Debi Lilly, A Perfect Event, Holiday 2012

a erfect event

LIFESTYLES & EVENTS

thanksgiving D E CO R

H O LIDAY B R U NC H

for a bunch!

trends M ANT L E

festive etes holiday cards

MUST HAV E

H O L I D AY I S S U E

DEBI'S NOTE

holidays

LET'S RAISE A GLASS AND TOAST T O H A P P Y, E V E R A F T E R

.

JUMP RI GHT I NTO OUR FI RST E V E R HOLI DAY I SSUE AND READ ON, DEAR FRI ENDS. Peek inside our entertaining magazine turned little black book of stylist secrets – and just in time for holiday cheer, learn how to instantly turn grocery store goods into gorgeous, delicious décor and revered recipes to share with friends and family this seaso n.

So come on - gather the kids around the kitchen table – and together let's create something beautiful as we wrap up 2012.

Let's make memories.

Let's create brand new family traditions.

What we choose to do now, this season, with our own children, teaches the behavior they will model with their fabulous future families.

Let ’s make it all count – and all the while have fun together while we do so.

Life is short.

Life IS the small moments.

Why don't we do the holidays just right this season – together.

Let ’s vow to stop, to celebrate, and to make the time for the precious small moments. For reflection of life’s cherished mem ories. Here we go.

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FRENC H FINDS COREY AMARO

10

TH ANKS GIVING LO O K BO O K

LEAFY IN LOVE

28

O BS ESS ED 101

D IY CU P CAK E TU RK E YS

TH E K IDS TABLE

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S E TTING TH E HO LIDAY TABLE

H O LIDAY SW E ET TRE ATS

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MEG GALUS,

N O M I P A R K H YAT T

TAK E BE TTER HO LIDAY CARDS

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SUZZANE BROWN

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C H E F'S HOLI DAY KI TCHEN

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E L A I N A VA Z Q U E Z

M IXO LOGY OF TH E MOMEN T

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BEN NEWBY

AP P LE P IE B UN DLES

FARM TO TA B LE B OSTON

PANTRY PA RTY

FALLING I N LOVE

TH E H O LIDAY EDI T BHLDN

BEH IND THE B A R R E VA E S C H N E I D E R

WI N TER WO ND ER LA N D

B B J TA B L E FA S H I O N S

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MA N TL E D R E SS IN G

BUF F E T B E AU T Y

A DOZE N F R O M A D OZ E N

G I F T G U ID E S TA C E Y R O N E Y

H OL I DAY C H E E R & TH E N SO M E

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D. G R A H A M KOST I C

HO L I DAY FO O D F U N

K E N M A R E C AT E R I N G

GOR G E OUS G IF T IN G

N A N TUC K E T N O E L CARY HAZLEGROVE

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C H RISTM AS TEA PARTY

A N GLE S O F PARIS ROSEMARY FLANNERY

CH RISTM AS IN CO NNE CTIC U T

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JANET SZYMANSKI

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T H E GU Y'S GU ID E

M AT T W O O D B U R N

A RTIE ST W E LOVE JULIA HOLLINGSWORTH MCLEMORE

CH E F S E CRE TS

NICOLE GREENE

G R AND O P E NING

182

ROOM 1520

N EW YE AR'S E VE PA I NT E D PA R IS G O L D COST GLAM O R

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BLAIR & LAURIE PESSMIER

COVER STORY

CO UTUR E PA P E R

M AGNU M S JOSHUA ADLER

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THE TEAM

debi lilly CHIEF EVENTEUR

catherine fitzpatrick CHIEF DESIGN

christine janda

CHIEF SOCIAL

O U R TA S T E M A R K E R S

BEN NEWBY

MEGAN T AY L O R

mixologist

dj

He has award-winn in g cocktails and a distin ctly Br itish char m. One ca n now find him acting as n ot only as a mixologis t, bu t as a gr acious and enter tain in g host to bar patrons at th e new, chic , speakeasy-style Dr umbar.

Sh e spin s amon g al l th e top par ties on th e so c i al circu it, specia li z i n g i n cu r ren t mu sic , h i p- h o p, electro, lou n g e , an d i n di e rock . You can fi n d h er at

S TA C E Y RONEY

SUZZANE BROWN

Fig Media.

beauty on call

photographer

She has three kids an d three businesses, her days are a whir lwind r unn in g Ar tist agency Beauty on Call, On-line magaz in e GlossedandFound.c om, and skincare line Rodan +Fields. In shor t, she' s

Ch icag o’s fir st pr em i er on -loca tion pho to gr aphy stu dio specia liz i n g i n lifestyle ph otog r aphy fo r all types of love an d al l sta ges of life .

R YA N BESHEL

VICKI ARCHER

900 n. m ichigan sh o p s

writer

The man with the bowtie .

He is the public re lation s coordinator for the 900 N. Michigan shops and is oh so-dialed-in on the la test trends. You can follow his fashionable ven tu res through his blog, the bowtie memoir s.

Sh e lives betwe en Lon don an d Sa i n t R émy de Proven ce in so u th er n Fr an ce H er boo ks “ M y Fren ch Life” and “ F r en c h E ssen ce” a re tr eas u r e troves for th e beau ty o f Fr an ce , as is h e r bl o g, Fren ch E ssen ce .

GRAHAM KO ST I C

BLAIR & LAURIE PESSEMIER

glossed and found He is finding the fun in the beauty and fashion industr ies—24/7. As for mer Moder n Luxu r y Magazines Style Ed itor an d Rue La La Ar t Director, he's no str anger to th e luxur y mar ket.

f i n e a r t p a i nt er s Th e two pain ted i n S eattle before m ovi n g to Pa r is. T h ey of fe r pai n ti n g wor k sh ops cele br ati n g th e a r t, cu ltu re & c u i si n e o f th e city th ey love .

ROSEMARY FA N T I

M AT T WOODBURN

illus trator

sound investment

and fashion illustr ation s that are as vivid an d a live as the people at th e even ts.

Although photogr aphy may see ever ything, illu str ation explains it.

DOMINIQUE MALET french foodis ta

She enjoys great fo od, bu t like many wor king moth er s, doesn’t have much time to spend in the kitchen . H er Par isian secret…simple an d quick recipes.

Sou n d, ligh tin g, vi deo an d sta gin g so l u ti o n s fo r even ts, h e oper ates as a social con cier ge , c u l tu r e cu r a tor, ar t a n d mu s i c lover, con n ecto r an d en trepren eu r.

CANDACE JORDAN blogger

Woman -a bou t- tow n , on e of "100 Power f u l Ch icag oa n s" & fo r m er Playboy Bu n ny o f th e Year.

Sh e cover s n ews o f th e mover s, sh aker s an d j u st pla in cool in C h i c ago an d beyon d, on h e r bl o g,

COREY AMARO

AMANDA PUCK

blogger

the foodarazz I

Daily tales on her blog Tongue in Cheek are woven from her exper iences of living and loving in the south of Fr ance . her tales are of linens, of letter s, of vintage scr aps, and moments of these wor n tr ue objects whispering in her ear.

Sh e is a massi ve l eader i n th e h ospitality, even t an d pu blic rela tion s wo r l d i n Ch icag o a s th e E VP o f X A , T h e E xper ien t i al A gen c y.

JOSHUA ADLER

NICOLE GREENE

the founder of paris wine company An online wine shop with a mission to connect win e lover s with great a r tisan wines and passionate producer s.

t r u ffl e t r u ff l e chef ow ner Af ter a n in itia l c ar eer w i th th e Feds, sh e h eaded o f f to pa str y sch ool w i th dr eam s a more a creati ve o u tl et.

Nicole discover ed h er l ove o f wor kin g with c h o c o l ate at th e Fren ch Cu lin a r y I n sti tu te , N Y & th e rest…wel l i t’s Tr u f f l e Tr u f f le h istor y.

T H E PA P E R S H O P

a erfect event

3050 N. LINCOLN AVENUE• CHICAGO | 773•244•9333

INV ITAT IO N S, M E N U CA R DS , PLACECA R DS , FAVOR S , A ND MORE !

AVERY HOUSE - PHOTO

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H OL I DAY IS H E R E R YA N B E S H E L 9 0 0 N O R T H MICHIGAN GIFTS

MOV E OV E R L B D

S PI NN IN G N OW

M E G A N TAY L O R

C H R IST M AS CANDACE JORDAN

THE A RT O F T H E PE R F E C T G IF T

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R O S E M A R Y FA N T I

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F E E L T H E LOV E .

E AT TH E FO O D.

P OSTC ARDS FRO M P ROVE NC E

LISA CHALEM

VICKI ARCHER

C H R IST M AS IN PA R IS

T H E FO O DARAZZI

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RICHARD NAHEM

N E W Y E A R D E CO R

FROM THE PA RI S K ITC H E N

DOMINIQUE MALET

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AMANDA PUCK

SW EET END INGS

ART SMITH

NEW YEARS EVE GLAM GLASS ES

AV E R Y H O U S E

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TA S T E M A K E R

carved wooden fragment

1 8 TH C E N T U R Y H A N D

HOLIDAY I SSUE | 1 0

Corey Amaro

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COREY AMARO

FRENCH FINDS WITH TONGUE IN CHEEK BLOGGER

QUEEN SUPREME OF THE FRENCH BROCANTE, S H A R E S H E R FAV O R I T E H O L I D AY I N S P I R AT I O N S FROM PROVENCE.

