Home > In The News

Speaking Engagements, The Press & Magazines and Partnerships

Upcoming Speaking Engagements, TV Appearances  and Articles

• "Dear Debra" column launched!  There's 'Dear Abby' for your personal dilemmas and NOW there's 'Dear Debra' for your home entertaining dilemmas!  Email your questions to 'Dear Debra'. Every month 3 questions will be selected. Go to HobNob Northshore to learn the answers. 

• HobNob Northshore, March 2010.  "An Introduction to Our Entertaining Coach, Debra Kavalos-Delaney".   Launch of "Dear Debra Column" and monthly articles on entertaining.
  

• Northwest Circle of Friends (Members Only), McCormick & Schmick's Seafood, 1140 East Higgins Rd, Schaumburg, IL, April 12, 2010, 11:30 AM.  The "Little Black Dress" Principle Applied for Entertaining.  

• Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL, April 25, 2010, 2:00 to 2:30 PM.  Owner, Debra Kavalos-Delaney of MemorableEntertaining.com asked to speak at Arboretum's Green Boutique & Garden Expo.
  

• Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, July 14, 2010, 1:30 - 2:30 PM.   "Take your Entertaining from nice to WOW!  Short on inspiration? Looking for new ideas? Learn how to create memorable dining experiences with ease, grace and style, regardless of your budget or experience. MemorableEntertaining.com will share with you how to create fabulous centerpieces and Tablescapes to enjoy for indoor and outdoor entertaining this summer. Join us for a full hour, sprinkled with eco-friendly and timesaving ideas, tips and inspiration.  

  
  

• Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, August 10, 2010, 10:00 - 11:00 AM. The “Little Black Dress” Principle for Entertaining.  What woman doesn’t have the little black dress that can be pulled out at a moments notice and accessorized to fit the occasion? The “little black dress” principle can be applied to entertaining, too.  Learn how to create memorable dining experiences with ease, grace and style. MemorableEntertaining.com will share with you how to take a few basic pieces and create fabulous centerpieces and Tablescapes, along with tips for foolproof menus. Join us for an hour packed full of eco-friendly and timesaving ideas, tips and inspiration.  

   

• Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, September 23, 2010, 10:00 - 11:00 AM. "Transitioning from Outdoor to Indoor Entertaining".  Listen!  The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, we have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!--Humbert Wolfe-- Soon we will be wearing our sweaters and sipping cups of hot chocolate.  Spend the hour with MemorableEntertaining.com and enjoy creative eco-friendly ideas to transition from outdoor to indoor entertaining. You’ll also be introduced to some inspirational ideas for the holidays that are only a few months away.  

• Women in Business, Hyatt, Rosemont, IL, November 19, 2010, 11:30 AM.  'Holiday Entertaining' with Debra Kavalos Delaney, Memorable Entertaining.com and  Deborah Oberschelp, Affordable Interiors 

Past Speaking Engagements, TV Appearances and Magazine Articles

• St John's Council of Catholic Women, Winfield, IL, March 2, 2010, 7 PM.  "The Little Black Dress Principle for Entertaining".

• Coupon Clippin' Mommy:  Product review of  MemorableEntertaining.com.  

• ME:  in Focus Magazine:   December, 2009 issue enjoy a feature article about MemorableEntertaining.com.

She Scribes: In the months of November & December, 2009,  MemorableEntertaining.com will be featured along with several of our articles on holiday entertaining. 

TheFabulousFinds.com:  The month of November, 2009 look for a feature article on MemorableEntertaining.com, 'Entertaining Making You Stressed? Memorable Entertaining is Sure to Please'

Ela Area Public Library District, Lake Zurich, IL, November 30, 2009, 7:00 PM.  "Holiday Entertaining"  Give yourself an early holiday present.  Spend the hour with MemorableEntertaining.com. Together we will unwrap some great holiday tablescape and centerpiece ideas to wow your guests and tie it all up with tips for stress free entertaining!  Register on line or call 847-438-3433.

Palatine Library, Palatine, IL, November 5, 2009, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. "Take your Entertaining from nice to WOW!"  Short on inspiration, looking for new ideas, want your invitations coveted ... Spend an hour with MemorableEntertaining.com and learn how to create memorable dining experiences with ease, grace and style, regardless of budget or experience. MemorableEntertaining.com will share with you how to take a few basic pieces and create fabulous centerpieces and Tablescapes along with tips for Holiday Entertaining. Learn how to create multiple centerpieces using glass cylinders & baskets.  Enjoy viewing 4 different Tablescapes created by using one basic dinner plate. Join us for an hour packed full of timesaving ideas, tips and inspiration. Register on line or call 847-202-1194.

