SLIM CHANCE

A little holiday fun...Rita Aarons, wife of iconic photographer Slim Aarons, is shown lounging in her over the top Christmas decorated swimming pool in the Hollywood Hills. (circa 1954). I love her carefree spirit! She was obviously much further along on her holiday decor and gifting then I am this year. In fact, there's a very slim chance I'll have a free moment before the 25th, how about you?

  I love Anne Taintor's vintage inspired cocktails napkins--saucy and slightly wicked, perfect for a holiday cocktail!

Have a great weekend!

TASTE: ONE POTATO, TWO POTATO

I'm obsessed with potato pancakes in much the same way that some foodies focus on finding the perfect chocolate truffle (ok, I'm obsessed with chocolate truffles too). My fascination began years ago when I was  introduced to the Swiss potato rosti served at a Gstaad ski resort. The perfectly cooked potato pancake was the size of a plate, a gorgeous golden brown and came with a mound of thinly sliced smoked salmon and cream--yes, it was totally indulgent but I told myself that I would work it off on the slopes! The mini potato pancake has become one of my favorite holiday hors d'oeuvres, perfect for a Hanukkah celebration or Christmas cocktails and they are incredible easy to make. When they are cooked correctly the pancakes are creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside, a delicate balance of salt and yummy potato. Warning--these are totally addictive!

Perfect Potato Pancakes

2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes 

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

vegetable oil for frying

1. Using a grater or a food processor coarsely grate the potatoes. Place potatoes in a fine-mesh strainer or tea towel and really squeeze out all the water over a bowl.

2. Heat a non-stick pan and coat with a thin film of vegetable oil. Take about 2 tablespoons of the dried potatoes in the palm of your hand and flatten as best you can. Place the potato mixture in the pan, flatten with a large spatula, and fry for a few minutes until golden. Flip the pancake over and brown the other side. Remove to paper towels to drain. Serve immediately. Yields 2 dozen small pancakes. (You can also freeze the potato pancakes and crisp them up in a 350-degree oven at a later time.)

Serve with smoked salmon, sour cream and chives, apple sauce or horseradish cream.

Horseradish Cream

1 cup of sour cream

1 tablespoon lemon

1 tablespoon horseradish

salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients and serve.

A BERGDORF GOODMAN HOLIDAY

When I'm looking for holiday inspiration or the perfect hostess gift,  I head to the seventh floor of Bergdorf Goodman--the store's fabled home floor where rooms of one of a kind Hotel silver share space with antique china, sterling silver and hand blown crystal. During the Holiday season, enchanting tablescapes that speak to the season are found throughout the floor-- glamorous black tie fetes, casual Christmas morning brunches and a country dinner party are just a few of the scenes imagined this year. 

 The first tablescape featured a rustic wood table topped with antler candlesticks (a reoccurring theme) beautiful gold rimmed plates and flatware and faux throw pillows for that luxe Aspen chalet feeling.

Gorgeous serving trays, plates and bowls from designer L'Object made the table shine.

A pair of custom antler chairs upholstered in a bright Tartan are rustic chic.

 This tablescape is set for a glamorous dinner party with stunning gold and silver touches. Even the ballroom chairs have been dipped in gold and backed with luxurious silk pillows. 

If you are looking for a one of a kind piece of silver, there is no better place to shop then BG's 7th floor!

 The centerpiece of this nature inspired table is a massive antler candelabra surrounded by simple pine cones and fresh berries. 

A Match pewter charger is surrounded by antique enamel flatware and scenic dinnerware.

Yummy chocolate Santa for under the tree

Last minute hostess gifts!

 Spectacular decor on the main floor

How do you like to decorate you holiday table?

SO GLAMOROUS-RALPH LAUREN HOLIDAY WINDOWS

A winter wonderland Ralph Lauren style means gossamer silk sheaths, ostrich feather shrugs and buckets of champagne, definitely my kind party!

 The mansion's holiday windows were unveiled earlier this week- gorgeous vignettes dusted with snow and styled with a nod to the glamorous galas of the past. Each window is swoon worthy.

please excuse the window glare!

The Holiday Collection line features several looks that evoke the vintage glamour found in the holiday windows-each interpreted exquisitely for the modern woman.

 Hand beaded cashmere dress, perfect for cocktails.

Cap sleeved embellished blouse tops pleated satin trousers 

My personal favorite- A white shearling bomber jacket tops a floor skimming satin skirt

The Mansion festooned with garland and lights-

Happy weekend everyone!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We're on our way to my sister's home in Philadelphia this morning and I told her I would bring flowers for the table. You know my penchant for all things inspired by nature, so I'm going to surprise her with a vase bursting with... stunning plumes! Bold and dramatic, pheasant feathers can be purchased online--simply fill a beautiful vase  and you are perfectly plumed for the holidays! 

All things feathered and fabulous can be found here

These branch vases bring a touch of nature indoors and pair beautifully with feathers.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I'm so thankful for your visits and comments. They mean so much to me. Wishing you all a lovely holiday!

CHIC HOLIDAY DINING FOR TWO OR TWELVE

"Absolutely, bring your friend," I said to my cousin the day before Thanksgiving. I nervously looked over my climbing guest list. With very limited space (NYC apartment) and a growing list, I wasn't sure if some guests would be forced to eat in the hall closet by the time Thanksgiving rolled around. That was years ago, and while I'm a firm believer in the "more is merrier" adage, there is now a chic alternative to seating at a lowly metal folding table. Italian design house Ozzio has developed a series of gorgeous console tables that feature a telescopic mechanism and three extension leaves which allows the console to convert to dining for 12 in moments. With several sleek and modern tables in the line to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect one to seat your guests in style this holiday season.

BUZZ ON HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING

There's a buzz around Gotham-can you hear it too?  The Barney's window is ready for the holidays (more to come on that) skaters are making their way around the rink at Rockefeller Center and thousands of white lights seem to have appeared on the city trees virtually overnight--the holidays are unofficially here! There's no better time to start making your gift list, and with that in mind the stylish Tina of The Enchanted Home has rounded up some of her blogger friends for their go-to gifts for friends and family. I was delighted to be asked for my holiday fav's and found some fabulous inspiration too (boozy olives, needlepoint flasks....) There's lots to love so go on over to Tina's and get in the holiday spirit! 

I am loving this monogrammed flask ,one of Kate at Party Resources picks!

Cheers!

LEXINGTON GARDENS, HOLIDAY READY

It's here. The holiday season is settling into the city with its usual spirited blast; the Rockefeller Christmas tree rolled in from NJ yesterday, Ralph Lauren's dazzling holiday windows are ready for the big weekend reveal and one of my favorite neighborhood shops, Lexington Gardens, is brimming with sophisticated holiday decor and trimmings. I'm in holiday nirvana!

Lexington Gardens has their windows holiday ready with a beautiful display of exquisite dried flower arrangements designed by co-owner Michael Walter. From unusual tree trimming decor items to exotic fresh flowers and antique decorative garden objects, there's a lot to like in this jewel of a shop.

The nature inspired tree is a show-stopper. Silver painted plant fronds and shimmery abalone shell wreaths are so glamorous.  

Small glass jelly jars are ready for votives

Oyster shells strung on twine become beachy garland

Fan coral, shells and starfish--

it's gorgeous!

The shops silvery storefront

I love this eclectic display-alligator magnifying glasses, bone handled serving pieces, all great gifts!