At Home with Kim Vallee

GIFT IDEAS, Gifts for HIM, PAPER goods | November 12, 2008

Thoughtful Gent made masculine and casual note cards

I like to stock greeting cards and note cards so I do not have to rush to the store when I need them. A few months ago, I noticed that most cards I buy are suited for women. Since then I try to find more cards suitable for men. But the choices of amazing [...]

DINING, TABLEWARE | October 29, 2008

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Twenty Past Four Plates for Good Table Manners

Born and raised in Hong Kong, the graphic designer Willie Tsang now lives in Toronto. Willie likes to infuse a sense of play in his creations. I would add a touch of education too. He created 2 plate series and a teacup set for the 2008 collection of Imm Living. I am showing my [...]

DINING, EATING out | October 12, 2008

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Gender Equally Discussion in Restaurant Service

Frank Bruni of The New York Times published a worth reading article about gender equally and old gender roles at dinner. I am not talking about business meals where the rule should follow the business relationships and not the gender. What I have to say applies to social meals. The distinction between business and social events [...]

TRAVEL | July 20, 2008

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Relaxing Day at Balnea Spa. Or Is It?

Last Friday, I indulged in a Finnish meets modern meets hammam water spa experience. I wanted to try it since Balnea opened a few years ago in the Eastern Township. Sitting next to Lac Gale with a superb view of the Appalaches, the site is designed around the balneotherapy. I liked my day but Balnea [...]

ENTERTAINING, EVENT planning | June 13, 2008

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Hiring A Chef At Home for a Stress-free Dinner Party

Last weekend was the birthday of a friend. Cooking an elaborate dinner for 10 persons is very demanding on the host, unless you hire help. His girlfriend opted to hire a Chef for the night. A wise choice! Food and Wine Pairing No proper meal should be served without harmonizing food and wine. The Chef can [...]

ENTERTAINING, PAPER goods | May 15, 2008

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Personalized Picture Stamps in Canada and the United States

Finished up your invite or add a special touch to a thank you card with your own customized stamps. They are also appropriate to mark a special occasion, a kid birthday or something special happening in your life. Where to buy? The personalization process is the same whether you live in the USA or Canada. The difference [...]

ENTERTAINING, SPECIAL occasions | April 29, 2008

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The Art of Formal Table Setting

Toast and Tables talked about the art of table setting yesterday. Sarah Dennis made the point that formal entertaining is a disappearing act. Sadly, I must agree with her. I feel there are times that call for strict etiquette and beautiful table manners. It is one way to clearly state that an [...]

DINING, EATING out | January 16, 2008

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Faux-Pas at the Communal Restaurant Table

While we were at Father’s Office, the guy next to us put his half-full plate inside the plate of my husband because he did not like having his plate in front of him. He did not ask if my husband has finished his plate, he just assumed. Frankly, he acted like a thoughtless guy who just [...]