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Category: Design

An Interview with Christine and Paula, the collaborative team behind Maui Luxe Picnics

Posted on by Admin General

Christine and Paula are the dynamic duo behind Maui Luxe Picnics. Inspired by their love of food, nature, and gatherings, together they create unique and intimate experiences on the beautiful island of Maui. These amazing ladies designed a magical and memorable atmosphere for my husband and I to toast our wedding anniversary. The backdrop—the sun setting just in front of us on the horizon of Mōkapu Beach.

They found a talented photographer to capture the memories, and a ukulele player to set the mood. Their resources are endless, and you can add-on videography, drone footage, hula dancers, fire fighters, and more. 

The best part was that after a few friendly conversations with Christine, she understood exactly what I was looking for, and we simply showed up to enjoy the evening! It was one of the most seamless and effortless events I have ever planned, which made me a bit nervous, but it was truly perfection! When our magical evening ended, Christine and Paula arrived to congratulate us, and to take care of all the packing and cleaning. It was such a delightful, carefree evening—as all special occasions should be.

I am absolutely thrilled to share our conversation about intimate gatherings, being surrounded by beauty, and sourcing both healthful and delicious celebratory foods. 

If you are planning a celebration but cannot get to Maui, you will find useful tips for planning your own intimate celebration. 

Q&A

AF: Your mindfully curated grazing board for our picnic was both beautifully placed and delicious. When putting together your platters where do you start? What is the process, your recipe for success?

MLP: We usually work on our grazing boards as a team. One prepares the foods by cutting and handing them over to the other one who arranges everything on the board. By doing so, we try to pair items that complement each other like cheeses with meats, and veggies with dips and crackers. We choose fruits that add color pops to the board and fill little gaps with nuts and dried fruits. The last item to be added is normally the chocolate. 

AF: Please share with us your favorite picnic locations on Maui.

MLP: We prefer the Wailea area for its beaches. They are the easiest accessible and offer the best sunsets. As a contrast to that, Polipoli is the place both of us would choose for a personal favorite picnic spot. Unfortunately, we can’t offer this location for clients as we are not able to obtain permits but it’s ideal if you want to set up your own. 

AF: What is your go-to healthful indulgence to bring to a picnic?

MLP: If it’s available at the upcountry farmers market, we love to include moringa pesto by Niu Life Kitchen.

AF: Where do you source your decorative items? From the vintage beach umbrellas to the romantic rugs, blankets, and pillows—all curated for maximum impact, with a magical mix of color and texture—simply gorgeous! 

MLP: Thank you, Annie. We have collected all our items from different vendors and platforms like Etsy, Amazon, Pier1 and small sellers on Instagram. For example, we have blankets from Sardinia, Turkey, and Australia. Some items were gifted to us and others – like our umbrellas – are not being sold at this time.

AF: Do either of you have a background in interior design? We were surrounded by beauty, both natural and created which adds so much to any gathering. It helps create more mindful moments. What inspired the offering of such a curated space? 

MLP: No, neither of us have a background in design but we both have an eye for detail and aesthetic. At the beginning, we were motivated by picnic companies in Australia, and we now continue to be inspired by the diverse and incomparable landscapes of Maui. 

AF: What is the most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for picnic items?

MLP: We try to keep our style as we shop for setup items but still want to be able to create different schemes. We are constantly trying to improve and add to the diversity.

AF: It seems more and more people are celebrating life’s milestones with intimate gatherings rather than big, blow out events.  Perhaps encouraged by the pandemic, but do you feel these more personal fetes are here to stay?

MLP: Yes, this is exactly what we are witnessing right now, and we are expecting it to stay like this for a while. It feels like people are exploring new ways of celebrating different occasions and personalized picnics are the perfect way to do so. We are happy about it and don’t think it will get old any time soon.

AF: Our picnic foods were sourced the same morning at a local farmer’s market. Please share with us your favorite Maui markets, and your go-to vendors. 

MLP: We try to get most of our veggies, fruits, and flowers from the Upcountry Farmers Market at Kula Malu. The following are a selection of vendors we use frequently:

Niu Life Kitchen for their moringa pesto

Devine Dahlias for her flowers

Maui Raw for the nut-based dips

AF: Do you have a favorite recipe you could share, ether one of yours or something a chef or caterer created for a party you created? 

