Rest, Reflection and Resolutions

I'm taking a short blogging break....to rest, reflect and make some resolutions! 

Wishing you all the best as we wind down 2010.

Here's to you....let's pick up where we left off in 2011.

'Twas the Night Before....

image: courtesy of Bernard Maisner for Bergdorf Goodman

Happy Holidays!

The next couple of days will be filled with baking and hosting and last minute wrapping! Before I go...I just wanted to wish each and every one of you a joyful holiday!

From our home to yours!!

A Holiday Tradition

I love the Nutcracker. It just embodies the holidays. The music, the ballet...the Sugar Plum Fairy! 

Though the famed New York City Ballet is within driving distance, this year, we took our boys to see a very well done local performance.

You see....we knew the ballerinas! What a treat to watch our young friends shine on stage!

My love for the Nutcracker extends to our home. I love it so much that it has become the inspiration for my holiday table setting.

To see more of my holiday table, follow me to

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

In the Pink

On this shortest day of the year....I thought a short post was in order.

By now we all know that Pantone chose PINK aka Honeysuckle as the "it" color for 2011. Let's face it, it's a happy, joyful color. 

And couldn't we all use a little more happy and a little more joy?

What's Red and White and Wrapped All Over?

Answer: My hostess gifts for last week!

One of the joys of the holidays is the holiday parties and events. However, this calls for a hostess gift. A bottle of wine is fine or a candle or a book....but I think everyone loves seeing their name (or initials) on something, as it says you chose it just for them. 

I wanted to share these with you as they came from a source, La Plates, that you normally associate with....well, plates. But, they do so much more. Look what they cooked up for the blogger gathering, LAVISH, in Atlanta!! (So wish I could have been there!)

Another reason I love these gifts...is that they are so pretty, that with a little cellophane, shred and ribbon, they are "wrapped" and ready to give! There I go, embellishing again!

The acrylic bowl can be used now for popcorn, which is how I packaged it...with popcorn bags from Williams-Sonoma and Orville Redenbacher popcorn. Once the weather warms up, the hostess can use it outside by the pool for chips or salad! 

Cocktail napkins give instant panache to a holiday bar. And, it's always nice to have a crisp new set!

RED is a great color for a gift...as it can used all year long. Think Valentine's, 4th of July, Labor Day and Christmas. 

What are you wrapping up this week?

Friday Flowers-Fragrant Flowers And Butterflies

The beautiful ladies of Diane James Home have teamed up with my favorite illustrator, Patricia van Essche of pve design, to create a fragrant new candle. With packaging as beautiful as this, just a little embellishment and its ready for a ride in Santa's sleigh!

Calligrapher extraordinaire, Bernard Maisner, customized his butterfly bookmarks for my book club friends! They fluttered arrived today from Bergdorf Goodman, pacakged perfectly.....thanks Joseph!!

Each one is hand painted and unique....alighting soon on the pages of a best seller!

What are your favorite gifts for friends this year?

images: ppt, bernard maisner

Three Wise Men

Without a doubt, the wedding of the century will be HRH Prince William to Kate Middleton. Odd-makers are busy taking bets on who Kate will select for this prestigious design. 

For the rest of us commoners, WWD has invited a bevy of renowned designers to submit their ideas for the dress. 

You can see all of the designs here, yet above I've highlighted the three wise men (Karl Lagerfeld, Giles Mendel and Jason Wu) who put pen to paper and created dresses even a princess bride would love.

I have a favorite. What's yours?

images: WWD, Karl Lagerfeld, Jason Wu, J. Mendel

What to Wear?

So far, it's been a festive holiday party season. One more party to go this weekend....and I'm loving the look of things that shine!

What is your "go to" party outfit?

Holiday Delivery-Alexa Hampton

Last week, Alexa Hampton signed a book for one of you! Without further adieu....the winner is, #10

Congratulations, Terri! I hope you enjoy this extra little gift! You must have been a VERY good girl this year!!

Wishing each and every one of you little surprises throughout the holidays!