WORKSHOPS

ENTERTAINING WITH EASE

Virtual Entertaining Experiences

Connection happens around the table.

Family and friends, old and just met, sitting down to share life and a meal together.

Our primal needs of sustenance and connection are being met; it is profound. 

As sacred and beautiful as that is, the experience of the host is not always a picturesque dreamy dance.  

Getting multiple dishes to the beautifully set table at the proper temperature without screaming at someone in the hour leading up to your guest's arrival is no easy feat!! 

 Missing half of the conversation because you’re in the kitchen while your friends are laughing and chatting around the table. So been there. 

As much as you fight it,  your thoughts continue to turn toward the underwhelming side dish or the souffle that doesn’t look anything like the picture! 

These experiences make you wonder why you keep hosting these things yourself! 

The answer is you crave connections, you love good food, and inspiring conversation…

and a cocktail wouldn’t hurt either; you just wish it were easier to entertain at home.

Breathe deeply, sweet friend, help has arrived!

Entertaining with Ease Workshops break down one dinner party at a time into simple steps allowing you to enjoy the gathering as much as your guests do! 

Tested, delicious recipes with step-by-step tutorials, shopping lists, menu plans, and gorgeous, creative tablescape ideas. You’re going to LOVE it!

ENTERTAIN WITH EASE & INTENTION

IN EACH OF THESE WORKSHOPS YOU WILL…

Receive everything you need to successfully host a thoughtfully curated dinner party.

  • Full Menu of Recipes that you can print or download

  • Complete Shopping List

  • Sample Menu Planner

  • Pre-recorded step-by-step cooking tutorial to enjoy and refer back to at your leisure

  • Tablescape ideas and photos of my finished table

  • So many tips and tricks that I’ve learned or developed over my many years of entertaining at home

Cultivate an environment of hospitality that finds your guests feeling  welcomed, anticipated, and celebrated. 

Implement small details with great grace; But most of all, enjoy the party as much as your guests do!

I’ll show you tips and tricks allowing you to delight in the whole process; from event inspiration through washing, drying, and putting away the last champagne flute. 

You will glean from my 3 decades as a wedding planner and a prolific home chef and entertainer.

Yes, you could spend hours on Pinterest (I mean whoever stops after 15 min.?)

You could look through the 35 cookbooks on your shelf or your bulging single-recipe binder.

You could watch YouTube or The Food Network…

You don’t have time to do any of those things!
You just want delicious food, recipes that actually work, and a reasonable timeline that gets everything to the table at the appropriate temperature and doesn’t have you leaving multiple times right when the conversation starts to flow. 

Amiright!!??

You want to welcome your guests without being frantic—no one feels welcome when the host is frazzled!

 You can do this with grace, skill, and ease and I will show you how.

Choose from any of these curated Entertaining with Ease Workshops below!

  • Exquisite. Intimate. Worldly.

    “Conversation and history flow well together with Wendy and Marie as they invite you into their kitchen to pair food and wine together. Time slows down when you listen to them describe the delicate balance of spices and palate-pleasing flavors. Their intimate stories complement the understanding that wine and food start with people, their stories, their land, and most of all their journey to your table. What a delightful way to spend your Friday night.”

    XO Cindy R.

  • Everything was absolutely stunning and 100% me!

    “Please let me express a sincere and heartfelt thank you for the most amazing shower ever. I want to thank each of you for "knocking my socks off" to make my special day absolutely perfect! Truly this shower was something out of a Pinterest picture. Everything from the flowers to the mimosa bar, to the favors- everything was absolutely stunning and 100% me! I honestly was so overwhelmed with how perfect the day was. I started crying because it was just honestly magical to have everyone there in such a special place and have the room filled with love. There are not many times in our lives when all the women you love the most in the world come together to celebrate you. Sunday was perfect. Thank you again for putting love, creativity, and fun into everything you did. I will hold that day close in my heart forever and cherish it always...thank you. “

    With Love and Gratitude, Xoxo Erin Viau

  • The knowledge and elegance you have and exude is exceptional!

    "That was so fun!! And educational. What you bring to the table is really priceless. The knowledge and elegance you have and exude are exceptional; packaged in a nice, accepting of other-person-wrapper. YOU. It just really shines through. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!"

    Christine Santos – after a virtual cooking class that was a part of her team's holiday party.

  • Maybe you have a creative project to share with the world

    Quote Source

GORGEOUS GARDEN PARTY

A garden party is near and dear to my heart.  My friend Sharon and I hosted an annual garden party for ten years and this month's menu is the one I served at our very first garden party! 

You will find everything you need to put all the elements for this delightful party together for your guests. Inside the party workbook is the: 

  • menu 

  • shopping list

  • recipes  

  • videos - you will get all the instructions you need for each recipe and a few helpful tips along the way.

