12.06.2010

Merry Party Tips: Stacey from Quintessence


One of my favorite things about blogging? The fabulous, hip and oh - so - nice group of fellow bloggers. I am delighted that the stylish Stacey of QUINTESSENCE was kind enough to share her thoughts on holiday entertaining.


Favorite Holiday Cocktail For Your Guests
Champagne is the drink of choice for all holiday celebrations. Or dress it up and make a KIR ROYALE



Best Sources For Holiday Party Inspiration
Stacey reads everything - blogs, magazines (old school and online) and books. She also saves old shelter magazines that have since shuttered their doors. This beautiful holiday table at Aerin Lauder’s house from House and Garden is a classic.


Another favorite was Southern Accents, that featured fabulous Christmas ideas.


Another source of inspiration? Movie sets - especially from the 1930s. Town and Country obviously agreed, as they did a holiday feature based on George Kukor's Dinner at Eight. There's something so civilized and elegant about that era!

Favorite Style Icon
For holiday decor, it would be CAROLYNE ROEHM. Her style is impeccable.


From country charm


to sophisticated glamour, she always gets it right!


Favorite Party You Attend or Host Every Holiday Season
Christmas Day at home with the family. The morning is spent opening gifts with immediate family, followed by a decadent breakfast. Additional family arrive in time for cocktails. Stacey serves champagne and assorted cheeses on a beautiful Staffordshire platter from the collection in her pantry. 


The family enjoys music and presents in front of the fire before a dinner of standing rib roast. Stacey's sister-in-law always brings her fabulous trifle for dessert. Stacey pairs it with assorted chocolates and petit fours.


Best Holiday Tunes For When You Entertain 
Here is a selection that would be a great start for a play list for your own festivities. For dinner, create a mix of more subdued tunes that include the classics.

All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey
Baby Please Come Home for Christmas - U2
Baby It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin & Doris Day
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms
Let It Snow - Michael Bublé
Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Sleigh Ride - Ella Fitzgerald
That's What Christmas Means to Me - Stevie Wonder

Best Hostess Gift to Leave Under the Tree
The nicest present is something homemade. How about an assortment of Christmas Cookies packaged in festive attire?



If you are too busy to bake, try a box of KNIPSCHILDT CHOCOLATES.


Or for a non-edible gift a copy of the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE EXQUISITE




Favorite Holiday Tradition
Stacey's favorite holiday tradition is decorating the tree as a family. They have a large and varied collection of ornaments collected over the years.



Thanks, Stacey! This is wonderful holiday inspiration.

Top Image: Traditional Home

8 comments:

  1. Festive post! Every Christmas Eve we give an assortment of homemade cookies festively wrapped to a few of our neighbors. Cathy

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  2. Stacy's got great style, so I knew I'd love her holiday ideas. I'm a champagne/kir royale girl.....and love those inspirational table settings!

    Cheers to 2 of the best bloggers around!!!
    Elizabeth

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  3. What an amazing post! I adore the table settings:) Have a great Monday
    Kisses

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  4. Having met Stacey in person, her tips are as elegant as she is! I'd love to be a guest of hers on Christmas day...
    xxoo

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  5. Katie - thanks so much for having me - and helping me get in the mood!! And for all my fellow bloggers who left such lovely comments - thank you!

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  6. Stacey, I would add Steve Tyrell to the Christmas tunes and then ditto to your entire list... all of my very favorites!!

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  7. Fabulous post Kate!!!
    Love Stacy's style and blog and now all her fabulous Holiday Inspiration!!!
    Thanks for sharing her wonderful ideas with us :)
    xx

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  8. Wonderful inspiration. I'll be downloading the music later.

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