Available in silver or in smoke, the Victorian style handblown tree ornaments fit well into the glamorous feel of the 2009 Christmas. Crackling or diamond faceting on every ornament produces light-catching sparkle. Plus, an antiqued-brass cap adds an authentic finishing touch. Their price is already slightly reduced.

Gift Ideas for Him

Home decor is often tailored about her. But I see a trend towards the traditional gentleman club style. If  you look for gifts that would fit into a traditional library or his office, start with those:

+ You can turn the steel screws with the wooden handles to adjust the width of the Vise Bookends $69 USD for the pair
+ For the proud grandparents, add a framed picture of your family with the Metal Easels. Small $69 large $89
+  Fans of the popular word games will appreciate the Scrabble Premier Collector Edition. A raised grid holds tiles in place. The built-in drawer stores the tiles and tile racks, a timer, the rule book, a score pad and a pencil. $159 USD.

20% off on everything from Nov. 12-16, 2009

Wait a couple of days since from Thursday, November 12 through Monday, November 16, shoppers can receive a 20% off discount for Restoration Hardware and Restoration Hardware Baby & Child merchandise.  Discount code for catalog and web orders: FFS2009.

SOURCING:
+ Silver or Smoke Vintage Handblown Ornaments $19 USD for 4 large  or $25 for 8 small ornaments
+ Red or Gold Vintage Handblown Ornaments $19-$25

You might also like these posts

These personalized gift tags would be perfect for your holiday baked goodies. I particularly like the snowflake. Pretty Smitten sells them on etsy. You choose the icon, the color and the font.

+ Pretty Smitten Holiday – Rectangular Gift/Favor Tags with Personalized Winter Motifs $9 for 12 tags

You might also like these posts

It is that type of the year again: I love Christmas cards. To help you make your choice, I will feature my favorite cards for the next 4 weeks. After the Holiday cards for a cause, I went for mod and snowy.

+ The Mod Holiday series proposes 4 illustrations: a tree, a gift, a wreath and baubles. I like the 4 equally.

+ Red Mittens
+ Snow Dude

Holiday cards at Feterie cost $24 for a set of 8 or $4 if you only buy one card.

You might also like these posts

The way I decorate for Christmas has changed a lot over the years. The cool Christmas looks are miles away from what Christmas decorations were when I was a kid.

It is evident when we look at these pictures. In fact, the top picture constitutes a good example of the Comfort trend, one of the 4 Holiday decor trends for 2009. I love it!

Over the last few years, nature plays a big element in my Holiday decorations. This year, you could show that you care for the planet by getting decorations from 100% natural and recycled materials. A stylish collection is the one designed by David Stark for West Elm.

On my wish list are the Lupis twine trees and the sparkly decor wreath. The trees are available in a table version and a floor version. You do not need to add a lot to make an impact. See how adding a simple ribbon and a few Christmas baubles enhances the overall look.

MORE:
+ David Stark Natural Weave Tree 2 foot $24, 6 foot $99
+ David Stark Sparkly Décor Wreath $59

You might also like these posts

I selected these cute Holiday cards because they carry a good message while serving a cause. First from designer Bonnie Marcus, I like:

+ The Imagine Peace card (Have a peaceful holiday) was designed in collaboration with Nell Merlino, author & founder of “Take Our Daughters to Work Day”. A portion of the proceeds from this card will benefit Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources, business education and community support for women owned businesses. $37.50 USD for 25 cards and envelops

+ The World Peace card is a design done with Cindy Crawford, model and activist. A portion of the proceeds from this card will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, whose mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. $37.50 USD for 25 cards and envelops

Moderne Motive

Then, I selected a series of holiday cards printed 100% post-consumer cover stock with 100% post-consumer Brown Bag Kraft envelopes. I cannot decide which drawings of Moderne Motive I like the best between:

+ Set of 8 Holiday Trees $12.50 USD on etsy
+ Set of 12 Joy and Peace Reindeer $18 USD

You might also like these posts

Every year, Christmasworld dedicated a section of their fair to 4 trends that represent customers’ desires according to style expert. The general theme for Christmas 2009-2010 is “Express your dreams”. It is declined in 4 decorating trends: Airy, Sweet, Comfort and Obsession. Each trend also represents a season. So feel free to be inspired by the Comfort decor theme to decorate at Thanksgiving.

