Holiday Wear: Just for Inspiration

Boys' fashion can be so ho-hum, but look at this! It's so let's-go-to-the-Nutcracker worthy. Classic and warm, the perfect balance of color and texture, and the newsboy hat. Too cute! From Kico Kids at Cuddly Couture.

Best Books: Remember These?

Perfect for stocking stuffers! Classic. Your kiddies will 'heart' them, too. Get 'em at Kitson.

Best Wrapping Paper: So Lovely

Yes, this is wrapping paper!

Yes, this is wrapping paper!

Yes, this is wrapping paper!

From Cavallini & Co.

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... 

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!

Kids in the Kitchen: Make a Gift

Go tropical for the holidays and spend an afternoon together making coconut macaroons. The kids can package the cookies in these breezy-yet-modern boxes from treeo design. Don't they look like handbags? So fab, girls, so fab.

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!

Best Gift: Kids in the Kitchen

These petite Le Creuset casseroles are perfectly shaped for little hands. And they're real! Little helpers will love to use them. (I just love the selection of bright, cheery colors.)

Ready for the Holidays: Best Hair Clip

Felt is the IT fabric for the season. It's soft, warm, and won't add to the plastic waste and carbon footprint like plastic will. Besides the goodness, this little clip is just the sweetest. Look at the swirl! From Twinkle Kids.

Helpful Hint: Keeping Kiddies Busy

This is one of the best coloring books! With the silliest pictures to keep the wee ones busy while you kick back this Christmas. By illustrator Taro Gomi.

Setting the Mood

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

Coming Soon!

My latest concoctions! Mock- and cocktails to turn the holidays from drab to fab. Recipes coming soon!

photo by Sasha Gulish

Best Eco-Idea: Shop Local {East Coast Style}

Check out this eco-idea. If you have a sister or best girlfriend on the East Coast, go to Blue Bench to order a holiday gift. It's saves time all while helping save the planet. Love the internet!

Monogrammed Party Time!

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

Gift of Giving: Perfect Hostess Gift

My absolute favorite soap is the BIG bars of Claus Porto soap. Such a great hostess gift.

So Prepared: Thank You Cards

How cute are these cards from Cross-My-Heart? Fabulicious for thank you's for your girlfriends!

Holiday Tip: Happy Traveling

Speaking of Grandma's for Thanksgiving, look at this!

Whomever designed this was a parent! This is ingenious! This is a suitcase! (Kids ride through the airports with the greatest of ease.) My gratitude goes out to Trunki in the UK.

Holiday Tip: Keepin' Kids Busy

Bring this recyclable basket of twig crayons to Thanksgiving at Grandma's and be amazed. Kids will stay busy (and creative) while you can drink a glass of wine (or three!). From Vivre.