Red Carpet Diamonds

In honor of the Oscars this Sunday, mixologist Eben Freeman, of Tailor restaurant in New York City, demonstrates how to prepare the perfect gin Martini.

Go into any office in Louisiana during Mardi Gras season and you're almost sure to see employees feeding on a donut-shaped cake gaudily decorated in the colors of the Carnival. Read on for the story behind this Mardi Gras favorite, plus a recipe to make it at home.

For a chef, there are few places better to grow up than New Orleans, a city with a world-famous cuisine and a reputation for indulgence. Pastry chef David Guas, a native of New Orleans, shares recipes for his hometown favoritesincluding beignets, banana pudding, and lemon icebox pie.

Looking to hold an Oscars get-together for you and your closest friends next Sunday? Check out our party-planning guide, as Hollywood party planner Lara Shriftman shares her secrets for entertaining, with recipes, hosting tips, and more.

See Mardi Gras from the vantage point of a rider in one of New Orleans' most famous Carnival parades, as one of our editors gives a firsthand account.

There are many ways to celebrate Mardi Gras, but for chef John Besh, a native of New Orleans and celebrated local restaurateur, there's nothing quite like a casual pre-parade brunch. For tips and recipes for planning your own Mardi Gras brunch, read on.

Love Beer? Learn to make your own with our complete guide to homebrewing. We partnered with Brooklyn Homebrew to create three videos, along with an equipment and ingredient checklist and a step-by-step primer.

Can't make it to the Oscars? Bring a bit of Hollywood to your Academy Awards party with tips from planner Kevin Lee of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Kick off tonights celebrations with this deliciously sweet and sexy cocktail. The amaretto in this drink lends sweet almond flavors (and also boosts alcohol content), while the tang of the cranberry juice is balanced by the smoothness of the vodka. Beware: This Kiss packs quite a punch.

Valentines Day is about more than just romanceits about showing the ones you love how much you care. View our slideshow of 12 kid-friendly Valentines Day recipes that are sure to get you some love from the little ones.