Chicago Tribune, November 1, 2009:  MemorableEntertaining.com interviewed for an article on Fall Entertaining - 'Dinner Party Planning'  

ABC 7 Saturday Morning News, October 24th, 6:50 AM. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=7081027

Woodley Garden Club (Members Only), Winnetka, IL, October 28, 2009, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM:  "Holiday Entertaining"  Give yourself an early holiday present.  Spend the hour with MemorableEntertaining.com. Together we will unwrap some great holiday tablescape and centerpiece ideas to wow your guests and tie it all up with tips for stress free entertaining!  

Celebrations.com Radio, October 13,2009: Halloween ideas from MemorableEntertaining.com will be shared on Celebrations.com Radio. 

• http://www.designed2date.com:  "Cooking for Two":  'A Fabulous & Simple Summer Dinner', 7 PM at Double G's, 4868 RFD Rt. 83 & Gilmer Rd, Long Grove, IL  60047  Members Only 

• http://www.celebrations.com:  MemorableEntertaining.com will be featured on Celebrations.com the week of July 6, 2009.  'Outdoor Decor Party Ideas'
  

• Hawthorn Gardens, 24481 N. Old McHenry Rd., Hawthorn Woods, IL.  June 26, 2009, 6:00 - 8:30 PM.  "Ladies Night Out" Enjoy a relaxing evening with your friends while you visit with local businesses that cater to women. Light food, refreshments and prizes. Call 847-726-0627 or visit http://www.hawthorngardens.net
  

• Ela Area Public Library District, Lake Zurich, IL, May 13, 2009, 7:00 PM.  "Take your Entertaining from nice to WOW!"  Short on inspiration, looking for new ideas, want your invitations coveted ... Spend an hour with MemorableEntertaining.com and learn how to create memorable dining experiences with ease, grace and style, regardless of budget or experience.  MemorableEntertaining.com will share with you how to take a few basic pieces and create fabulous centerpieces and Tablescapes along with tips for outdoor entertaining. Learn how to create multiple centerpieces using glass cylinders & baskets.  Enjoy viewing 4 different Tablescapes created by using one basic dinner plate. Join us for an hour packed full of timesaving ideas, tips and inspiration. Register on line or call 847-438-3433. 
  

• Sur La Table, 100 West Higgins Rd., The Arboretum of South Barrington, IL, May 9, 2009, 12:30 to 2:00 PM.  847-551-1090   "Outdoor Entertaining" - Enjoy a demonstration on place setting and centerpiece ideas for your 2009 Summer Entertaining. 

• Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg, IL,  May 6, 2009, 7:30 PM.  "Take your Entertaining from nice to WOW!"  Short on inspiration, looking for new ideas, want your invitations coveted ... Spend an hour with MemorableEntertaining.com and learn how to create memorable dining experiences with ease, grace and style, regardless of budget or experience.  MemorableEntertaining.com will share with you how to take a few basic pieces and create fabulous centerpieces and Tablescapes along with tips for outdoor entertaining. Learn how to create multiple centerpieces using glass cylinders & baskets.  Enjoy viewing 4 different Tablescapes created by using one basic dinner plate. Join us for an hour packed full of timesaving ideas, tips and inspiration. Register by calling 847-923-3347. 
  

• Cucina Della Rosa, Barrington, IL, May 1, 2009, 7:00 PM to 9 PM.  $75.00  Call 847-650-9463 for reservations.  Cucina Della Rosa and MemorableEntertaining.com partner to bring you, "The Ultimate Bridal Shower".  Mary Rose Hoover, owner of Cucina Della Rosa and Debra Kavalos-Delaney, owner of MemorableEntertaining.com will show you how to plan a beautiful bridal shower!  In her usual hands on fashion, Mary Rose will focus on how to plan and cook a lovely menu and Debra on planning, ideas  and inspiration so you can create "The Ultimate Bridal Shower". 
  

• Woman's Athletic Club, Chicago, IL, April 29, 2009, 12 PM to 1 PM  Members Only. "The Little Black Dress Principle Applied to Entertaining".  What women, doesn’t have “the little black dress” that can be pulled out at a moments notice and accessorized to fit the occasion.  She knows she looks like a million bucks and enters a room confident, ready to take on the world.“The Little Black Dress” principle can be applied to entertaining.  Spend the lunch hour with MemorableEntertaining.com and learn how to create memorable dining experiences with ease, grace and style. MemorableEntertaining.com will share with you how to take a few basic pieces and create fabulous centerpieces and Tablescapes along with tips for foolproof menus. Join us for an hour packed full of timesaving ideas, tips and inspiration.  

