Holiday Party Tips: Style Chronicle

Sarah and Betsy are the hip gals behind one of my favorite blogs - STYLE CHRONICLE. I am delighted they have shared their tips on holiday entertaining.

Best Sources For Holiday Party Inspiration

Everywhere from blogs to magazines. Holiday decor should be simple, pretty and timeless.

Favorite Holiday Cocktail for Serving Guests

Candy Cane Cooler - RECIPE

Or a Ginger Snap RECIPE

Favorite Party You Attend or Host Every Holiday Season 

Sarah and Betsy's friend, Bunny, is throwing a fabulous party that they can't wait to attend. Her invitations were made at the PAPER PLACE and hand delivered to each of the couples invited. Each invitation came in a beautiful box, and each one was presented as a gift. On every one was a beautiful wreath made with greenery from her own yard! An extra personal touch? The hostess always writes "at home" instead of her street address when she is sending invites for intimate gatherings. 

The menu:

Appetizers:  Warm tomato pesto, crab cakes and ham biscuits. 

Salad: Mixed greens with pear, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, parmesan cheese and champagne vinegar dressing. 

Main Course: Pepper crusted beef tenderloin with port wine sauce, crispy rosemary polenta, and asparagus, carrots and brussel sprouts. 

Dessert: Nashville's famous Leland Caramel Cake with fresh berries. YUM! 

If you don't live in Nashville, you can order one of these fabulous cakes HERE to be shipped. 

The decor is a mixture of natural elements and touches of gold. Lots of moss, fruit, greenery and white flowers. The tables will be designed differently with each one complementing the room in which they are located. Favors are gold pine cones embellished with white and gold ribbon with an ornament loop attached. They will also serve as the place card holders. 

Want to give a similar favor to your holiday guests? Here are some fun pine cone ornaments from CRATE AND BARREL. 

Best Hostess Gift for Under the Tree

A yummy treat such as homemade granola packaged in mason jars. A favorite - Epicurious' Chunky Date, Coconut and Almond Granola recipe is the best! RECIPE

Or chocolates from your favorite local chocolatier are always lovely. Sarah and Betsy's favorite is MARIEBELLE CHOCOLATES.

Looking for something with zero calories? Jamee Gregory's NEW YORK PARTIES: PRIVATE VIEWS is a creative gift any hostess would love to have!

Best Holiday Tunes For Entertaining
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams
Happy Elf - Harry Connick Jr.
March From The Nutcracker - The Philadelphia Orchestra
A Baby Changes Everything - Faith Hill
Santa Claus is Coming To Town - Diana Krall
Merry Christmas Baby - Bruce Springsteen
Grown Up Chistmas List - Michael Buble
O Holy Night - Celine Dion
Baby It’s Cold Outside - Dean Martin
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Pretenders
Winter Wonderland - Aretha Franklin
I’ll Be Home For Christmas - Frank Sinatra
The First Noel - Chris Botti
What Are You Doing New Years Eve - Bette Midler

Favorite Holiday Tradition 
An evening spent with all the fireplaces lit, the Christmas tree glowing, sipping hot cocoa in stocking feet. Several years ago, Sarah and Betsy bought 24 Christmas books and had the kids pick a different one to read each night by the tree. One of the books was the NATIVITY.

Thank you ladies for a post filled with great holiday cheer (and inspiration)!