Don't let the lack of daylight keep you from having a good time this winter. Invite your friends over and turn your apartment in Lake Oswego into a place of joy!

Ideas for Throwing the Ideal Winter Party

• Keep the guest list small, so you can have a more intimate setting. Around four to six guests should be the maximum number of guests.
• Take a chapter from the Nordic lifestyle and buy lots of candles of different sizes. Candles set the mood by helping guests relax and feel at home. A roaring fireplace also provides a bit of light therapy for you and your guests.
• Have some cocktails handy for guests when they arrive.
• Prepare appetizer trays ahead of time full of cheese or charcuterie displayed artfully on wooden cutting boards.
• Make soup the day before and heat it up in a pot while you are preparing your other dishes.
• Heat sliced and buttered bread in foil, then place in insulated cooler where it will remain hot for hours.
• Roast vegetables on a tray while preparing your main dish. Find some unusual or elegant vegetables such as colored beets or carrots to add that extra bit of color.
• Offer a variety of coffee and teas between dinner and dessert. This allows guests to mingle, let their food settle, and look around.
• Find a dessert that is already made and requires just a little extra garnish or a scoop of ice cream. Pie, pavlovas, cheesecake are all examples of perfect desserts that pair well with a sprig of mint, a touch of chocolate syrup, a few berries, or some enticing ice cream.
• Make little takeaway favors for your guests. Have the favor be related to the dinner, whether it be a special syrup you poured over dessert, a cocktail rum, or a special, fresh-roasted coffee you brought back from your trip to Panama. Make sure to include a tag with the name of the ingredient and a recipe for how to use it.

If you are looking for an apartment in Lake Oswego, call our office today to see which floor plans we have available. Our apartments are great for entertaining and dining with friends.

The post Tips for Throwing a Chic Winter Dinner Party appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.

Select a Variety of Cheeses

Cheeses come in a large variety of flavors and textures, so include the ones that best complement the other culinary aspects of your gathering. If you're hosting a wine tasting with a focus on Pacific Northwest white wines, for instance, keep the cheeses fairly white and light so they won't clash with the wines. If you're serving a rich red meat roast as an entrée at a dinner party, make sure your cheese board has plenty of hearty cheddar cheese. However, always keep in mind that extremely heavy, strong-smelling cheeses may overpower others if they are placed in too close proximity to them, so keep your strong cheeses confined to a separate plate.

Use a Separate Knife for Each Cheese

Always ensure that each type of cheese is provided with its own cheese knife that is kept separate from the others. Be sure to have sharp knives such as paring knives for aged, hard cheeses. If you don't have special cheese knives for soft cheeses, use butter knives. You should also label each cheese so that guests don't have to keep asking you what they are. 

Provide Accompaniments 

Even the best cheeses should be served with accompaniments such as nuts, honeys, breads, fruit, and crackers. These provide texture, flavor, and interest, so be sure to have plenty on hand. You can also have a selection of cured meats, smoked salmon, and condiments such as gourmet mustard and berry preserves—don't be afraid to be creative. You'll have plenty of local ingredients, including hazelnuts, fruit compotes, and smoked salmon to choose from. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at your earliest convenience for more information about our community and floor plans! 

The post How to Create the Perfect Cheese Board appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.