Nice Entertaining Magazine - Summer 2014

Nice Entertaining Summer 2014

Exclusive DJ Playlist Expert Tips

from Diann Valentine, Jes Gordon and Kelsey Nixon

Keeping It Cool This

Summer

Products for entertaining in the heat.

Pamper Party at home with Friends

+

4th of

July bbq in photos.

Kelis

New Album ’Food’ - Cooking & Her Son’s Dinosaur Birthday

Contents Summer 2014

Features

Kelis & 'Food'

The songtress, mother and saucer gives her best tips for hosting.

PG 32

Political Influencer

Kelly Rae Williams of Poet.she entertains with her words. PG 36

NYFW

The Fall preview of style trends PG 48 2 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

Departments PG

24

PG

40 Taste

Kelsey Nixon give us confidence for grilling and equipping our kitchen. PG 6 Chef Jamila Tobias shares her tips for food trends and upscale entertaining. PG 8 Make these mojitos a part of at least one event. PG 10

Play

New music for the summer. PG 13 DJ Trrrouble's exclusive playlist. PG 14 Live Entertainment with Phillip . PG 15 The breakdown on streaming devices, so that you can make your events easy. PG 16

Host

What to do when people aren't dancing - Diann Valentine shares her expertise. PG 20 Taunya Monroe, guides our next pamper party. PG 22 Jes Gordon tells how to get people to come - and leave your next party. PG 24

The Experience

Keep outdoor summer parties cool - our product recommendations. PG 26

Themed

Fourth of July in photos. PG 40

Conversation Piece Shop on Target with Pins, look into the getting a Lambo, get food truck creative and more. PG 58 PG

58 Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 3

Nice Entertaining Editorial Director Carmen Smith Marketing Director Jayne Walton Contributing Writers Briana Barner, Evette Dionne and Myeisha Essex Contributing Photographers Chyami Hill, CHillDesigns Photography | Sara Remington Consulting Tamara Jeffries and Sheri Clawson, 3CCreativ About and Terms Nice Entertaining Magazine is the complete home entertaining guide. Our content is centered around the elements of entertaining – food, entertainment, decor and hosting – and as well as inspiration from pop culture celebrities, political influencers and professional event planners.

Contact via email: carmens@niceentertaining.com Website: niceentertaining.com ŠNice Media 2014 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

4 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

Editor’s Letter All Things Nice!

We all have entertained before - whether on purpose or subconsciously - and when we carve out time to communicate with the people we adore it is beneficial. This publication’s purpose is to encourage and inspire you to say "I think I'm going to invite some people over."

Several elements go into entertaining. You have to think about food, location, timing, what you will have, who is invited, music, entertainment - the list can go on and on. We have come up with sections that covers any issue that may come up, because after all, as a host you should enjoy your event as well.

Kelis Rogers, is the perfect person to cover our inaugural issue. She’s an artist, cook and mother, so you know she has experienced every type of event there is to be had. Poetry and art nights are always an enjoyable time, and on page 36, author and spoken word artist, Kelly Rae Williams, shares how she is creating a space for minority women in the arts through her organizations art series. Evette Dionne brought us a special treat from New York Fashion Week - all the trends to wear at your next party! You are sure to be a fabulous host.

We also have included tips from experts in planning from Kelsey Nixon, Diann Valentine and Jes Gordon. Each issue will also include an exclusive playlist from a DJ which you will find in our Play section.

One of my favorite celebrations has to be the 4th of July, and on page 40 you will see that in photos.

I hope this magazine serves as a guide to your future entertaining experiences in this everso technology-driven time.

Enjoy your summer. I will see you in the fall.

Best,

If you have a question about entertaining, please let me know. I’ll be glad to ask around! carmens@niceentertaining.com Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 5

Taste Eat and Drink

Photograph by Sara Remington

Kelsey’s potato salad for the Fourth of July is one of three salads she suggests everyone has this summer.

Click here for the recipe.

6 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

Kitchen

Confidence

Kelsey Nixon, host of Kelsey’s Essentials on the Cooking Channel and author of Kitchen Confidence, shares her recipes for novice entertaining.

The Essentials Kelsey’s book starts with equipping your kitchen with the necessary food items and tools. To start, she recommends looking for quality, not quantity.

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon Cream If you want to make your summer cookout interesting, serve Kelsey’s take on strawberry shortcake. Use a premade or store-bought poundcake, toss it on the grill along with fresh strawberries and instead of the traditional whipped cream, make a lemon cream filling.

Click for the recipe and how-to video.

“I think that it’s an easy trap to fall into to go to the nearest big box store and buy a kitchen-in-a-box, but the quality of those products are really low,” she says. ”By the time the person gets home and starts cooking with those things all of a sudden their rice didn’t turn out right and they think it is because of them, but really it’s because they were working with a flimsy pot and a plastic spatula.”

If you are limited on grilling capabilities like Kelsey who lives in New York City, she suggests using the seasonings of smoked paprika, chipotle powder or even a little liquid smoke to resemble the charcoal grill flavor that you may not be able to achieve otherwise. If you are giving the grill a shot, make sure you season your food.

She recommends starting with the essentials and investing in a couple of pots and pans and about three knives that will last up to 15 years.

she says. “Maybe you are going to make a signature barbeque sauce, or a really cool relish, or something like that. I think that goes a long way in not only tasting delicious but also impresses your guests and makes them feel that they’ve you’ve put some time, attention and love into that meal.”

