Tree Lighting Tonight

Rockefeller Center

Tonight is the annual tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center - one of the most recognizable trees in the world. 

Last winter, we took our boys to see the tree and skate on the famed Rockefeller Center ice rink. I snapped this photo of Grant and our boys about 5 seconds before I lost my balance and ended up in the emergency room - just a sprain, but oh how it hurt. No more taking my camera on the ice!

This weekend, we'll get our tree and light it up, sans ice skates! Will you be decorating your tree this weekend, too?

RED Hot Holiday Gift Ideas

Limited Edition notebook, Smythson

Oversize mailing labels, Iomoi.com

Add a set of coordinating pens, Iomoi.com

Red glitter nail polish, Deborah Lippman + a gift certificate for a mani/pedi

Large pom pom key chain, Neiman Marcus (sports car optional)

"Mrs. Claus" notecards, Smythson

"Rudolph" votive, Glassybaby

Just a few ideas to get your gift giving off to a RED hot start! 

Isn't it the most wonderful time of the year?!!

Pretty Poinsettias

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Do you feel like you're running the gauntlet known as the Holly Daze? Well, let's take a quick trip to Kansas, yes Kansas, where my mother-in-law snapped these photos of their garden center, Horticultural Services.


Hundreds and hundreds of poinsettias, which they grow themselves, ready to add a little color to someone's home and holiday.

The calendar may still say November, but I'm ready for some RED!


What's your favorite holiday bloom? Amaryllis, paper-white or poinsettia?

Wrapping up Fall - at Party Resources

Good morning, everyone!!!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with all your favorite dishes and surrounded by your favorite people. I'm not quite ready to put fall away, so join me over at Party Resources for a few of my fall favorites!!

Next week, I'll see you back here for some of my favorite holiday gift ideas!

Now back to your favorite online sale or football game!

Setting the Table and the Tone

We'll be traveling for Thanksgiving this year...exchanging shopping and prepping for airport screenings and hand sanitizer...so no table settings for me. But, I have to say, this is my favorite part of any dinner or special occasion.


I love preparing the table, the place cards, the centerpieces. And, Thanksgiving is such a great opportunity to use simple things found outside or at the grocery store to make it all special.


Above are just a few fun ideas, if you are the one hosting family and/or friends. I'll be gone the rest of the week, but wanted to let you all know how thankful I am for YOU! For reading, visiting, leaving a comment or telling a friend about the blog. Knowing that you're out there is what makes it fun to come back day after day with a little tidbit that I hope will make you happy and smile!


Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!! See you after all the food has settled!

images: Martha Stewart Living

New & Notable at Barneys NYC

30 person "community" table

Part of the online menu

Simon Doonan, Barneys Creative Director at Genes at Co-Op

This past weekend, I was at Barneys getting some alterations done. Having skipped breakfast (I know, I know) and lunch and faced with an hour drive home, I was S.T.A.R.V.I.N.G! I was just about to head to Fred's, the renown in-house restaurant, when I saw a notice that Genes at Co-Op had just opened. Curious, I headed to the 8th floor, where I found this intimate, techie eatery.

Instead of a place mat, each space has a touch screen, much like an oversized Ipad. You can see the menu, ask for a server, request your check, read an online article or shop, all while you have a bite to eat. My asian chicken salad and Harney's special blend iced tea were delicious and just the sustenance I needed to make it home.

So, for anyone who will be visiting or shopping in the city over the holidays, consider popping in to enjoy this little tech cafe oasis. They serve breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks!

Bon appetit and happy holiday shopping!

Four Fall Favs - Eddie Ross

What a thrill to have my dear friend and gifted guru of all things entertaining and design, Eddie Ross, as my guest today! What does the titan of tabletop love for Fall? 

"Every fall, I go into the attic where I keep all my props and begin to play, pulling china, silver, linens and glass for the busy entertaining season ahead. Here are four of my favorite collections for the fall. Happy Entertaining, everyone!"

                                                             ~ Eddie Ross                                                          

Thanks, Eddie! Your insider tips are the next best thing to having you come and set the table! 

Have you started setting your table yet? I'd love to hear what you're planning! Happy weekend, all!

Day by Day

Linda & Harriet, $42

Every day counts....and I love counting them on a beautiful desk calendar. Here are a few that are great to order for 2012 and to give as a holiday gift!

Jack and Lulu, $49 or $28 (refill)

Erin Condren, $40

Karen Adams, $59 or $29 (refill)

If you're just getting one for yourself...get your own easel at Michael's or your local craft store and just order a refill!

Can you believe there are only 44 days left in 2011? Make them count!

Renovation Diary: The Beginning

Caution: Construction Zone - this isn't the "pretty" post you may be used to seeing! Yet, I know many of you have either undergone a renovation, are thinking about a renovation or dreading having to do a renovation. 

Above is the architect's rendering of what this space will look like when we finish. Here's what's happened in the past few weeks!

Now, I understand what having a clean slate is like! 

To be continued.....