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.

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