“Go beyond just purchasing the steak or the hamburger at the grocery store and really season the meat of whatever you are grilling,” Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 7

& Taste Eat Drink

Bringing Upscale

Home

Chef Jamila Tobias delicacies are certain to feed your soul. Catering for 14 years, she brings her exquisite taste and soulful cuisine from New York City where she did most of her training now to the Atlanta area. Chef Tobias shares her tips on how to bring an upscale cuisine right into your home.

Chef Tobias

Farm-to-Table The farm-to-table concept is a very good

Vegetables, fruits and fish are easy ways to incoporate this trend.

8 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

trend that’s been around for awhile and should continue . It embodies the organic, fresh and healthy lifestyle. It simply means supporting your local markets and food businesses. It’s healthier and gives an opportunity for people in the food industry to support community farmers, chefs and restaurants. It brings many different people together under one umbrella and I just love it!

Quick Appetizing

A Better Brunch

I suggest a divine Caprese. Mix fresh mozzarella (small balls) and grape tomatoes from your local supermarket.

Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella balls in half. Take a tooth pick and put a basil leaf in the middle and alternate your sliced tomato and mozzarella onto the toothpick . In a pan, add some balsamic vinegar and a little bit of sugar and salt - reducing until your ingredients have come to light syrup. Sprinkle some fresh black cracked pepper and the balsamic reduction onto your tomatoes and mozzarella.

Make your favorite homemade pancakes, but crumble some crunchy oatmeal cookies into the batter. For the sides, scramble some eggs just the way you like it but include fresh basil, tomatoes and cream cheese. and pair it with some tantalizing apple-wood smoked bacon with paprika and brown sugar. A side bowl of fresh mangos, cherries and pineapple is also a great addition.

To make your brunch upscale, create a perfect sparkling mimosa brunch with strawberries and mangos!

Rules of Thumb Chef Tobais’ tips for making any event simple.

1. Always have

these items in your kitchen: tomatoes, garlic, onions, herbs and extra virgin olive oil. You can take anything up a notch using these five ingredients.

2.Don’t

overcrowd your plate and serve on small platters.

It looks clean and offers your guests a healthy portion.

3. Just like your 4. Ultimately,

posture, the higher you sit up the more confident you look. You should layer your food. The higher your food, the more elegant it will look.

just keep it simple and cook with a lot of love. If you love it and put forth effort it will show in your food.

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 9

Taste

Eat & Drink

Summer

Mojitos you have to taste.

Mango Cut a fresh mango and purĂŠe. In a glass add three to four mint leaves and two lime wdges then muddle.

Add the mango puree, pure cane syrup and ice. Shake well. Top with ginger ale.

Berry Add four mint leaves, lime, fresh blackberries and strawberries to a glass. Add in the Cruzan Black Cherry rum and pure cane syrup.

Fill with ice and shake well. Top with sparkling water.

10 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

Coconut Base the drink with lime and mint leaves then muddle. Add a tablespoon of sugar, Don Q Coco Rum, coconut cream and pineapple. Fill the remainder with ice and shake well. Top with a splash of soda and garnish.

s

Share

Your Summer Dishes and Drinks

Facebook.com/NiceEntertainingMagazine

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 11

Play

Music, Entertainment and Tech

Thicke

12 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

Songz

Grande

On Deck: New Music Create your summer playlists with new music.

Jennifer Lopez, 'A.K.A.' - June 17 With hits like “I Luh You Papi” and “First Love” Jenni from the block’s 10th album is sure to give us great songs this summer.

- hence the album name Paula. If he pours his heart into this project like he has with his other songs we are sure to have another hit in our playlist!

Mary J Blige - Think Like a Man Too Soundtrack - June 17 The Queen of Hip Hop Soul has partnered with one of the summers sure to be most funniest movies!

Enough said.

Busta Rhymes – E.L.E.2 (Extinction Level Event 2) - July 4 We haven’t heard appetizing songs from Busta since the early 2000s but rumor has it that this album is an effort to earn fans and reach back into the old Busta - even garnering collabs with an acclaimed producer by the name of Pharrell.

Trey Songz, "Trigga" - June 30 Mr. Steal Your Girl is back with another album but named Trigga - another self-proclaimed persona of his. From past songs and current interviews we are guessing project will have more dance and vibe songs such as “Change Your Mind.”

Robin Thicke - Paula - July 1 Unfortunate to most of the world, Robin Thicke’s R&B greatness reached his peak from 2013’s song of the summer - Blurred Lines. With his success, came apparent issues in his marriage to actress Paula Patton

Ariana Grande - Expected release of August Every since we heard this petite girl belt out her strong vocals on “The Way,” we’ve been anticipating her next song and not one has disappointed. Her newest album is sure to keep our ears satisfied with teasers like “Problem” featuring Iggy Azalea - another artist we will constantly hear throughout the season and year.

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 13

Play

Music, Entertainment & Technology

DJ Trrrouble: 4 Hours

Profiing DJs, their top music picks of the season and exclusive playlists.

You play four instruments - what made you interested in each?

DJ Trrrouble

In pre-school my teacher played both the piano and the guitar.