Airy = Spring

Airy is characterized by lightness and transparency. It feels romantic in a modern way. Soft pastel colours, blurred motifs and fluid structures lure the observer into a fairylike fantasy world. Plenty of glass vases, baubles and crystal are a must.

The colour parameters are created by chalky pastels ranging from cream to pink and pale grey, all combined with lots of white. Transparent, translucent materials are as light as the colors.

Sweet = Summer

Sweet is the most feminine decor. It is unusual to see pink floral patterns at Christmas. Do not be afraid to use a multicolor palette. This decor feels fresh and girly with a hint of kitsch. The milky palette extends from sand, aqua and turquoise to violet, lime and slate grey. Materials include plastic, varnish and porcelain, tulle and satin ribbons. Surface are over-sugared, candied and glazed.

For me, this decor screams more bridal showers and tea parties than Christmas. For that reason, I am not sure about it as a good Christmas theme. On the other end, you will probably reuse most of decorative elements the rest of the year.

Comfort = Autumn

Comfort is an evolution of the birch bark, the deer and the natural theme that was popular on the last two years. Comfort plays with contrasts in textures, materials and styles. Make sure to include pieces made with natural materials. Feel free to oppose modern style objects with driftwood. A must are the touches of red or orange to enliven the decor.

Comfort is the only trend that is sure to appeal to both genders. I guess that it will be theme used by Boyd Ferguson (re: modern rustic kitchen).

Obsession = Winter

This is by far the most glamourous decor for Christmas. I see Obsession as the next wave of the Hollywood Glamour theme. You mix metallic colors. Quartz pink and mauve lighten up mahogany, aubergine, violet and gold. I am impress with the lilac against the silver and gold. It might be something I try this year. You will need to look for curved lines, ornate objects, luxurious materials and fabrics like velvet and silk to reproduce the Obsession look.

MORE:
+ via Christmasworld

You might also like these posts

The classic margarita recipe is hard to beat. No frozen margarita and no mix for me. The margarita recipe is so simple to make that you must rely on the real ingredients.

Before I gave you my classic recipe, it is important to talk about the do and don’t of the margarita. It is necessary because this drink has been damaged over the years.

• The original recipe called for Cointreau, which is a premium Triple Sec. And yes, you will taste the difference in the margarita since there is only 3 ingredients in a real margarita.
• The sweetness comes from the premium orange liquor, typically Cointreau. Try to avoid the basic Triple Sec. I ordered mine with Grand Marnier. Therefore, there is no need to add simple syrup in the original recipe.
• Go for a sliver agave tequila. A classic margarita is not made with aged tequila, so avoid the Reposado.  I prefer the taste of the Patrón silver
• Do not pour ice from the shaker into the glass, put fresh ice cubes in the glass.
• The classic recipe uses ice cubes; leave the crushed ice to the frozen margarita.

Making the Classic Margarita

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz 100% agave silver tequila
• 3/4 oz Cointreau
• Juice of 1/2 lime, freshly squeezed
• Kosher salt on the rim – I recommend Kosher because it is less salty

Pour the liquids in a shaker with lots of ice. Shake until he ingredients are well blended. Strain into a lightly salt rimmed old-fashioned glass on the rock. You can also serve your margarita on a margarita glass or a cocktail glass.

If you wish to see my reactions when I taste an incredible margarita, watch this video we took at Taqueria Canonita in Las Vegas last year.

Three twists on the Margarita recipes developed by Patrón:

Masters Margarita

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz. (15ml) Patrón Citrónge
• 1 1/2 oz. (35ml) Patrón Silver
• Fresh ginger
• 1 lime
• Dash of bitters
• 2 tpsb. honey

In a mixing glass, muddle the juice of one lime with a slice of fresh ginger; add the remaining ingredients, fill with ice, and double-strain into a chilled coupette/margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

See also:

• Platinum Margarita mix limes and lemon in larger portion. Therefore some simple syrup is necessary to balance the drink
• Primo Margarita

For Cinco de Mayo, try to rediscover the original Mexican recipes. Forget the Tex-Mex and serve instead a tasty ceviche with cilantro.

