table cloth with a harvest style runner, very eye catching.

Keep in mind the colors of your dishes, compliment the dishes with your corresponding table linens. You can choose a printed table cloth and solid runner or solid table cloth and solid runner, or a solid table cloth with a design embedded, remember that picture in your mind.

Table Padding helps with the setting of your perfect Thanksgiving Table. Not only does the table padding protect your table finish from liquid spills, hot spots, scratches, dents and nicks it helps to absorb sound and gives the tablecloth a gentle flowing drape and prevents the tablecloth from sliding or pulling.

Table padding is made of felt and vinyl and the soft backing is safer for many modern finishes. Table padding comes in many sizes or can be cut to the size of your table or cut longer to include the drop or overhang.

Need help figuring out what size and shape of tablecloth you need? Tablecloths come in square, round, oblong (rectangle), and oval.

Do you know the difference between and oblong and oval tablecloth? Many time people confuse oblong with oval. An oblong tablecloth is designed to fit a rectangle table with square corners and an oval tablecloth fits an egg-shaped table.

Do you know how to figure out your tablecloth size?

Measure the width and length of your table. Add the overhang or drop, which is how long the tablecloth will hang over the side, typically the desired overhang is 10-12 to lap level on dining tables and 15 inches for banquet tables.

Once you have these measurements, add the overhang times 2 to each measurement of your table. You don’t want the tablecloth to be too long. Your guests should be able to be able to sit and not have the tablecloth touch their legs, you don’t want anyone pulling that tablecloth!!

Example: If your table size is 30×72 inches and the desired drop is 12 inches you would figure it this way:

12 inch (drop size) X 2 would be 24 inches

Add the 30″ (from your table measurement) to the 24″ (doubled desired drop) = 54 inches

Add the 72″ (from your table measurement) to the 24″ (doubled desired drop) = 96 inches

The perfect cloth size for your table would be 54 X 96 inches. Tablecloths typically come in standard sizes you would then select the size closest to those figures.

Something fun….Tablecloths date back to Medieval Times when people travelled from village to village and castle to castle. During these trips food items were carefully wrapped in cloth. Upon arriving at their destination, they would place the cloth on the table, unfold and prepare for their meal. The unfolded cloth now served as a napkin were the persons dinning would clean their hands and mouths during the meal. At the end of the meal, the remaining food items were re-wrapped in the same cloth.

I happen to be a big fan of Table Runners. Table runners are sometimes called “scarves” and are pieces of material that run lengthwise or across your table. Table runners can run within the dimensions of a table or extend into the overhang.

Table runners have been used for centuries to decorate tables, sideboards and buffets when not in use. Heirlooms were displayed on runners, such as candlesticks, centerpieces and bowls. Table runners have come along way, today they are used for decorations, and are a big trend in table setting.

I think Table Runners add character to a table setting, especially at Thanksgiving and the holidays. They can be used to complement your table linens, used as decorations, to hide a leaf or just let your imagination run wild.

The Charger is making a big come back on tables. The charger makes a table look more elegant, whether serving dinner to your family or entertaining the guests.

Chargers are simply under plates that are used at each place setting of a formal table. The charger will be larger than the actual dinner and salad plates used to hold the food. The dinner plate is never placed on the charger. When you are shopping for chargers, place the salad plate or soup bowl, not the dinner plate, on the charger to see how it sizes and coordinates.

Historically, chargers were used in the best of restaurants to hold a place at the table before the diners arrived. This also aided in the setting of a elaborate table. Without a place for the plate, it was difficult to place the silverware properly. Once guests were seated, the plates were removed and the dinner process began.

Today, a charger is still used as a marker, but is used when dinner is served in courses. The appetizer, soup, and salad plates are placed on the charger, creating and elegant look and the charger also helps to keep the area around the diner clean before the entree is served.

The charger should compliment the choices of china, silverware, and d

Entertaining family and friends is a joy, but getting the party started can be a little stressful. Have you ever said the following to yourself?

It’s too exhausting cooking for a crowd! I’m just too busy to put a party together! I have to work the entire party and never get to enjoy myself!

If you have ever had these thoughts, there is a one word solution to your party dilemma — “buffet.” A buffet with stylish flatware can be simple and chic, offering you an easy way to make your party the talk of the town.

