Counting the Days

Karen Adams Designs, $56

We're all counting the days. 

- 'til the holiday party.

- 'til the children are out school.

- 'til the cards must get in the mail.

- 'til it's 2011.

So, we may as well count them in style. Here are some calendar gift ideas at all price points.

Elegant Setting, $68 (on sale for $54)

Connor NYC, $125

The Printery, $90

Dabney Lee at Home, customized, $25

Be sure and make all your days count!

'Tis the Season for Giving (to you!)

Giving to others is so much fun and today I'm delighted to bring you a give away crafted by my friend, Kate Todd (the voice behind the blog, Party Resources).

Kate grew up in a family where parties and entertaining were the family business...and she wanted to share some holiday entertaining inspiration with you. 

One lucky reader will receive a trio of Kate's favorite entertaining books....just in time for the holidays!

Book 1: Park Avenue Potluck - Celebrations

Organized by season, Park Avenue serves up a year's worth of fabulous special occasions, offering a sneak peek into the private homes and family celebrations at New York's most sought-after addresses. 

From Valentine's Day, Easter, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the holiday season, the book shares heartfelt heirloom recipes and affordable entertaining ideas.

Book 2: Cocktail Parties with a Twist

The proprietors of Aqua Vitae, dubbed "L.A.'s seiest cocktail caterers", present the ultimate guide to throwing memorable parties the host will enjoy as much as their guests. Cheers to your holiday entertaining!

Book 3: Baked Explorations

The latest cookbook from this famous bakery in New York. This book continues the tradition of bringing classic American baked goods from their bakery to your home. 

Some highlights include: Caramel Apple Cake, Sweet & Salty Brownies, Grasshopper Bars and my favorite...Cowboy Cookies!

The authors have been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, Martha Stewart and the Food Network.

Now that you're ready to mix a cocktail, bake a cake and set the table....how can you have these 3 books arrive at your doorstep? 

Easy. Make sure you're a follower of both Pretty Pink Tulips & Party Resources. Check out the books, leave a comment here and we'll select the winner on Dec 3rd! Books ship out on Dec 4th. 

Anyone who lives in the continental U.S. is welcome to win - bloggers, family and friends!  Ho! Ho! Ho!

Don't you love that it doesn't matter whether you've been naughty or nice?!

Sweet as Pie

Today, I give thanks for those of you who stop by often or every now and then. You make the journey of writing and creating worth the effort! Thank you!!!


In fact, I think you're all as sweet as pie!


May today be filled with blessings for you and those you love! Happy Thanksgiving!

images: via

Bergdorf Goodman...Unveiled

Most of us are knee deep in turkey, dressing, stuffing, gravy, pie prep and visiting relatives. 


Yet, I'm already gearing up for my first holiday trip into New York City on the day after Thanksgiving...to see Mary Poppins with my children!


One of the highlights of the season is seeing the magical windows at each of the city's finest department stores. Most of them were unveiled this week.

Enjoy watching how the talented artisans, led by David Hoey and Linda Fargo, at Bergdorf Goodman assemble theirs!!

And if you can't make it to the Big Apple to see this spectacle in person, check out their book, Windows at Bergdorf Goodman, by Assouline which has just beeen released.

Do you like to window shop? I do!

Glittering, Shimmering Confetti

Confetti isn't just for kids. 

Check out these sophisticated takes on confetti filled pinatas from Confetti Systems. These glittering creations have appeared in the windows at Bergdorf Goodman, Opening Ceremony and now in the J.Crew December catalog.

Perfect for any type of party - don't let the children have all the fun!

Let's Dish about Sides

Not long ago, I posted about a fall dinner I hosted. I've gotten a number of requests for a particular recipe, so here it is! Maybe it will make an appearance on your Thanksgiving table.

Gratineed Baked Squash Halves

2 acorn squash, halved crosswise, seeds removed (I quarter them)

1/2 cup heavy cream

8 fresh sage leaves, torn in half

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese (about 2 oz)

Preheat oven to 375〫F. Place squash halves (or quarters) cut sides up, in a 9-inch baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Pour about 1/2 cup water into baking dish around squash.

Combine cream with sage and garlic in a small saucepan, and bring to  simmer over medium-high heat. Pour into squash halves, dividing evenly.

Bake until squash are tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle with cheese, dividing evenly. Continue baking until cheese is melted and golden, about 10 minutes. Serve hot.

I found the recipe in this Martha Stewart cookbook, Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home, which I highly recommend! The cookbook features complete menus from starter to dessert for the busy cook. The recipes are high on taste and low on time.

What's your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

Celebrating in Style - With Eddie Ross

You know how some days everything clicks....like there's magic in the air. This was one of those days.

There was the signature "wow" table - this time the colored chairs were pink! The tapers were blue and the touches of holly said "holiday"!

Eddie and Jaithan - holiday handsome!

Ornament place cards

Watching Eddie work

Susan of Shandell's (as seen in The Best in the November issue of House Beautiful) brought her gorgeous decoupage tissue box holders, matchboxes and more!

Cara of Oliphant Designs showcased some beautiful holiday jewelry. Look for her in an upcoming issue of one of your favorite online magazines!

Eddie's presentation was the highlight of the day! He shared past projects from House Beautiful,  Martha Stewart and Woman's Day that had our guests feverishly taking notes.

Eddie shared tips on gift wrapping, place settings and holiday decor.

The Buzz, The Zhush, me, Hamptontoes

Special thanks to:

The Laundress

Larson-Juhl

Creative Candles

Wish

Bloomingdales

Salon O

To all of those who came to kick of the holidays with us...thank you! And remember to "Celebrate in Style"!

ps: I'll be sharing Eddie's sources next week!