He use to play this song on the guitar every morning to welcome us to class, and in the afternoon he played a song on the piano after we took our nap. The piano captivated me the most, so my mom asked him if he could give me a lesson and I have been playing since then. The guitar, drums, and saxophone came later in 6th grade when I joined the band. I stayed after practice everyday, learning how to be a one man band.

How did you get into DJing?

Listen to the Playlist4

My aunt owned a record store so I had all the latest tapes; yes, I said tapes, and CDs. In 2000-2001 when we had dances/parties at school I would always have all the music on a bunch of CDs I made.

I enjoyed seeing every body’s reaction when I had a song they liked on the mix I made. I actually knew I would DJ in college. Every event my dorm had or party that was thrown, I always got a call to bring my speakers and all my music. People always told me and

14 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

tweeted how “great this party is” and that “this DJ is the sh*t”, and I enjoy the feeling of making others happy in that way.

What is the most memorable event or party you DJed? I would have to say when I DJed a party for some doctors in Atlanta.

I have never made that much money in one night and nobody, I mean nobody, parties like a doctor.

It was an amazing night, I played such a diverse set of music, they told me they hadn’t had that much fun in a long time and anytime they have a party I have to be the DJ. If someone was throwing a party for a group of people with different interest, what music selections would you suggest?

What I normally do with a group with different interests is start off the night with pop crossover songs, pop songs with rap features.

I gauge the crowd’s reactions to different parts of the songs and go from there. Paying attention to the crowd’s reaction to elements of a song gives you the outline for your entire night.

Live

Entertainment with Philip Michael Thomas Jr. We’ve been keeping up with you on the Internet and it’s clear you’re one of the hottest independent artists out there... what drives you?

Thanks! In this day and age it’s all about being independent and creating a lane for yourself. I’ve always been a free spirit with no limits and that’s what I like to show through my music and the way I vibe.

Describe your type of music. Your album is all over the place!

I’m #TeamNoGenre! It’s a fusion of different genres. I was raised touring with Reggae’s First Family, the Marley’s, and got introduced to international vibes at an early age. It’s hard to choose one style because I’m influenced by so many amazing artists in different genres.

I like appealing to everybody and I like writing about everything! Some days I feel inspired by love. Other days I wanna talk about how the government is trying to keep the people oppressed. Other days I like to talk about going to have a good time with my friends to relieve some stress!

FUN storytelling. I’m definitely not a preacher, but every one of my songs has a message.

Depending on the venue, you can catch me vibing solo with just me and the guitar, some nights I’m in the club and the DJ is my homeboy, and when it’s all gravy, you’ll get to experience me and the whole band WILDING out on stage!

From experience, what are some ways a host can make sure the entertainer and the audience vibe?

Always listen and pay attention to your audience. For instance, when a host or performer asks the audience: “How ya’ll doing?” make sure you wait to hear the response before continuing to talk about and know what’s going on for the rest of the show. You have to speak on subjects that your audience actually care about. KNOW your audience and keep them entertained. Always remember, it’s not about you, it’s about giving the crowd a good show!

Philip Michael Thomas Jr.

“I’m

#TeamNoGenre!

It’s a fusion of different genres.”

What is a typical evening of entertainment with you?

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 15

Play

Music, Entertainment & Technology

There's a

Device for that.

All Three Require - Television - Wi-fi connection - Subscription to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.

(does not come with the purchase of the devices) Can be purchased at Walmart, Best Buy or on the device’s website

Are you a Netflix binge-watcher? Hooked on Hulu? Tired of watching it on your laptop or cell phone? Look no further than a popular alternative - streaming devices.

These products allow you to watch on-demand streaming services like Netflix and Hulu on your television, are small in size and all promise to deliver top-quality viewing. But how will you choose which is the best for you? Our guide will help you out. By Briana Barner

Chromecast Cost: $35 Compatible with: TV must have an HDMI port to plug the Chromecast into Most useful for: Travel usage--out of the three it is the smallest and most compact Bonus: Unlike the Apple TV and Roku, this device doesn’t come with a remote, which makes searching using your phone or tablet’s keyboard much more simple Best for: Smartphone/tablet junkies (you’ll need either or to control the device)

16 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

Roadtrips, dinner party, poolside...

Your

Roku

There are four different Roku devices to choose from - Roku LT, Roku 1, 2 and 3. If on a budget, the Roku LT is the best buy for your money at $49.99.

Cost: $49.99-$99.99 Compatible with: Almost any television, HD (high definition) or Smart television not required Most useful for: Watching Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, HBO Go. Gives you access to over 1,000 free or low-cost channels that you can add from the Roku website Bonus: The Hulu app on the Roku is the best for binge watching--it will loop to the next episode of a series

Summer Playlists The Roku box, sensing the growing popularity of the Chromecast, has developed a similar product: its own streaming stick. Although it is more expensive than the Chromecast at $49.99, it comes with a remote control, addresses the issue of streaming Youtube content and has more than 1,000 apps.

Visit our Spotify Channel.

AppleTV Cost: $99.99 (requires HDMI cable, which must be purchased separately) Compatible with: A television that supports at least 720P HD Most useful for: If you are an Apple enthusiast, then this is the product for you. It seamlessly syncs with your other Apple products, allowing you to turn your TV into your workspace, photo center, MP3 player and more Bonus: Comes with a Youtube app, gives the viewer access to the popular iTunes festival Best for: A viewer who already has an Apple product.

