GREER’S BEST BUYS:

Have you always wanted to throw a fabulous dinner party? Now you can learn how to at Picnics Fine Foods in Costa Mesa.

A cooking class from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday teaches professional cooking skills and how to prepare a multicourse meal. The class can help aspiring cooks elevate their home cooking to fine-restaurant levels.

The class, taught by chef R. Jason Coulston, will cover the cornerstones of professional cooking: ingredient sourcing, technique, timing, execution and plating.

Guests will prepare grilled Mexican shrimp “a la plancha” with sauce Romesco; local arugula salad with grilled lemon and chile vinaigrette; braised osso bucco with baby vegetables; creamy rosemary polenta and micro parsley “gremolata” salad.

The dessert course will be Brebirousse d’argental cheese with fresh new-season cherry compote and cherry syrup; and a strawberry sorbet shortcake with sweet biscuit, macerated strawberries, strawberry sorbet and vanilla crème fraîche.

Classes cost $175 per person; per session, limit eight guests. Included are appropriate wine pairings, all food costs, hands-on instruction, vendor sources/contacts, and chef-written course material. Picnic Fine Foods, 435 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. Call (949) 722-7200 or visit www.picnicsdeli.com.

Author to visit library

“The Devil Wears Prada” author Lauren Weisberger will lead a free talk about her new book, “Chasing Harry Winston,” 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Newport Beach Library.

Suggested donation: $10. Doors open at 6 p.m., lecture and Q-and-A at 7 p.m.; book signing at 8 p.m. 1000 Avocado Ave. To reserve seats, call (949) 548-2411 or visit info@ nblibraryevents.com.

Special hours, sales

Starting today, Christopher Tracy Interiors in Newport Beach extends Friday business hours until 9 p.m. through Labor Day. And each Friday a product or special will be available only during its extended business hours (6 to 9 p.m.) along with drinks and light fare. During extended business hours today, check out new arrivals and receive 15% off. And enjoy a glass of champagne and fresh fruit.

On June 13, the store is closed for a private party.

From 6 to 9 p.m. June 20 experience the Voyage Collection of Home Fragrances by Vie Luxe. And receive a free room mister with the purchase of a deluxe candle and bath salt while supplies last. Guests can enjoy a glass of red wine and chocolates on the patio.

And from 6 to 9 p.m. June 27 receive a complimentary copy of OCEAN Magazine, 15% off entire purchases, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail and snacks.

Christopher Tracy Interiors, 501A 31st St., Newport Beach. For more information call (949) 673-6711 or visit www.christophertracy interiors.com.

Warehouse sale

T Luxury’s warehouse sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today in Costa Mesa. T Luxury is an Orange County-based brand of simple and sexy silhouettes made of luxe fabrics. You can find chic tees, tanks, dresses, sweaters and more for women.

T Luxury’s warehouse sale includes discontinued stock, samples and more. Owners Joe and Jacqueline Krafka combine their talents in contemporary women’s denim and knits to create a popular line of casual comfort basics. The collection is made of premium sheer Supima cottons, silk and Modal blends as well as cashmere and Italian prints. T Luxury’s warehouse, 760 W. 16th St., Costa Mesa. For more information call (949) 515-7711 or visit www.tluxury.com.

GREER WYLDER writes Best Buys, which runs Fridays. She’s the founder and president of www.greersoc.com, a free daily e-mail service that provides the latest in Orange County fashion, dining and trends.