Chef Nicot’s Saffron Risotto with Scamp, and his Avocado Shrimp Ceviche. 

A Celestial Celebration

Posted on by Admin General

A throng of guests swirled up the stairs with flutes of champagne in hand, alighting on the balcony atop the tower where violin music played. The world seemed to be floating in the blue skies above the Mediterranean Sea as kisses were exchanged—one cheek, two cheeks and three kisses, as each guests’ custom required—friends had arrived from Italy, Spain, Argentina, Austria and America to celebrate.  Hors d’oeuvres included bite-sized olive macarons with artisanal Majorcan sobrasada, and diminutive bowls of cherry gazpacho, all expertly prepared by Fosh Catering. 

As the sun disappeared behind the dramatic cliffs of the Mallorca coast, the full moon illuminated the darkening sky, and guest Fede Dorcaz joined violinist Jitka Lackova to serenade me and our guest of honor, Ludovica Purini Rossi.  The final chord played on the violin invited guests to round the spiral staircase and make their way down three levels to the grand balcony of Villa Kerida. They arrived at an exquisite panorama set on the La Mola peninsula; round tables perched poolside, just above the sea, covered with local wildflowers, tablecloths billowing in the gentle breeze as the reflection of the moon bounced off the crystalline waters and danced around the balcony. As guests were seated there was a moment of silence and awe, punctuated by the gently breaking waves of the Mediterranean Sea echoing through the secluded cove.  It even gave pause to the birthday girl, Ludo, who threw her arms in the air and exclaimed “Wow! Wow,” as her smile broadened and warmed our hearts. 

This Celestial birthday celebration included many special guests, and the scene was the essence of entertaining in Mallorca, which shares the same relaxed and effortlessly glamorous esthetic as our beloved Hamptons. Truly a celebration in the embrace of nature as the evening marked several celestial events—a rare ‘supermoon,’ powerful, full, and glowing blood red; the longest lunar eclipse of the century, that lasted nearly two hours; and Mars in opposition to earth.  Some astrologists believe the energy of an eclipse symbolizes important women and foreshadows change, including a shift in consciousness causing one to mix with people who operate on a similar frequency—making this the perfect evening to celebrate a special friend.  Ludo’s spirit of generosity and ability to live life fully touches and teaches all who know her, so I was delighted when a guest told me this was also the day of Guru Purinima a divine day to offer gratitude to all we learn from.   

Life in Mallorca centers around family, friends and nature. The powerful presence of the mountains and sea cannot go unnoticed, creating a sense of peace and connection. That sensibility informed much of our lifestyle from swimming, cycling and hiking to entertaining. The flowers, created by Anna, a combination of clippings from the property and the island, and the food—local, inspired by the bounty of Mallorca with a nod to history and respect for its vulnerability.  All these concepts came to life, where the menu echoed our philosophy of eating organic, seasonal, sustainable, and locally procured fare.  From the Fresh Boquerones to the Grilled vegetables marinated with Soller oranges and lemons, and the Salt-Baked Seabass, everything was as fresh as nature intended.  

After a magical dinner under the most breathtaking lunar eclipse, guests were invited to the dance floor for one last toast and the presentation of the birthday cake—a delightful tower of chocolate sponge cake, filled with vanilla mousse and crunchy chocolate crumble that I designed just for Ludo, and created with Kathi’s Cakes. The blue ribbons echoed the color of the sea, and the miniature tennis balls dotting the towers were a nod to Ludo’s favorite sport. The dancing was in full swing when Ludo jumped in the pool, fully clothed.  There was tremendous laughter and a wave of happiness—this is Ludo! I ran for towels and smiled with gratitude for these perfect summer memories.  

The blood red moon, just before the eclipse
Getting the flowers ready
Preparing the tables
The Cake
Each napkin is adorned with flowers from the garden
Every powder room is filled with flowers and eucalyptus to naturally scent the room

Strawberry Soup

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My friends at Swank Farms recently posted an enticing photo of their strawberry harvest and after seeing it, all I could think of was a deliciously refreshing strawberry soup I’d enjoyed a few years ago in North Carolina. After a bit of digging, I found that recipe, made a trip to the green market for fresh berries, and enjoyed the soup for lunch that day. The recipe suggested blending the ingredients, so it was very easy to prepare, but the taste and texture was more smoothie than soup. I substituted yogurt for the cream when I served it to my husband; that didn’t change much in terms of flavor and texture, but it was certainly more healthful. Still, the soup was not exactly what I had hoped for. The berries needed to take center stage, not be shrouded in cream. When strawberries are this fragrant and fresh, I really want to taste the berries.

Searching for just the right method, I came across a recipe created by Martha Rose Shulman for the New York Times, a soup she says would be called a concassée in France. The strawberries are crushed rather than pureed, like a tomato concassée (think bruschetta), so the soup has lots of texture. It was delicious, but my husband decided he’d rather enjoy it as a dessert. It was too sweet for him.

Determined to create a strawberry soup for a gathering with the girls, I changed little in Martha’s recipe, but topped it with a touch of cream (inspired by my North Carolina recipe), a delicious mint powder created by one of my cooks, and a few slivers of toasted almond. It added just the right flavors to balance the sweetness of the berries. I served this version as an appetizer to my friends and volunteers from the American Heart Association; it was the perfect beginning to a heart healthy lunch, and it was a big hit. I recreated it for another girl’s gathering to celebrate a friend visiting from Italy and everyone loved it! Finally! I had the perfect starter for a light spring lunch.

Strawberries are in season through April here in Florida; right now, they’re red, fragrant and delicious, so I intend to enjoy this soup a few more times. I can’t wait to share it with my daughters.

Here is my recipe for Mint Powder. You also can find mint powder in most Indian groceries, many gourmet shops, and online—just be sure it is mint powder and not peppermint powder. If using store-bought powder, you may want to add a little extra honey to your soup.

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 1.5 hours

A Good Book and Lively Conversation

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I’ve been a member of many a book club and the two I’ve enjoyed the most turned the simple pleasure of reading into an occasion to remember. Anyone who’s been in a book club long enough knows it’s not just the books that keep bringing us together—it’s the lively discussions, the good company, and oftentimes the delicious food and tasty libations.

I joined my first book club in New York City. We were a band of intellectually curious new mothers, and some of us had given up careers to raise our children. We craved adult company, mental stimulation, and a little fun. At first, we read a lot of Russian literature, but after Dostoyevsky’s Crime & Punishment we all agreed some lighter reading was in order. The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant, was our light read. Set in biblical times, the story details how Jacob acquired four wives and how they all came to love the arrangement, savoring their time together in the red tent where they would talk and celebrate their life-giving abilities.

It was my turn to host and I chose to invite my friends to a Middle Eastern restaurant. It was exotic, sensual and perfect for a Red Tent book club gathering. We were seated at a table under a sumptuous tent where we dined on authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, and the fragrance of orange blossoms wafted in and out when the servers entered. As we dined, curvy belly dancers provocatively shimmied around our tent and, after our meal, a veiled dancer appeared, offering us an intricately designed Hookah filled with a deliciously fragrant Turkish shisha. We felt a bit like Jacob’s wives in our tent, where feminine vibes prevailed and we savored our time together. Transported to another place and era through the magic of food, décor and dance, it was an unforgettable gathering filled with lively discussion and hearty laughter.

Years and many book clubs later, I was invited to join a group of fabulously bright, vibrant women in Palm Beach. This club celebrated a book’s theme with food and wine, too, but without the rich culinary scene of New York we were tasked with creating these gatherings in our homes. An actress led our club and began the custom of dressing according to the book’s theme when she hosted—all the members arrived in costume and makeup! It certainly added to the fun.

The last party I hosted for this club, known as the Book Babes, was a New Orleans–themed gathering in honor of Zeitoun, Dave Egger’s account of the city post-Katrina. The story is quite heart-wrenching but I went for a light, celebratory Mardi-Gras theme. Guests were greeted with a traditional welcome drink, The Hurricane, and were wrapped in boas and draped in colorful beads as they arrived. We feasted on a Louisiana-inspired menu and ended our meal with hot, warm beignets and an authentic King Cake shipped directly from the Big Easy. The guest who found the baby in her slice of cake would host our next gathering, so everyone was obliged to have a piece. We were transported to the streets of New Orleans, sharing an evening of laughter, lively discussion and sisterhood.

Tips for Creating a Successful Book Club

1.      Choose Your Members

Invite friends who may not know one another, but have something in common. In both of my clubs, we were all devoted mothers with children around the same age. We all loved to read, but had wildly different careers that included lawyers, magazine editors, actresses, brokers, teachers, writers and stay-at-home moms.