SOURCING:
+ More tequila-based cocktails, see Patron
+ Rosle Fruit Muddle/ Caipirinha Pestle $19.95 USD at Amazon.com
+ Top image: 4 cocktails from Taqueria Canonita

You might also like these posts

The tradition continues. I am showing you my Christmas tablescapes. Last night theme was built around winter wilderness. Since we celebrated Christmas Eve at the ski cottage, that theme fits the surroundings.

The Making of My Theme

A special thank to Canadian Tire for giving me several accessories to make my table come true. The rest of the table was assembled with items from last year’s tablescapes (see also). My idea was to illustrate how you can update your table by replacing a few elements. I like to create vignette for my centerpiece.

The Christmas theme dinnerware set was bought many years ago. It is a classic at our holiday table. I reused my birch cachepots, the pinecones, and the bauble place card holders of last year. The red tablecloth and napkin set was bought two or three years ago. Canadian Tire donated two birch pillar candles, the rustic winterscape lanterns, the two brown twig trees, and the black aluminum reindeer.

A last minute find was the red wood pieces, discovered at an art craft store. There were some natural wood pieces. I think the natural wood would have been nicer. I forgot that the tablecloth was red when I bought the wood pieces.

I like to put snow under my centerpiece. I mixed two kinds of artificial snow for a more realistic effect. On the bottom, I dropped a white paper snow. On the top, I sprinkled a more icy type of artificial snow. I enjoyed the glittering effect. The lanterns were hanged with fishing line on the existing pendants.

Christmas crackers add fun during dinner. Ours came from Neiman Marcus. Crackers add a festive touch to the table.

I have fun styling my table. It is almost time to prepare the Christmas dinner table. I will improvise the table theme; I am still undecided. Tonight’s menu is the traditional turkey ragout with a piece of tourtière (i.e. French-Canadian meat pie) and homemade ketchup.

You might also like these posts

Adding one or two items can freshen up your typical Christmas table scheme. I found  those items at Crate and Barrel and there is a few hours left to order online.

The red knitted Flatware Mittens are cute. Kids will love those. The kids can even help you dress up the table.

A new tablecloth can completely change the style of your table. I prefer using a Holiday tablecloth with my usual entertaining dinnerware set. I like the modern botanical pattern in shades of red and black on a vibrant cranberry background. Marimekko also produces the pattern in shades of silver and cream on a crisp white ground.

A hot chocolate is one of most enjoyable pleasure of winter. Make sure to have a good provision for the Christmas brunch or to serve your stay over guests before bedtime. Add a Peppermint Spoon with your hot chocolate or coffee for an added attention.

I bought the glass Bodum Chocolatière last year. It works well. The white porcelain Bodum Chocolatière looks even better. You must call a store for availability of the Bodum Chocolatière since the online store is out of stock.

Shipping Information

Last Day to Order for Christmas

• noon CT December 22 for standards and 2-Day Express
• 11:00 a.m. CT December 23 for Next Day Express

SOURCING:
+ Flatware Mittens on sale at $11.95 USD for 4
+ Marimekko Lumimarja Tablecloth and Napkin from $6.95 to $109
+ Double Chocolate/Holiday Cocoa on sale at $1.95 – $5.50 USD
+ Bodum Chocolatière on sale at $29.95 USD
+ Peppermint Spoons $9.95 for a set of 8 spoons (4 red, 4 white)

You might also like these posts

I say brilliant because these recipes add panache to any dinner party yet they are uncomplicated to make. Let’s start by two Christmas ideas by food and interior stylist Paul Lowe of Sweet Paul.

+ Dress up the classic cheese dessert platter by dishing a whole Brie or Camembert with a couple of splashes of lavender honey and dried figs. Photo by Colin Cooke. Via Sweet Paul

+ This tasty recipe of Brussels sprouts is made in the oven. I made a French recipe with Brussels sprouts and bacon. Paul proposes Brussels sprouts with pancetta and almonds. I wrote it down on future dishes to cook. Photo by Frances Janisch.

+ Canapés pair well with a glass of Champagne. Like I said in my previous post, excellent sparkling wines can rival the taste of Champagne. I love Champagne and I feel they should be included in any celebrations. Elise of Simply Recipes shares her Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Toasts. Her recipe makes about 40 pieces. Several steps can be prepared a few days ahead. The lemon strip satisfies your eyes and your mouth.

