You're Invited: Creating the WOW Party (without work)

Hello, Chicago! On Thursday, June 17th, we're throwing the kind of party that will help you throw better parties! I'm talking time-saving tricks and insider tips for easy entertaining with style. Creating the WOW Party, we're calling it, (without work). These days, I think we're all staying in a little more than we used to, preferring casual gatherings at home that are a lot easier on the wallet than fancy evenings out. But when it comes to cocktail parties at home, hors d'oeuvres needn't be limited to store-bought hummus and pita, chips and and a chunky salsa. Now don't get me wrong: As an ex-caterer, I'm all for cutting corners if it saves time and money, but the critical part of the equation—the WOW factor everyone's always after—is presentation, presentation, presentation. It's the golden ticket, the insider secret all the pros know but never tell you. Until now. 

Well, not quite now, but soon! The 17th of June at 7 pm, to be precise, at the historic Dunham Woods Riding Club in Wayne, Illinois. Joining me will be the talented Debra Phillips, owner of Scentimental Gardens in Geneva, a fantastic home and garden store full of beautiful, one-of-a-kind antiques. And trust me: Debra knows how to throw a party. Check out the fountain she used as an icing tub for a party she threw at her store when Jaithan and I were in town. How clever is that?

And now it's time for a flashback: The first job I ever had was at a catering company in Greenwich called Watson's on Pemberwick. Everyday, after school, I'd ride my bike down to the store, where I worked as a dishwasher, scrubbing floors and taking out the garbage. Eventually, I worked my way up cooking, doing window displays, styling tables and creating "edible landscapes," beautiful, often elaborate spreads of food for the set-it-up-and-forget-it cocktail party, the kind you as a host get to enjoy the most!  

Whether you're hosting four or four hundred, cheese plates are such a staple of cocktail parties, so why not learn to create the most fabulous one you can? Good cheeses are important, yes, as are a handful of other things, but more than that, it's about you how you layer and build the plate that can really wow your guests. Of course, even the most wow-worthy spreads have humble beginnings. Behold the cabbage. 

     

Feeling a little empty, are we? 

How about a bevy of vegetables, colorful and crisp, to keep you company? The dip is a classic 1950s recipe my grandmother Dottie taught me. It's complex, so make sure you write it down. Ready? Sour cream, together with Lipton Onion Soup Mix. How easy is that? Sure, you could spend hours doing a dip from scratch, and when I was in culinary school, believe me, I did. But sometimes, you just can't beat the convenience (and taste!) of Lipton's. With a beautiful presentation, who'd know the difference?

So I hope you've enjoyed a sampling of time-saving tricks and stylists' tips enough to join Debra and me at Dunham Woods on the 17th. From everyday ingredients, we'll create extraordinary spreads that will inspire and delight you! And the best part of it all? You get to dig in! Tickets are $65 general admission and $40 for bloggers. To RSVP, email theshop@scentimentalgardens.com or call (630) 232-1303. Space is limited, so hurry! See you in Chicago, everyone!

Comments

[KATHERINE KAVOURIS]

Dear Eddie,
My Mother turned 80 on June 17th. Two of my children graduated this year, and we are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in June. Wish I could I have met you in Wayne, IL. I aspire to host parties with your brand of expertise. I am so impressed!!! I love the visual images on your website. I found you through the link with Trex Decks. I entered last week and would be so honored if selected and you were to come back to Illinois. A stunning new deck would be a great place to celebrate in style, and enhance our home.
Sincerely,
Katherine

[Lauri Stocker]

Thank you for a fabulous evening, I am thrilled to spend not one but two evenings with E & J in Wayne and Chicago. You are the "A List"! I am sure we will being seeing more of you in the press and on the tube! Presentation is everything! I am still elated and it has been 48 hours since the party... best of luck

[kasey]

I think i can make it.

[Erika Ward]

how about a WOW party event when you come to atlanta in july, puhleease?? i love the "granny" shoutout. glad that you are still growing from her wisdom even down to the sour cream dip. i've never seen a cabbage look so good. great job e+j!

[debra phillips]

i concur with pam; DO NOT MISS the opportunity to see E+J in action. because.....you never know when you will get the chance again!!!
these guys are soaring, catch them while you still can.
we are waiting guys.....with bow ties on!
xo
debra

[pam]

Don't miss ANY chance to attend ANY workshop-esque event by E+J. Save your laundry money or Starbuck dollars if you have to scrimp to attend as the VALUE is beyond the cost. Creative Candles was ALWAYS sold out and the crowd was begging for more. Go forth and enjoy!