2.      Choose Your Book

Prior to the very first meeting, ask each member to be prepared to recommend two books and give a short presentation on why they may be interesting to the group. Everyone votes and the book with most votes wins! Need ideas? Check out a few bestseller lists.

At subsequent meetings, you can allow the hostess to choose the next book or reserve time at the end of the gathering to discuss recommendations and vote again.

 3.      Choose the Book Club Host

If all members agree to take turns hosting, put everyone’s name on a slip of paper and toss them into a bowl to choose the next host at random; the person drawn will host the next meeting and can decide whether to have the party at home or a restaurant.

At subsequent meetings, members can volunteer to host based on their schedule and ability to plan the gathering.

 4.      Choose the Date for your Next Gathering

Agreeing to a standing date works best. For both of my clubs we met bimonthly, the first Wednesday of every other month. If it happened to be a holiday or school break we shifted the date in advance so there was no confusion.

 5.      The Hostess Prepares for the Gathering

  • Research and Remind: Research the book you’ve all chosen and create discussion questions. Sometimes, the book publisher includes them at the end of the book or has a link to resources online. You can also email your club members a few weeks in advance to ask that everyone come up with at least one or two talking points for the gathering. This is a great opportunity to confirm the book and date and details of the meeting.
  • Create the Theme: Now that you know more about the book you can create your theme, decide on a convenient venue, and perhaps add a fun, new element to the evening.
    • A Fine Balance, Rohinton Mistry’s sweeping novel of India in the 1970s, inspired my club members to dress up in saris and our hostess to serve a wonderful Indian feast. She also arranged to have a henna artist on hand to tattoo all the guests.
    • The Book Thief, a moving tale of books stolen and shared in Nazi Germany by Marcus Zusak, added an element of social good to one of our gatherings. Each member was asked to bring a children’s book, and we arranged them in a basket. Our hostess presented the collection to a local charity (in this case it was for the young mothers and children of CHS).
  • Send out invitations: They can be digital creations or more elaborate pieces sent in the mail or hand delivered. This is where I usually visit Pinterest for a little inspiration.
    • Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo inspired one hostess to send a custom-made temporary tattoo to her invitees, including the date, time and place of our gathering.
  • Plan your menu, from the welcome drink to dessert: Be inspired by your book’s theme or location, and keep any dietary needs in mind.
    • The Oracle, by D.J. Niko, motivated me to create a custom drink I called Apollo’s Nectar to greet my guests.
  • Set the scene: Create a fun tablescape, visit the party store for a few props to add to the ambiance, or ask guests to dress up.
    • When I hosted my friends for our Zeitoun discussion I found Mardi Gras beads and boas online; and used frog place card holders to display guest’s names. Also in the place card holders were our discussion questions, so that each guest could read a question to the group. It engaged everyone—including that one guest who didn’t finish the book (there’s always one!).
  • Confirm your next gathering: Set aside time at the end of the evening to confirm your book and hostess for the next gathering.
  • Repeat! 

Pumpkin Puree

Posted on by Admin General

This year my family and I celebrated Thanksgiving in the rather exotic locale of Morocco. We knew in advance that a traditional turkey dinner would not be on the menu, so we decided to have a post Thanksgiving–inspired dinner at home when we returned from our trip.

The delicious Pharsi squash that inspired my Pumpkin Granita is the same one I used for this recipe. It’s simple, yet has all the flavors of Thanksgiving and pairs deliciously with a tart cranberry sauce and turkey breast. 

Our Thanksgiving trip inspired the table setting, which began with my antique Richard Gnori plates. They are certainly Moroccan-inspired and created the perfect backdrop for this dish.

Yield: Makes 9 Cups

Irish Mule Cocktails & Green Tables in Celebration of St. Patrick

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The annual celebration of Ireland and its patron saint arrives each year on March 17th. For me, this brings back fond memories of attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City with my family, wearing green bows in my hair and having brunch at the Metropolitan Club, where we would later climb out onto the window sills to catch the last few moments of the parade. It was the one day of the year that we feasted on corned beef and cabbage, potatoes in a dizzying array of presentations and lots of dessert. The buffet was endless and the food coloring would turn our lips and tongues green, transforming us all into magical leprechauns. 

