New Happenings...

Visiting Chicago?  Join us for two exciting events!

39th Annual Gazebo Holiday Market
(18 - 20 November 2010)

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4th Floor

Chicago, IL

Friday, 11/19 from 11am - 7pm

Saturday, 11/20 from 10am - 4pm

Martinis & Mistletoe Preview Party on Thursday, 18 November from 6pm-10pm.

A portion of ALL merchant sales benefits the Junior League of Chicago's mission - please consider participating, and while you're shopping you'll be making a significant contribution!

12th Annual Oak Park River Forest Holiday Housewalk & Market 
(2 - 4 December 2010)

Concordia - Koehneke Community Center 

7400 Augusta Street

River Forest, IL

Sugar Plum Preview Party
Thursday, 12/2 from 

6pm – 9pm

Join the fun at the Holiday Market Preview Party, an exclusive shopping experience event! Sip wine, nibble on appetizers, and be one of the first to check out the 50 artisan vendors and their treasures!

Friday, 12/3

3pm – 9pm – Market 

5pm – 9pm – Housewalk

Saturday, 12/4

10am – 5pm – Market 

1pm – 5pm – Housewalk

A portion of ALL merchant sales benefits The Children's Clinic sponsored by the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society - your support is greatly appreciated!!

An introduction...

Welcome!

It's a pleasure to say hello and introduce you to the savvy host.

What is it to entertain? Let's start at the basics  - to entertain means exercising hospitality ~ entertaining company ~ providing entertainment for guests.

We consider entertaining as a lifestyle - that the friendly reception and generous treatment of guests or acquaintances is a priority in how you choose to greet daily life - in business, with family, socially, and as a part of the community.

Knowing what it takes to host a gathering of people - and how to participate as an invited participant - are valuable skills regardless of where you live, your social standing, your profession, or your culture.

Considering the basics involved in entertaining builds familiarity and confidence in the host or hostess, and awareness and appreciation in the guests.  The 8 entertaining essentials© we think of include the occasion, guests & invitations, bar basics, the menu, creating ambience, arranging the table, serving savoir-faire, and activities behind-the-scenes.

Don't let this overwhelm you! This is all familiar turf for the savvy host, and we're willing to share a few secrets ;-)  Take a look around our site, our blog and SavvyHostMarket to see what we're up to.

What's the recipe for a truly savvy host?  A little confidence, sprinkled with inspiration and  creativity, added to healthy dose of organization and humor.  This is what we think it takes to bring out the best in your personal entertaining style.

Sharing life is at the core of what the best entertaining is about - and we look forward to hearing about the enjoyable results of your savvy hosting efforts in good food gatherings, business dinners, family events, and grand celebrations.


Wishing you a full belly, a heavy purse and a light heart!!


Mary Spada
Founder and Proprietor
the savvy host