AskBrini.com: How to Handle Extra Guests

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► Free Mary Tyler Moore preview:  http://amzn.to/MTMParty 

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

This week T. Lu writes:
"I often hold small gatherings in my apartment with a limited number of guests, due to a lack of seating, but when someone wants to bring an additional guest, I just can't say no. How do I accommodate more people with limited seating?"
 
Dear T:

This situation reminds me of a certain dinner party Mary Richards had...
► Watch the free preview on Amazon at:  http://amzn.to/MTMParty
She made some big blunders that added up to big laughs, but could have been avoided. Here's how you can keep from following in her footsteps.

Keep a comfortable cushion to your guest list. Inviting few enough people to have room to accommodate an unexpected tag-along will solve the problem of lack of seats.

Serve buffet style and you'll be able to take care of that extra guest without having to worry about an extra seat at your table.

If you don't have enough seating in your living room, floor cushions will take care of extra guests, and give your affair a relaxed casual feel.

Being flexible when entertaining will help you surmount the problems that arise with ease and grace. Enjoy!

Why didn't you think of that?

Love,
Brini

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Glazed Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini on the Web ► http://BriniMaxwell.com

Brini on YouTube ►  http://Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook ►  http://facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Jane Napkins by Brini ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season.

The first season of The Brini Maxwell Show for the Style network was taped in the summer of 2003 with studio production taking place on the main stage at Unitel Studios on west 57th St. in New York City. Location shoots for the season were taped over a period of 6 months in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

The Maxwell Moment: Home Office Organization

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell 

A few weeks ago I showed you my new office space. This week I'm giving you a few office organizing tips. One of the most useful things I did was to place a secondary work surface in the top drawer of my desk. It gives me a second writing surface and also acts as a support for my arm when using my computer mouse. Another thing I did with those drawers is line them with vintage wallpaper. The pretty pattern is a nice surprise when you open the drawer. To maximize that I use clear plastic drawerganizers so you can see the pattern through the bottom of them. In my closet, I put an Elfa file cart with storage under it. It's really all I need and saves space compared to a big, bulky file cabinet. Last, but not least, my secondary work surface is a drop-down desk that has plenty of space for writing letters. The desk also has built-in storage and I've placed an outlet in the wall inside it, so I didn't have to drill a hole through the piece to plug in the little light fixture I put in there... or my laptop computer.

Making the most of your storage and work space is important in a small home office. Prior planning is essential. If you work it out in advance your office will be a happy place to work!

Why didn't you think of that?

Love,
Brini
 
Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Jane Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Glazed Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season.

The first season of The Brini Maxwell Show for the Style network was taped in the summer of 2003 with studio production taking place on the main stage at Unitel Studios on west 57th St. in New York City. Location shoots for the season were taped over a period of 6 months in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

AskBrini.com: Keep Aplomb and Carry On

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell 

This week on Ask Brini, Elaine asks:
"Does the term 'when in Rome, do as the Romans' apply to my upcoming holiday to Italy? I've always considered myself a classic attired girl: however the Italians seem to have the "edge" on "style" Any suggestions for the ultimate wardrobe 'musts'?"

Dear Elaine:

When it comes to traveling, I like to do it in style - this is doubly important when going someplace where the local women exhibit great fashion sense, like Italy. I accomplish that with a simple formula that allows me to look great and still travel light. It starts with a suit. Add two blouses - one casual, one dressy, a body suit for wearing on the plane (stays tucked, doesn't right up), a pair of pants and a sweater for chilly evenings and you're all set with about 7 garments that will mix and match into about 10 outfits. Add a coordinating dress and you're well heeled with room in your luggage to spare! This wardrobe is primarily for warm weather locations, but the formula can be easily adapted for cooler destinations.

More travel and packing tips can be found in my book, Brini Maxwell's Guide to Gracious Living, which is available on the Shop page of my website, http://BriniMaxwell.com.


Why didn't you think of that?

Love,
Brini
 
Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Jane Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Glazed Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini on the Web ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Brini on YouTube ►  http://Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook ►  http://facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Jane Napkins by Brini ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season.

The first season of The Brini Maxwell Show for the Style network was taped in the summer of 2003 with studio production taking place on the main stage at Unitel Studios on west 57th St. in New York City. Location shoots for the season were taped over a period of 6 months in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

AskBrini.com: Guest or Pest

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

This week Sasha asks about frequent house guests:

"Dearest Brini, Two friends have begun to make a habit of requesting the use of my guest bed and bath facilities on their frequent visits to my city. I am beginning to feel rather taken for granddad. How can I delicately express my feelings?"