Since living in Palm Beach I haven’t gotten back to see the parade in many years, and the Metropolitan Club, sadly, no longer offers brunch in its beautiful west lounge, a ballroom out of the Gilded Age. Instead, I’ve hosted many gatherings—in school and at our home—for my daughters and their friends. Now that the girls are both away at college, I’m thinking of hosting a small dinner—not because I love green clover–covered crafts or recipes with green dye; those things don’t inspire me much. My motivation is that some dear friends, who happen to be Irish, have just moved quite close to us and this will be their first St. Patrick’s Day in Florida. For me, that’s a great reason to go green.

As Carolyn Roehm says, inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. In addition to wanting to host our friends, I recently found these wonderful plates at a local Tuesday Morning shop, and they encouraged me to revisit an old post on Carolyn’s blog, where she features a table set in various shades of green on a striped tablecloth. It’s as lovely as I recall. I adore the tablecloth and will certainly go to my local remnant shop for a similar (and less expensive) version. I’m dreaming of the perfect floral arrangement: white calla lilies, long stalks of bells of Ireland, and hydrangeas—a combination that will be a beautiful ode to Ireland with a little Hamptons Entertaining thrown in.

There will be no shamrocks or leprechauns on this table: the effect will be something festive yet sophisticated. I’ll welcome guests with an Irish mule recipe I discovered at the Hard Rock Cafe, have some Celtic music playing in the background, and serve a creative, healthful take on few popular Irish dishes—I’m all set! To add a touch of whimsy to the evening, I pulled out some boas and beads left over from a Mardi Gras party I hosted, and I willbutton my guest as they arrive with a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” pin—it’s like mistletoe at Christmas and all in good fun.

Buttery Cucumber Soup

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Over the summer, when my vegetable garden delivered an overabundance of cucumbers, we enjoyed them in myriad ways. We included them in our salads, of course, and added slices to our water pitcher: the pale green cucumbers floating in the pitcher looked so inviting and the flavor was really refreshing on a hot summer’s day. I had fun creating cucumber cups for all kinds of hors d’oeuvres, stuffing them with fish roe, salmon and crème fraiche, and the Hamptons Cucumber Cups with Crab Meat featured in Hamptons Entertaining. Cucumber juice made its way into a few cocktails and smoothies, and I pickled quite a few cukes in salt water (for our Polish Pickle Soup). Finally, we enjoyed this buttery cucumber soup that gets its creamy texture from avocados.  

Here in Florida, avocado season ended later than usual this year. Perhaps it was the unseasonably warm weather. So when a friend dropped off a basketful of locally grown, rich, buttery avocados, I happily pulled this recipe out! Low fat, vegetarian (when you leave off the yogurt garnish) and delicious hot or cold, it is the perfect soup for post-holiday eating.

Yield: Makes 8 cups 

Valentine’s Ideas

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Valentine’s Day comes in varying hues of red—from the pinkish blush of rosé Champagne to the lush burgundy of chocolate, and of course the vermillion-red of the official flower of romance, the rose. It’s a holiday that conjures dreams of an enchanting and leisurely candle-lit dinner that leads to the clinking of glasses, slow dances, and long kisses. There are actually seven shades of red, and at least as many ways to celebrate your love.

On this special day, I take a pass on the expected. No restaurants for me on this holiday—ever! Reservations at the best restaurants are booked within the hour they become available, and then tables are added for loyal customers and super VIP guests that call last minute. (Yes, I’ve been that person, too, begging for a last-minute reservation). It’s a recipe for stress: a crowded restaurant with staff that will certainly be overwhelmed. More times than not, I’ve been disappointed with the meal and service, as well as the premium holiday prices, on Valentine’s Day. Of course, they do their best to make you happy but it still pays to be smart and know when to go—and when to stay away. Leave the three-star dining experience for your anniversary.

Here are just a few ways I’ve celebrated in the past—perhaps you’ll find some inspiration and feel less guilty about not having made reservations or cancelling the ones you have.

