Thinking Spring: Make a Splash

Yes, this is a serving tray! So artsy for an Easter-inspired bring-on-spring fling. From W Hotel's store.

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 Decorations: Gorgeous Glass

In a home where kids and adults coexist, these curvy red wine glasses from Ikea are such a steal!

Last Minute Decorations: Glittery Tabletop

Try this. Group together candles and candlesticks that are in the same color families, but wildly differ in heighth and thickness.

So fabulous!

(Get these at Pottery Barn.)

Last Minute Decorations: Glittery Tabletop

Feeling crafty? Create a shimmery table by stringing together crystal beads on thin elastic for vibrantly festive napkin rings. Sparkly!

Last Minute Decorations

Fresh red currants are juicy and ruby red. Pluck several and sprinkle on top whipped cream on top of a simple vanilla or chocolate cake { or scoops of ice cream! } for a holiday dessert with flare. Easy!

Best Chill Out Music: Ahhhh

Gushing with chill, this tidy album will bring your holiday-heart rate down, down, down. You'll be pleasantly cool, even when the kids' energy is white blazing hot!

Entertaining 101: Relaxxxxx

Lots of irreverent little candles, like these nose-pleasing, bad-thoughts-melting soy candles from Aromatherapy Interventions, spread all through out the house will add brilliance and calm. Chill. You're doing just fine!

Best Cocktail Napkin: So Much Sass

These will make the party. From Vino's.

Best for the Night Before Xmas

Oh my. Vanilla flavored marshmallows, from WS, divinely float in hot cocoa. The firelight glows... The sound of sleigh bells is near... 

Best CD: For the Whole Fam

Ahhh. A refreshing CD you'll not just tolerate -- you'll actually enjoy. Put this on and get the party started! (Wooooo! It's local, too!!) You will love this. (And thank me later.)

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!

Entertaining 101: Over-the-Top Table

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Turn up the fashion quotient at your holiday table by using vintage scarves as napkins (find them online!). Mix-and-match them just don't forget the napkins rings, like these from Christina Ferrare. They add a little zingy bling!

Entertaining 101: Kids Love to Help

How blissful is this? Your kids will help you decorate with this darling chalkboard candle. Write holiday greetings or just scribble on them! Wipe clean and do it again. So fun! From local Lola of North Beach.

Holiday Wear: Swooning Over This

Love this twilight purple, pure silk tunic dress from Armani Exchange. Guess what? It costs less than $100 and, after the cocktail party, you can wear it later as a tunic with your Roberto Cavalli or Citizen jeans. Brilliant!

Entertaining 101: Twist on a Classic

Sangria with Pear and Lemon

Here is my latest original creation, one of my twists-on-a-classic. I've taken sangria, a traditional summery party drink, and updated it for the holidays. Pear and lemon are a match made in heaven and this is sure to make your festivities rosier! Enjoy!

Serves 5-10 people

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 cups brandy
1/2 orange flavored liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
2 bottles of good quality Rioja wine
1 pear, sliced
7 lemons, 2 sliced, 5 halved


Method:

To make a simple syrup, bring sugar and water to a boil over medium heat, stirring often to make sure sugar is dissolved. In a large pitcher (or any container), add Rioja wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Add sliced fruit before serving. Pour in glasses over ice. Drop half of a lemon in for garnish. It's party time!


Photo credit: Sasha Gulish

Entertaining 101: Beautiful Vodka

When it's time to really play, Pinky vodka is so sublime. The pink color comes from rose petals and violets. Finally! A vodka for people like us!

Hot Tunes for a Cool Xmas Bash

Music sets the mood. But, this year say NO to kiddie Christmas music from hell, and yes to a musical line-up for ALL to enjoy!

> Start with tunes from Ella's Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas album. It's just so very!

> Then try Koop's chilled-out loungy tunes from their Koop Islands album. Zexy!

> Followed by The Remix Game from Bitter:Sweet for the remaining revelers! Scorchingly cool!

Setting the Mood

Ahhh. Sets the mood (and masks the scent of spilt baby food). Linari's Legno Reed Diffusor is divine.