FARM STAY BOUGIE BRUNCH

Are you ready to take your breakfast game to the next level and impress your guests with a delicious and unforgettable meal? Look no further than our guide on how to make and host a Farm Stay Breakfast, featuring a mouth-watering spread of spicy baked pears, sticky toffee waffles, oven-roasted bacon, home fries, and French press coffee.

Impress your guests with this Farm Stay Bougie Brunch spread. With our video guide and tablescape direction, you'll have all the tools you need to make this breakfast a success, including step-by-step instructions and tips for hosting a memorable and enjoyable brunch experience. 

So why wait? Purchase our guide now and start your morning off right with a Farm Stay Breakfast to remember!

  • menu 

  • shopping list

  • recipes  

  • videos - you will get all the instructions you need for each recipe and a few helpful tips along the way.

SUMMER LUNCHEON

Get ready to host the perfect summer luncheon with our mouth-watering menu featuring a Red & Black Cocktail, Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Herbed Salt, Orzo with Tomatoes, Cucumber & Feta, Tzatziki, and Rosemary Shortbread with Fresh Strawberries.

Start the meal off with our Red & Black Cocktail, a refreshing and fruity drink that's perfect for any summer gathering. Then move on to the main course, featuring a grilled, butterflied leg of lamb that's bursting with flavor thanks to the herbed salt seasoning. Serve it alongside a fresh and flavorful orzo salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese, and a creamy tzatziki dip that's perfect for dipping.

For dessert, indulge in our delicious Rosemary Shortbread with Fresh Strawberries, a sweet and savory combination that's perfect for a summer day.

Our step-by-step instructions and hosting tips will help you create a beautiful and memorable summer luncheon that your guests will love. So don't wait, purchase our guide now and get ready to impress your guests with this delectable summer menu.

  • menu 

  • shopping list

  • recipes  

  • videos - you will get all the instructions you need for each recipe and a few helpful tips along the way.

VEGETARIAN DELIGHT

Are you ready to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with a vegetarian meal that's both delicious and elegant? Our Vegetarian Delight Meal guide features a mouth-watering spread of dishes that will take your dinner party to the next level.

Start off with the baked brie with garlic mushrooms and crostini, a rich and savory appetizer that's sure to please. Then move on to the main course, featuring polenta stuffed portobello mushrooms, a hearty and flavorful dish that's sure to satisfy. Pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts and red onion for a colorful and nutritious side dish.

For something a little sweeter, try the roasted beets and carrots with goat cheese dressing, a perfect combination of earthy and tangy flavors. And for dessert, our sorbet on citrus slices is a refreshing and light option that's both beautiful and delicious.

Don't forget to wash it all down with a Carrot Fix Cocktail, a bright and flavorful drink that's perfect for any occasion.

With our step-by-step instructions and hosting tips, you'll be able to create a memorable and elegant vegetarian meal that your guests will love. Impress your friends and family with this delicious Vegetarian Delight Meal spread, and purchase our guide now to get started!

  • menu 

  • shopping list

  • recipes  

  • videos - you will get all the instructions you need for each recipe and a few helpful tips along the way.

GET ON THE GRILL MENU

Get ready to fire up the grill and impress your guests with our Get on the Grill Menu, featuring a delicious spread of elevated summer classics that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Start with our Grilled Bacon & Cheddar Burger, a juicy and flavorful burger that's topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Serve it alongside roasted mini sweet peppers with grilled bread and Boursin cheese, a delicious and colorful appetizer that's sure to impress.

For the sides, we've got you covered with roasted sweet potato wedges and fresh grilled corn, both perfectly charred and bursting with flavor.

To wash it all down, our Cherry Pisco Sour Cocktail is a fruity and refreshing drink that's perfect for a summer day.

And for dessert, indulge in our Melon Cake, a light and refreshing cake made with fresh melon that's the perfect way to end the meal.

With our step-by-step instructions and hosting tips, you'll be able to create a memorable and delicious meal that your guests will love. So don't wait, purchase our guide now and get ready to impress everyone with your grilling skills and delicious menu.

  • menu 

  • shopping list

  • recipes  

  • videos - you will get all the instructions you need for each recipe and a few helpful tips along the way.

LOBSTER SOIREE

This is a New England classic!  And...I have a guest in the kitchen to help me.  Katie Mullahy Quinn from Mullahy's Artisan Cheese shop, is joining me to share her wisdom and know-how for creating a delicious lobster roll, as well as how to put together a beautiful summer cheese board. 

Imagine hosting an unforgettable gathering for your friends and family, featuring a luxurious seafood inspired spread with the centerpiece being a succulent Lobster Roll. With the guidance of our workshop, you'll learn how to create and host this exquisite culinary experience.

Your guests will be greeted with a stunning Cheese Board, featuring a delicious selection of cheeses, artisanal crackers, and fresh fruit. Next up, you'll prepare and serve the main event – mouthwatering Lobster Rolls made with homemade mayonnaise, perfectly complemented by a refreshing Tomato, Corn & Avocado Salad.