@NiceEntertaining

4

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 17

ADVERTISEMENT

Handcrafted Style with You In Mind.

mosaicmei.com

Host Lead the Party!

Is everyone holding up the wall when they should be shaking the floor? Diann Valentine, internationally acclaimed wedding, event and interior designer shares her tips on how to move people onto the dance floor. 4

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 19

Host

Lead the Party!

Get People

Dancing Valentine

Diann Valentine says most people shy away from the dance floor for several reasons including being embarrassed, fear of upsetting the host or simply because they prefer to let others lead the party. While some host depend on the DJ to set the mood - she says your party is 100 percent your responsibility regardless of who has been hired.

Making the Guest List

the mood. Hosts are always great ice breakers and can warm up the dance floor activity and then go back to socializing with guests.

1. How will this group interact with one another.

2. Do I have enough of a mix of diversity in terms of personality, gender and personal interests.

3. Will each person know at least one additional person at the party?

If not, allow or even encourage the loaners to bring a guest because that will help to loosen them up.

4. Don’t forget the party people.

Assign some ‘Ringers’.

Ask yourself these questions when you are planning your party and coming up with your guest list.

The Host and DJ Roles

Before hiring a DJ, it is important to have a detailed conversation about how he/she handles a party. How is the playlist compromised? What do they do to ensure that everyone has a good time? What tactics do they use to read the crowd and tonality of the guests? Sometimes it takes a bit more to get people in

20 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

Ringers’ sole responsibility is to get people up and dancing. They are the ‘party people’ that do not wait for others to get up, they lead the charge. The ringers don’t always have to be hired talent, you can rely on your hilarious cousin that is always the life of the party or an enthusiastic aunt that knows how to move her hips. The main point is to not rely on a great party to just happen…it must be orchestrated every step of the way from start to finish.

Loosen Guests Up

1. Any of the line dances are extremely popular. The Wobble and Electric Slide are the most popular but anything that allows people to dance in a group versus two people.

2. A great mix from the DJ that uses the hottest songs on radio play

Nice Entertaining

“Every party needs Labor Day, some folks that know Dinner Party, how to bring the party Coworker Fairwell, with them.”

Holiday Dropins. currently and a few old school jams that everyone remembers.

3. Be sure to invite a handful of true ‘party people’. The intellectuals are great and equally enjoyed but every party needs some folks that know how to bring the party with them.

4. A cocktail or two. :-)

Cocktails always loosen the crowd.6

We’ve got you covered.

Set up a selfie booth.6

Sign up

Playing Games

I HATE those silly, corny games.

Most people are not into them and they are never as fun as people think they will be or the host thinks it will be. In this digital, information sharing edge, individual interactivity is much more fun such as a selfie photo booth that can instantly post to social media.

for our

newsletter

for more hosting tips.

30-Minute Rule

Do not assume that all you have to do is put people in a room with some music to ensure a good time. Great parties don’t just happen. They are orchestrated from beginning to end.

Use my 30-minute rule and make sure that the trajectory of your party is changing every 30 minutes. This change be achieved through the servicing of a new course, lighting change, music change, activity change…the key is to keep changing it to keep people from getting bored.

4 Diann Valentine lives in Los Angeles with her husband Damon Haley. Catch up with Diann at diannvalentine.com or you can keep up with her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and You Tube @diannvalentine.

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 21

Host

Lead the Party!

At Home

Pamper Party

Entertain your innermost circle with an in-home spa. Taunya Monroe, licensed esthetician and Mary Kay beauty consultant shares her stress-free pamper party tips.

1 Monroe

Planning

- Decide what your party theme is AND STICK TO IT! - Determine whether you or someone specializing in wellness, pampering, beauty consulting or other profession will lead activities.

- Select a date and time minimally one month out.

- Determine what your budget is and go from there! In-home parties don’t have to be financially taxing.

2

Facilitating the Day

I always recommend that if you know someone who does complimentary appointments or parties invite her to facilitate and lead you and your friend so that you ALL feel pampered.

22 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

3

Customize Services

Based on your theme pedis, makeover or spa treats - provide two options for DIY services, either beauty bar style or instruction, application or demonstration by the professional if one is present.

Test This

4

Timing

Allow you and the designated “expert” and hour at the beginning for final touches and set-up and one at the end for breakdown and clean-up. with a two-hour window for delays. The party begins when the first guest arrives so be prepared to chat, offer a light refreshment, glass of wine, pamper her hands, fill out a fun facts sheet or pampering questionnaire/ game, etc.

5

Setting the Mood

Depending on the theme, you should absolutely create an environment conducive to the feeling you want your friends to leave with and remember.

Some parties do tend to have more laughter, more upbeat, empowering music or celebrate a certain culture or destination spot, while others may be more serene, soothing to the soul, with dimmer lighting by candles with aromatic essential oils to recreate the spa feeling.

Fruits, veggies, cheeses, teas, wines,

frozen delights and chocolate are a great addition to any place where women gather. Relaxed seating in a communal arrangement lends to a feeling of family and sharing, so whatever you have available in your home just make it work -encourage guests to take their shoes and hats off so that positive energy can run freely in and out of the body, as well as dress comfortably, not for the run-way.

Having a small spa or wellnessrelated take-away if feasible is nice or having a couple of small gifts to distribute to the “first to arrive” or “cutest flip flops” by secret ballot, “upcoming birthday” or whatever you chose brings a smile to everyone’s face usually!

