Christmas Gifting

Linen Poinsettia Cocktail Napkins

I love luxury cocktail napkins for Christmas gift giving. They make a perfect hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or Secret Santa and are of course a wonderful gift for yourself for holiday entertaining.

Entertaining Tips

Celebration Monogrammed Wine Bowl

 

Tonight is my NYE party. It is a few days early, because it is a Saturday night and lots of people hate being out on New Year's Eve with all the drunks on the road. I have been hosting a monthly wine and food pairing group for a couple of years here and am starting a second one in February. I have some hosting tips to share inspired by several comments from followers I have gotten wondering how to host a party where you can stay relaxed and stress free and actually enjoy your own party. I have 40 coming tonight.

New Year's Eve

Champagne Cocktail - Epicurious

I am having an early New Year's Eve party on Saturday and there will of course be lots of bubbly. I am serving two incredibly easy and delicious Champagne cocktails that guests can make for themselves. Whether you are hosting or staying in on NYE, try these.

Reindeer Games @ CCC

Juliska Reindeer Games @ CCC

 

This is some of my collection of my favorite Christmas china, Juliska Reindeer Games. I love to use it over the holidays. It is sadly discontinued and sells for a fortune on places like eBay. Santa's reindeer are playing golf, tennis, skiing, and such. This is what they all do the rest of the year when not delivering Christmas gifts. I love using it for coffee and breakfast over the holidays.

Gorgeous Placemats for the Holidays

Delft Blue Reversible Wipeable Placemats

 

Happy Halloween! It will be 85 degrees here today -  not very fall-like. And of course no fall foliage. I really do miss the seasons. Snow? Not so much. One of my girlfriends down here flew up to DC yesterday and called me and said she was freezing. I think it was in the seventies - LOL.

Scalamandre

Entertaining with Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie Champagne Bucket

With holiday entertaining around the corner, I have rounded some favorite picks for chilling wine and Champagne or any other beverage of choice.

New Year's Eve Ideas

NY Times

 I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Now I am looking forward to New Year's Eve. This week I'll share some ideas for attire, decorating, and entertaining.

One of my favorite cocktails is the classic Champagne Cocktail. It is delicious, so easy to make, and perfect for New Year's Eve however you will be celebrating. You don't even need to stay up until midnight  -  serve it as an aperitif before dinner. I had Champagne Cocktails at my Christmas party and they were a huge hit.

Holiday Entertaining Tip

Boursin with Black Truffle & Sea Salt

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the original Boursin cheese with Garlic and Fine Herbs. Boursin cheese is a gourmet French cheese brand that is named after its cheesemaker, François Boursin. It is from the Normandy region of France and dates back to 1957. The cheese met with tremendous success and has been popular ever since.

They have expanded their offerings with several varieties. Recently they came out with this limited edition truffled version. I had guests over Saturday evening and served it as an hors d'oeuvre. 

More Entertaining Tips

Flamingo Guest Towels

The holidays and holiday parties are quickly approaching. Two pet peeves of mine are having to use bar soap or a communal cloth guest towel when I attend an event at someone's home. Here are my favorite alternatives.

Holiday Hosting Tip

Christmas Wine Charms

 

I have mentioned that I host monthly wine tasting and food pairing events. A while back I bought darling beach themed wine charms so that everyone can keep track of their wine glass.