Esther O Design

I would be remiss if my blog didn't have a 2018 roundup to reflect on the
year as it draws to a close.

When I was growing up, the Chalav Yisrael cheese varieties were pretty much limited to the big packs of single slice American Cheeze and one or two other types. Today it’s quite different with the huge variety of cheeses available in Colov Yisrael. As the cheeses come in so many different shapes, looks, sizes and of course tastes, without much effort your presentation will have all your participants smiling, and saying “cheese” (sorry,couldn’t resist the pun)

Cupcake or donut?

One of life’s really tough decisions…. So here’s an idea to help resolve this dilemma, how about a donut cupcake combo! Top this off with Chocolate Gelt and Dreidel Candies you have the most complete Chanukah Treat! Cupcakes are displayed on an EstherO Cupcake Wall.

Holiday season is around the corner.  If that statement elicited a groan and thoughts of "HELP, what should I give to_____ "(fill in the blank) then this post is for you!

I put together a fabulous gift kit that's just perfect for those special people in your life - the ones that you want to present with something thoughtful yet not over the top. Think doctors, babysitters, bus drivers etc.  It's super simple to assemble, yet packs a huge punch in the presentation department. 

Last year, I had this idea stuck in my mind, I wanted to create a spinning Dreidel at my Chanukah Party.

Though originally I was struggling to come up with an idea, I picked up a house shaped holiday gift box at a local Dollar Tree. After “topping” it off with a 2” party favor cube, I covered the entire “Dreidel” with mylar (shiny paper) and then lots of candy.  Placing it on top of a display turntable  and watching everyone’s faces, I knew this Dreidel spinner was a real winner!!

Take a  simple bundt cakes to a whole new level by decorating them with all sorts of yummy toppings, glazes, chocolate, nuts and so much more.

Fill your senses with the rustic coziness of fall by adding chopped pecans and chopped craisins to your favorite sugar cookie recipe! Serve these scrumptious leaves with a warm mug of tea, swirled with a cinnamon stick  to capture the true flavor of this special time of year!

Although you need three flavors of mousses and three types of bark for this petite presentation, don’t let it scare you, as very little mousse goes into each dish. With lots of yom tov meals coming up, you'll find these minis convenient and easy to store in your freezer. The rectangle plate is available  in a smaller size as well, which fits two bowls instead of three.

To be honest, my kitchen is closer to my sukkah  than to my dining room, so I do not have to think twice about using China on Sukkos, but my children love  hearing how their grandparents managed in an apartment building during Sukkos! They would pass all the dishes and food up and down with a pulley system to the alley of the building below.

Whether you live high up in an apartment building or you're  hosting  lots of guests over yom tov,  we thought it would be a great time to feature interesting ways to make use of the plethora of plasticware available.

Mix and match your favorite toppings to create this personal salad bar.