Holiday Entertaining

I like to ensure every detail when hosting a party at home.  I like to make my guests feel special.  I have hosted dinner parties with name cards for each of my guests.  I use table decor that is not too grandiose so that my guests can see each other from across the table and they are the center of attention at the table. 

Flowers should be simple surprises that you stumble upon.  Arrangements do not need to be purchased and expensive.  A few elements from your yard are perfect such as branches and these can even be spray painted red, white or gold or any color choice.  Fruit from your yard (sliced or whole) such as oranges, lemons, accompanied with vibrant cranberries can fill vases.

I like to weave fabric and/or a simple organic garland around the platters of food on the buffet table and elevate my platters at various heights adding pine cones and mistle toe here and there for a special touch.  Fabric with a sheen or sheers are perfect this. 

Appropriate illumination is very important.  Don't forget candles and votives where ever possible; small lamps in unexpected areas such as bathroom counters, kitchen and bartops.  Do not use overhead lighting unless it is a beautiful chandlier or pendent and illuminates in a warm manner and makes guests...well....look attractive.  Therefore, no overhead fluorescents is my preference. Illuminate with table lamps, small unexpected lamps, white or colored holidays lights on indoor and outdoor trees and plants.  I have often welcomed guests into my patio or garden in which case my trees and plants are adorned with holiday lights as well.

I always have music playing.  Depending on the crowd and the level of energy, my music choices vary from Chill Lounge or pop culture choices. 

Give a Cosmopolitan Holiday Sparkle by dipping the edge of the glass in lime juice and coating the rim with sugar.  Then float a few cranberries on top.

Happy Holiday Entertaining.

The Secretary

The Secretary is a piece historically called escritoire that started as a writing surface in 17th century Europe.  It became popular in the 1800's and 1900's in England, France and the U.S. with a bookcase or cabinet on top.

The Secretary is one of my personal favorite pieces of furniture.  The writing surface folds up and conceals storage and the work area. It doubles as a bookcase and writing surface in compact areas and can be placed in living rooms, libraries or almost anywhere because it is simply a beautiful and historical piece.

I also love it for it's versatility in use.  In addition to using for its historical desk purposes consider using it in one of the following ways:

•  In a dining or breakfast area as a buffet and china cabinet.  Use it for displaying desserts or beverages and the storage on top for china or treasured pieces and table linen in the drawers below.  

•  It can also be used as an accent piece in an entry of a home and doubles as a writing surface/mail station and/or storage for keys, etc. 

• In a bedroom or guest room as a bedside table.  Store books on top; store blankets and throws in the bottom drawers; leave it open and have a reading lamp on the writing surface; and of course doubles as a desk.

• In a bedroom or vanity area as a vanity or dressing area.  Include a vanity mirror and lamp and you've got yourself a perfect vignette.

Consider adding an unexpected spin by putting a lamp on the surface, a vase with flowers, decorative bookends, the possibilities are almost endless.  Enjoy the images below: