How to Give a Green Garden Party

Bussen will demonstrate a unique “Green Garden Party” filled with products that are not only environmentally friendly but also beautiful and affordable and a great example of her “less waste, more taste” philosophy.  “I’ll have all my great ideas for food, drinks and décor and will show people how to put a stylish and environmental spin on it for their entertaining,” she said.

Bussen also wants to demonstrate that entertaining beautifully and in a way that is friendly to the planet is not as challenging as it sounds. “People want stylish and affordable, and that can seem kind of daunting because it seems like you have to remake your whole life,” she said. “My goal is to show great alternatives that are not going to break the bank.”

Many of those alternatives will be on display, including soy candles, Viva Terra dinnerware made from recycled glass, sustainable centerpieces and Verterra disposable dinnerware made from fallen leaves.  Bussen said the Verterra are ideal pieces for setting a “green” and lovely table. “These are great serving pieces. Because they’re made from fallen leaves, they’re disposable and fully compostable.”

And if green is not your favorite shade, Bussen promises great home entertaining ideas for you also.

Don’t miss her cooking demonstrations on the Viking Outdoor Cooking Stage, using Viking appliances which will be on display at the show. “I’m going to do a cooking demo for warm weather wines with hors d'oeuvres like easy flatbreads with all sorts of fun toppings,” she said. “I’ll also show some finger-friendly spring foods that are great for indoor and outdoor entertaining.”

She will discuss party-friendly wines that are the perfect complement to springtime cooking.  “It’s all about lighter, spicy aromas for great values,” she said, adding her recipes are easy enough for anyone to master. “I use the best ingredients and I cook simply,” she said. 

Bussen will also offer tips on shopping locally and taking advantage of area farmers’ markets.

The Viking Outdoor Cooking Stage will also feature Chillin’ and Grillin’ with Clive Berkman, famed chef, Houston restaurateur and author of Creating Empty Bottle Moments: Cooking with Clive. He will offer tips on serving up restaurant-quality meals and other aspects of home entertainment.

The first 25 people to buy Karen's book at the seminar will receive one of Karen's favorite products -- a FREE "VAZU."  What's a Vazu?  It's a stylish, collapsible vase that comes in all kinds of fun patterns and colors.    Come on down, get your book signed and get a free Vazu!  For more information about hte Vazu - visit their website.

About the book SIMPLE STUNNING PARTIES AT HOME
Recipes, Ideas, and Inspirations for Creative Entertaining By Karen Bussen

Simple Stunning Parties at Home is divided into Cocktail Gatherings, Casual Suppers, Dinner Parties and that fun mid-day meal: Brunch / Lunch. Her festive themed parties include Latin Spice, Holiday Toasts, Global Potluck, Comfort Harvests, Panini Picnic and a Backyard Barbeque.

Each plan includes food and drink menus (with recipes) as well as music and décor suggestions. Bussen demonstrates how to pair store-bought items with quick and easy recipes that are delicious and stylishly presented. Bussen is the expert at hosting a fabulous party without spending a lot of time, energy and most of all—money.

About the author
Karen Bussen is a well-known New York-based event planner and the author of five books in STC’S “Simple Stunning” wedding series. Karen’s practical advice and inspired ideas have been featured in past, current, and upcoming issues of Modern Bride, Gotham, Cosmopolitan, Food & Wine, Bridal Guide, Elegant Bride, Martha Stewart Weddings, New York Magazine, InStyle Weddings, and Good Housekeeping, among many other magazines and newspapers. She’s known for her “less waste/more taste” approach to design.

She has been featured on the Today Show, CBS’s Early Show, Inside Edition and was the cooking and entertaining expert on DIY’s Network’s Home Made Easy.