Beauty Education and Trends

age-fighting or age-defying skin care products interest women usually by our mid-twenties, so learning more about great products on the market and having a few to demo (i.e. Mary Kay’s Timewise line or Volu-firm Repair for even more maturing skin, vitamin C-rich products and other natural foods and ingredients) would be a welcome treat to most family or friend circles.

Taunya Monroe is also a wellness educator find out more at www. marykay.com/ tmonroe1 and www. powfouru. com

6

Minerals are the craze in captivating color (cosmetics) and eyes especially are fun!

Set up a beauty bar with eye colors and lip products to try, and be sure to use proper sanitation or hygenic application methods. Also, Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 23

Host

Lead the Party!

Get them to

Get them to

Come & Leave Jes Gordon’s company jesGORDON/properFUN, provides high end, personal event design and management with loads of signature style. Her first book, Party Like A Rock Star (Globe Pequot Press), provides everyone with the tools they need to throw the party of their dreams, regardless of their budget. She shares her tips for throwing a party from start to finish.

Gordon

Do what you can.

I think one of the most important things, when you are hosting a party is to not attempt things that you have never done before.

Sometimes people are like “OK, I want to have this incredible Indian food feast, I’ve never done it before but I want to try this out.” That is not the time that you do it.

eVites and RSVPs

Punchbowl has nice evites for summer6 The invitation is the calling card on what your event is going to be. If it’s just a house party there are some really great digital sites out there that I think are more than sufficient.

When you throw a party always expect a 10 percent add-on with a dinner party.

Also, always expect about a 20 percent drop-off. Always be prepared with extra. So if you are cooking for 10 people, cook for 12 for sure.

Enlist Help

Go to the local college or the local high school and hire a couple of kids for some cash for the night who can help you clean up your house, take out the garbage, and clean the kitchen as the party goes on. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of somebody. Even your local restaurant where you have a favorite waiter. You can see if they have the night off and see if they want to work for cash at your house for a few hours.

These are great ways to insure that your party is going to run smoothly and that you can be a part of your party.

24 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

Ask others to assist you throughout the event6

Make Space

Keep that lighting to an intimate level so they don’t get humiliated or shy. It is so important that you have a clear delineated dance area, even in your living room - go ahead and push all of your furniture out of the way because, it’s a great way to concentrate people in one area. If you have a backyard area as well, be sure that that is comfortable and outfitted for overspill. In places, put out little seating vinyets and certainly surfaces they can put drinks on and food. You know it’s a successful party if there are a lot of people there and they are chillin - you did your job. And if you have back up support you can kind of just fly around like a butterfly and have a good time.

5Have an area ready for overflow and conversations.

The Five Senses

I always entertain through the five senses. Food is tastes. You should pre-do things that you can freeze or things that are easily prepared.

It is completely OK to put out platters of cheese, fruits and meats.

For sound, don’t just leave it up to putting on the radio. Always use a great playlist. In terms of touch, make sure your furniture and things around are nice to the touch. So if you are having a summertime party, you don’t want to have a woolen couch or flannel pillows. You kind of want to do a linen cover and cotton pillows. For seeing, I tend to like concentrate on lighting. If you have it at your house change out your light bulbs to an amber - something like that so it’s more of a party environment. For smell, I try not to make my party too aromatic, but I always make sure the bathroom smells nice.

Create Conversations

Know the demographic of your guests and make sure you are very aware of who is coming and what their connects could be. As a host, your responsibility is to introduce people to each other who may not know each other, but maybe have similar interests.

Jes suggests having a champagne bar with condiments like pureed raspberries and cure liquor where people can serve themselves and interact.

“Anything way that you can start conversations between people and connect them is a great way to keep them entertained,” she says.

Shutting it Down, Ending the Party

You stop serving alcohol - you just kind of clean out the bar, you stop serving food, and you start raising those lights up a little bit and they are going to get the message. Once the booze is gone, they’re out. When the music gets a little more quiet and boring, you will lose the people pretty quickly.

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 25

The Experience Experience Bring it all together.

Bring it all together

1. For the Chic Entertainer OTTO Fan - Bamboo Wood Chic, large and quite - this fan is good for the indoors and out.

Stadler Form - $199.99 USD

26 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

Summer Entertaining Product Guide

We shopped for products to make your summer party cool and bugfree from fantastic fans, drink stations and low-key insect repellents.

2. Silent Giver

Almost unrecognizable, this fan keeps the outdoor theme going with it's lightbox design - which has a built-in real light and has an automatic turn-off feature after 14 hours of running Buy it: Lasko from $360

Fantastic Fans 3. Color Coated

Add a pop up color with these four fans. More of a traditional look, these HolmesŽ 20� Box Fans will keep guests cool and come with an insertable cord and removable grill for cleaning. Pick a color or mix and match - red, purple, blue or pink. Buy it from $32.99

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 27

Experience

Bring it all together.

Drink Stations

1. Stand Up

Sit these 2-gallon drink dispensers on a table for added decor. Clear, making it easy for guests to see what they’re getting and the chalkboard allows you to name your drinks in a fun way and prevent confusion. Also, on a stand, it makes filling your cup easy - eliminating waste.

Buy it - Classic Hostess from $70

2. Triple Use

This 3-in-1 marvel is great as a cooler, coffee table and cocktail table. The wicker design makes it great for outdoor decor and its key features - drain plug and 7.5 gallon cooler - makes it ideal for outdoor entertaining.

