Holiday Hostess Gift

Looking for a gift for the person on your list who has everything? I recently discovered the beautiful work of BOTANIC GIFTS and am loving their orchids and terrariums. They will ship anywhere across the US.

Delicious Holiday Dessert

While looking through Bon Appetit, I came across this RECIPE for a chocolate peppermint tart. Yummm! Perfect for the winter months.

Interview: Celebrity Caterer Peter Callahan

If you regularly read this blog then you know how much we love the talented and charming PETER CALLAHAN.  We have been fortunate to work with him and even luckier to consider him a friend. While he looks like he stepped out of J.Crew or off the squash court and is one of the most famous caterers in the country, he is so so nice! Really. Truly. Consider him for a party - you will love working with him and his wonderful team. If you have not yet picked up a copy of BITE BY BITE, it would be perfect for holiday entertaining or for the hostess on your gift list. 

A few images of his work:

Let's get down to the interview, shall we?

How did you get in to catering?
My first wife convinced me to leave Wall Street (and all the money) and open a take out food shop in the Pennsylvania county side. Luckily, I had enough sense to go back to wall street, pigs in a blanket in hand...

Two "must haves" when you entertain at home?
A martini shaker and my wife with her naughty friends!

What is your greatest extravagance?
Aspen for Christmas, it's the only time of year I truly get away.

Two famous people you would love to have at your next dinner party?
Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison

A few hot entertaining trends that you think are fantastic?
Anything original. I view a trend as what people copy of someone's original ideas...

And a few that you could leave behind?
Loose the "I'm best friends with my farmer" motif.

Two things you can't live without?
Has to be three: my wife, son and daughter.

The best party you ever attended and why?
My 50th Birthday Party. It was a complete surprise with fifty of my favorite friends and at one table.

With the holidays season upon us, what is your favorite holiday tradition?
Christmas Eve at Ajax Tavern in Aspen. It's everything a holiday winter dinner should be...

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That my wife does all the cooking at home which is how I stay thin!

Thanks, Peter!

You're Invited to the Party...

Grab a cocktail and come join me at THE ENCHANTED HOME for my tips on holiday entertaining. 

Holiday Party Tips - Chinoiserie Chic

Pour yourself a cocktail (or a cup of coffee) and enjoy some tips on holiday party entertaining from my next stylish guest Beth of CHINOISERIE CHIC.

Best Source For Holiday Party Inspiration

Nobody decks the halls for the holidays better than Martha and her team at MARTHA STEWART. There is always great inspiration for holiday parties and holiday decorating. 

Favorite Holiday Cocktail for Serving Guests

A Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail RECIPE

Favorite Party You Attend Every Holiday Season

A masked cocktail party - Beth is searching for a black lace mask like Audrey Hepburn's in How to Steal a Million. Last year Beth wore a Venetian mask. How fabulous!

Best Hostess Gift for Under the Tree

A beautiful orchid is always a welcome gift. To make it even more special, present it in a blue and white Chinese porcelain cachepot. 

Find one HERE.

Best Holiday Tunes For Entertaining

The new Christmas CD by MICHAEL BUBLE joins the ranks of Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis for truly wonderful holiday music.

Favorite Holiday Tradition

High tea at an elegant hotel that is all decorated for the holidays!

Top Photo: Tiny White Daisies and Bottom Photo: Chic Galleria

Christmas Cookies - Peppermint Meringues

In the spirit of true confessions, I love to cook and entertain, but I don't love to bake. But these Peppermint Meringues are so festive and simple I may put on an apron and give them a try! RECIPE

Bottom Image: Christmas Your Way