"antique fairs A R E

USUA THE WEEKENDS, FO S I G N S T H AT S AY

b

A L LY O N OLLOW

brocante..."

F antique gilde

1800's COREY F

antique silverware

A C O L L E C T I O N O F VA R I E D P I E C E S OF FRENCH

French iron urn, I N S T E A D O F F L O W E R S F I L L E D I T W I T H crystals stoppers and ed wooden curtain ends.

THANKSGIVING

PHOTOS:

DEBI LILL

T HA

for more ideas, visit

S A F E W A Y. C O M / D E B I L I L LY

LY D E S I G N F O R S A F E W A Y

lookbook

A N KS G IV IN G

Set trends while dressing your table this holiday, with our fave looks for fall.

Ribbons criss crossed down the table add an instant pop of color to your favorite solid tablecloth.

Bright, bold orange florals create a pretty focal point.

Group vases layered with dried nuts, pillar candles wrapped with twine and a fall leaf accent and more down the table for texture and warmth.

Mini Jack o Little Pumpkins carved into votive candles, or set with a scrolled placecard, create the perfect autumnal touch on the table.

1 7 | H OLIDAY ISSUE

diy: pumpkin scroll placecard

While mom and dad are busy in the kitchen, little ones can craft pumpkin placecards together.

Plucked from the produce aisle, colorful Jack-o-Little (orange baby pumpkins) or Baby Boo (white mini pumpkins) double as festive Thanksgiving Day table decor, with handmade place cards for the dinner table.

Pick up a few Jack-o-Littles, construction paper and markers.

Cut paper into long, narrow "strips", and write guests names in the center of each strip. With a pencil, roll each end of the strip of paper one at a time tightly around it, creating a "scroll".

Place mini pumpkins at each placesetting, and hang the scroll off of the stems, for a custom, crafty placecard.

diy: rosemary

napkin ring Using fresh rosemary sprigs, create circle shapes, and secure the ends with short wire, or twist ties.

Pull a napkin through the rosemary circle, and set at each plate for the perfect, scented, farm to table finishing touch.

for more ideas, visit

S A F E W A Y. C O M / D E B I L I L LY

diy: versatile vases

My favorite Debi Lilly Design Illusion Vases are perfect for filling three ways this holiday:

1.

Fill with Jack o aisle.

2.

little pumpkins

Fill with layered

and wrap vase with

3.

nuts twine.

, top with a

fresh floral

from the produce

pillar candle

,

Fill with , like our handtied rose bouquets, pre-designed for you, and made perfect to chop stems, and drop into your vase at home.

for more ideas, visit

S A F E W A Y. C O M / D E B I L I L LY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROOM AND BOARD, Z A P WAT E R C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

Set the table

with a collection of orange pillar candles, medium and small pumpkins down the center.

Scatter candy corn down the center of the table, keeping edges nice and straight for the look of a precise "runner".

The Chalk Vase

is my favorite personalized touch at the table - so easy to fill with a pumpkin candle for Thanksgiving, and handwrite on the chalkboard label what you are most thankful for this holiday season.

Love Thanksgiving decor that you purchase once, and can use year after year? A trio of dried Wheatshafts are perfect for placing directly onto your table - for instant grab and go holiday tablescapes. Add a few Pumpkin Spice pillar candles on top mercury glass candlesticks - and voila - all set for a holiday feast.

for more ideas, visit

S A F E W A Y. C O M / D E B I L I L LY

PHOTO:

D E B I L I L LY D E S I G N F O R S A F E W A Y, I L L U S I O N V A S E S , P U M P K I N S P I C E C A N D L E S

thankful decor step1 step 2 step 3

Dress up the mantle, tables and buffets by layering autumn’s bounty into glass vases.

Fill vases with layers of nuts and dried beans in varied fall hues.

Wrap a pillar candle with twine, tucking in a fall leaf from the backyard. (be sure to keep the leaf away from the flame, by keeping it down low on the candle) Set the candle inside the vase.

Repeat, with varied size vases, for a flickering candlelight collection to enjoy all season long.

WEDDINGS

Leafy in

Love

BROOKE AND RYAN CELEBRATE AUTUMNAL STYLE MAGNIFICENT MORTON ARBORETUM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA SUDIMACK, ARTISAN EVENTS W E D D I N G C O O R D I N AT I O N , PA P E R & F L O R A L D E S I G N B Y A P E R F E C T E V E N T

29 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

D E B I A N D H E R D E S I G N T E A M H A N D PA I N T E D PA P E R L A N O N T H E T E R R A C E F O R C O C K TA I L S , I N C I T R U S H U E S T O F LO R A L B LO O M I N T H E B R I DA L PA R T Y B O U Q U E T S A N D

NTERNS, TO HANG M AT C H E A C H CENTERPIECES.

B R O O K E C H O S E T O C E L E B R AT E THE SEASON, WITH STUNNING FLORALS BY A PERFECT EVENT IN APRICOTS, CORALS, AND GREENS INCLUDING ROSES, R A N U N C U L U S , S P R AY R O S E S , H Y P E R I C U M B E R R Y, M A P L E L E AV E S A N D M O R E .

Brooke and Ryan

BOTH GREW UP ON THE WEST SIDE OF CHICAGO, NEARBY LEGENDARY MORTON ARBORETUM (AS DID DEBI, WHO SPENT AUTUMN WEEKENDS LEAF PEEPING, BIKING AND HIKING E V E R Y S Q U A R E I N C H W I T H H E R F A M I LY ) .

F O U N D E D I N 1 9 2 2 B Y M O R T O N S A LT M A G N AT E J O Y M O R T O N , I T I S A N O A S I S O F M A G N I F I C E N T LY T E N D E D T R E E S , 1 6 M I L E S O F H I K I N G T R A I L S , A N D 9 0 0 AC R E S O F FA L L S P L E N D O R .

Post dinner celebration

,

A F I R E S I D E S ' M O R E S B A R A N D C A R A M E L A P P L E B A R AWA I T E D

G U E S T S , O U T S I D E T H E D I N I N G R O O M , T O S O A K U P T H E L A S T D AY S O F WA R M A U T U M N E V E N I N G S I N T H E A R B O R E T U M .

D E B I ' S M U S T. H A V E . N O W. F AV E S I N F L E E C E .

OBSESSED 101 SHEAR MADNESS

LO N G S H E A R L IN G COAT N CO L E H A A

G E N U IN E S H E A R L IN G V E ST Y R AC H E L R O HOL IDAY I SSUE | 3 6

FAU X N OTC H C O

FAU X LING R A E SH TRIM FUR OAT C A E P S GUES

FAU X SHEAR MARC LING C NEW Y ORK B OAT Y AND

REW M ARC

S H E A R L IN G T O L L A R V ERS AC Y ELLEN T

FAU X F U J AC K E R T

TWELF T H S T. BY CYNTH IA V IN CENT

COLORB LOCK STRETCH SHEARL ING COAT DKNY

swirlz cu 7 0 5 W. B E L D E N , C H I C A G O , I L •

upcakes 7 7 3 - 4 0 4 - C A K E • FA C E B O O K

DIY

cupcake

T U R K E YS D E C O R AT E YO U R D E S S E R T T H I S

THANKSGIVING. SO SIMPLE THE W H O L E F A M I LY C A N D O I T .

H OLIDAY I SSUE | 4 0

DIY

SUPPLIES: F E AT H E R S MINI CUPCAKES SCISSORS T E M P L AT E

1. DOWNLOAD AND P R I N T T H E T E M P L AT E

3. PLACE ON TOP OF THE MINI CUPCAKE

2. CUT OUT THE T U R K E Y B O DY

4 . A D D F E AT H E R S B E H I N D T H E T U R K E Y B O DY TO C R E AT E T H E TA I L

THANKSGIVING

H OL IDAY I SSUE | 4 2

the kids table diy chalkboard runner 1 . U S I N G B L AC K PA P E R A N D C H A L K , YO U C A N M A K E A C H A L K B OA R D R U N N E R IN A FEW MINUTES. 2 . U N R O L L B L AC K PA P E R T H E L E N G T H O F Y O U R TA B L E T O P, W I T H 1 - 2 ' H A N G I N G D O W N T H E E N D S O F T H E TA B L E F O R A N ELEGANT FINISHED EDGE. 3 . W I T H C H A L K , D R AW A F L O U R I S H D E S I G N AC R O S S T H E L E N G T H O F PA P E R , ROUND CIRCLE SHAPES FOR THE " P L AT E S " , G U E S T N A M E S I F YO U L I K E , A N D / O R W H AT E V E R S H A P E S YO U R H E A R T DESIRES. 4 . S E T T H E TA B L E W I T H F L O R A L , C A N D L E S , P L AT E S , S T E M WA R E , A N D MORE.

diy apple leaf place cards 1. CUT OUT LEAF SHAPES OUT OF G R E E N PA P E R 2 . W R I T E YO U R G U E ST N A M E 3 . P U N C H A H O L E AT O N E E N D 4. ADD TO THE APPLE STEM

crossword puzzles K E E P YO U R L I T T L E G U E S T S E N T E R TA I N E D WITH A THANKSGIVING THEMED CROSSWORD PUZZLE AND COLORING BOOKS. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE.

H O L I DAY

Setting the holiday table O R A N G E B U F FA LO M O K A R A O R C H I D S I N S I M P L E G L A S S V A S E S L O O K C H I H U LY - E S Q U E O N T O P B B J L I N E N G L A S S P L AT E S , A C T I N G A S T R AY S F O R A N I N S TA N T P O P O F C O L O R A N D G L A M O U R .

