Table Service

Place settings, six ways

 
Forget what you learned as a kid. When it comes to setting the table, there are actually six “right” ways to do it – depending on the occasion, of course.

Table ServiceOur Stock the Flatware Drawer: From Formal to Casual Boutique opens Monday, June 17, at 3PM ET.

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June 17, 2013

Fire Up the Grill

Throw the cookout crowd a (delicious) curveball

 

Fire Up the Grill

Photo by Emily Koenigsberg

Smell that? Yep – that’s grilling season in all its glory, emanating from yards and patios across the country.

When faced with charcoals and a flame, we have to admit – the all-too-predictable burgers-and-hot-dogs route is our MO. Blogger Emily Koenigsberg, however, proves that charbroiled flavors can be taken to epicurean heights. Meet: Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce (pictured above).

This recipe is as easy to make as a classic shish kabab. But with an exceptionally delicious marinade (Koenigsberg originally wanted to name the dish “YUM, Make This Right Now”), these are the chicken bites that’ll blow every other cookout go-to out of the proverbial water.

Try these skewers yourself – the recipe (along with countless others) can be found on Emily’s lovely food blog, Emily Bites.

Our Sunday Supper: It’s BBQ Time Boutique opens Sunday, June 16, at 11AM ET.

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June 16, 2013

Summer is the Season To…

Summer is sacred. No question about it. Here, top bloggers, chefs, and more share their must-happen summer tips and traditions.

Summer is the Season To

“Summer is the season to…

…bake pies. Growing up, my mom used to bake us all sorts of pies. Blueberry. Peach. Strawberry Rhubarb. We’d never eat them hot, though. After they came out of the oven, we’d let them cool off by an open window in the kitchen and then pop them in the fridge overnight. By breakfast we’d be ready for a slice: the perfect relief from the morning heat.”
–Annie Dean
Blogger, AnnieDean.com

…camp in the White Mountains and grill over an open fire.”
–Armand Toutaint 
Chef de Cuisine, Turner Fisheries

…sit back and let the ingredients speak for themselves.”
–The Editors at Food52

…drink smoothies for lunch.”
–Tina Haupert
Blogger, Carrots ‘N’ Cake, and freelance writer, Health.com

…mix up a few pitchers of margaritas, then kick back with your guests and have some fun.”
–Camille Styles
Blogger, Camille Styles

…join up with friends and share some light, fresh, and healthy recipes. Grill meat, fish, and vegetables, and round out your meals with beans or pasta salads.”
–Reena Dulfon
Blogger, Set to Turbo, and health/fitness coach

…make an heirloom tomato salad.”
–Adam Roberts
Blogger, The Amateur Gourmet

…drink fruity herbal iced teas.”
–Debbie Hallock
Blogger, Deliciously Inspired

…picnic on the Deschutes River, sipping frosty microbrews from the Bend Ale Trail and stoking the campfire for an evening of s’mores under the stars.”
–Tawna Fenske
Communications Manager, Visit Bend, and author

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June 14, 2013

Gifts for the Happy Couple

Lots of weddeds-to-be on your giving list this season? Yeah, we figured – hence this present-by-shared-interest crib sheet. It’ll take the guesswork out of the gifting process and leave you looking exceptionally considerate. (Win-win.)

Gifts for the Happy Couple

Our Fill Their Registry: Gifts for the Happy Couple Boutique opens Tuesday, June 11 at 3PM ET.

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June 11, 2013

Soothe Operators

Bedroom design with rest in mind

 
The bedroom is your sanctuary. (Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.) Now elevate it to utterly indulgent status in just three simple steps.

Soothe Operators

Our Your Personal Hideaway: The Serene Bed & Bath Boutique opens Friday, June 7, at 3PM ET.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.


June 7, 2013

From Italy, with Love

Summer – meet Italian fare

 

Sunday Supper

Photos by Jennifer Che.

When it comes to summer eats, Italian food – typically associated with heavier meals – is all too often overlooked. Which is crazy, because Italian cuisine is all about light simplicity (with super-fresh ingredients, of course).

Case in point: these two recipes, both the handiwork of talented food blogger Jen (you’ll be obsessed with her site, Tiny Urban Kitchen). The Gnocchi with Summer Roasted Tomatoes takes full advantage of summer’s candy-like tomatoes, and Olive Oil Ice Cream – well, it needs zero justification. Serve them up at next Sunday’s dinner alfrescoThey pair perfectly with a mild breeze.

Our Sunday Supper: Italian Alfresco Boutique opens Sunday, June 2, at 11AM ET.

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June 2, 2013

Know Your Rugs

A quick rundown of floor-topper terminology

Know Your Rugs

Our Bare Feet, Rejoice: Plush Bedroom Rugs Boutique opens Friday, May 31, at 3PM ET.

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May 31, 2013

A Good Night’s Rest, from A to Z

These 26 details are devoted to your best sleep

A Good Night's Rest

 

Our From A to Zzz: Everything for the Bed & Bath Boutique opens Thursday, May 30, at 3PM ET.

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May 30, 2013

Papa’s Got a Brand New [Insert Gift Here]

Need an idea for Father's Day? Here's what Rue Associates have planned

 

Father's Day

“Dad’s known to break out the air popper for movie night. Never a dull moment!” –Krysten M., Event Producer

“Dad is the grill master, but sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. This pan would be ideal for those not-so-perfect days.” –Nicole L., Coordinator, CRM

“Dad always makes me breakfast smoothies when I visit. This blender is sure to keep the tradition alive.” –Kasey R., Assistant Event Producer

“Not only did I learn everything I know about cooking from my dad, but we also share a love of cooking gadgets. Looking forward to all the delicious paninis to come!” –Ellen G., VP, Talent

“My father-in-law and I share a passion for wine. He always has a glass with dinner, so this chiller would be a perfect gift for him.” –Katie D., Junior Designer

“My father and I share a good sense of humor – especially when it comes to movies like this classic.” –Eric G., Corporate Development

“My Dad almost always drinks his beer with ice (it’s never cold enough!). These would chill it to the perfect temperature, without watering it down.” –Brianna L., Junior Copywriter

Our What Dad Wants: Sports, Cooking, & Art Gifts Boutique opens Tuesday, May 28, at 3PM ET.

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May 28, 2013

Take on Tapas

Small, light bites = the ultimate summer fare

 

Take on Tapas

Photos by Gina Homolka.

Alone, a small bite is, well… small. But together, scaled-down portions have a full meal in store. Tapas-style eats are pretty much the quintessential summer fare – light enough for noshing come milder nights on the patio.

In our quest for such seasonal, smaller-scale dishes, we came across Skinnytaste.com –  a one-stop shop for all things low fat (and delicious). Founder Gina Homolka‘s food philosophy? “Eat seasonal, clean, whole foods and maintain good portion control. When you cook your own meals, you know you can feel good about what is going into your body.”

Case in point: her Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices and White Bean Crostini recipes. They’re both light, fresh, and super-easy to make, so serve them at every get-together this summer. You’ll be known for them in no time.

Our Sunday Supper: Tapas & Antipasti Boutique opens Sunday, May 26, at 11AM ET.

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May 26, 2013