deck the door

Many doors and doorways are decked with garland, fir wreathes or spruced up urns to ring in the season with style.  What could be simpler than that of a wreath and a garland to easily add the feeling that holidays are honored inside.  I have always adored a garland or a swag simply gracing an entry or decking a door.  Time to deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la!

beau tie

There is something quite dandy about a dude dressed in a bow tie.

My dear Mr.PvE has been known to wear one around the holidays for an added festive touch.

I like a man in a bow tie, there is something quite special, a smart elegance in an understated way - (and I am not talking about the clip-on sort.)  Give me the old fashioned bow-tie to make one handsome beau.  Worn with a black tie, or sporting one paired with a bold striped shirt is an easy way to look spiffy.  Get ready to tie one on.

raise the cookie bar

Part therapy for me during the holidays is to bake cookies,  it is an easy thing to do from start to finish and is what I like to call, an instant sort of gratification.  Some things I do just take lots of patience but baking a bar cookie is easy.  Give this recipe a try, your home will smell so good too!

ginger chocolate-chip bars  (recipe from real simple december 2008)

1 cup butter

1 1/4 light brown sugar

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 teaspoons ginger

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 1/4 cups flour

12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Mix butter and sugars til fluffy, add eggs, vanilla, gradually add in flour, mix and fold in the chips.  Spread batter in a  9 x 13 pan lined with parchment paper - overhang along the edges - which helps for an easy clean up.  

Bake 40 to 50 minutes in a 350 F oven.

I learned to cut them into squares with  a plastic knife while hot, which really is easy!  I found boxes at the container store and tie with a ribbon and greenery!

Cookies during the holidays make everything sweeter!

hors d'oeuvres

illustration by pve design, "the holiday hors d'oeuvres platter"

Ever since I was a little child, "hors d'oeuvres" have always been one of my favorite things about a party.  Perhaps I just like the way the word itself sounds, very international or perhaps because it sounds very grown up. During the holidays, my Mom and Dad would host an at home Holiday party which usually consisted of my Aunts and Uncles.  I remember my Mom making lots of goodies to pass around on a large platter saying "hors d'oeuvres" in her lovely Kentucky accent.

I would be instructed to get ready for "beddie-bye", I would usually have to change into my pajamas with padded footies and then come and say goodnight.  My Uncle Don loved teasing me.  He would bring these animal shaped erasers with the jiggly eyes and then slip them into my pajamas and I would run and laugh.  I would sneak an hors d'oeuvre and a good night kiss before I would go to bed.  I hated to have to go to bed, knowing that everyone was still there having hors d'oeuvres and laughing.   Do you have any funny childhood memories of the holidays that make you laugh or perhaps make you hungry?

cheap skate

Is the "miser" in you or the "cheap skate" coming out due to the economic climate that we are currently weathering?  Frugality is an art and many a millionaire have been credited for their thriftiness.  However, t'is the season to give, to share and to skate.  If you have limits as to what to give for a mere $10.00 - what would you give to bring some holiday cheer?  Love to hear your ideas that fit into my budget.

the holidays rock

"Rock Center" - located in New York City is the best spot to visit, to skate, to see the tree and to feel the magic of the holidays.  Do you have a spot where you live that rocks during the holidays?

childlike

The holiday season truly is a time for all to embrace their inner child and enjoy the wonders of the season.  Children along with pets are miracles.  The love they bring is so innocent and pure.

The above wee lad and lassie are going to grace a special holiday card and surely spread the joy of the season.  

What are your favorite memories of the season that release childlike qualities in you?

elephantine crush

Very often as an artist, certain "things" or elements catch my eye. 

Lately, I seem to be on "safari" of sorts and loving elephants.  I spotted the one above on e-bay from Hermes.  Would that not be sweet dangling from a cord, worn as a choker during the holidays.

 This sweet golden elephant is from here, it said sold out, but surely there must be more elephants somewhere like this one.  He has an "Indie" vibe with his trunk up and the tiny motif forming a pattern.  The tot chair below, I had hand painted several years ago for a child coming from India and I remember thinking that an elephant would be a nice welcome.

Children love elephants, and as a child, I loved this little golden book along with Babar.  I adore the drawings as well as the fact that Babar wore a "green" suit.  Babar would take me away in the stories as well as the drawings, on one of his many "voyages."

How sweet is this holiday card with Mommy and baby elephant bringing home a fresh cut tree.

Are you currently craving elephants or any other creature?  

accoutrements

"Accoutrements" are just the sort of paraphernalia that can add pizazz to one's day.  My plan this week is to take inventory of my accessories and add a twist as I scout for some new or vintage finds.  The perfect bag, belt, boa, scarf, gloves, or jewelry are all you need to be pulled together.  All things organized for easy access as you dash out the door to spread holiday cheer.

What is your favorite accessory for the Holidays?  Love to know how they are organized? 

The Nutcracker

Yesterday we had the excellent fortune of attending "The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center.  One of my favorite dances of all times.  I adore the music, the set, the costumes and the dancers who dedicate themselves to dance.  

We awoke to snow falling and it continued to fall in this dance which was magical.

Uncle Drosselmeir is atop the clock casting shadows that frighten poor Maria (or Clara) as I remember from seeing this as a child.  The Christmas tree that grows is also a magic moment.

My favorite scene are these elegant children at the "party scene", making merry mischief.

A dear friend has two sons that are dancing and we were able to see them on stage.  It is a tremendous feat to make the cast of the Nutcracker as well as perform many shows a during the month of December.  I commend the parents who dedicate themselves to providing such and enriching cultural experience in any of the arts.

What are some performances that make your holidays merry and bright?