When you're feeling taken advantage of - in any situation - it's always imperative to communicate. This can be scary because no one likes confrontation. The best way to approach it is to own your feelings. If you talk to them about how you feel, not about what they've done wrong you'll be in a much better position to open a dialog. This language might include "I feel hurt" or "I feel unappreciated" rather than "you're taking advantage of me." Taking responsibility for how you feel and sharing those feelings with your friends is a good way to stand your ground without making your friends defensive.

Why didn't you think of that?

Love,
Brini

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Jane Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Glazed Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season.

The first season of The Brini Maxwell Show for the Style network was taped in the summer of 2003 with studio production taking place on the main stage at Unitel Studios on west 57th St. in New York City. Location shoots for the season were taped over a period of 6 months in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄ 

The Maxwell Moment: Keeping Your Cockles Warm

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Hello people! This time around Mary Ellen has asked me to help her select a chafing dish and I thought I'd show her and all of you, one of mine as an example.

This is my Pot Pourri and it's a lovely little appliance for buffet serving. Have a look!

Here are a few of my favorite chafing dish recipes:

Swedish Meatballs:

You'll need:


1/4 cup butter

3 tablespoons minced onion

1 one-inch-thick slice of bread

1/2 cup milk

1/2 pound ground beef

1/4 pound ground pork

1/4 pound ground veal

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon flour

1/2 cup beef stock, warm

1 cup cream (or milk), warm



Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat and cook the onion until lightly browned. Soak the bread in the milk until soft. Combine all remaining ingredients except flour, stock, and cream and mix well with your hands. It's important to use your hands; nothing else will combine the ingredients as well. Then roll the meat mixture into small balls and brown them in the rest of the butter. 

Remove the meatballs and set them aside. Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the fat from the pan. Add the flour and stir until it's mixed well with the fat. Remove the pan from the heat, add the stock and cream, and stir constantly until the gravy is smooth and has thickened nicely. Put the meatballs back in the pan with the gravy and cover. 

Simmer over very low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then transfer to a chafing dish and serve.  Makes about 25 balls

Classic Beef Stroganoff:

You'll need:

4 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Lb. beef sirloin cut in 1/4" strips
4 Tbs. butter
1 3 oz can of sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 minced clove of garlic
1 1/4 cup beef stock
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbs. dry sherry

Combine 2 Tbs. flour with the salt and dredge meat in flour mixture. In a large frying pan melt 2 Tbs. butter and brown meat on both sides. Add mushrooms, onion, garlic and  cook for several minutes until onion is transparent. Remove meat and mushrooms and set aside. Add remaining butter to pan and blend in remaining flour and blend into a roux. Once all the lumps are gone, add the beef stock and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens. Return meat and mushrooms to the pan and stir in the sour cream and sherry. Cook until evenly heated, but do not boil. Remove to chafing dish and keep warm over water (bain-marie). Serve next to a bowl piled high with buttered noodles.

Chocolate Fondue:

12 oz of bar chocolate,broken up
1 cup of heavy cream

Melt the chocolate with the cream over low heat until smooth, stirring constantly. This can be melted in your chafing dish, or in a sauce pan.

For dippers we chose pineapple, pound cake and strawberries, but you can add marshmallows, kiwi, bananas, cookies, lady fingers, and pretzels and anything else your little heart desires!

Why didn't you think of that?

Love,
Brini

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Jane Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Glazed Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

AskBrini.com: Polish the Pearly Whites of Your Room

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

This week our querent writes: 

"I've a collection of vintage telephones, and I've noticed that some, particularly the white, tend to get yellowed. I think it is to do with sunlight. Can the proper color be brought back on this vintage plastic?"

Mike F.
Springfield, MO

Vintage phones and other electronic and electrical appliances made of plastic have an Achilles' heel - dingy yellowing. These plastics were formulated with chemicals to inhibit flammability, which, over time, and with exposure to UV rays, yellows. This used to be an irreversible process. Now, however, thanks to a coalition of vintage computer loving collectors, we have a formula that will restore those electronics to their original hues! It's called retr0bright and you can find the formula and information o how to use it at this website: www.retr0bright.wikispaces.com/

Brighten up those old electronics! Reusing reduces your carbon footprint and gives your home unique style.

Why didn't you think of that?

Love,
Brini

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Jane Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Glazed Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season.

The first season of The Brini Maxwell Show for the Style network was taped in the summer of 2003 with studio production taking place on the main stage at Unitel Studios on west 57th St. in New York City. Location shoots for the season were taped over a period of 6 months in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Jane Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Glazed Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins