Monthly Archives: November 2010

It’s Official!

Today is a very sleepy day (the second helping of turkey and sides we had for lunch did not help at all), but there is still a buzz in the air as the holiday season officially begins! Holiday decor seems to have sprung up overnight at my in-laws home, almost as if little elves were hard at work all night long (no one will fess up to it, but I suspect it was my crafty sister-in-law), and we’ve already broken into the Christmas movies box. What are you up to this weekend dear friends? Was anyone brave enough to shop the Black Friday sales?

P.S. One of these years I must get to work and make this light bulb wreath, wouldn’t you love to be greeted by its bright colors on your way home during the holidays?

Happy Thanksgiving!

This cocktail represents what I like my Thanksgiving celebration to be, old-fashioned and full of cranberries in every form possible! I hope everyone is having a wonderful time surrounded by family and friends, and of course plenty of good food and delicious drinks. This year I am thankful for so many things, and one of them is definitely all of you! Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart Living, image by HipHipGinGin

Holiday Gift Guide ~ Thank Your Host

1. Proud Mary Mamba Cocktail Napkins
2. Stormy Nut Bowl
3. Thymes Royal Pomander Candle
4.  Harney & Sons White Christmas Tea
5.  Roost Salt and Pepper Cellars
6.  Williams-Sonoma Candy Jar and Apothecary Jar
7. Creme de Violette
8. Manni White Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
9.  Highland Fling Apron
10.  Mor Emporium Black Collection Soap
11. Liccu Manias Honey and Honey Dipper

And So It Begins

The car is packed, the coffee is brewed, and we’re off to Maryland for the holiday!

There are only two of us (plus little terrier) and we still very nearly had to strap bags to the roof of the car. I have no idea what exactly we have in all of this luggage, it seems to have multiplied of it’s own accord.

Everyone is able to make it this year so we will need a very long table. I do wish we could have our dinner alfresco a la The Hillfigers. Doesn’t this look fantastic?

Indoors or out we’ll raise our glass and toast to family and friends, to all of the blessings we are thankful for, big and small.

And since there will be no less than six dogs and two cats in attendance, it is quite likely that our Thanksgiving table will come to a similar end! Even if that is the case, I can’t wait. There is nothing better than spending Thanksgiving morning in your pajamas, hot cup of coffee in hand, Macy’s parade slowly rolling by on the TV, the smell of roasting turkey wafting through the air. Bumping into each other in the kitchen, all pretending to help, but all really trying to sneak a taste of the stuffing. I am grateful for every little moment of Thanksgiving weekend, even the six hour road trip we’ve just begun (mostly because we have a fab playlist at the ready).  To everyone else embarking on road trips and catching flights today, have a safe and hassle free journey!

P.S. If anyone else is as obsessed with the Hillfigers video that originated the above images as I am, you can watch it to your heart’s content on the Tommy Hillfiger  website.  Their abundance of tartan, fabulous outfits, and charming table setting have me completely smitten!

Thanksgiving Cocktails

The Ginger Sidecar and Cider Smash are two delicious, fall inspired cocktails sure to please all of the guests around your Thanksgiving table! Both are suitable for serving before dinner with hors d’oeuvres, or after with dessert. Enjoy!

Recipes via Martha Stewart Living magazine, images by HipHipGinGin

 ”Don’t listen to anyone. Trust what gives you pleasure. Trust the emotions. If you love something but can’t explain why, that’s enough.“ 

~ Calice Becker