Good Morning Darlings!
Today, I am letting Chef Linnea Johansson take the wheel and give us some tips on holiday entertaining! Enjoy!
Christmas
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What to Pair With That Holiday Dish?
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011Skating Through The Holidays
Friday, November 11th, 2011Good Morning Darlings!
It’s almost Thanksgiving and then you have to get ready for the onslaught of parties and family gatherings in December.
Party at the Big House
Wednesday, January 5th, 2011Good Morning Darlings!
Before the new year we went to the annual holiday party given by Calvin and Steve at their fabulous loft. It is always a wonderful time and we always meet the most fun people. This year’s guests included a designer for Kate Spade from New York and a former news anchor. Fun!
The Big House's Big Tree
This past year the loft played host to the cast of The Vampire Diaries, where they filmed for a few weeks.
Come on in for more Big House Fun
Last Minute Gifts
Friday, December 24th, 2010Good Morning Darlings!
Oops! One more day til Santa comes. Are you ready? How about a few tips?
Here’s a little stocking stuffer from my sweet friend Char Thian at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. A little giggle inducing, but wow – what a gift!
o Behind the Velvet Rope: Velvet Massage, Behind the Velvet Rope Shopping Experience at New Orleans’ oldest men’s clothier and Club Level Accommodations. $549 USD
o Crescent City Comeback: Voluntourism Activity or Donation, Spa Day and Club Level Accommodations. $1,100 USD
o Lundi Gras Ride of a Lifetime: Unforgettable ride of a lifetime for two couples in Harry Connick, Jr.’s annual Krewe of Orpheus parade the day before Mardi Gras. $59,500 USD
o Sportsman’s Paradise: Two guests will enjoy a limo ride to a helicopter and then enjoy a charter fishing excursion in the Gulf of Mexico. Chef Murphy will prepare your catch of the day (Louisiana seafood) at the Chef’s Table in the kitchen of M bistro. $21,000 USD
Okay, that might be a bit much, so how about a gift certificate to Lunacy Black Market, where Chef Paul Luna is treating everyone to $10 Pasta Sunday?
Chef Paul Luna has been hankering to offer risotto and/or pasta in an all-you-care-to-eat environment. The catch? It’s totally at his pace and his pleasure, and you lend yourselves to being our guests for the afternoon/evening. With Risotto and/or Pasta priced under $10 and select menu items at their “criminally low” levels you can leave Lunacy feeling like a stuffed goose without busting the bank!
For the foodies on your list – I would suggest a gift certificate from Cook’s Warehouse. They have everything, including classes.
And my favorite of the year – a subscription to Book Swim. I’m telling you, this will get you some serious love.
If you are just reading this and all done with your shopping, well, goodie for you. You have some time to read this hilarious article from Gawker.com
Today blogging to James Taylor – Mexico
Christmas Tree Mat
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010Good Morning Darlings!
Have you gotten your tree yet? Or are you one of the types that waits until Christmas Eve to dress your house? If so, I have a treat for you.
The Christmas Tree Mat keeps your floors safe and scratch free. I asked besties Crystal and Teague to be the test subjects for this product since we didn’t put up a tree this year. Teague reported that it was swell. Made for easy moving and didn’t scratch up their lovely hardwoods. Teague also said it was very absorbent – doesn’t get the floor all wet when you go to water your tree. And it was the perfect size for adding the tree skirt.
It’s also reversible, with red on one side and green on the other. Super! And it is available at many hardware stores including Ace, Lowes and The Home Depot.
Wouldn’t it be fab not to worry about scratching and getting water all over your floors or carpet? This is just for you!
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Aretha Franklin – Oh Christmas Tree
How Does Palm Beach Sound?
Tuesday, December 21st, 2010Good Morning Darlings!
Still haven’t decided where you should go for Christmas? You suddenly have some time off and want to warm up?
I have just the thing for you!! Our dear friend Christine DiRocco has just informed me of a last minute getaway to Palm Beach (you can read how fab it is here). It is WARM there darlings! You could pack your bikini and sarong and be there in 2 hours from Atlanta. Let The Ritz-Carlton handle everything once you arrive. Tired? You have got to try those otherworldly beds. I am not kidding. You will sleep like a baby. A tired baby. And awake a happy beach babe.
Lets get all the deets from sweet Christine:
?
PALM BEACH, Fla., December 20, 2010—The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach partners with Mother Nature this holiday week for gloriously warm and sunny weather for celebrating Christmas, New Year’s and 2011. The holiday spirit in South Florida rang loudly with chilly weather and a blast of the North Pole this past week, but the magic of sunny Palm Beach returns with swaying palm trees, splashy waves and balmy temps!
Take a vacation from the cold, wintry weather of early December – grab your bikini, significant other and leave your jacket and gloves behind! Melt into the holidays Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach style and experience the barefoot elegance of our oceanfront resort.