[LindsB]

Those figs look delish- I want to eat them all right now.

As usual, I wish I lived closer and I would be at this event with bells on!

Have fun!!

[Acanthus & Acorn]

You, Jaithan and Debra???

Wishing I lived in Chicago right about now!

How fun and I'm very excited to learn a few new tricks when you post after the big bash!

[dialog]

One word, WOW!

[Pretty Pink Tulips]

Nobody does it better!!!! What beautiful spreads. And what a treat for your Midwest reader/bloggers! xoxo

[paige renee]

Beautiful - I always love your incredible ideas!

[Carla Fox]

You make everything looks so beautiful! And I can now come "out of the pantry" (so to speak) with the Lipton's Onion Dip, which I've always loved. Thanks!
P.S. My son has a weekend job at a BBQ place and they also do catering. Sounds like the way you started! Perhaps there is hope;)

[Patti Davis]

Can't wait to see you all in Atlanta! xoxo, P

[Victoria]

This is so TA- DA gorgeous!
Wish I could fly with you to Chicago!

Enjoy it!

XX
Victoria

[maureen]

Sounds wonderful! wish I could be there but alas too long to commute to Chicago from New York! Have a wonderful event..Chicago watch out...Eddie's here!LOL

[kathysue]

I am so glad to see you doing these fabulous post again. I always learn so much from you and even if it something like Liptons dip that I already know you still even take that over the top. YOU! are The Golden Boy!!! Oh how I wish I could be there to see what you present. Hugs Kathysue

[Mona Thompson]

I'm going to have to blog about that fountain for icing down drinks. Very clever!

[Shelly]

This sounds so fun..and informative! I wish I lived in the area. So Eddie, wanna come over for the 4th of July and help me throw a fabulous party? LOL! We're planning a big shindig at our new home and I'm trying desperately to come up with creative AND different ideas. I need to borrow your brain!

[hamptontones]

Oh, Eddie I wish I could attend this event. I love to throw little dinner parties and I'm always up for learning a new trick. I also do the cabbage trick...learned it from my mother...it's so beautiful. I'll look forward to the photos!

[Susie @ Maddie's Nest]

Great inspiration images/teasers. Wish I were in Chicago!

[Bailey@peppermintbliss]

Wait...are you for reals?? I want to go! Do we have to RSVP or sign up, or just show up and learn how to freak a cabbage?? I'm so excited!

[Amanda]

How I wish I lived in Chicago! This looks fantastic. Tablescapes and presentation are what I struggle with the most. Maybe one day you could write a book about this? Because I would buy it. Best of luck with the class Eddie!

[Stacey @ The Blessed Nest]

Oh, my goodness! I'm SO excited!! :) I am definitely going to try to come!

And that vegetable & dip presentation is so lovely! It looks like a bouquet, and the vintage (milk glass?) container is gorgeous!

So inspired...

Going to check out the party details now!
-Stacey

[LC Bend]

Beautiful! You are the best!

[Marija]

I am in! And willing to work :)

[wendy]

Sweet,I love the veggie dip presentation,thank you. This lovely blog is more than just eye candy...it's educational.

[Karen Evans]

I adore the crudite arrangement and have used this idea several times since you first posted it. It's simple, yet beautiful in presentation.

[pve]

...and on special days, I would hop on my bike and ride to "Roppels" market in Louisville for a candy bar, a "Three Muskateer Bar." Me too, I love presentation and things with scentimental lure.
Deborah and you in one room or one garden, I can only imagine what a presentation!!!!
pve

[Anne Statland]

I wish I could join this event with you as well. Your ideas are so beautiful. I love all the food arrangements and the cabbage display is so colorful. Now for your book about entertaining -- go for it!

[Lori]

OO, wish I could be there! If you do a WOW party in Richmond, I'll be there!

[Karena]

Eddie, so many great entertaining ideas!! I have really enjoyed conversing with Debra. It will be a great event!!

Karena

Art by Karena

[Ann Chamberlain]

fabulous...........

[Chelsea]

Oh, how I wish I was in the Chicago area! This sounds like a fabulous event - love the cabbage idea...I can't wait to wow our next dinner guests!

Chelsea