The best way to enjoy your own party is by not “over thinking” it. Plan a simple, attractive, and stress-free buffet that takes care of itself so you can be a part of your event instead of being stuck “behind the scenes.” The following tips will keep your buffet on track to ensure a successful party that is also fun for you.

Choose Your Flatware And Serving Pieces

The day before your party, collect your serving dishes, platters, utensils, and flatware. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your serving pieces and flatware for a funky look. Plan where you will place each serving piece and the best location for your flatware. Don’t forget about serving utensils like serving spoons, serving forks, scoops, condiment spoons, tongs, cake servers, and more. This ensures your guests can easily serve themselves.

Choose Menu Items That Can Be Made Ahead

If you choose items for your menu that you can make ahead of time and then quickly assemble at the last minute, those last few minutes before your guests arrive will be so much easier. Offer plenty of different dishes in a variety of colors, flavors, and textures. The more dishes you serve, no matter how simple, the more your guests will rave about the menu because you are more likely to have something everyone will enjoy. Also, don’t be afraid to buy certain ‘heat and serve’ items from the frozen food aisle. The mozzarella cheese sticks you find there will be just as good as the ones you slave over. If you serve certain dishes requiring special flatware, like shrimp that requires shrimp forks, make sure they are easily accessible with your other flatware on the buffet.

Cold Buffets Are Great

Don’t think you still have to slave over a hot stove to put together a successful buffet. Cold buffets are great and involve a lot less prep work. Popular cold buffet items include coleslaw, potato salad, shrimp, cold cuts, cheese, dips, pickles, wraps, salsa, and even sushi. Fill a large bowl or platter with plenty of buns and gourmet breads and make sure you have lots of flatware pieces for spreading condiments. Even with a cold buffet, if there are plenty of choices, your guests will love it.

Make Sure There’s Plenty Of Table Space

Seating space is great, but when you offer plenty of table space for guests to eat, that’s even better. Many people don’t like to eat without a table to put their plate down on and it’s difficult to hold flatware, a plate, and a drink at the same time. You will make your guests more comfortable and you’ll have a better time with plenty of table space. Don’t worry about fancy tables. Comfort is more important here. Pulling a table away from a wall or sliding two small tables together and covering them with a tablecloth works perfectly.

Traffic Flow

Designate a “traffic flow” for your buffet by placing dinner plates at one end of your serving table and your flatware and drinking glasses at the other end so your guests don’t have a handful while trying to serve themselves. Consider rolling your flatware in napkins for a fancy look and to make carrying multiple flatware pieces simpler. Usually a knife and fork will suffice, but there are times you should include spoons and specialty flatware, depending on your menu for the buffet.

Make Your Buffet Visually Attractive

Take foods, like mayonnaise, out of their jars and place them in attractive bowls. Arrange your serving platters and bowls in a visually pleasing manner, mixing colors, heights, sizes, and textures to make your table visually attractive while keeping certain items, such as bread and sandwich meats, together. Fill any empty spots on your buffet table with small bowls containing nuts, cheese cubes, olives, and other small foods. Make sure you have flatware pieces for spreading available with mustards, mayonnaise, and spreadable cheeses. Add color and decoration to cakes and less visually appealing dishes with cut-up fruits and vegetables.

Let Guests Bring Their Special Dishes

If your guests ask if they can bring anything to your party, tell them “Yes, a small dessert would be great!” Small desserts work well because you can usually find the perfect place to feature them on your buffet table. If you don’t have room on your buffet table, place desserts on their own special table as most of your guests will eat your dinner items first before going back for dessert. Make sure you have small dessert plates and additional flatware for your dessert table.

You can have a blast at your own party if you consider “throwing a buffet.” With these few simple tips, some serving pieces, and flatware, your buffet will be a hit that people talk about for years to come.

While some brides may dream of a traditional wedding, others dream of a Disney-themed ceremony. Fairy tales, talking animals, and happy endings grace the story lines of Walt Disney’s many famous movies. Many couples feel that using Disney wedding favors is a great way to add a fun touch to their wedding receptions. Shower your guests with Disney gifts, and they will never forget how special your wedding ceremony was.