Our Escape the Chill Package provides holiday cheer with:
- Overnight accommodations starting at $619, based on double occupancy
- Warm welcome amenity upon arrival; hot chocolate, hot toddy, tea or coffee
- (2) 60-minute Eau Spa by Cornelia treatments in a Couple’s Villa.
Select from: Self-Centered Massage or Signature Essence Facial per night stay
- All day garden access to swings, dipping pools, Eau Zone and Bath Lounge
Soak in the sun, hang out for the holidays and leave your winter worries behind. Escape the Chill rates start at $619 USD based on double occupancy. For more information and to plan your holiday escape or to make reservations, please call (561) 533-6000 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/palmbeach.
Good heavens – Eau Spa is like nothing you have ever experienced. I would not steer you wrong.
And Santa knows you have been so good this year. Treat yourself.
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to The First Class – Beach Baby
Fun Find Friday-CSN – Cool, Super, New!
Friday, December 17th, 2010Good Morning Darlings!
Well, I’m not sure what CSN stands for, but they have everything! From leather messenger bags to large appliances and everything in between. And, they have been so kind to offer one of my adorable readers a $65 gift card to use as you wish. Merry Christmas!! Just leave a comment and I will pick a winner on Monday, so you don’t have too wait long.
Lets take a look at some of the goodies (one for you, one for me! and maybe one as a gift…or not, your choice).
I know it’s cold outside, but how about pretending it’s spring inside with this gorgeous robin egg’s blue pasta bowl by iitala Teema?
iitala's Teema Pasta Bowl - $17.00
And to feel uber chic while sipping soup, hot chocolate or a late afternoon latte, how about this fabulous set of 6 Venice Soup Cups by Ten Strawberry Street?
Pretend you are Sophia Loren and look super glam. Set of 6, $38.94
Oh, I know you will love this next one. Again, from Ten Strawberry Street, these black and white striped cereal bowls will have you clamoring to eat the most important meal of the day. Love love love!
Set of 6, $38.74. Um, Santa, are you listening?
And for those of you throwing a little ‘do at the homestead for New Year’s Eve, how about an electric fondue set? You don’t have to worry about the little candle going out and gooping up all your cheese. Or chocolate. I don’t judge. This one is from Cuisinart, so you know it’s going to be swell.
Cuisinart Electric Fondue Set $54.95
Did you know that tradition dictates that if you drop something into the fondue you must kiss every guest of the opposite sex at the party or buy them the next round of drinks? Isn’t that a fun fact?
Okay, my sweeties, comment away. I can’t believe I’m giving this away and not keeping it for myself, but that’s how much I love you.
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Mariah Carey – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Christmas Party 2010
Monday, December 13th, 2010Good Morning Darlings!
I’m sitting at the kitchen table in my red flannel pajamas, watching dreamily as snow flurries outside the window like sprinkles of white glitter, still basking in the glow of Saturday night’s party.
If you were not here, I wish you could have been. Because, if I do say so myself, it was astounding. Truly. But I cannot take credit for it all. First, I must thank Holland, our balloon designer for turning our house into a twinkling wonderland of lights and ribbons and balloons.
How about a peek?
Guest Post – Feast of the Seven Fishes
Wednesday, December 8th, 2010Good Morning Darlings!
Today’s post comes from my friend, Chip Ivie, who told me of a supper club he belongs to. They recently got together to create a Feast of the Seven Fishes, which fascinated me. Chip was very sweet to write up and send me all the details. This sounds like the perfect way to involve all your friends in a special dinner.
Celebrating With Richard
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010Good Morning Darlings!
I hope your holiday party calendar is full this season. Mine certainly is. Party, Party, Party! Last week Eric and I went to a party here. Truly giggle inducing. It’s not everyday you get invited to a $10 million dollar house just to party. It is an evening we will not forget.
Another party I will hold dear in my Christmas memories this year is Richard’s Christmas party last Friday night. It was so much fun! Yummy appetizers, delightful beverages and some of the coolest people. It was a swell time.
The perfect time for my red hat!
We exchanged stories, sang and filled up on tasty fare that my sweet friend Richard slaved over all day long. Marvelous bruschetta, mini quiches and all sorts of treats. There were friends I already knew (Patricia, Jay, Barry and Kathy), along with brand new friends, Ricardo, Michael, Jamie, Kris, Sonny, Alexis and Bria – all super fabulous.
Sharing a hug with Kathy and Barry.
Not only is Richard an insanely talented photographer and stylist, but an incredible host as well. We had so much fun and were so tickled to be invited.
And aren’t friends the best gift of all? Priceless.
A very happy and stylish group of friends!
xoxo, Patti
Today, blogging to Dionne Warwick and Friends – That’s What Friends Are For