THE LATEST FROM FRAN BERGER
Blogs
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Adult Beverage
Celebrate love and friendships with this favorite cocktail recipe. There’s more to a mixed drink than a chunk of fruit, a swizzle stick, and a little paper umbrella. Most people think of mixed drinks as “cocktails” and some mixes are...
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How to host an EASY and fun Super Bowl Party
Two big tips and one great recipe idea for #Superbowl #SB52 – Good Food, Good Friends, Great Times. I have hosted a ton of Super Bowl Parties at my home and, I’ve been a guest at quite a few of...
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Time to Clean out the Kitchen Drawers?
Out with the old tools and the odds gadgets – and make sure you get these must-haves. It’s true that there’s a list of ‘must haves’ that every good home cook should have at their fingertips. But for me, after...
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Tips and Hints for your Outdoor Winter Décor
Because your home should look as good on the outside as it does on the inside. Yards look so sad this time of year, especially the backyard. The grass goes brown and the trees are mostly bare. Add to this,...
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Recipe for a Warm-up: Bloody Mary Soup
A new food memory: try my friend’s recipe for this delicious Bloody Mary Soup. A few years ago, on what in Southern California is considered a “cold” winter day, a friend of mine asked me if I wanted a Bloody...
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Outdoor Dining for (almost) anywhere.
Just because it’s a little chilly outside doesn’t mean you can’t have your party outdoors. I’m not talking about freezing weather. Let’s be sensible! And – yes – I know: “chilly” weather in California isn’t the same kind of “chilly”...
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Is it time to update your cookware?
Celebrate the New Year or a New Home with new non-stick cookware from All-Clad and Staub. Maybe you’ve moved. Maybe you’ve remodeled. Maybe it’s the New Year and it’s just time. Whatever the occasion, it’s time to take a look...
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Another Year with Sophisticating Living
What I’ve learned about sophisticated living – and how I’m taking it to the next level in 2018. A friend of mine is fond of saying, “We only get one ticket to the big dance. Make it count!” I get...
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How about a New Years’ Day party?
An excellent way to balance a great NYE party is an excellent NYD Open House. New Year’s Eve is a great time to celebrate, don’t you think? What better time to party than to ring in the new year? And...
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How Much to Tip when I travel?
Tipping guidelines for keeping up with etiquette while traveling. There are general travel tipping guidelines, but during the holidays it’s even more important to remember to thank those with whom you interact and accept their services. Check out my videos...
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Recipe for a Quick Pickle
An easy “pickle” recipe that’s great for home or as a gift. I had a great Bloody Mary at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, and they served a simply wonderful vinegary/garlicky green bean as one of the vegetable garnishes...
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A Handy Tipping Guide for the Holidays
The easy “how-to” for tipping during the holidays. We all have service people that help us throughout the year, but sometimes it’s confusing on how much to tip or even whether you should tip at all during the holidays. I’ve...
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Tips for Wrapping Presents for the Holidays
Isn’t it time to change up your Christmas wrapping skills? I was always the gift wrapper at my house while growing up. The rest of my family thought it was a big chore, but I loved it. I turned every...
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