At Home with Kim Vallee

ENTERTAINING, HOLIDAY entertaining | October 12, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving today. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! If you are looking for very last-minute ideas for spruce up your table, go in your backyard or hurry to the market and use what Mother Nature provides this season. You can check my glamorous tabletop suggestions on HGTV.ca or get inspired by a [...]

ENTERTAINING, HOLIDAY entertaining | October 9, 2009

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Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

I composed this menu for people who are tired of eating roasted turkey at Thanksgiving. Instead, I favor dishes that I associate with a family dinner. This is simple menu suitable for autumn without going to the obvious pumpkins and root vegetable recipes. + The meal starts with a Rustic Mushroom and Cream Cheese Tart that [...]

ENTERTAINING, OUTDOOR entertaining | September 7, 2009

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Menu for an End of Summer Party

This menu is so quick to make that you still have time to serve this meal tonight to your family. To get the full effect of the charming sight created by this old table, you can postpone it for the closing party at the cottage. When I saw this delightful scene, it reminded me of [...]

DINING, DISHING tips | August 27, 2009

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Donna Hay Brings a Special Touch to Everyday Food

If I had to resume in a few words the work of Donna Hay, I would say: Time-saving and Special Touches. Donna Hay’s philosophy fits very well within my way of life. This is probably why I am a long-time fan. The current issue, which is not yet available in Canada, will be her Entertaining Issue. [...]

ENTERTAINING, PARTY ideas | August 25, 2009

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Farmers’ Market Party Favor Ideas from Sunday Suppers

I featured Sunday Suppers on several quick link posts. From what I have seen this week, I am not going to stop soon. The concept behind their Market class can be resumed in building a seasonal menu based on what is available at the market. Casey Solomon and Karen Mordechai propose more than cooking classes. They [...]

ENTERTAINING, EVERYDAY entertaining | August 24, 2009

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Book Club Party Food

Being in a book club is a great way to exchange ideas and mingle with people. Each club sets its own formula for organizing the meeting. Instead of a dinner, moms may prefer to meet in the middle of the afternoon. Many clubs meets at a restaurant but I prefer the formula where you meet [...]

DINING, FOOD + drinks | August 9, 2009

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Food Inspirations for a Family Meal

Eating out is fun but great home cooking is awesome. If you are unsure about what to serve your family tonight, maybe these pictures can inspire me to compose your menu. + Potato Dominoes or Cards by Steamy Kitchen + Red Pesto Ravioli recipe by 101cookbooks + Watercress with Fragrant Wasabi Dressing by QlinArt + Passion Fruit, Coconut, Macadamia Nut [...]

ENTERTAINING, OUTDOOR entertaining | July 17, 2009

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Four Alfresco Menus and Table Settings by Martha Stewart

For the start of the weekend, I wish to inspire you to organize an easy get-together with your friends. This is a time to have fun, have great conversations and laughs. You will find for each picture, the recipes on Martha’s site. + If you are planning a picnic style, go for the Chicken Sandwich Menu [...]