Gift Guide 2013, Part II

To set them apart from the rest, letterpress calling cards from Mandate Press. (photo)

For the stocking, matte nail polish. (photo)

For the chic minimalist, bronze necklace from Bario Neal.

For the perpetual hostess, Irish linen cocktail napkins. 

Whiskey  is always a good option to go with those napkins.

For the ever expanding library, books never fail. 

Christmas Party Planning

I'm hosting a Christmas Party this weekend, something I've been wanting to do for years.  I can't wait to get the house clean, decorated, and full of good smells.  My parents are coming to town and bringing a home-made traditional English Christmas cake, soaked with lots of brandy, which also serves as a birthday cake for my dad.  I'll serve mulled wine, a sparkling punch, crostini, and most importantly, heaping bowls of red beans and rice with cornbread that we can eat while surrounded by sparkly lights or by the warm fire outside. 

Some of my inspiration for the party below...

Photos:

decorated hearth / garland wrapped doorway

mulled wine / orange, ginger, rosemary punch

ricotta and pear crostini / bacon and jam crostini

Gramercy Tavern ginger cake / traditional English Christmas cake

2013 Gift Guide*

 

 For the one you want to sail away with, a ship that flies.

For the new family: a custom Memory game made from their Instagram/Facebook photos.

  For keeping those toes warm, classic slippers from Beans.

For the stylish girls, a hand knit hat with wool from Swan's Island, Maine.

 For your dad's banjo collection, custom wall hooks.

For the stylish cook, a Hedley and Bennett apron.

For the brother who used to count dead armadillos with you during road trips in the south,  

a stuffed one for the couch.

For the nature loving crafter, a cyanotype silk scarf kit.

For big sips of warmth, these Bennington Pottery original mugs designed by David Gil.

For the hostess with a green thumb, a medinilla plant.

* Please note that this is not necessarily a wishlist ;)

Christmas Eve

It's early Christmas Eve, and my cat is resting her head on my arm as I type.  I got up at 7 to hear the live broadcast of Lessons and Carols from King's College, and it was accompanied by the patter of rain outside and the occasional scrub jay squawk.  While my teapot brewed, I lit some candles, turned on the tree, and checked the status of my paper white bulbs on the mantel (happily sprouting).

Later today, we will make some anise candy, prepare for tomorrow's feast, and then head out for some Chinese dumplings.  Tomorrow we celebrate with Grandma Cooper rolls, good coffee, presents, and a walk in the nearby hills before we sit down to Christmas Dinner.  

Wishing you a Christmas of quiet moments and full hearts.

Paper white presents

It's the last week of work before Christmas.  A few weeks ago I prepared some vintage pots with paper white bulbs and pebbles, and set them aside for later.  Now there are little green shoots emerging, and they are ready to be passed out to my coworkers so they can enjoy the intoxicating white blooms in the New Year.

I am regretting not doing something as simple as the yogurt jars above -- the roots are almost as pretty as the flowers themselves.  I'll be tucking that idea away for next year.

Top photo from Frolic.  
Bottom photo from Ted and Debbie.

Winter Wreaths

I am always late to decorate for Christmas, and am just starting to think about what to do this year.  Wreaths are an important component of my holiday.  There have been some lovelies this year, wild and gnarly and dripping with greens like the one above by Amy Merrick.  Here are a few others for inspiration:

Big beautiful wreath made by my very talented Uncle Pete (aka Robie) in Maryland.

 The two above are from Saipua, from whom I would expect nothing less than extraordinary. 

And the classic LL Bean wreath that magically appears on our doorstep every December (thanks Jean).  It smells like heaven and Maine, and is a warm welcome hanging on our screen door. 

My Holiday Treats

With no homework to do, I've taken to baking almost every night.  When my mother was visiting, we made jars and jars of hard candy.  Last night and tonight, I made gingerbread for my coworkers, wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.  It's much nicer than a Starbucks card!

Peppermint meringues are in the oven as I type.  I won't need any help in eating those.