• Sur La Table, The Arboretum, 100 West Higgins Rd., The Arboretum of South Barrington, IL, April 18, 2009.  "The Anatomy of A Bridal Shower" with Mary Rose Hoover of Cucina Della Rosa Cooking School and Debra Kavalos-Delaney of MemorableEntertaining.com.  847-551-1090.
  

• The Complete Wedding Expo, Renaissance, O'Hare,  April 19, 2009, 11 AM to 4 PM.  MemorableEntertaining.com will be exhibiting at The Complete Wedding Expo.  Stop by and visit us.   
  

• ABC 7 News:  See MemorableEntertaining.com on the Saturday Morning News on Saturday, November 15^th at 6:50 AM. Click here to see the video and article  

• The Great American Cooking Expo, Palatine, IL, November 14, 15, 16, Harper College Expo Center Building M, 1200 W. Algonquin Road. MemorableEntertaining.com will be exhibiting.  Check us out at booth number 303.  We have also been asked to create holiday tablescapes for the two main presentation stages.  Log on to www.thecookingexpo.com to purchase tickets. 

•  Barrington Area Library, Barrington, IL, November 5, 2008 (7:00 to 8:30 PM). “Memorable Holiday Entertaining":  Join party diva Debra as she offers inventive ideas for holiday entertaining.  Whether you're planning a cocktail party, buffet or sit-down dinner, Debra's ideas for settings, linens, centerpieces and menu items will help you create a warm and unique holiday scenario.  Total-look table settings will be set up for viewing.  Refreshments served.  Register online or by phone, 847-382-1300 for reservations.

• Chico's, Deer Park, IL, September 16, 2008. “Explore how to maximize your fall fashion wardrobe & china inventory. We will create fabulous multiple looks both for you and your table!” Call 847-438-2585 for details.

• From the Pioneer Local Press, by Joanna Broder, September 4, 2008
  
  Barrington hostess shares her expertise on new Web site
  
  First, take coats.
  
  Next, make introductions, mixing in items of common interest among guests to jump start conversation.
  
  Finally, take drink requests while putting aside hostess gifts to open after guests leave.
  
  Who knew guests still brought hostess gifts?
  
  Apparently, Debra Kavalos-Delaney did. She wrote these tips for being a good hostess (in more straightforward terms) for her new Web site, MemorableEntertaining.com.
  
  Kavalos-Delaney, of Barrington, traded in her full time job as a managing director for a private bank group of Harris Bank three years ago to found the site, which offers paid subscribers what Kavalos-Delaney terms "a one-stop resource for hostesses and hosts."
  
  Getting it right
  
  Among its many other offerings, the site offers full dinner menus with downloadable grocery lists, a time-saver section with links to her favorite store-bought appetizers and sauces and a library of how-to videos (there are three on napkin-folding alone).
  
  The fee to join the site is a substantial $75 for the first year, more than some professional associations charge, but Kavalos-Delaney hopes that members will find a wide variety of useful information from which to choose, from the helpful tried-and-true places to locate hard-to-find food items to the more esoteric offerings like her book recommendations to help spark "toasts and sparkling conversation."
  
  "Here is a site that gives you everything in one place," Kavalos-Delaney said, "plus you've got somebody out there working to constantly find exciting ideas ... to make entertaining easier for you and as spectacular as you want it to be."
  
  There is a section called "Debra's Diary," where Kavalos-Delaney blogs on any topic that strikes her fancy like a recent post about recipes for sophisticated, summer barbecues. Another section, called "Contributing Chefs" profiles chefs.
  
  The web site presents vibrant pictures (of various tablescapes for example), videos and sideshows. New information is added weekly, and after the first year, the membership fee drops to $50. (Kavalos-Delaney readily admits that while the site is dynamic, because certain sections stay static from year to year she doesn't want her subscribers to feel that they are repaying for the same material).
  
  Parties remembered
  
  It was her passion for entertaining that led Kavalos-Delaney to start the site, she said. Over the years, people who came to her home for parties would call afterward asking for her entertaining tips. One woman, whom Kavalos-Delaney ran into recently, had been to her home for a party nearly 10 years ago but still remembered every detail from the party including the food, the table and the candles, Kavalos-Delaney said.
  
  "It's amazing to me when we do take the time to create those special moments that involve all the senses, they truly create memorable experiences," she said.
  
  What makes Kavalos-Delaney qualified to dole out entertaining advice? In addition to her years of throwing parties, that would be her Greek heritage, she said. Growing up, almost all of her aunts and uncles owned a restaurant. "Cooking and entertaining was a big part of life in my family," she said.
  
