Summer Cabin: Serve It

What is it about these eye-catching little bowls? Besides being the perfect size for serving cocktail garnishes (such as cherries, sugar cubes and lime wedges), they are a cute blend of eco-copper will a brilliant sheen. Ummm, can we say fabulous and not fussy?

Sassy Sugar

Hilarious -- the label alone makes me love this Cherry Bombed cocktail sugar! It's deliciously sparkly and when used to candy-coat the rim of your cocktail glasses (see the punky black ones I found below) you'll see true love! xxxxxxx

Entertaining 101: Twist on a Classic

Pomegranate Tange-RINI

No Christmas should be without this holiday-inspired twist on a classic! Divine!

{ Serves 4 }

2 oz. fresh or bottled pomegranate juice
2 oz. fresh squeezed tangerine juice (or orange)
Splash of fresh or bottled lime juice (Rose's is fine)
4 oz. your favorite vodka
Crushed ice
Tangerine twists and fresh pomegranate seeds, for garnish

Pour juices and vodka over ice in a shaker, shake, and strain into Martini glasses. Garnish with tangerine twist and a few fresh pomegranate seeds. Oo-la-la!

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Photo credit: Sasha Gulish

Entertaining 101: Twist on a Classic

Mulled Cranberry Cider Mocktail

Here's my youthful-yet-seasonal twist on the traditional mulled wine. Designated drivers and kids will love this warm drink, too!

{ Serves 6 }

3 cups apple cider
3 cups cranberry juice
1/4 cups mulling spices
Cinnamon sticks and fresh cranberries, for garnish

In a sauce pan, combine juices and mulling spices, bring to a boil. Turn off the stove. Let cool. Strain spices and pour into mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick and three floating cranberries.

{ For a cocktail } Substitute a full bodied red wine (in place of cranberry juice) for the livelier version!

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Photo credit: Sasha Gulish

Last Minute! Cocktail Clothes for Him

If the electra-jazz is humming and you're sippin' ultra luxe cocktails with your generation, Toms shoes -- like these in gold stripes -- are just the sweetest kicks.

Best Cocktail Napkin: So Much Sass

These will make the party. From Vino's.

Best Garnish: Candy Twists

Such clever little candies!

I love these for cocktails and mocktails -- but the kids love to hang them on their mugs of hot chocolate. Festive!

Monogrammed Party Time!

Make it your own! Give your cocktails a signature with monogrammed swizzle sticks from For Your Party. So cool.

I Promised! Here It Is!

MOCKTAIL

Lavender & Citrus Cooler

Citrus is in season during November. (Be sure to shop local at your nearest Farmers' Market!) This pink-and-bubbly mocktail is delightful and a refreshing contrast to the heavier foods served during Thanksgiving.

Serves 6-12

Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
3 cups water
1/2 cup dried lavender
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup lime juice
Sparkling water
Ice
Lavender petals to sprinkle on serving tray

Method:
To make a simple syrup, bring sugar and water to a boil over medium heat, stir often to make sure sugar dissolves, add lavender, remove from heat and let stand for 5-10 minutes. Strain lavender and reserve simple syrup. Mix juices in a pitcher. Add simple syrup to juices. Pour into glasses over ice, 1/2 syrup, 1/2 sparkling water. (To turn from mocktail to cocktail, add a shot of vodka.)

I promise this will turn T-giving from drab to fab!
Enjoy! xxxx

Thankfully Fabulous: Lavender Citrus Spritzer

This is my newest creation! A lime and lavender-infused spritzer.

I'm working on new recipes for cocktails (and mocktails for kids and designated drivers!) that will turn Thanksgiving from dowdy to deliciously sassy! I promise! I'll post recipes soon!