entertaining

Designing projects and developing ideas for home entertaining offers a chance to work with skills that go far beyond writing and editing. With stories that have included elevating traditional crafts, creative alternatives to traditional decor, advice for entertaining prep, or planning and propping an entire 3-chili Superbowl party, these projects allow for start-to-finish production.

The project: Chef Stephanie Izard's backyard barbecue

One of Chicago's most beloved chefs lets us in on her backyard barbecue plan, from dessert on the grill to her favorite flowers for the table.

The work: Concept, styling and editing, including props and on-set work styling and managing shoot.

Photos by Brian Cassella, Chicago Tribune

The project: Chili tasting party

Gather your friends to taste and rate three takes on traditional chili, to celebrate the Superbowl or just give a winter party a twist. Presented as two major stories, one on food/cooking and the other on the entertaining ideas/party plan.

The work: Full scope

Concept development, researching and testing recipes, planning visuals, food and prop styling, writing and overseeing finished product to print

Photos by Bill Hogan, Chicago Tribune

The project: Elevating old-school crafts

Bringing back classic crafts — Macrame, block printed wrapping paper, and origami — for the holidays, in gift-worth form.

The work: Concept, propping and photo styling, writing.

Photos by E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago Tribune

The project: Elf presents

A new twist on the advent calendar: A DIY that gives kids (or grownups) a daily treat as you count down to the holidays.

The work: Concept, styling, oversaw shoot, writing

Photo by Bill Hogan, Chicago Tribune

The project: Best basics

A stylish primer on what you need to be ready to host your friends. The best basics, and ideas for organizing them efficiently and beautifully.

The work: Concept, researching products and organizing systems, styling, writing

Photo by Bill Hogan, Chicago Tribune