Buy it - ATG Stores $80.00

28 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

3. The Inflatables

No need to wish for a smaller blowup kiddie pool - we’ve got one of the smartest ideas for multiple serving purposes! An inflatable drink station/food bar allows easy clean up and a wide range for all of your favorite grab-and-go drinks and or food dishes. $12.99 at Target. *We also found them around the net in different colors and designs - feel free to search for your own taste!

4. Cabinet

A cooler cabinet - literally! Use this deck cooler to store drinks and cups as well as to keep chilled drinks available throughout the evening. The built-in drain plug and four wheels allows easy of use - and the 77 quart tub holds about 72 beverages at once.

Buy it - Wayfair $118.42

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 29

Experience

Bring it all together.

1. Light it Up

A great resource for light and energy saving - solar lights also keep insects away. Place in the sun during the day so they can gear up for night light and productivity.

Insect Repellents

2. Too Hot

30 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

This handcrafted of powdercoated iron, firepit is perfect for the small urban patio or terrace. Wood logs rest on removable grate while iron wire mesh lid keeps smoke and flames under cover. Pedastaled 2.5 inches off the ground, it’s just the right height for s’more roasting and hand warming. Includes long prong for safely lifting the lid when hot. $199

3. Sitting Pretty

Keep pests away at your outdoor dinner with this tabletop mister that repels mosquitos with a natural, botanical blend of oils. It emits fragrances of geranium, cinnamon, peppermint, lemongrass keeping gnats and midges away in a 15’x15’ area. Safe around people, pets and food anywhere portable anywhere from patio to beach, park to campground. Cartridge lasts 18 hours.

Includes 2 AA batteries. 9”Hx6” dia. $19.98

4. Near and Far

Tip Remove containers with water, such as birdbaths and pools.

Clear away decaying leaves because mosquitoes like cool, dark places to rest during the day.

Get up to 300 square feet of mosquito protect with this stylish, portable lantern that can be used on the table or hung nearby your party area and controlled by a remote.

The battery operated mister, automatically transmits a plant-based lemongrass solution that lasts up to 10 hours. $59.50 and includes two 12 oz. refills, 4 AA batteries, remote control, hanging loop, and wall mount

DIY

Use dried herbs to repel insects Bundle lavender, mint and sage and tie with a string. Guests can toss the bundles onto the fire which will repel mosquitos and release a soothing scent.

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Ms. Kelis 'Food' and Entertaining

With several hits under her belt, including “Milkshake,” this songtress released news music on her album ‘Food’ this April and launched a cooking show in February. She speaks to Myeisha Essex on making the album, her sauce venture Feast and entertaining in abundance.4

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K

elis Rogers is a lot of things— musician, mother, reality star and culinary artist. There aren’t many multi-platinum singers-turned-chefs in the world, but this Harlem girl with a big personality (and even bigger hair!) has been blazing her own trail for 34 years so it comes as no surprise that she’s making fresh moves with a new album, cooking show and line of signature sauces on the table.

Kelis is known to be an I-can-have-my-cake-andeat-it-too kind of girl. She shocked fans and industry executives in 2008 when she left the music game to attend the prestigious culinary school Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

“At the time the economy was affecting the music business. I didn’t lose my love for music but I lost my love for the business. I needed a break,” she says of that life-changing decision. “To be a good artist, or even a decent one, you have to be able to self assess. You have to figure yourself out. This is part of our process.

There’s not really a right or wrong answer.”

need to air my dirty laundry for no reason, but I want to cook and I want to show a lifestyle.”

Quality is the most important ingredient in all of Kelis’ endeavors—foodie and otherwise. It’s something she says her mother taught her well. Mama Rogers ran a catering business for most of Kelis’ childhood, serving it up with red-hot lipstick and matching nail polish.

“I’d rather wait to eat something great than to eat crap,” she says. “I went to culinary school but I definitely learned everything from my mom. She has an amazing understanding of herself and so her personality really comes through."

It’s her mom who taught her how to incorporate her own personality into all of her events. Today, the fashion-forward beauty follows suit.

A dinner party with Kelis is no small-scale affair. Be prepared for delicious decor, tasty hors d'oeuvres, spicy music and a fusion menu with options for every palate and mood. And, we can't forget about the funky get-up from the hostess with the most-ess!

"It’s always an over-the-top event."

And for her, the answer was “all of the above.” Kelis’ culinary fetish has been a constant theme throughout her body of work (think 2003's Tasty and the album's mash hit “Milkshake”), so the fusion of food and music only seemed natural. “Why not?” she asks. “I really enjoy it and I do it well.”

“I can’t help myself,” she gushes. “I love things in abundance, I love overflowing lush. I love choices and options. I just feel like if you come over my house there’s always a theme. Whenever I’m cooking there’s a very clear theme. It’s just fun, like, why not? It’s always an over-the-top event."

She’s right. Kelis pulls off both careers in a way only she can. Her long-simmering sixth studio album, perfectly titled Food, is a buffet of soul, funk and R&B, with appetizing song titles like “Jerk Ribs," "Biscuits n' Gravy," "Friday Fish Fry" and "Cobbler." To help promote the music, she whips up concoctions every week on her new Cooking Channel show “Saucy and Sweet,” where the certified saucier often says “everything’s better smothered, dipped and poured.”

What’s the next big event on her to-do list? A dinosaurthemed 5th birthday party for her son Knight, where there will be plenty of family, fun and of course, food.

The “Breakfast” singer is an entertainer in every sense of the word and, while she’s used to being in the spotlight, she’s known for keeping her lips sealed on her personal life. The reality TV world is something new for her.

“I really like my privacy, but I do feel like there are things that I want to share,” she reveals. “I don’t feel the

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“I can’t even help myself and to me it doesn’t seem that ridiculous,” she details. "I like people to leave with something.”

What’s her personal recipe for success? “It’s all about the quality of life," she says. "Whether it’s a Tuesday or Fourth of July, this is the only time we are going to have this moment and this day so I am going to make it worthwhile.”

Listen to

Kelis’ new album ‘Food’ and see her touring dates.4

Want to throw a

Kelis-style

dinner party?

Check out all her favorite things!

1. White or red wine? Red! 2. Buffet or Serve? Serve 3. Rare, medium, or well done? Medium 4. Tea or coffee? Coffee 5. Seafood, steak or chicken? All the way!

6. Sweet or spicy? Spicy 7. Chocolate or caramel? Chocolate 8. Food truck or white linen/white tablecloth?

Gourmet 9.Leftovers or takeout? Leftovers 10. Olive oil or good ole’ butter? Butter Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 35

Photography by Chyami Hill, CHillDesigns Photography

36 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

A Series of

Spoken Word In an effort to give minority women a platform to perform their arts, Kelly Rae Williams formed Poet.she, an organization that hosts spoken word series. Briana Barner captures the plannning of such

W

hen Kelly Rae discovered that she wasn’t satisfied with the literary arts scene in Greensboro, NC, she decided to fill the void herself.

“I knew that I wanted to use Poet.she as an avenue to host open mics and book signings because that was something that I had always wanted to do,” says the Indiana native. “There was no one bringing Black female authors and poets/musicians to Greensboro besides the colleges, and the adults of Greensboro needed a venue where they could be introduced to noted minority female artists.”

So Rae, along with two other literary activists, created Poet.she in 2010 to address this need. The nonprofit organization hosts monthly open mics, book signings and writing sessions. In preparing to host the monthly book signings at a local Barnes and Noble, Rae has a routine that she follows. “I listen to music really loud, dance a little and say a quick prayer.”

Music can be an important part of getting the audience excited about the event.

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 37

"I knew that I wanted to use Poet.she as an avenue to host open mics and book signings..."

“Old school songs, or songs that people have not heard in a long time, always get them hype.” And of course, Beyonce. “Any Beyonce,” Rae adds.

Through their partnership with Barnes and Noble, Poet.she has been able to use that space to bring such notable authors like Zane and Omar Tyree. Trying to secure the perfect venue for other events, however, can sometimes be more difficult - and costly.

“The ideal venue is one that is spacious yet intimate, has good acoustics, independently owned, charges little to no money to rent, serves food and drinks,” Rae says. “[It should also] have good parking, a steady crowd/ fan base that is loyal to the venue and that is easily seen and accessible from the street.”

These requests may sound pretty reasonable, but for nonprofit organizations in the area, it can be a task to find a venue that meets this checklist. It gets more difficult if the venue is a corporate one, whose rules and regulations, Rae feels, only hurts and limits nonprofit and grassroots organizations, who routinely operate on limited budgets.

Even with the challenges of finding the perfect venue, organizations like Poet.she use the spaces they do have for powerful causes, such as a memorable one that occurred in response to controversial comments made by Mitt Romney about Planned Parenthood.

The awareness event, which included a speaker and representatives from Planned Parenthood, brought out almost 100 people and is Rae’s favorite event that her organization has organized.

“We have had larger attended events because we brought famous artists, but I was so moved, that so

38 Nice Entertaining Magazine | Summer 2014

many people came to that event, just for the sheer purpose of the cause,” Rae states.

The activist has hosted an array of events with Poet. she since its founding, and has no plans of slowing down. Rae describes her hosting style as very fluid and adaptable to her different audiences.

“I have hosted many shows and I try to read the crowd, age range and race to determine my style of hosting. I vary between being witty and humorous, interactive, playful, energetic and outspoken,” Rae says.

Putting it on paper.

Organizing open mics and readings isn’t the only way that Kelly Rae is changing the literary game. She’s also a newly published author. Her first book is a “chapbook” entitled “Real Girls Have Real Problems.” Published in January 2014, the book contains original poetry and focuses on “the heart of the female experience.” Since releasing the book, Rae has been on a tour around North Carolina promoting it. Check the book’s official website for forthcoming events, and information on where to purchase: www.realgirlsrealprobs.tumblr.com.

Photography by Chyami Hill, CHillDesigns Photography Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 39

Themed

Holidays in Photos.

4th of

July Celebrate one of the summer’s biggests days with festive decor, cool drinks and grilled food.

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Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 41

Themed

Holidays in Photos.

Decor Hang a flag, plant some beautiful summer blooms and bring the stars.

Line the table with red, white and blue stars

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The flag greets guests.

Hydrangeas are the flower of summer.

A vase of fragrant, white roses adds chic decor to the table.

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 43

Themed

Holidays in Photos.

Eat Watermelon wedges on a silver platter.

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Blueberry cheesecake, grilled meat and watermelon.

We added whipped cream and fresh blueberries to our sampler cheesecake for dessert.

Hotdogs, chicken wings, ribs and hamburgers made the cookout meatful.

The pinwheel holds together the hamburger the sandwich of the summer - which pairs great with classic chips.

Make a big-boy hotdog with a bratwurst rather than the typical weenie. Served it with chips in a themed-centered picnic tray.

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 45

Themed

Holidays in Photos.

Drink Use summer staple drinks for the theme.

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To bring in the red - we had a pitcher of strawberry lemonade.

Red cups and blue-striped straws.

Coca-Cola bottles are also a summer classic. To keep it cool, we put the in an old white farm tub.

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 47

Runway to Closets Fall Preview

F

ashion enthusiasts look to New York Fashion Week to dictate their seasonal wardrobes. Though each designer presents an individual theme, collective themes emerge. Fall 2014 shows revealed a bevy of trends, including the arrival of capes and furs as viable dinner options. Below, we compile five fall 2014 trends that all clothes lovers can wear from the boardroom to casual soirees.

By Evette Dionne

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For the jewel in all of us.

Green is a color often associated with luck and wealth. You’ll appear rich with fashion sense by wearing deep greens, like those introduced by Altuzarra, Derek Lam, Prabal Gurung and other designers.

J.Mendel

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 49

Shine, baby

Shine W

ho can dismiss the beauty of metallic hues? Heads turn when women enter rooms with glittering blouses, dresses or accessories. Channel your inner diva by adorning your body in silvers, golds and other shiny metallic colors. Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, and 3.1 Phillip Lim see the value in shine. Their collections were dominated by it. Your evening wardrobe should be too.

Marc Jacobs

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Phillip Lim

Diane-von-Furstenberg

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 51

Warm it up with Fur I

n the past, most designers avoided fur, and thus, side-stepped the ire of PETA and other animals-rights organizations. However, after a brutal winter, fur hit the catwalks of BCBG Max Azria, J.Crew, J Mendel, Ralph Lauren with a vengeance. Colorful furs heighten any casual ensemble, so be daring and invest in a [faux] fur.

BCBG Max Azria

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J.Mendel

Ralph Lauren

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 53

Channel your inner

Victorian L

ace never leaves New York Fashion Week. Lace appears in multiple collections because it’s a light material that offers immediate seductiveness.

Sizzle is guaranteed when lace is stitched onto collars, sleeves, hemlines and other areas of clothing. Carmen Marc Valvo and Tadashi Shoji nailed the lace trend with risquĂŠ dresses.

Carmen-Marc

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Carmen-Marc

Tadashi Shoji

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 55

Be a

Hero T

he cape is a fashion staple that emerges on the catwalk every few seasons.

Offered in an array of textures, hues and prints, capes are cozy alternatives to coats, leading Thom Brown, Tadashi Shoji and Delpozo to introduce the trend on their catwalks. The lack of structure makes capes an ideal piece for layering. Donning a cape injects grandeur into a casual outfit, but it is also the epitome of glam.

Tadashi Shoji

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Thom Brown

Delpozo

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 57

Conversation Piece

Conversation Starters & Everyday Solvers

G

o Shopping via top pins, savor your expensive taste with Lamborghini and Margiela, splurge with Google and get creative from inspiration from Orange is the New Blacks’ food truck. Complied By Auryel Walton

1

. Shop Target by Top Pins Target has teamed with the social platform Pinterest to show customers creative ways to use their products. In beta, the site displays products that has to top pins and links you to Pinterest or the Target site for purchasing.

One of our top loves is decor. Now we can combine our love for cost-effective decor with ideas on just how to use them.

2

. Lamborghini Phone Sleek, smooth and exclusive - that is exactly what the Lamborghini brand upholds and although everyone can't afford one of their exquisite vehicles, for about 2500 pounds ($4,700 USD) you can now own one of their phones.

They are not sold in America, but you can go to their website for details.

Although it's a bit expensive for the everyday consumer, it's definitely a timeless piece and it's much cheaper than a regular Lamborghini!

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3

. Google Glasses Starting at $1,500 these glasses are the wave into the future. Some consumers in the community were able to test them before they were released, but as they are now open to the public we know they will create even more buzz.

These glasses are a hit at any social gathering plus as entertainers we can get a lot done in a blink of an eye, literally..

4

. Martin Margiela Epitome of fashion is definitely Margiela. If you are looking for high fashion you definitely hit the jackpot. So if you're looking to splurge, definitely start with their collective piece, their shoes and work from there. Happy hunting!

The luxury of their clothing goes well for any host!

5

.Google Robocars Google has self-driving cars! How cool! They are only in prototype - only 100 have been made. While some big automotive companies are supposedly not scared of the two-seater automated car, maybe they should be.

It's great to utilize technology and with a full schedule. Who knows how much work you could get done while your car drives itself.

6

. How Creative?

Netflix’s very popular show Orange is the New Black decided to take a spin on marketing it’s second season by providing a food truck a day before it’s launch. The truck’s theme centered on one of the character’s, Crazy Eyes’ Crazy Pyes. Customers in New York City could revel in the fun.

If you have an event, take a creative edge and call a food truck that coincides with your theme! This is a great way to keep guests entertained at a party.

Summer 2014| Nice Entertaining Magazine 59

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