I’ve done it. I’ve found the most perfect clutch for the holidays, the aptly named Party Clutch! This mega-fun piece by Megan Leone was made for partying (I mean, it’s in the name even) and thanks to a rainbow of sequins will go with just about everything in your closet. You can choose between all leather or a mix of leather and denim. The Party Clutch is the perfect size to fit all the essentials – license, debit card, keys, lipstick, mints, and your phone. Now it’s time to party. (Pssst… order by December 25th in the U.S. and it’ll show up in time for New Year’s Eve!)
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These hyper-real paintings by Yrjö Edelmann make wrinkly, poorly wrapped items look downright good. I wouldn’t mind finding one of them under the tree Christmas morning.
I’ve always wanted to throw a party that’s strictly about appetizers. Think about it, they’re one of the best parts of any special meal and you can typically fill up on them alone. Oh, and my definition of an “appetizer” is basically anything that can be eaten in three bites or less, which leaves plenty of room for interpretation and inspiration. The good news? You’re invited to my imaginary holiday appetizer party! (All links and sources at the end of the post.)
First let’s set the mood with plenty of simple touches. Ice lanterns lining the front walk and a tinseled wreath on the front door. Rustic vases full of berried branches. A festive backdrop for photos and plenty of white paper pendants suspended from the ceiling. Even miniature handmade wreaths for party favors!
The best hostesses always offer a beverage as soon as you’ve walked in the door and they’ve taken your coat! I like to offer a selection of hot and cold, boozy and non-boozy, that way you’re sure to have something for everyone. Most of the beverages above can be made in large batches, making it super easy to use pitchers and allow your guests to refill at their leisure. And of course allowing you to actually enjoy your own party!
When entertaining during the holidays, I like to purchase one or two special pieces for the occasion and rely on everyday pieces for the rest. In this case the purchases are small wooden appetizer forks, napkins and a festive cheese board. Otherwise it’s easy to stick to basics in our white, black, gold, and wood palette.
Last (but definitely not least) are the appetizers themselves. I think the rule of one plate of apps to every two people invited is a good rule to go by. Again, here I like to have a good mix of savory/sweet, soft/crispy, hot/cold, etc. Lots of these recipes can be prepped a day or two ahead of time and popped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to either warm them, assemble them, or set them out for guests. That equals less stress for you and a get together you can not only enjoy, but participate in. Happy Holidays!
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One Friday night a few weeks ago it was snowing and I was hungry. I had a bag of cranberries that were close to their last breath and some eggnog in the same boat. And thus. Cranberry Eggnog Bread was born!
Cranberry Eggnog Bread • 3 C cranberries
• 1 C sugar, divided
• 3 C flour
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 C eggnog (I used light)
• 2/3 C unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Rinse off the cranberries and lightly chop them up if you wish. Place cranberries in a bowl and coat with 1/2 C sugar. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine eggs, eggnog, and butter. Add dry ingredients in increments and mix on low until combined. Fold in sugar-coated cranberries. Grease two loaf pans and divide bread mixture between them. Bake 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge of each pan and invert. (You can add a glaze of 1/2 C eggnog and 2 C powdered sugar at this point if you’d like! I prefer mine slathered with cold butter.)
If you visit my home chances are there’s a candle burning. During warmer months it’s almost always my favorite burnt sugar scent, and when the temperature drops it’s something warm and comforting. An almond/tobacco I can’t get enough of or something with cloves and cinnamon. To me scent is a big part of the personality of your home that should be subtle yet evident the moment someone sets foot in the door.