  Kavalos-Delaney referred to the lessons Americans can draw from Europeans, who know how to enjoy their dinner, which is often a three- to five-hour experience, she said.
  
  Enjoying life
  
  "I think entertaining the way I'm talking about is creating a safe haven for your friends and family," Kavalos-Delaney said, "and giving them time to just sit back, rest and unwind and remember what it's like to just live and be."
  
  Colleen Clare, a lawyer from Kildeer and a friend of Kavalos-Delaney, joined the site last April when it launched because she loves to cook and entertain.
  
  "It's just one central Web site that has a lot of ideas and information and tips regarding entertaining and cooking. It's all in one spot," she said.
  
  Ronna Streiff, from Vernon Hills, got a subscription to MemorableEntertaining as a birthday gift from her brother and sister-in-law last April.
  
  She uses the site for ideas on table settings, recipes, ideas for parties and invitations. "If you're somebody that does entertain a lot it's really a great site," Streiff said.
  


• From the Daily Herald, by Anna Marie Kukec, May 24, 2008
  
  Barrington woman launches entertaining Web site
  
  A long family tradition for entertaining has helped Debra Kavalos-Delaney of Barrington create a Web site for people who enjoy hosting parties.
  
  MemorableEntertaining.com launched in April and offers an extensive guide for home entertaining, from casual get-togethers to ultra-elegant events, with new ideas posted weekly.
  
  "As a society, we're just so busy, we've lost some of that grace and beauty of life," said Kavalos-Delaney, 53. "We don't always have time for the process of planning a party."
  
  Read Entire Story

Partnerships

• MemorableEntertaining.com will be featuring Mary Corpening Barber & Sara Corpening Whiteford authors of “Cocktail Foods ... 50 finger foods with attitude”. Look for their biography and featured recipes in October.
• We’ve received permission from The Dallas Museum of Art League to feature recipes from their beautiful cookbook “The Artful Table”.
• Welcome new Contributing Chef Erin Bailey, caterer & owner of La Pomme de Pin a specialty foods store located in Barrington, IL. Erin graduated from the renowned Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School in Paris. Look for her bio and first contribution to MemorableEntertaining.com, “Summer Harvest Menu”. In 2009 Erin will be contributing a quarterly menu for each season titled "The Flavors of  Winter", etc.
• MemorableEntertaining.com has partnered with MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) to provide you with tips to keep your guests safe during the holiday season.
• Beginning November 2008 welcome a new contributor to our  "Lessons from the Experts" section.  Greg Kelley from Kelley Cellars on topics ranging from "Holiday Wines & Champagnes" to the "Wines of Summer".
• 2008 "Lessons from the Experts" contributor Rick Petrocelly from the Olive Tap will be sharing more of his expertise on olive and vinegars along with recipes.   
• In the coming months, recipes by Sarah Leah Chase, author of "Open-House Cookbook" and "Cold-Weather Cooking", to name a few, will be featured in MemorableEntertaining.com.   Sarah collaborated with Julee Russo and Shelia Lukins to write "The Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook" which became one of the first cookbooks to hit the New York Times best-seller list. She also owned & operated "Que Sera Sarah" a food shop on Nantucket Island.
• November 2008 welcome new Contributing Chef Valerio Castellano, owner or La Villanella.  Valerio was born in Rome, Italy and divides his time between his businesses in Chicago and Los Angeles.  In the coming months look for his series of menus and recipes, "My Love for Tuscany".
• February 2009 welcome new Contributing Chef  Mary Rose Hoover, owner of Cucina Della Rosa Cooking School.  Her first contribution, "Winter Soups", will be featured in February, 2009.
• We have received permission from Ravinia to feature recipes from their cookbooks "Noteworthy 1" & "Noteworthy 2". Look for their recipes beginning  October 2008. 
• Look for recipes from Susan Costner, author of “Good Friends, Great Dinners”.  Susan has worked as a caterer and food writer for more than 10 years and is the coauthor of “The Loaves & Fishes Cookbook”.  She has also contributed articles to numerous magazines, such as ‘House Beautiful’.  
• WineStyles is the nation’s largest network of franchised wine boutiques with over 130 locations across the country. WineStyes demystifies the wine shopping experience by organizing its wines by Styles and Taste categories instead of grape varietal or region. So whether you like your wines bold, crisp, mellow or bubbly - you’ll find a wine that suits your personal style. Each location hand selects 150 – 250 world-class labels most priced between $10 to $25. WineStyles allows customers to choose wines merchandised by specific styles, which are accompanied by descriptions listing the wine’s characteristics, flavors and suggested food pairings to make finding the perfect wine easy for any occasion. To learn more about Winestyles or to find location nearest you visit www.winestyles.net.