  1. Plan a Candle-Lit Dinner at Home.
    There’s nothing more romantic than a home-cooked meal. It’s the ultimate declaration of love. I’ve done dinner for two and as many as eight. Add a beautiful table setting, candles, and a lush soundtrack for a memorable evening. On the table, include a photo for every year you’ve been together (or every month if it’s a new romance), and do the same for any couples that may be joining you. It’s a great way to reminisce.
  2. Schedule a Couple’s Massage
    Such a wonderful treat for you both! Many spas are happy to arrange little bubbly, light bites, and chocolates post massage. It’s such a decadent feeling to be lounging in your robes, totally relaxed. Make your appointment late in the day so you can enjoy the sunset together, cuddle up, make a toast and share some chocolate-covered strawberries.
  3. Create a Picnic by the Fire.
    Lay out a cozy blanket by the fire to create an indoor picnic. A lovely platter of cheese, fruit, nuts and chocolates paired with the right wine, a few candles and great music is all you need. The Wine Enthusiast has a fun wine and cheese pairings guide.
  4. Set Up a Romantic Movie Night.
    There’s a great gourmet popcorn recipe in Hamptons Entertaining and I love to serve it with a crisp white wine and chocolate-covered raisins. A cozy blanket and a romantic movie complete the night. Love is best expressed without an audience.
  5. Have a Game Night.
    Choose games that are fun rather than competitive. I love Twister, especially after a glass of champagne! If your romance is new, choose get-to-know you trivia games like “Would You Rather.
  6. Be Spontaneous.
    It’s always memorable when you experience something for the first time and when that memory is shared with someone you love it only brings you closer. Have you ever wanted to go to the dog track? How about roller blading? Taking a dance class together is always good for a few laughs. Choose something you’ve always thought about doing, but never had the time for.
  7. Support a Great Cause.
    This year my family and I will be celebrating Valentine’s Day at the American Heart Association’s annual gala in Palm Beach. Held in the Versailles ballroom at the iconic Breakers Hotel, where the staff is accustomed to serving 500 guests, I know it will be a beautiful evening. A romantic setting, a lovely dinner that will certainly close with a gorgeous and descendant chocolate dessert, lots of dancing, and I get to wear an evening gown. The best part? The price of a ticket or a table helps spread the love on this special day.

Happy Valentine’s Day! And, remember Oscar Wild’s words of wisdom; “Never love someone who treats you like you’re ordinary.” 

New Years in Austria

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People the world over have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millennia. Festivities begin on December 31st, the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and generally continue into the wee hours of the next morning. Wherever you ring in the New Year, it seems many traditions remain the same: parties, feasting, fireworks, kisses, and the clinking of glasses as the clock strikes midnight. And then it’s time to make resolutions for the year to come.

In Austria, New Year’s Eve is known as Sylvesterabend, the Eve of Saint Sylvester, as the date coincides with his feast day. It is a roaring good party that continues from the evening through the end of the following day. This is where my family and I have been celebrating for many years. We welcome the new year with a dinner of traditional local delights and our table is decorated minimally with potted four-leaf clovers, figurines of chimney sweeps and marzipan pigs. Pigs represent progress and prosperity in Austria, and they appear on the table, at the buffet, and nestled into our desserts. An Austrian friend remembers tales from his grandmother of the chimney sweeps in town being celebrated on New Year’s Day by having the honor of carrying a pig through the town. It was considered good luck to shake his hand as he passed. Pigs and chimney sweeps are often linked together in tradition as good luck charms.  

Our dinner ends just in time to head outdoors into the snow where we join friends and family to light fireworks and fill our glasses with champagne. Midnight brings kisses, hugs, laughter, toasts, and champagne sprays! We soon run back inside to warm up, dry off, and dance to live music, a mix of American and Austrian tunes. It’s a spectacular party that winds down with a buffet of oysters and vodka at two in the morning. A nap is in order for me, followed by a fabulous brunch, a bit more sleep, and then on to the next town over where the party begins again with the most spectacular acoustic firework display and lots of glühwein (mulled red wine). The firework effects are uniquely choreographed and synched perfectly with the music. For me, this show is one of the best firework displays on the planet (and I grew up with Fireworks by Grucci)!

When the party’s over, the only thing left to do is get started on those resolutions. I’ve always wondered where the practice began and I’m told it started with the Babylonians (it’s all beginning to make sense now). They made promises to earn the favor of the gods and start the year off on the right foot. It is a time of rebirth, the chance to start anew and, after the indulgences of the holiday season, we all seem to start the year off with the same intentions: losing weight, seeing family more often, or learning something new.

Too often our ideas of what we should change are too broad and never seem to happen. Several years ago my friend Michael Reiter was quoted in the Palm Beach Post as saying if anything is so important to change, why wait for the new year to do it? I’ve taken his advice and started my resolutions early this year, set with small, achievable goals. So for this New Year’s my only vow is that I resolve to rush more slowly through life, hopefully allowing time to enjoy the practices I felt were important enough to put in place before the new year. Cheers!

