11 Ideabooks by Chris Arpante

A popular Spanish proverb states, "The belly rules the mind," but the presentation catches the eye that sees the food about to be in the belly. — Chris from Mele Cotte

Frank Sinatra said, "Orange is the happiest color." With fall finally here, orange evokes smiles and cheer while offering a wonderful sense of comfort and warmth. Accents of its tenderness welcome friends and family into the heart of a home, while dazzling...

Jane Austen once wrote, "Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness." Brilliant Jane, just brilliant! And with the new school year under way, I couldn't resist. — Chris from Mele Cotte...

While some people take pride in needing only one shot to get the ball directly from the tee into the cup on the green, others prefer to make their move in the kitchen. Both, though, need some way to keep their things organized: Golfers have their caddies,...

When the weather draws us out into our backyards, parks and clubhouses to take advantage of its splendor, there are moments when we’re reminded of the jokes Mother Nature likes to play. The prepped food, the seasonal whiffs of grills near...

‘Be the measure great or small, let it be honest in every part," John Bright said. Scales weren’t important to me before I jumped into the kitchen. Then, between calculating what I ate and how much, and expanding my baking from drop cookies...

Growing up in an Italian household, we understood the significance of a glass of wine: its flavor components and its influence on a situation (no pun intended.) While my father savored bold, full-bodied Barolo with his cigar, my mother preferred the crisp,...

Does the image of a tea connoisseur include a snobby, nose-in-the-air, pinky-out tea drinker? Oh no. While enjoying the complexity of flavors, colors and reactions tea introduces to the senses, it is also important to enjoy yourself. —...

While trying not to stress during the holiday season, I find comfort in simplicity. With serving pieces and plating decorations, less is more, so I thought "12 Days of Christmas" and went from there. — Chris from

I prefer small, intimate gatherings that highlight company, conversation and great food. Simple, multifaceted home items help me enjoy company more and worry less about behind-the-scenes minutia. — Chris from Mele...