New Favorite Find: Kitchensurfing

One of my favorite finds of late is KITCHENSURFING Have you tried it? If you live in one of the cities they serve then you need to...stat!

The site provides an easy and affordable way to find and hire a private chef to come cook for your next party. It can be an intimate gathering for two, a small dinner party or a big bash. 

You can also have a chef come in and do a private cooking lesson for you and your pals. I have used the company and had a terrific experience. Talk about stress free entertaining! The chef does all of the shopping, food prep, serving and clean up.

Photos: Gourmet 

Perfect for Summer Cocktails

I love the iconic boat totes by LL Bean and Land's End. Perfect for day trips to the beach, time on the boat or a summer weekend in the country. While flipping through the latest catalogue from Land's End I see they now make a tote bag cooler! Genius!

Try as I might I couldn't find a good image of one filled with cold drinks like they show in the catalogue. Below is one empty and you will have to picture it with ice cold beer and wine. This would be a great gift when you are a guest this summer. Find them HERE. 

Photos: Land's End

Gift Guide: For The Hostess

Looking for a gift for the hostess on your list? This time of year you should always arrive with something to leave under the tree. I was so so excited when Matchbook Magazine announced they now have a boutique that sources everything featured in their issues! Check it out HERE. Lots of great ideas (at all price points) for the hostess or really anyone on your list.

A few of my picks:

Photos: Eddie Ross, Matchbook Magazine

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

In my family everyone of all ages gets a stocking. We open them in front of a roaring fire at my mum's beautiful Connecticut home Christmas morning. All of my shopping is done, but here are some items I might buy next year!

LAFCO makes the most exquisite to-die-for candles and now they make soap. For the winter months how about Marseilles Fig or Rosemary Eucalyptus?

For the wine enthusiast a CORKCICLE is a must. Pop it in the freezer and then in to a bottle of white wine to keep it cold. Genius. They come in classic cork or fun festive colors. 

I am sure most of you already own a set of BANAGRAMS. If you don't you need to pick one up. Stat. Perfect to play over the holidays or pack for your weekend at the ski house. 

Who doesn't need some sparkle during the holidays? I love this polish from ESSIE.

At Christmas Dinner we always have holiday poppers. I love these stylish ones that include bubbles, makeup and a cocktail ring. So festive! Order them HERE.  

For the dog lover (my Jack Russell is addicted) include a new tennis ball (or two...)

One of my best friends turned me on to NEUTROGENA BODY OIL and now I would never use any other moisturizer.

A great read - BLOOD BONES AND BUTTER is a favorite of mine and is now being made in to a movie staring GP.

Or a subscription to a magazine. A few I like to give

Happy holidays!

Photos: Top This Top That, Tiny White Daisies, Lafco, Corkcicle, Greenhead, Amazon, Zappos, 
Neutrogena, T&C,, Elle Decor, Traditional Home and Coastal Living 

Entertaining with Ina

Is there anyone better? I would love to be in her circle of friends invited to casually elegant dinners at her stunning spot in the Hamptons. 

My Ina Garten cookbooks are a staple in my home and I use her recipes all the time. I have just ordered a copy of her latest FOOLPROOF and can't want to crack it open! 

This book would be a great hostess gift over the holidays. 

A few photos from the book

With recipes for cocktails, starters, lunches, dinners, veggies and desserts it will be a guaranteed hit with anyone in your life who loves to entertain.