Entertaining

The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind—packed with to-do lists, deadlines, and the pressure to make everything perfect. Those who know me know I rely on a well-crafted spreadsheet to keep the chaos under control.

When friends and family ask how I prepare for the holidays, I tell them it’s all about the details—and starting early! I’ve found that a little planning goes a long way, saving both time and money while keeping stress to a minimum. This approach lets me prioritize the small touches that make a big impact.

Remember how I said that you just never know who you will find in my farmhouse kitchen? This time, it was 7 celebrity chefs from Texas and their lovely wives.

Kent Rathbun is a close friend and an incredibly talented chef, especially when it comes to grilling. He's the ultimate grill master! We always have a great time cooking together and truly enjoy each other's company in the kitchen.

Isn’t Spring glorious? In the Napa Valley, it is marked by bud break. This is when the grapevines wake up and the first leaves emerge from the dormant buds. You can hear “Have you had bud break yet?” all over the valley. I decided to gather some friends to welcome Spring.