Do you want to host a gathering? Make it special with one of these options.

THE LADY WHO LUNCHES

Do you ever think that you would love to host a party, but hesitate due to time constraints, culinary skills or available space? The thought of entertaining, while handling a busy schedule, can seem a bit overwhelming. Whether you would like to plan a private dinner party, special occasion celebration for something like “Tuesday,” birthday, anniversary, wedding or corporate event, Shreveport-Bossier has some incredibly talented people ready to help you. Assistance really is more accessible than you may think.

For those that would like to host a romantic evening for two, or invite friends to a brunch or dinner party in their home, Chef John Strand of Accents Personal Chef Service specializes in “Making your home your favorite place to eat.” Chef Strand brings everything necessary to prepare the meal into your home, except the oven and the dinnerware. The average price per person usually costs less than dining out on Line Avenue. That seems like a great price for personalized preparation and service of your special menu in the quiet relaxing atmosphere of your own home.

Knowledgeable in both the science and art of cooking, every dish that I’ve had the pleasure of tasting prepared by Chef John Strand has been cooked to perfection. If you ever have the opportunity to try his savory Andouille sausage, shrimp and crawfish cheesecake appetizer, the roasted pork tenderloin stuffed with apricot and smoked Gouda, or his lamb chops, you will understand everyone’s enthusiasm.

A finalist in the Louisiana Food Prize 2016 competition, Chef Strand is skilled in preparing many types of cuisine. The Elegant Dining Menu on their Web site, www.accentpcs.com, showcases a wide variety of dishes available. If you have a favorite dish or idea in mind, talk with him. With Accents Personal Chef Service, as long as the ingredients are available, your favorite dishes are always on the menu.

For those who would like to plan a dinner or event, but have space or location concerns, John Carriere has created a lovely venue within Fairfield Place Bed and Breakfast (www. thefairfieldplace.com) that is perfect for a group brunch, luncheon, dinner party, wedding or fund-raising event. Restoring and redecorating what may be one of the oldest surviving homes on Fairfield Avenue, Chef Carriere has employed his artful eye for collecting antiques, modern works and paintings to enhance this elegant home.

Although this venue is the perfect setting to showcase Chef John Carriere’s artistic culinary talents, he does cater outside events. He is known for his elaborately decorative table-scapes replete with delectable bites, luscious fruits, antipastas and special hors d’oeuvres.

From a brunch served with praline bacon to a dinner featuring Beef Bourguignon, guests sing his praises long after the events have become pleasant memories.

Maybe you need a little more assistance planning a full-scale event? After years of working in the event industry for non-profit organizations, Bonné Summers and Julia Foley decided to pool their resources to create APEX Events and Communications, a special event production company that also provides consulting and marketing services. From a simple Halloween party to a full-blown corporate event, these ladies have the talent and experience to bring your personality out in a successful, quality affair. Whether I have been there as a guest, the face and body painter, or as a volunteer, every event produced by Bonné and Julia that I have attended has been simply smashing.

After meeting with you to discuss your expectations, their experience gives them the ability to help you understand what costs are involved and design an event that fits your budget. Then they negotiate all of the services needed to make your idea a reality.

They can help you decide all of the fun details such as location, which caterer fits your needs, whether to have background music or a full brass band, and customize your decorations. Bonné and Julia also take care of less glamourous important details like hiring professional service providers, checking to see if permits are needed, and coordinating deliveries. APEX will oversee all of the services between set up and strike of the event. Their expertise gives you the comfort of knowing your event is in good hands, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests. Learn more and view pictures from previous events at www. apexeventsllc.com.

Our area is so rich with fabulous chefs who cater in our area that I just want to keep writing. Chef Hardette Harris (www. chefservicesinc.com), who created the first Official Meal of North Louisiana, offers culinary experiences and “Us Up North” cooking classes. Panderina Soumas (www.soumasheritagecreole. com) features Creole Culture Catering. When not busy as Caddo Juvenile Court Judge, Andrew Randall, the amazing Krimson Kook, caters making the best lump (actual lump crab meat) crab cakes that I have ever tasted. So keep an eye out for future articles featuring chefs who specialize in the soulful flavors of the South.

If time constraints, cooking skills or location are preventing you from hosting your dream event, reach out. There is someone in this town with the perfect skillset and talent to help you make it happen. With the holidays approaching, let a professional chef help take the stress out of entertaining. Some days it would just be fun to let someone else do the fabulous cooking, while you enjoy an evening with friends. Or if your boss needs you to plan a corporate luncheon for employees or clients, an event planner can help make it a success – and you get credit. So much talent is at your fingertips waiting to assist.

Lynn Laird is a writer, fine artist and self-professed bon vivant living in Bossier. With her “Flair for Cooking” blog, she seeks out interesting ingredients and techniques to help make everyday meals just a touch more fabulous. She can reached at flairforcooking@gmail.com.