As the evening progresses, you'll impress your guests with a surprise twist on dessert – Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone, offering a sweet and tangy contrast that will tantalize the taste buds. And to top it all off, you'll shake up a delicious Watermelon Margarita, adding a playful touch of summer fun to the occasion.

Our workshop will equip you with all the skills and knowledge you need to make this Lobster Soiree a success, from selecting the perfect ingredients to setting the mood and ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience. Don't miss out on the chance to impress your guests and create memories that will last a lifetime – sign up for our workshop today!

  • menu 

  • shopping list

  • recipes  

  • videos - you will get all the instructions you need for each recipe and a few helpful tips along the way.

AUTUMN BLISS DINNER

As the crisp autumn air rolls in, it's time to gather your loved ones and treat them to an unforgettable Autumn Bliss Dinner. Guided by my dear friend and guest, Chef Jeff Soens, in this workshop, dinner was prepared by him in his kitchen in the Charente Maritime while I was visiting in France.  

Our workshop will teach you how to create and host a warm and welcoming dining experience, filled with flavors and aromas that capture the essence of the season.

You'll start with a refreshing Mixed Greens Salad dressed in a tangy Vinaigrette, setting the stage for the main course - a rich and creamy Winter Squash Risotto served alongside succulent Lamb Chops and flavorful Wild Mushrooms. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to delight your guests and leave them craving more.

For dessert, you'll showcase the season's best produce with a Rustic Apple Tart, featuring sweet and tart apples baked to perfection in a flaky crust. And to cap off the evening, you'll shake up a Sevilla Negroni - a cocktail that combines the rich and bittersweet flavors of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

Our workshop will guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the freshest ingredients to creating a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the perfect tone for the occasion. Don't miss out on the opportunity to treat your loved ones to an Autumn Bliss Dinner they'll never forget - sign up for our workshop today!

  • menu 

  • shopping list

  • recipes  

  • videos - you will get all the instructions you need for each recipe and a few helpful tips along the way.

THE JOYOUS FRIENDSGIVING

Could you BE any more excited to host a Friendsgiving feast that your guests will never forget? Our workshop will teach you how to create and host an unforgettable celebration, complete with a delicious menu featuring all the trimmings.

Kick off the evening with a Pear & Ginger Highball, the perfect way to start the festivities. You'll roast up some Rainbow Carrots to add a pop of color and sweetness to the table. Then, you'll serve up a classic side dish with a twist – Haricots Verts with Shallot & Bacon, a dish that will leave your guests wanting more.

For the main course, you'll roast a Salt & Fennel Pork Loin that will be the star of the show. And for those looking for a more traditional Thanksgiving experience, we've got you covered! Our workshop also includes a recipe for a mouth-watering Pancetta-Sage Turkey with Pancetta-Sage Gravy, guaranteed to have your guests begging for seconds. 

To cap off the meal, you'll bake up an Apple, Pear, Cranberry Crisp, a warm and comforting dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Our workshop will guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the best ingredients to creating a fun and inviting ambiance.. Don't miss out on the chance to impress your friends and host a Friendsgiving that even Joey and Chandler would be proud of – sign up for our workshop today!

  • menu 

  • shopping list

  • recipes  

  • videos - you will get all the instructions you need for each recipe and a few helpful tips along the way.

THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING
5-PART SERIES

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most stressful - especially when it comes to hosting events. That's why our Holiday Entertaining 5 Workshop Series is the perfect solution to help you prepare for all your holiday hosting needs.

In the first workshop, Get Holiday Season Ready & Food Gifts, you'll learn how to plan ahead and get organized for the busy holiday season. You'll also discover how to make delicious homemade food gifts that will delight your loved ones.

Next up is the New England Cookie Swap, a fun and festive event that will have everyone feeling the holiday spirit. You'll learn how to make a variety of classic and modern holiday cookies that are perfect for swapping and sharing.

For a more elegant affair, the Nutcracker Tea Party is the perfect event to impress your guests with an afternoon of tea, treats, and holiday cheer. You'll learn how to make a selection of sweet and savory treats that will transport your guests to a magical winter wonderland.

For the big day itself, we've got you covered with two workshops - Hosting Christmas Eve and Hosting Christmas Brunch. You'll learn how to create menus that are festive and delicious, with tips on how to prep ahead so you can enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.

And finally, the New Year's Eve Dinner Party will help you ring in the new year in style. You'll learn how to create a luxurious and indulgent menu that will impress your guests and set the perfect tone for the year ahead.

With our Holiday Entertaining 5 Workshop Series, you'll have all the skills and confidence you need to host a season full of unforgettable events. Don't wait - sign up today and get ready to make this holiday season your best one yet!

THE ULTIMATE WORKSHOP BUNDLE

Want all of these delicious recipes! I’ve got you covered. You can gain access to all of my workshops in one bundle for a steal of a price.