10 Tips for Surviving—and Enjoying—the Holiday Season

Posted on by Admin General

The holiday season is meant to inspire us and remind of what really matters: quality time with family and friends and sharing love and laughter through gift giving and celebrations. Too often, though, we find ourselves exhausted as moments of joy turn into seeming obligations. Here are 10 tips I use to help keep me grounded throughout the season.

1. During the holidays we are all time-starved. If you have your heart set on hosting friends but the idea of a sit-down dinner has you stressed, consider a cocktail party. It is much easier to plan and execute, shorter in duration, and—with a help-yourself bar and stationary hors d’oeuvres buffet—you can maximum time with guests, which is the whole point of the party. In this case, less really is more!

2. Waited too long to get your holiday cards ready? Consider sending out a New Year’s greeting instead, or create a digital greeting. Either way, you’ll achieve the goal of letting loved ones and cherished friends know you are thinking about them this holiday season.

3. There are always a few last minute invitations to great holiday parties you don’t want miss, but who has time to run out for a hostess gift? Buy or make multiples of one hostess gift and keep them on hand. I make and freeze a few pecan pies from Palm Beach Entertaining and a few of my Chocolate Chip Apple Cakes—both freeze well, make great hostess gifts, and they’re perfect for pot lucks, too. I also keep several of my favorite soy candles from ThePureCandle on hand: Merry, Cheers, and Peace, which is exactly what I’m seeking this time of year. It’s great to have a supply of cocktail napkins for guests, but sets of the whimsical designs created by August Morgan make terrific hostess gifts!

4. The tree is up but the thought of decorating it seems daunting. One of my friends hosts a tree-trimming party here in Palm Beach and it’s one of my favorite gatherings of the season. She designates a color scheme and guests are asked to bring an ornament in the chosen color and dress in accordance with the theme. One year it was ice blue, another silver, and this year was gold. Everyone places their ornament on the tree and it’s completely decorated before cocktails are over. As a guest, I love it because I know I’ve given my friend exactly what she wanted for the holidays.

5. If the imposed calendar of the season doesn’t work for you, create your own. My family and I move our Christmas celebration to a day in December that is mutually convenient for everyone and it’s the best thing we’ve ever done. We get our shopping, decorating, and feasting done early and it leaves more time for friends and extended family as the 25th draws near. It is such a treat to have a day of down time, family time, and a celebratory dinner all to ourselves. We started this tradition because we often travel during the holidays and hauling gifts around became more burden than joy.

6. Research shows that experience rather than objects have a strong link to happiness, so why not create some new traditions? Host an ugly sweater party, go ice-skating, organize a cookie swap, or deliver toys in a Santa suit to a local orphanage. For several years my family and I volunteered on Christmas Day. Our most memorable Christmas was spent in Vietnam where we organized a holiday dinner for the staff and residents of an orphanage. We took everyone to a terrific restaurant and presented the children with new coats and computers after the dinner. It is one of the fondest and most joyful Christmas memories we share.

7. If you are hosting several parties, it can be a chore to replenish fresh flowers. Rather than a traditional floral centerpiece on the dining table, create a holiday scene with ornaments, gingerbread houses, or a collection of seasonal trinkets you’ve gathered from your travels.

8. Give your chandelier a holiday update by wrapping the arms in evergreen garland or, if it’s in an entryway, hang mistletoe from the center to encourage a little holiday romance.

9. If your dining table is extra-long once you’ve added the leaves, drape it with a fabric remnant instead of a tablecloth. It is one of my favorite ways to add color, texture, and a special touch to any table.

10. Last but not least, give yourself the gift of mindfulness. It’s easy to rush through the simple pleasures of the season without stopping to appreciate them. When putting up the tree, take a moment to enjoy its fragrance. Turn on some festive music when trimming the tree or wrapping gifts and enjoy a glass of hot cider or spiced wine. It will put you in a holiday mood and serve as a reminder that these are not mindless tasks, but joyful celebrations. There are so many traditions we all feel obligated to uphold, just say no to the non-essential and truly embrace and enjoy those that are important to you. Take a deep breath and remember to cherish every moment, they only happen once. 

A holiday breakfast buffet.