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y B R I T TA N Y B E K A S N O M I , P A R K H YAT T C H I C A G O H O T E L GLOSSED AND FOUND, BEAUTY ON CALL, K A R E N N E U B E R G E R , L I F E T H E R A P Y, BAGABLE GIFTS

4 5 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

Down a gorgeous

B B J L I N E N L E O PA R D R U N N E R , A C O L L E C T I O N O F A P OT H E C A R Y J A R S , F I L L E D W I T H F L O AT I N G O R C H I D S , S I T S A L O N G S I D E VA S E S OF MOKARA ORCHIDS AND HYDRANGEA.

Watertower.

V I E W F R O M T H E D I N I N G R O O M AT N O M I , OVERLOOKING THE MAGICAL CHICAGO

Create a place card

BY TUCKING A STRIP OF PA P E R W I T H G U E S T N A M E BETWEEN FORK PRONGS. USE A FUN CALLIGRAPHY FONT FOR A FESTIVE TRADITIONAL LOOK.

Candy Champagne Cocktail Step 1:

P O U R C H A M PAG N E O R PROSECCO INTO A GLASS.

Step 2

DROP ROCK CA STIRRER INTO

2:

A N DY GLASS.

Step 3:

S I P - A S YO U R C O C K TA I L S L O W LY C H A N G E S C O L O R , LIKE MAGIC.

Holiday Sweet Treats FROM PASTRY CHEF MEG GA LUS N O M I , PARK HYATT CHICAGO

Port Poached Quince Tart WIT H VA N IL L A C R E A M

Tart Dough

1 STIC K U N SA LT E D B UT T E R 1 T VAN IL L A E X T R AC T 2C CA KE F LO U R , S I F T E D 1 /4T SA LT 3/4C POW D E R E D S UG A R 1 WH OL E E GG Cream the butter with the salt and vanilla in a stand mixer with paddle attachment Add the powdered sugar and mix until just combined Add the eggs slowly and paddle until combined Add the sifted flour and paddle until just combined.

Wrap tightly and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, roll to 1/8" - use a little flour to keep from sticking Lay the dough over the pie tin or tart ring Press the dough into the ring and put in freezer for 15 minutes Bake at 300F until golden Remove from the oven and cool completely

Quince

4 QU IN C E - P E E L E D, CO R E D, AND C U T IN TO W E D G E S 1 B OTTL E R U BY P O RT 1 C SU G AR 1 OR AN G E P E E L , C UT I N TO ST R IPS PINC H SA LT 1 VA NIL L A B E A N , S P L I T A N D SCR A PE D

I N T H E K I TC H E N

Place the quince wedges, sugar, and spices into a saucepan. Cover with port Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit on top of the fruit to ensure it is covered by liquid Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook until quince can be pierced easily with a knife. Cool completely in the liquid

Vanilla Cream

2C WH O LE M I LK 1 /2C + 2T S UGAR 1 E VANI LLA BE AN, S P L IT AND S C RAP E D O R 1 T VA N ILLA EXTRACT 6 E GG YO LKS 1 /4 C CO RNSTARCH 4 T UNSALTED BUTTE R Line a casserole dish with plastic wrap Bring the milk, vanilla bean, and half the sugar to a boil Whisk together the egg yolks, half the sugar, and the cornstarch in a mixing bowl Pour a little of the hot milk into the eggs and whisk Pour the rest of the milk into the egg mixture and whisk together Pour back into the pot Continue whisking while cooking over medium-high heat until boiling Cook about 3 more minutes until mixture is smooth and shiny Take off heat, whisk in the butter, and process with hand blender or food processor until smooth Pour into a bowl or casserole dish Cover with plastic wrap and chill immediately SPOON THE VANILLA CREAM INTO THE TART SHELL TOP WITH QUINCE WEDGES 53 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

Macarons For the cookie:

3/4C E G G WH I T E S 3T S U G A R 3C POW DER E D S UG A R 2C A L MOND M E A L O R G R O UND ALM ONDS Make the macarons at least 1 day before you intend to serve them. Start whipping the egg whites slowly in a clean, dry bowl with a stand mixer. Once they are foamy, start sprinkling in the sugar.

Whip on medium speed to just under stiff peak.

If using food coloring, add at the very end. While the egg whites are whipping, grind the powdered sugar and almond flour together in a robocoupe or food processor until very fine, then sift.

Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the egg whites and fold carefully until ingredients are about 3/4 mixed together.

Repeat with another 1/3.

Finally, fold the remaining 1/3 into the egg white mixture and "deflate" by beating with the spatula until the batter is proper piping consistency. It should be a little bit fluid and will fall off the spatula easily.

Transfer to a piping bag with a 1/4" round tip.

Pipe circles the size of a quarter onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment - leave about an inch between circles (the batter will spread slightly) and make sure there are no "tips".

Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, until a crust forms on the top of the cookies.

Bake at 325F for approximately 12-18 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes, just until the macarons can be picked up from the parchment cleanly.

I N T H E K I TC H E N

For the filling: 1 1 /2C WH I TE CH O CO LATE 1 C H E AVY C RE AM 2 T P I STACH I O PASTE • • • • •

Bring the cream to a boil Melt the chocolate Slowly emulsify the cream into the chocolate Whisk in the pistachio paste Chill several hours

To assemble: Pipe onto the bottom of one macaron shell and top with another Wrap tightly and keep in the freezer at least 24 hours Let come to room temperature before eating

Holiday Card Photos T I P S F O R TA K I N G B E T T E R

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

SUZZANE BROWN

H OLIDAY I SSUE | 5 6

TA S T E M A K E R

When

IS T HE B E ST TIM E TO TA K E YO U R HOLI DAY CARD PHOTOS? Usually late September through early November is the best time to have your holiday card photos taken by a professional. This is the closet you can get to the holidays with the weather still being decent enough to go outside for the shoot. More importantly, it will give your photographer or card designer enough time to get you your cards before the holidays.

Also make sure you contact your photographer about booking this type of session in August or September to ensure you get a spot. Or you can ask your favorite photographer if they plan on holding any holiday mini session events, which typically offer a 20-30 minute session for a price discounted from a standard session. This will let you quickly update your card pictures and even get some great photos to send out as gifts to your family, and for a really affordable price.

What to wear

This is the question I get asked most often when clients are preparing for their holiday sessions with me. The most important thing to keep in mind is to avoid matching too much. Skip the white tees and jeans or matching brown sweaters and let each person in your family wear something that shows their unique personality.

For that perfect sense of coordination in your outfits, once you have one or two family member’s outfit choices picked out, select a main color or accent color of one outfit and coordinate another family member’s outfit based on that. For example, if your daughter is wearing red leggings, find a red necklace or scarf for you that matches the red in her shoes. Love the blue accent color in the pattern of your partner’s tie? Find a dress for you that matches that blue!

Some other rules of thumb to keep in mind when choosing your outfits for holiday card photos – layering is great because it not only keeps everyone warm, but it also provides options to mix up your photos by simply removing a jacket or scarf. Most often I recommend clients keep the colors of their outfit choices simple, but busy patterns can be okay if only one family member’s outfit choice meets that criteria, and it should always be a child.

Have young kiddos and nervous they wont behave when the big day comes? The week before your session start telling your child all about mommy’s special friend who is coming over later in the week to hang out, play and take pictures. Also tell them all about the special surprise they will get at the end if they are really good. Whether it’s a sweet and colorful lollipop, a sparkle photo with glitter, a new toy that they can fall in love with… talk with your photographer about how to incorporate the presentation of this reward into the end of your session for some extra fun and magical photos.

Want to be different or missed out on getting holiday cards sent? Make a card wishing all of your friends and family a bright and happy new year instead!

picture perfect

H O L I D AY C A R D S

S T E P O N I N . . . E M A I L . . . C A L L . . . FA C E B O O K . . .T W E E T. . .

H E C K - J U S T G I V E U S S O M E K I N D O F A S H O U T.

H OLIDAY I SSUE | 6 4

W E ’ L L D E S I G N Y O U R F A M I LY H O L I D AY C A R D I N A S N A P H O W E A S Y I S T H AT ?

a erfect event

C AT H E R I N E @ A P E R F E C T E V E N T. C O M

3 0 5 0 N . L I N C O L N AV E CHICAGO, IL 60657 773.244.9333

CH E F ’ S HOLIDAY KI TCH E N WITH ELAINA VAZQUEZ BOUTIQUE BITES

B LOO D O R A NG E LEM O N A D E S E RV E S 4 S I MPL E SY R UP : 1 CUP SUGAR 1 /2 C U P WAT E R L E MONA D E : 1 C U P FR E S H B LO O D ORANGE JUI CE, 6 TO 7 OR A N G E S 1 C U P FR E S H L E M O N J UI C E, 4 TO 5 LEM O NS 3 C U PS WAT E R F RE S H T H Y M E S P R I G S , FO R GARNI S H In a medium saucepan heat sugar and water for about 5 minutes until all the sugar is dissolved and it becomes a syrup consistency. Set aside to cool slightly.

Juice blood oranges and lemons into separate cups. In a pitcher, add the blood orange juice, lemon juice, water, and simple syrup.

To Serve: Pour into mini bottles or jars. Wrap with twine and garnish with thyme sprigs.

Delicious mixed with Prosecco, for a sparkling specialty cocktail, or even Ginger Ale for a family friendly mocktail.

I N T H E K I TC H E N

"TO START THE PARTY RIGHT WHO DOESN'T LOVE A D ELICIOUS AND BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED SEASONAL DRINK?”

67 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

WIL D RI C E 2 CUPS W I L D R I C E 4 CU PS V E GE TA B L E O R C HI CK E N STO CK F RES H TH Y M E 1 TA BL E S PO O N B UT T E R SALT TO TAST E Heat stock until simmering. In a separate pan, toast the rice lightly over low heat. Add hot stock and thyme sprigs cover and let rice simmer until all of the stock has absorbed (about 10 minutes). Finish the rice with butter so that it melts in.

Season with salt to taste.

F R E NCH GR E E N LENT I LS WIT H G A R L I C F L AT B REA D SERV E S 4

LE NTILS 2 CUPS F R E N C H G R E E N L ENTI LS 4 CU PS V E GE TA B L E STO C K 1 T E AS POO N O L I V E O I L 1 /4 O N ION D I C E D 1 CA R ROT, P E E L E D A N D D ICED 1 CE L E RY STA L K , D I C E D F RES H TA R R AG O N , M I N C E D SALT TO TAST E In a saucepan with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, sautĂŠ the onions, carrots and celery until translucent. After rinsing the lentils, transfer them to the saucepan containing the vegetables. Pour

I LOVE THESE RECIP ES BECAUSE THEY REP RESENT THE QUINTESSANTIAL THANKSGIVING FEAST – BUT WITH A MODERN SPIN.

LE M O N - R OS EM ARY ROAST E D Q UAI L SERV E S 4

QUAIL 4 Q UAIL – AVA I L A B L E I N YO UR GRO CERY O R BUTCH E R (MAY S U BST I T U T E CO R N I S H H E NS ) 4 TABL E S P O O N S O L I V E O I L 1 F R E S H L E M O N , H A LV E D AND S LI CED I NTO 1 /4 " RO UNDS 6 R OS E MA RY SP R I G S + M O RE FO R GARNI S H 2 TA BL E S P O O N S SA LT 1 /2 TE AS PO O N B L AC K P E PP E R After washing and drying quail thoroughly, season each with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half tablespoon salt and black pepper to taste. Stuff the cavity of the quail with 1.5 sprigs of rosemary and 2 slices of lemon. Place on a baking sheet and roast in a 400 degree oven until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Serve on a bed of wild rice with rosemary sprigs for garnish.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE A LARGE GROUP TO FEED, QUAIL OR CORNISH HEN IS A GREAT SUBSTITUTE FOR A TOO BIG, TRADITIONAL TURKEY.

TA S T E M A K E R

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN NEWBY

M IXO LOGY O F

THE

M O M E N T

B E N N E W B Y ' S F AV O R I T E D R I N K T O S E R V E D U R I N G T H E H O L I D AY S I S H I S V E R S I O N O F H I S F A M I LY ' S C L A S S I C B R I T I S H C H R I S T M A S L I B AT I O N , M U L L E D W I N E .

He calls it the Black and Red and it is perfect for parties.

All you need to do is make it an hour before guests arrive, then leave it on a low heat to simmer on the stove. The entire house will be scented with warm citrus and spice, creating an intoxicating first impression as guests arrive.

Guests can self serve straight from the s t o v e , t h r o u g h o u t t h e p a r t y.

Everyone gets a special drink quickly and n o o n e i s s t u c k b e h i n d b a r.

Cheers from merry ol' England.

HOLIDAY I SSUE | 72

OL’ ONE TWO SERVES 6 2 OZ H ENNESSY B LACK 1 TS P BLAC K BER RY JA M 3/4 OZ STI RRI NGS GI NGER LIQU EU R 1 /2 OZ C H AMB OR D 1 /2 OZ LEM ON JU ICE 2 P I NC H E S O F CAYENNE PEPPER M I X ALL I NTO A P I TCH E R, TOP WITH GI NGER B EER .

BLACK & RED S E RV E S 6 PART O F M Y T E A T I ME CO LLEC TIO N, IE: " HEATED CO C KTA I LS " M E A N T TO BE S HA RED BETWEEN FR IE N DS U S I N G F R ES H TEAS , H ERBS , S P IC ES AN D R I C H L I QU OR S . S ERV ED WA RM IN A GLASS T E AP OT, OR F RO M T H E STOV ETO P. 3 C U P S, R E D W I N E 1 C U P, H E N N E SSY B LACK 1 /4 C UP, L E M O N J U I C E 1 /4 C UP, S I M P L E SY RUP 4 C IN N A M O N ST I C KS 2 C A R DA M O N P O DS 2 G R AT I N G S O F F R E S H NUTM E G, OR 1/2 TS P G R O UN D NUTM E G PE E L O F O N E O R A NGE 2 PI E C E S , L E M O N Z EST M IX A L L I N TO A T E A P OT, O R STO C K P OT. WA RM , TO IN F U S E F L AVO R S, TH EN S ERV E. T H E R I CH F L AVO R S O F H ENNESSY BLAC K , B LACK B E R RY JA M AND LIQ UEURS M ATC H PER F EC T LY W I T H T HE SWEET S P IC E O F GINGER B E E R A N D DAS H OF C AY ENNE P EP P ER. A D E E P, F R U I T Y TASTE TO BEGIN, FO LLOWED BY A PE R F ECT LY WA R M, P EP P ERY FINIS H - D RIV ES AWAY A N Y T RACE O F WINTER CO LD.

T H E O L' ON E T WO I S T HE PER FEC T CO C KTA I L TO WA R M U P G U E STS FR OM A W I N T ER CHIL L .

apple pie bundles

MAKES 10-12 BUNDLES

INGREDIENTS:

1 2-PACK OF REFRIGERATED PIE

2 MEDIUM APPLES - WE LOVE GALA OR FUJI 2 TABLESPOONS UNSALTED BUTTER 1/8 CUP OF SUGAR

2 TEASPOONS OF CINNAMON

2 TABLESPOONS OF MELTED BUTTER

3 TABLESPOONS OF CINNAMON/SUGAR MIXTURE (3

TABLESPOONS OF SUGAR WITH 1 TEASPOON OF CINNAMON)

APPLE FILLING:

Preheat over to 400 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cut applies into small pieces (about 1/2-inch thick). Place your chopped apples and butter in a large pan over low-medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add sugar and cinnamon and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes. TIP: We found the longer you slowly cook your apples the more naturally caramelized they get - which means you need less sugar!

ASSEMBLE: Remove your pre-made pie crusts from package and place on a clean, wellfloured surface. Cut off each rounded edge to leave you with 1 large square.

Using a knife, cut dough into 4 4-inch squares. Keep your scraps and re-roll to create 1-2 more 4-inch squares.

Place dough squares on lined pans. Spoon 1 tablespoon apple mixture into center of each square. Fold corners of squares toward center, overlapping corners slightly on top and pinching together. This will leave four pretty pockets in your bundles.

Brush the top of each bundle with melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon & sugar to give a nice sparkle.

Bake 12-14 minutes, or until crust is just golden brown. Let cool on pan before removing to wire rack to prevent breaking. Serve and enjoy!

HOLIDAY I SSUE | 76

IN THE KITCHEN

FA R M S TA N D

FR O M FAR M TO TAB LE

BOSTON

H OL IDAY I SSUE | 78

W HI L E ST R OL L I N G T HR OUG H QUA I N T, L E A F Y COP L EY SQUA R E, ON E SUN N Y W EEKEN D N E A R T HE EN D OF OC TOBE R , W E HA P P EN ED UP ON T HE M OST BEAUT I F U L FA R M STA N D M A R KET, SI EN A FA R M S. Siena, the daughter of a farmer and a chef, is a fifty-acre market farm growing fresh produce for farmers’ markets, restaurants, and a 500-member CSA community, nestled in the fertile soils of the Sudbury River valley just west of Boston. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a collaboration between farmers and their customers to create an organic, farm-totable culinary experience. A weekly “Farm-Share” – a half-bushel CSA box – through membership, contains a delicious variety of vegetables fresh from Siena Farms’ fields throughout the entire 48 week harvest season. Through pick-up, or home or office delivery, farm to table has never been more accessible, or beautiful, or delicious. This incredible level of farmstand service has earned Siena Farms Boston’s Best Farmstand, Boston’s Best Produce Shop, to name but a few.

In 1975, when Siena Farms’ owner Chris Kurth was a mere babe, his family moved into a nineteenth century Sudbury farmhouse. Farmer Chris grew up tending home gardens, fruit trees, and even a goat that was his elementary school’s mascot! In 1998, after studying biology, religion, and environmental studies at Williams College, Farmer Chris started a ten-acre CSA farm on his parents’ fields, then called Meadow Brook Farm. After four years of developing Meadow Brook he accepted a farm instructor’s position at The Farm School in Athol, MA, during which time he met and married

his wife Ana Sortun, chef/owner of Oleana restaurant and Sofra Bakery in Cambridge, MA. The birth of Ana’s and Chris’ daughter Siena in 2005 spawned a new incarnation of the Sudbury farm, “Siena Farms.”

In partnership with a core team of managers and a great seasonal crew, Farmer Chris is looking forward to many more decades, if not generations, of growing. With Chef Ana helping to select crop varieties and to guide harvest techniques to maximize quality and freshness, the Siena Farms team is determined and delighted to grow the finest and freshest produce available for its customers. Sustainable farming practices, such as modern organic agriculture, free of chemical herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are followed. The soil of the fiftyacre farm is built annually through the use of natural composts, and organic fertilizer, which together supply valuable nutrients to the farm’s soil, and thus the produce for sale.

Fresh farm crops, delivered hours later to markets and chefs around Boston, makes all the difference in the flavor, nutrition, shine and storage quality of Siena Farms’ produce.

With crop varietal selections and harvest techniques guided by some of the region’s top chefs, including Jean Georges, they aspire to grow some of the very best fresh produce you’ve ever tasted...even if only with your eyes.

Follow their gorgeous, delicious blog, just like Debi does - for weekly recipes, seasonal cooking tips and tricks, and just plain old pics of pretty produce. http://sienafarms.com/ blog/ http://sienafarms.com twitter.com/SienaFarms

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antry party 3

U P P I N G T H E A N T E O N YO U R PA N T R Y . . .

M U S T H A V E I T E M S F O R H O L I D AY I M P R O M P T U E N T E R T A I N I N G

1 . M O L LY H A T C H • P E O N Y P O R T R A I T P L A T T E R

Fancy, fresh, floral platters make any party festive. The perfect pretty platter for entertaining this season.

2.

LE CRESEUT • CAFÉ COLLECTION – LE CRESEUT

This cherry-red entertaining essential doubles as a premium french press and decorative holiday accent.

3 . C R AT E & B A R R E L • C O O K I E P R E S S A N D D E C O R AT I N G K I T

Debi's favorite childhood holiday memory, making spritz Cookies with her Gigi. Start your own family tradition, and press and decorate the perfect cookies for all of your holiday parties.

4. WILLIAM-SONOMA • CIDER BOURBON ROASTING GLAZE Perfect for last-minute holiday entertaining. This complex glaze elevates the most simple chicken, turkey, pork or ham dish. Hints of apple and rich, smoky kentucky bourbon leave your guests wanting more.

5 . A P E R F E C T E V E N T • S N A I L G I F T B OX Perfect oh so french gift box - topped with the cutest little glittered escargot

6. MERI MERI • HAPPY THANKSGIVING CUPCAKE TOPPERS Turn otherwise ordinary cupcakes into gobble-worthy treats. The bowties on the turkeys couldn’t be more fun.

7. P O M M E R Y • C H A M PA G N E P O P A R T S E R I E S Ring in the new year with these cuties! Cheers to 2013 and a toastworthy party set-up…no champagne flutes needed!

8 . A P E R F E C T E V E N T • H O L I D AY C A R D More than just an elegant letterpress holiday card - a seasonal keepsake to hang inside an evergreen wreath, with mantle decor, and more.

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WEDDINGS

NATALIE AND MATT O C T O B E R 7, 2 0 1 2

•

G L E N V I E W, I L L I N O I S

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUZZANNE BROWN S I M P LY B Y S U Z Y, P H O T O G R A P H Y

85 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

Natalie

CARRIED A HANDTIED BOUQUET, DESIGNED WITH CHAMPAGNE ROSES, SPRAY ROSES, BUPLEUREM AND HYPERICUM BERRY.

autumnal bouquets

OF

BLUE HYDRANGEA, PURPLE STOCK, SCABIOSA, AND LAVENDER ROSES.

petite attendants

, ALWAYS THE VERY DEFINITION OF SWEET INNOCENCE

HOLIDAY I SSUE | 9 0

Holiday Edit

PA R T Y D R E S S E S

The

It's the most wonderful time... of the year

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

S tep out... step right up to Jazz age chic

feathers dance... baubles glisten

Gatsby

becomes her

be merry...be bright

holiday glamour. gonevintage

...

C O C K TA I L S

Behind the Bar,

S T O R Y B Y R E VA E S C H N E I D E R P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y L I N D S E Y C AVA N A U G H

FEMME DU COUPE DOES H O L I DAY C O C K TA I L S

T H E S E C O C K TA I L S I N C O R P O R AT E WO N D E R F U L S E A S O N A L S P I C E D F L AVO R S G R E AT F O R A N Y G AT H E R I N G .

P E R F E C T F O R P L AC I N G I N A P U N C H B OW L A N D L E T T I N G G U E S T S E N J OY !

NouveauNoir

2 . 0 OZ S A I LO R J E R R Y R U M 1 . 0 OZ F R E S H L I M E J U I C E . 7 5 S I M P L E SY R U P 3 B L AC K B E R R I E S 1 ROSEMARY SPRIG 2 DA S H E S S C R A P P Y ' S C H O C O L AT E B I T T E R S M U D D L E B L AC K B E R R I E S A N D R O S E M A R Y I N A B OT TO M O F T H E S H A K E R , A D D F R E S H L I M E J U I C E , S I M P L E SY R U P, A N D S A I LO R J E R R Y R U M , A D D I C E TO S H A K E R , S H A K E , A N D S E R V E .

1 01 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

Winters Revenge

1 . 5 OZ H E N D R I C K S G I N . 7 5 OZ F R E S H L E M O N J U I C E . 7 5 OZ L E S I R O P W I N T E R S P I C E . 2 5 OZ B E N E D I C T I N E 2 S T R AW B E R R I E S 2 DA S H E S A N G O S T U R A B I T T E R S

M U D D L E S T R AW B E R R I E S I N A B OT TO M O F THE SHAKER, ADD FRESH LEMON JUICE, LE S I R O P W I N T E R S P I C E SY R U P, H E N D R I C K ' S G I N , A N G O S T U R A , A N D B E N E D I C T I N E TO T H E S H A K E R .

A D D I C E TO S H A K E R , S H A K E , A N D S E R V E .

Belle Tempete

2 . 0 OZ P L A N TAT I O N 5 Y R R U M 1.0 LIME JUICE .75 LE SIROP SPICY GINGER .25 ST ELIZABETH ALLSPICE DRAM 1 DA S H A N G O S T U R A B I T T T E R S

ADD FRESH LIME JUICE, LE SIROP SPICY G I N G E R SY R U P, P L A N TAT I O N 5 Y R R U M , A N D S T E L I Z A B E T H A L L S P I C E D R A M , A D D I C E TO SHAKER, SHAKE, AND SERVE.

a erfect event

3050 N. LINCOLN AVENUE• CHICAGO | 773•244•9333

GIFTS , FLORA L , I N V I TAT I ONS , FAVOR S , D ECOR A ND M ORE!

H O L I DAY

winter wonderland A WONDROUS WHITE WINTER WONDERLAND IS OUR DECOR OF CHOICE FOR EVERY HOLIDAY FEATURING BBJ TABLE FASHIONS. FROM HANUKKAH, TO CHRISTMAS, TO

New Year.

1 07 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

haute hostess:

Why not skip the predictable traditional holiday décor and create unusual elegance this year instead? I just love this stunning wintry white on white palette. Another favorite on trend holiday color combination is apple green, white and gold. Or, choose copper and aqua. Use this color scheme throughout your holiday details, from décor to holiday cocktails to menus to favors – even just adding in hints of NEW color through dozens of handmade silk bows to your mantle, tree, wreath, etc.

These colors work beautifully both on the tabletop and for outdoor décor, too.

monocolor magnificence,

ELEGANT WHITE-ON-WHITE PALETTE FROM THE TINIEST TO GRANDEST DETAIL. WHITE SILK LINENS BY BBJ TABLE FASHIONS SET THE BACKDROP. STUNNING, FROSTED “ICED” LANTERNS CREATED A WARM GLOW ACROSS TABLETOPS, BARS, AND OUTDOOR TERRACE VISTAS. WHITE WINTER FLOWERS FROM AMARYLLIS, PHALAENOPSIS ORCHIDS, CALLA LILIES AND HYDRANGEAS BRIMMED FROM CLEAR GLASS VASES, DRESSED IN STRANDS OF VERTICAL SPARKLING CHANDELIER CRYSTALS AND WHITE SILK RIBBON BANDS.

DIY: AN ALL-WHITE “ICED” CANDY BAR BECKONED GUESTS FROM DINNER TO DESSERT WITH SWEET TREATS INCLUDING WHITE CHOCOLATE MALTED MILK BALLS, HANDMADE CHAMPAGNE MARSHMALLOWS AND SALTWATER TAFFY, ALL HOUSED IN VINTAGE APOTHECARY JARS. AVAILABLE, THE CB, A CANDY BAR, AT A PERFECT EVENT.

diy: winter’s white palette

Holiday décor can become tired and predictable with the usual traditional red and green decor. It’s easy to transform this year’s holiday celebration into an elegant, monochromatic, all white winter wonderland that works for any budget.

Make a statement on a tabletop, mantle or kitchen island for a festive focal point throughout the holiday season.

Fill vases and other containers with abundant white winter blooms. You can use any favorite bloom – from long lasting Amaryllis on one end of the price scale, to massed Carnations on the other end. Carnations are such a favorite of mine – grouped into a tight “pave” inside a vase they make such an impact – and are so affordable.

a floral stylist secret

- the power of one flower creates a stunning effect. Buy several dozen, trim stems so that the base of your blooms are flush with the containers and fill them. Wrap white ribbon around into “bands”, and secure with double sided tape or a glue stick. I love to drop a few crystal chandelier crystals off of the rim of the vase for a shot of sparkle at the holiday. And last, as always, mismatched containers with different shapes and heights are a favorite trick to add visual interest.

diy: frosted glass centerpieces

Transform your glassware into festive holiday pieces with this simple, frosty stylist trick.

1. Gather glass bowls, hurricanes and glass pieces of any size and shape.

2. Purchase one or more cans of spray frost at a craft store, florist or hardware stores.

3. In a well-ventilated area, preferably outside, spray your glass pieces as if you are spray-painting them on the outside of the glass. Allow to dry.

4. If your pieces do not look “frosted” enough, you can easily apply a second coat. It’s ok to layer – the more layers – the frostier.

5. Fill with florals, pillar candles…whatever strikes your winter fancy. The best news? You can wash off spray frost at the end of the holidays and continue putting those pieces to use long after, when spring has sprung.

6. A more permanent trick for vases and glass pieces is to spray-paint the interior with a colored paint. We used white for this party, but any great color works beautifully and gives the appearance of colored glass. By spray-painting just the inside, old glass pieces become newly colorful and glossy.

MANTLE

dressing

To get in the holiday spirit, I love using a combination of bright, fresh wintery colors such as apple green, white and gold during the holidays. Corset satin ribbon around vases, fill with candles, and tuck sprigs of fresh pine and metallic pinecones around the collection down the mantle.

H O L I DAY

1 21 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

H O L I DAY

metallic pinecones

MIX AND RIBBONS INTO YOUR FRESH GARLAND AND GREENS, FOR A FASHION FORWARD STATEMENT AT HOME.

Beauty BUFFET

TASTES AND TREATS: I love an eye popping, pretty, pre set, room temperature buffet menu that you can prepare hours before the party starts, leaving you free to mix and mingle with all of your guests when they arrive. If you are having fun, so are your guests - no being stuck cooking in the kitchen allowed.

One of the easiest ways to display desserts, or any appetizer for that matter, is to use vases to create a high impact cake stand display. First, gather illusion vases of varying heights, fill them with water, and float large roses inside.

Place dessert plates on top of the vase to create a visually stunning holiday dessert display.

H O L I DAY

S A F E W A Y H O L I D A Y G R E E N S I N T E R T W I N E D W I T H D E B I L I L LY D E S I G N ™ D O U B L E - F A C E D S A T I N R I B B O N I N H O T R E D A N D D E B I L I L LY D E S I G N ™ W I N T E R B E R R Y D I N N E R V O T I V E S .

P H O T O C R E D I T : D E B I L I L LY D E S I G N F O R S A F E W A Y 1 25 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

A D OZ E N fro

I N T H E K I TC H E N

om A D OZ E N S T O R Y & P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D E B I L I L LY

1 27 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

JA M E S , O U R N E W B F F F R O M G L A Z E D A N D I N F U S E D R O L L E D U P W I T H T WO H U G E W H I T E B A K E RY B OX E S , E AC H F I L L E D W I T H A D OZ E N O F C H I C AG O ' S F I N E S T S E A S O N A L D O N U T S .

A s I t r i e d d e s p e ra t e l y t o ke e p m y k i d ' s s t i c k y f i n g e r s o u t o f t h e s u g a r f i l l e d b oxe s , we w h i p p e d u p a d oz e n f u n h o l i d a y re c i p e s , f ro m a d o z e n Glazed and Infused donuts.

CARAMEL CUPS B re a k u p f l avo re d d o n u t h o l e s i n t o b i t e s i z e pieces, and place into coffee cups. Drizzle w i t h c a ra m e l s a u c e ( I l ove F l e u r d e S e l , s a l t e d c a ra m e l ) . Wra p a n d s e t a s i d e , a t ro o m t e m p e ra t u re . W h e n re a d y t o s e r ve , s c o o p C a ra m e l d e S e l i c e c re a m o n t o p , s p r i n k l e w i t h c i n n a m o n a n d g ra t e d o ra n g e p e e l .

B L AC K B E R RY D O N U TC A K E S l i c e a F i l l e d D o n u t i n h a l f, l e n g t h w i s e . L a ye r w i t h f re s h b l a c k b e r r i e s , b l u e b e r r i e s , a n d t o p w i t h a l l n a t u ra l c re a m s t y l e va n i l l a yo g u r t .

S p r i n k l e w i t h f re s h m i n t . Ad d t o p d o n u t , a n d re p e a t .

D O N U T S U N DA E Place a donut inside a sundae glass, top with B l u e b e r r y C h e e s e c a ke F ro z e n Yo g u r t a n d f re s h mint.

CHAIDER N' DONUTS F i l l m u g s w i t h h a l f s p i c e d a p p l e c i d e r, h a l f c h a i t e a . Ad d a s p r i n g o f f re s h ro s e m a r y f o r g a r n i s h , f l o a t i n g i n t h e C h a i d e r l i ke a s t i r re r. To p w i t h a donut that fits nicely ontop the mug.

COFFEE AND DONUTS Fill demitasse cups with c o f f e e i c e c re a m . S e t o n t ra y, w ra p a n d p l a c e i n f re e z e r. S kewe r d o n u t h o l e s o n t o wo o d e n s kewe r s , c u t t o d e s i re d l e n g t h i f n e e d e d . B e f o re serving, stick into ice c re a m , s e r ve w i t h s p o o n s .

DONUTPOPS S kewe r d o n u t h o l e s o n t o a s kewe r, c u t t o d e s i re d l e n g t h . D r i z z l e w i t h c a ra m e l s a u c e , s p r i n k l e w i t h l a ve n d e r. ( i n g ro c e r y s p i c e a i s l e) .

LO N G J O H N N A P O L E O N S S l i c e a l o n g j o h n d ow n t h e c e n t e r, l e n g t h w i s e .

P l a c e s l i c e d s t raw b e r r i e s o n t o p b o t t o m h a l f, a n d d r i z z l e w i t h c re a m s t y l e s t ra w b e r r y yo g u r t .

S p r i n k l e w i t h f re s h m i n t l e a ve s . L a ye r o n t o p s e c o n d l o n g j o h n s l i c e , d i z z l e w i t h yo g u r t a n d t o p w i t h ra s p b e r r i e s , m i n t .

DONUT CANDLEABRA O u r p e r s o n a l f avo r i t e - s e t d o n u t s a t o p c a n d l e a b ra , f o r a v i s u a l d i s p l a y g u e s t s c a n e n j oy w i t h t h e i r eye s , a n d then, come tasting, the other senses.

TO G O B AG S T h e re i s n o b e t t e r e n d t o a n y holiday fete, than a warm bag of f re s h d o n u t s , h a n d e d t o g u e s t s a s yo u k i s s k i s s , a n d b i d a d i e u .

B a g d o n u t s , w a r m j u s t b e f o re t h e p a r t y e n d s , i n a l ow t e m p e ra t u re ove n o r w a r m i n g d rawe r.

MILK AND DONUTS3 Va n i l l a , S t raw b e r r y a n d C h o c o l a t e M i l k s i p s , r i g h t f ro m t h e g ro c e r y a i s l e . H a n g d o n u t o f f of each glass.

DONUT FLIGHT C h o o s e t h re e d i f f e re n t f l a vo r s o f d o n u t s , s l i c e bottom off to sit flat, upright, on a plate.

S p o o n t h re e f l avo r s o f j a m o r c h u t n ey, p a i re d with each donut, in f ro n t , f o r d i p p i n g .

H OT C H O C O L AT E D O N U T S W h a t m a ke s d o n u t s t a s t e eve n better? Delicious, warm mugs of hot chocolate, dusted with f re s h c i n n a m o n s u g a r.

Stacey Roney's TA S T E M A K E R

H O L I DAY G I F T G U I D E

Consider me your holiday helper. I'm going to show you how to make gift giving stressfree by sharing with you beautifying gifts that work for just about everyone on your list and they are just a click away. Say "good-bye" to traffic and long lines.

1st step, let's talk about the beautiful people on your list. Your boss who is impossible to buy for, your mother who doesn't need another sweater, and the teacher who has enough mugs. I've pulled together a gift guide that, well, let's face it, are gifts for your friends that you wish your friends would give to you. So, check out some of my favorite must have gift ideas that will be sure to please th e hostess with the mostess and for....well, YOU!

H OL IDAY I SSUE | 1 40

My go-to gift for friends who love beauty products. A dashing mini lip set from LAURA MERCI E R , of course.

I love the limited edition cranberry infused soaps from FRESH . The festive packaging is the perfect gift for instant Holiday charm!

Tired of giving the typical bottle of Champagne? My other favorite bubbly, the Relax Bubble Bath from LOLLIA , instantly calms nerves to get you through the busy season.

I’m swooning over

B O B BI BROWN's Holiday palette for the eyes. Dedicated to making you look beautiful with ease, you can’t go wrong with the gorgeous hues of caviar and oyster or a touch of shimmer for a festive party look.

Love the ease of a fake tree but the fact is, I miss the smell of a real onelight this and presto, the problem is solved. Pine and Eucalyptus Candle by J O MALONE .

Call STAC E Y R O N E Y a serial mompreneur.

With three kids and three businesses, her days are a whirlwind running Artist agency Beauty on Call, On-line magazine Glosseda ndFound. com, and skincare line Rodan+Fields. Previously a Cosmetic Buyer for Nordstrom, Roney now spends her days interviewing experts like Bobbi Brown, placing beauty industry professionals for ret ailers and brides and helping clients get the best skin of their lives. In short, she's leading a very Beauty-Full life. Literally.

TA S T E M A K E R

H O L I D AY CHEER & THEN SOME STO RY & P H OTO G R A P H Y BY D. G R A H A M KOST I C

I ' M A N E R D F O R T H E H O L I D AY S .

A L T H O U G H I T ' S A B O U T T O G E T B I T T E R LY COLD OUTSIDE, THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE TWINKLING LIGHTS IN THE WINDOWS O R A N I M AT R O N I C E LV E S I N S C A R V E S A N D M I T T E N S I N T H E M AC Y› S W I N D OW S .

A N D W I T H A L L T H E F U N O U T A N D A B O U T, W E C A N ' T H E L P B U T F E E L T H E H O L I D AY SPIRIT INSIDE AS WELL. FROM USING M A S K I N G TA P E T O P U T A L I T T L E S U G A R A N D S P I C E I N TO YO U R B A R TO F U N M O M E N T O S F O R P L A C E C A R D S A N D G R E AT PA R T Y G I F T S , I ’ V E B E E N C A P T U R I N G S O M E O F M Y FAV O R I T E H O L I D AY P A R T Y T R E N D S T O S H A R E . B R I N G O N T H E M E R R Y, T H I S I S G O I N G TO B E YO U R T I M E TO S H I N E .

H OLIDAY I SSUE | 1 42

N E W Y E A R ’ S E V E I S N ’ T T H E O N LY T I M E T O C E L E B R A T E W I T H N O I S E M A K E R S . S E R I O U S LY, P L A C E A F E W B O W L S O F N O I S E M A K E R S A R O U N D T H E H O U S E F O R S O M E S P O R A D I C H O L I D AY C E L E B R AT I O N .

F O L L O W U S O N I N S TA G R A M : @ G L O S S E D A N D F O U N D

S P I C E U P YO U R B A R W I T H B R I G H T C R A F T TA P E .

R E A L LY, A N Y T H I N G C A N B E TA P E D W I T H A F U N DESIGN. CUSTOMIZE WITH A S H A R P I E A N D YO U ’ V E J U ST G I V E N YO U R B A R A MAJOR UPGRADE.

YO U S H O U L D N E V E R L E AV E E M P T Y H A N D E D F R O M A P A R T Y. I L O V E C O L L E C T I N G V I N TA G E PINS TO PLACE IN A B O W L AT T H E F R O N T DOOR FOR PEOPLE TO ADD A LITTLE EXTRA H O L I D AY C H E E R T O T H E I R O U T F I T.

V I N TA G E S W I Z Z L E S T I C K S M A K E F O R G R E AT D R I N K M A R K E R S A N D G I F T S AT T H E E N D O F T H E N I G H T . G & F R E C E N T LY T E A M E D U P W I T H S U I T O R S T A T I O N A R Y T O P R O D U C E A L I M I T E D E D I T I O N B A R B O X O F R E C I P E S F R O M O U R PA S T FAV O R I T E G U E S T S ( L I K E B O B B I B R O W N A N D K E L LY W E A R S T L E R ) . W I T H E A C H P U R C H A S E , Y O U ’ L L R E C E I V E F O U R V I N TA G E S W I Z Z L E S T I C K S A N D F O U R R E C I P E C A R D S — A P E R F E C T PA R T Y !

TINY TRIUMPHS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR CALL FOR TINY TROPHIES. LINE THESE L I T T L E L O V I N › C U P S D O W N T H E C E N T E R O F YO U R TA B L E W I T H P O P P Y P U N C H E S O F FLORAL FOR A WINNING CENTERPIECE.

I R E C E N T LY G O T T H I S W E D D I N G I N V I T A T I O N .

B R I G H T P I N K E N V E L O P E A N D L O V E S TA M P S GALORE. I’M STEALING THIS IDEA THIS W I N T E R F O R M Y H O L I D AY P A R T Y I N V I T E S B E C A U S E T H O S E V I N TA G E S TA M P S J U S T MAKE ME SMILE. TA K E P O L A R O I D S , O L D P I C T U R E S O R F U N M O M E N T O S F R O M T R AV E L S W I T H Y O U R FRIENDS TO USE AS NAME CARDS FOR A H O L I D AY D I N N E R . B O N U S P O I N T S F O R P L A Y F U L LY E M B A R R A S S I N G S H O T S — Y O U K N O W Y O U H AV E P L E N T Y O F T H O S E F R O M YO U R C R E W !

holiday food fun

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K E N M A R E C AT E R I N G

For those of you looking to try something new this holiday season, look no further then Kenmare Catering. Known for their culinary gastronomy.

Shown here, their Grilled Beet Slider, yellow beet

“cheese”, onion caramel and green goddess. The perfect seasonal hors d’ oeuvre.

Holiday food trend; dress up the otherwise expected salad. Show here, Grilled Romaine, yellow and grape tomato, Cashel blue cheese, scallion, 25 year balsamic.

Lobster AND Caviar? We say yes! Lobster Stuffed Chicken, with cauliflower puree and salmon caviar.

N E W YO R K ST R I P H OL IDAY I SSUE | 1 48

LOBSTER STUFFED CHICKEN

GRILLED BEET SLIDER

GRILLED ROMAINE

holiday food trend:

GIVE GUESTS

D I N N E R A N D A S H O W. I N T R O D U C E

NEW CULINARY TECHNIQUES WITH FA M I L I A R F O O D S . S L I C E D N E W Y O R K S T R I P, C H I M I C H U R R I , F I V E RICE SAUTÉ, RAINBOW CARROTS WITH OLIVE OIL POWDER.

eat art. explorers of culinary gastronomy.

312.787.0190 | kenmarecatering.com

Gorgeous gifting

T HE R UBY R ED HOL I DAY AP P L E DOESN ' T FA L L FA R F R OM T HE T R E E .

M Y M A MA DOES SO MUCH SO WELL. TOPS ON MY LIST, HE R HOLI DAY GI FT WRAP I S LI KE NO OT H E R. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM CHYUNG

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM CHYUNG

H O L I DAY

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Lucky you,

WE'RE SHARI NG HER TOP GI FT WRAP TRENDS AND TI PS:

1. C h o o s e a co mp l i me n t a r y col or p al e t te fo r w rap p i n g p ap e r, r i b b o n s , t ags a n d deco rative a cce n t s.

2 . Al ways a d d i n a d e corat i ve d e t a i l wi t h t h e t ag - v i n t ag e t ass e l s , h o l i d ay orn a m e nts , g ilde d a n t i q u e keys. . .to n am e b u t a few.

3 . Ha nd m a d e ho l i d ay - M om i s a d e co u p ag e q u e e n . Th e s e g l ass h e ar t o r na m e n ts a re deco u p a g e d w i t h f re n c h p a p e r s, hy m n s an d c aro l s , p e r fe c t fo r ad d i n g to th e tre e on ce g if ts a re com p l e te.

4. St am p e d ta g s - of f i ce su p p l y t a gs b e co m e h o l i d ay- ce n t r i c wi t h r u b b e r sta m pe d art in the s ha p e of f l e u r d e l i s.

5. An d f ina lly, my m ost favor i te of al l : h e r t h o u g h t fu l g i ft t ag s al ways s h a re a cl eve r " h i n t " at w hat swe e t , c h e r i sh e d g i ft l i e s inside.

H O L I DAY

N HOL IDAY I SSUE | 1 5 6

Nantucket Noel PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARY HAZLEGROVE

C H R ISTMAS STROLL SC EN ES

Cary Hazlegrove is a professional photographer, and one of Debi's favorite island authors. She has spent over thirty years photographing the magical people and idyllic places of Nantucket.

Imagine

crisp sea air spiced with wood smoke, drifting through the island's cobblestones streets.

M A I N S T R E E T, N A N T U C K E T

twinkling

lit holiday trees and glowing, frosted shop windows, while the historic church tower bells chime familiar favorite holiday carols.

S A N TA A R R I V E S B Y S E A

SHOP WINDOW BROAD STREET

S A N TA C L A U S C H R I S T M A S S T R O L L

MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS

Christmas season

The on Nantucket is simply magical. Affectionately named Nantucket Noel, the holiday festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Community Caroling.

Everyone gathers

at the top of Main Street to watch over 100 Christmas trees come alive with color and light.

Caroling follows, filling the air with sounds of an old fashioned Christmas. School children, youth groups and non-profit organizations join with island businesses to decorate the trees in time for Christmas Stroll the following weekend.

Now in its 39th year, Christmas Stroll Weekend is held the weekend after Thanksgiving. The 2012 Christmas Stroll will take place from November 30 through December 2.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Saturday via Coast Guard vessel and are escorted up Straight Wharf by the Town Crier to a waiting horse and carriage. They parade up Main Street and across Centre to the historic Jared Coffin House where they meet with eagerly awaiting children. Children of all ages are entertained by the Magical Talking Tree at the top of Main, while carolers in period costume, bell ringers, student choirs and more perform on Main Street. Holiday craft shows, exhibitions and performances – including the popular annual Christmas House tour on Friday evening – add to the joyful festivities.

H AU T E . . . o r not ?

1 69 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

HAU T E Vivid vermilion blossoms curve-hugging lace column festive high-low flounced hem

TRACY R E E SE CI N NABAR D R E SS BHL D N.C OM $6 0 0 .0 0

painted

paris S TO R Y & PA I N T I N G S BY BLAIR & LAURIE PESSEMIER

Christmas in France is a wonderful experience. It’s possible to go out on Christmas day, buy flowers and eat lunch.

Last year we were in Perpignan, in the Southwest, eating couscous at le Casablanca, a Moroccan restaurant. We took our Christmas holidays in nearby Collioure, beneath the bright sun and beside the sea. We painted outside for the month of December: windy, yet clear.

