Over on the east side of Los Angeles, Valerie Gordon has slowly—truffle by truffle—been building a confections empire. Since 2004, she's been turning out delicate toffees, indescribably delicious cookies, mint-laced chocolates, and every conceivable variation of pie, cake, and shortbread. Since it's downright impossible to escape her shop with packages intact, her website is an excellent—and safer—pitstop for gifts. It should come as no big surprise that invitations to Gordon's home table are hard fought for in LA, which is why we asked the much-heralded entertainer for a few tips on the small touches that make a good dinner party great.
- 1
Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Recipes from London's Ottolenghi
The best menu-inspiration comes from a mix of cookbooks: I always turn to one that's new, and one that's a perennial classic.
- 2
Cutting Board
I always use my most worn-in cutting boards as serving platters for cheese: I don't want guests to feel shy about cutting into them!
- 3
Fabrique Délices Charcuterie & Murray's Brillat-Savarin/Sottocenere Cheeses
I think appetizers should be simple, but luscious: I always pile charcuterie, cheese, fruit and nuts onto a board.
- 4
Big Dipper Wax Works 100% Pure Beeswax Tapers
An irrefutable fact: There's nothing quite as flattering as candle light.
- 5
Farmer's Market
Whenever possible, I use local and fresh ingredients. This site can help you find a farmer's market near you.
- 6
Heath Ceramics Glasses
From start to finish, beverages make the party, particularly when they're presented in pretty glasses. I use these to serve everything.
- 7
Champagne & Cognac
I always have Billiecart Salmon Rose Champagne and Dudognon Cognac Grande Champagne Vieille Reserve in my pantry: These are my favorite things to pour during parties.
- 8
Jonathan Wright & Co. Place Cards
Maybe it seems old-fashioned, but I always use place cards: The right strategic seating always makes for the best conversations!
- 9
Pot + Pantry Teak Cake Stand
It feels a little bit more festive to serve dessert at eye level. You can also find really good vintage ones on eBay. (Linked item similar to above.)
- 10
Valerie Confections Chocolate Dipped Fruit
A party is never complete without chocolate!
- 11
Valerie Confections Tea Assortment
Tea provides a relaxing and elegant close to the evening—and it's a bit more unexpected than coffee. I use the cups from Heath Ceramics to serve everything.