If you want to go zany with your Disney theme, consider choosing Alice in Wonderland favors. Recreate the tea party with the Mad Hatter by serving tea in large novelty mugs. Or, instead of using actual tea, give out tea mug candles to create a similar effect. Remember “We’re painting the roses red!” as ordered by the Queen of Hearts? Hand out playing cards as wedding favors for a royal treat.

Classic and sweet, try Mickey and Minnie Mouse favors in chocolate. The popular mouse head shape is available in cookies and chocolates as well as cookie cutter for making your own creations. Decorate your sweet Disney treats with icing by making faces or writing your and your spouse’s names. Present them on reception tables in glass serving dishes for an elegant look.

Great for fall weddings are delicious red apples. The apple is also a great Disney wedding favor because it symbolizes the story of Snow White. If your wedding tables are planned to be covered with white tablecloths, beautiful crimson apples will make a dramatic contrast that is very pleasing to the eye. Unlike the apple that Snow White bit into, your guests will be falling under a spell!

Perhaps the most common theme represented in Disney weddings is the story of Cinderella. This story involves magic, romance, and ends in a happy marriage. In short, it has the works. So naturally, many brides want to reflect these happy concepts in their own weddings. The carriage in which Cinderella was escorted to the ball in is often found in the form of candles, candle holders, and cake toppers. These are very elegant favors and will impress your guests. Another great wedding favor for your Cinderella wedding is the glass slipper. It is a representation of the bringing together of the Prince and Cinderella and therefore will make a sentimental favor for your guests.

Like the great Walt Disney world itself, bring the magic of castles to your wedding tables. Castle wedding favors are perfect fairytale symbols and their quality is elegant and attractive. By giving these unique wedding favors to your guests, they will always be reminded of your special day.

Handled serving platters are perfect for salads, fruits, and serving steaming vegetable and meat dishes. When they are made with ovenproof clay bodies (which can withstand the rapid expansion and contraction of kitchen heating and cooling), serving platters can be used as baking dishes. Although they are quite easy to throw on electric wheels, in fact the design has to be well-considered and well-constructed to survive drying, firing, as well as years of use. Because of their large size, serving platters become a focal point of interest on the dining table. The character of the design must be addressed from the beginning, and followed through to its finished details. The handles must both be functional and also contribute visual interest to the platter.

About 10 pounds of clay should be centered on the wheel on an 18″ bat and opened up to leave a half-inch thick base in the center. Those not accustomed to throwing such large clay pieces should use clay which is somewhat softer than normal, and the potters wheel parts should be slowed down slightly as the clay is centered. The hands are overlapped: the upper hand reinforces the fingers which contact the clay as the center hole is widened. The clay is pulled or pushed until the platter base is about 17″ in diameter. The clay is smoothed out evenly with the palm of the hand, to condense and strengthen the base. A rubber kidney is used to finish compressing the bottom of the platter, smoothing out the lines and rounding the base where it meets the wall.

Beginning from the join where the base and wall meet, the wall is thinned and pulled up halfway. This leaves sufficient clay at the top for the shaping of a distinctive rim. Supporting the outside of the rim with the fingers, the thumbs press down on the top of the clay to form the rim. When the rim looks right, the half-thrown wall is pulled up to its full height. The finished base thickness of the platter should be at least a quarter inch at the sides and somewhat thicker in the middle. This is because the cutting wire will lift slightly at the center of the piece; and making a thicker center allows for this. An hour or so after throwing the excess clay is trimmed away from the outside edge with a knife tool; a fetting knife is then used to undercut the platter about half an inch from its edge to make it easier to slide the cutting wire underneath. The platter is cut from the bat an hour after it has been thrown, keeping the wire pressed down on the bat as it is run underneath the base.

When the platter is leather-hard, it is centered upside-down on the wheel and a Surform tool is used to trim and flatten the sides and bottom of the platter; then they are smoothed with a steel kidney. The bottom edge is beveled to give a visually arresting shadow outline to the finished platter. Handles can be thrown, or made with drape molds, and they are cut to length when leather-hard and pressed onto the platter edges with slip. The cut edges and join are smoothed with a damp scouring pad and sponge. Glaze and fire at will.