+ Gifts do not only go under the Christmas tree. Get inspired by how The French Laundry set up a gift tower at their dessert station. Via Daily Feed

You might also like these posts

The perfect host welcomes her guests with a drink as soon as they remove their coat. Anytime you cater to a large group the easiest solution is to prepare a batch of a signature drink.

Serving a punch is ideal. Punch is making a come back with delicious new tastes. Simply put a family member in charge of filling the glasses while you are greeting the guests at the door.

I featured three festive punch recipes. My favorite is the Sparkling Punch from the SAQ, Quebec’s liquor board stores. I am sorry for not showing a picture of this orange concoction. I am stuck in a snowstorm and I forgot my USB cable to transfer pictures from my camera.

Sparkling Punch

Source: Tchin Tchin Winter 2008-2009

Ingredients:

• 4 oz (125 ml) brandy
• 4 oz (125 ml) orange liqueur, use Cointreau or Grand Marnier
• 8 cups (2 l) pineapple juice
• 2 oz (60 ml) cranberry syrup
• A bottle (750 ml) of sparkling wine

I recommend a Californian sparkling wine made by a French Champagne house. You get the same taste than Champagne at a  fraction of the price. The Roederer Brut Anderson Valley is sublime.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl filled with ice cubes, combine Clementine wedges, sliced or diced pineapples and cranberries. There should be plenty of fruits, imagine a sangria.
2. Combine all the ingredients
3. Serve in champagne flutes garnished with fruits

Christmas Punch Recipe

Source: Espace Cocktail – Make: 12 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 oz (180 ml) cognac or brandy
• 3 oz (90 ml) citrus liqueur
• 3 oz (90 ml) white rum
• 8 oz (250 ml) pineapple juice
• 8 oz (250 ml) grapefruit juice
• 17 oz (500 ml) orange juice
• 1 2/3 tablespoons (50 ml) sugar
• 1 bottle (750 ml) of sparkling wine
• Pineapple slices

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except the sparkling wine in a punch bowl
2. Refrigerate for 2 hours
3. Add ice cubes and the chilled sparkling wine immediately before serving
4. Serve in an old-fashioned glass and garnish with a pineapple slice

Roska Punch

Source: Espace Cocktail – Make: 12 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) rosé wine
• 3 oz (90 ml) vodka
• 1 oz (30 ml) citrus liqueur
• 8 oz (250 ml) cranberry juice
• 8 oz (250 ml) lemon soda
• 8 oz (250 ml) fresh cranberries
• 8 oz (250 ml) honeydew, diced or in balls
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in a large punch bowl.
2. Serve in old-fashioned glasses containing a few ice cubes and some fruits.

Modern Cocktail

Source: Espace Cocktail – Make: 12 servings

If you are into litchi, ginger ale and rum, prepare the Modern Cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 15 oz (450 ml) white rum
• 10 oz (300 ml) litchi liqueur
• 10 oz (300 ml) peach liqueur
• 12 oz (360 ml) orange juice
• 24 oz (720 ml) white cranberry juice
• 24 oz (720 ml) ginger ale
• 2 1/2 oz (75 ml) lemon juice
• 1 lemon cut into slices
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl with a deep bed of the ice cubes.
2. Serve in an old-fashioned glass with a few ice cubes and garnish with a slice of lemon.

Savor and drink responsibly!

You might also like these posts

Traditional Christmas decorations look more and more sophisticated while keeping a crafty touch. These British decoration ideas look hip.

Holiday Stockings

I feel in The Netherlands admiring the fireplace mantel. You know that I have a thing for Scandinavian theme. From Living etc. January 2009 issue. Show here are felt stockings and knitted stockings from two UK retailers.

Christmas Wall Decorations

My favorite British blogger Wee Birdy discovered this impressive wall Christmas tree. Dutch graphic designer Jane Schouter of All the Luck in the World cleverly imagined this wall tree. Jane made the tree with useless but pretty objects she collected over the years. It is time to start collecting. See more photos on Flickr.

I love this set of 3 Bevelled Mirrored Stars from Graham and Green. It looks as great for Christmas or a New Year’s party. £87.10

SOURCING:
+ Red Felt Stocking £10 at House of Fraser
+ Intasia knitted stockings at John Lewis £8 for 2

You might also like these posts