Collioure (right) had the most spectacular Christmas display I ever saw: a two day event in the Moorish chateau in the center of town.

It was much as it would have been in the middle ages: donkeys and camels, geese and entertainers on stilts scattering spangles. We drank hot mulled wine and listened to songs in the ancient, traditional Gregorian style.

Christmas is the art season for everyone. Extraordinary window displays abound in Paris, from modern animations at the Bon Marche, to more traditional puppets at the Galeries Lafayette.

Angels and trees appear, and cafes sport snowmen dressed as waiters painted in gouache on windows . Even individual balconies bear lights, and trees, their trunks affixed in Yule logs, can be found at any flower shop.

From the Paris artists’ standpoint, there is much inspiration in the street, but the execution of that spirit takes place from indoors. Except for an occasional foray outside on a sunny day, the plein air painter is relegated to interior projects. We paint from our sixth floor window whenever something interesting, like snow, ensues.

We take advantage of a late dawn and early dusk to capture lighted windows in dark buildings.

HOLIDAY I SSUE | 1 72

TA S T E M A K E R

C H AT E A U AT C O L L I O U R E , F R A N C E • B L A I R P E S S E M I E R • O I L O N C A N VA S

C H R I S T M A S D O N K E Y S AT C O L L I O U R E • L A U R I E F O X P E S S E M I E R • A C R Y L I C O N C A N VA S

Marches are full of holiday product – the food is always best in France in fall and winter.

Foie gras and capons are de rigeur for New Years’. It is also the time of little gifts in the market: 5 euro scarves and change purses, inexpensive jewelry and slippers.

These markets are more elaborate as one moves East during the holiday season.

Strasbourg features a true “Christkindlmarket”, with hundreds of little wooden cottages selling ornaments and stocking stuffers. Our favorite Christmas market is in Colmar, France, with Pere Noel circulating with his donkey. Paris has its own neighborhood Christmas markets, but those in the Alsace region are clearly superior.

I make linocut prints of the game birds which abound in the marketplace. I have painted capons and pheasant, pigeons and French hens. My butcher will actually reward me with the bust of an exceptional capon: his cape of white feathers is remarkable. I’ve been known to borrow pheasants with their feathers on for an hour or two before I bring them back for plucking and cooking in the cocotte. (below)

THREE FRENCH HENS • LAURIE FOX PESSEMIER • LINOCUT

N E I G H B O R H O O D I N S N O W • B L A I R P E S S E M I E R • O I L O N C A N VA S

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E NEW YEAR IN FRANCE

BY BLAIR PESSEMIER S C R AT C H B O A R D An even more cherished holiday tradition in France, believe it or not, is New Years – the “Reveillon”. It is celebrated far and wide throughout France, both by adults and children. Everyone dresses up in their sparkled finery, toasts Bonne Annee (Happy New Year), drinks champagne, whilst eating foie gras, in anticipation of the coming New Year.

I N V I TAT I O N B Y A P E R F E C T E V E N T

CALLIGRAPHY BY WRITE BY MIKE

couture paper style Did you know, an invitation serves the purpose of more than date, time and place? Perhaps even more important, it creates the first, exciting impression of the upcoming celebration as it arrives in mailboxes both near and far. Creates a buzz...Builds anticipation...

Makes guests feel special, in receiving such a thoughtful, pretty piece in their old fashioned brick and mortar mailbox.

Megan, the most beautiful and sweet thirteen year old you’ve ever seen, and her dual super cool, hip, stylish, art director advertising brand social media expert parents, worked closely with us to create a custom invitation for their upcoming Rockin’ in a Winter Wonderland Bat Mitzvah this winter. We thought we’d share a sneak peek of the chic couture design, along with the heartwarming emails, texts and voicemails they received from guests, one by one, every day, as they arrived in mailboxes around the country.

"WHOLLY INVITE! THAT THING IS AWESOME. CAN’T WAIT TO CELEBRATE WITH MEGAN LULU AND THE FAMILY!" "STUNNING! WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT ALL THINGS SPARKLY AND GLITTERY? IT’S GORGEOUS. TOPS THE CHARTS OF COOL IN INVITES WE HAVE EVER RECEIVED TO A BAT MITZVAH. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INCLUDING US." "OH. EM. GEE. AMAZING INVITE." "BEAUTIFUL INVITATION! EVEN THE DETAILS ARE PERFECTLY EXECUTED:) XXOO" "GOT INVITE. INSANE. AWESOME. AMAZING. OH MY GOD! I CAN’T BELIEVE I AM GOING TO MISS IT. I WANT TO SEE THE PROOFS THE DAY YOU GET THEM!" "LOVE LOVE LOVE THE INVITES. WOW. TAYLORS DO NOT DISAPPOINT. SO EXCITING!" "THE MOST BEAUTIFUL INVITATION I HAVE EVER SEEN. EVER. YOU ROCK!"

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H O L I DAY

Christmas A N O L D FA S H I O N E D

T E A PA R T Y F O R

MASSED RED ROSES AND W I N T E R B E R R Y C R E AT E A N I N S TA N T F O C A L P O I N T, A R R A N G E D I N S I LV E R C H A M PAG N E B U C K E T S

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA HEIN

Stylist secret

B R I N G T H E R U N WAY T R E N D S T O Y O U R TA B L E : L AY E R M I X E D M E TA L L I C R I B B O N L O O P S I N T O P I N E G A R L A N D S , T U C K I N G S P R AY PA I N T E D P I N E C O N E S I N C L U S T E R S F O R T E X T U R E A N D S PA R K L E .

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GORGEOUS GIFTS MADE PERSONAL, WITH E L E G A N T C U S T O M TA G S , A N D B E A U T I F U L BOWS OF SWISS SILK RIBBONS. MAKE W R A P P I N G FA S T A N D FA B U LO U S W I T H O U R P AT T E R N E D H O L I D AY H AT B O X E S A N D G I F T B O X E S , AVA I L A B L E AT A P E R F E C T E V E N T.

T E A PA R T I E S A R E S U C H A FAV O R I T E , A S T H E M E N U I S S E R V E D R O O M T E M P E R AT U R E , A N D E A S Y T O D I S P L AY O N P R E T T Y S I LV E R T I E R E D T R AY S A N D C A K E S TA N D S . S E R V E S AV O R Y T E A S A N D W I C H E S A N D TA R T S , S C O N E S A N D P E T I T E H E R B E D M U F F I N S A L O N G S I D E A L I N E U P O F FAV O R I T E T E A S .

PRETTY RIBBONS ADD A BURST OF COLOR AND MAKE FESTIVE WRAPPINGS A BREEZE O N T O P G L O S S Y G I F T B O X E S F R O M FAV O R I T E STORES AND BOUTIQUES – NO ADDITIONAL W R A P O R PA P E R R E Q U I R E D.

Stylist secret:

A D I S P L AY O F T E A TINS MAKES AN I N S TA N T C O L O R F U L FIRST IMPRESSIONS, AND A FUN, SELF SERVE TEA BAR, L I K E M Y FAV O R I T E KUSMI TEA TINS F R O M PA R I S .

S W E E T T R E AT S – H A N D PA I N T E D C O O K I E S , MACARON, AND MORE FROM BITTERSWEET BAKERY AND JULIUS M E I N L PAT I S S E R I E .

C H A M PA G N E R O S E S A R E A P E R S O N A L FAV O R I T E – A D D I N G A S O F T, E L E G A N T D E S I G N T O B E R I B B O N E D I C E B U C K E T S R I G H T F R O M Y O U R P A N T R Y, S H A R I N G F A V O R I T E P E R S O N A L F A M I LY C O L L E C T I O N S O F F F O R T H E H O L I D A Y S .

F E AT U R E

H OLIDAY I SSUE | 1 9 0

Angels OF PARIS A

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ROSEMARY FLANNERY

N

ARCHITECTURAL

HISTORY OF PARIS,

TOUR

THROUGH

THE

R O S E M A RY F L A N N E RY TELLS

THE STORY OF THE "ANGELS OF PARIS", CENTURIES OLD WORKS OF ART "LIVING" IN THE LOVELY CITYSCAPE AND ARCHITECTURE. ATOP THEATRES AND SUNDIALS, TUCKED INSIDE PARKS AND GARDENS, ADORNING FOUNTAINS, FACADES, CHURCHES, ARCHES, DOORS...EVEN A PATISSERIE! THEY WATCH OVER US, IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES, CHISELED IN STONE, CARVED IN WOOD, PAINTED IN CERAMIC, A FEW ARE EVEN GILDED.

THESE ANGELS ARE PART OF THE

INTRINSIC BEAUTY AND SPIRIT OF PARIS. AN EXCERPT FROM HER BOOK A N G E L S

O F PA R I S .

This little page-boy angel watches over the entrance to what is now the Cluny Museum, Paris' beautiful collection of medieval art. The angel was carved in stone sometime around 1500, on the cusp of the Renaissance, when the abbot of Cluny, in Burgundy, had a new mansion built in the center of Paris. Here the abbots could stay when they came to teach at the nearby Sorbonne, or to visit the king, whose palace was then just up the road, on the Ile de la Cité. The angel is surrounded by luscious grapes and vine leaves, a reminder of their abbey in Cluny, with its excellent and plentiful vineyards.

T

he Val de Grace Church was

built at the behest of Anne of Austria, queen of France from 1610 to 1643. The inscription on the pediment (not seen in this photo) reads: Iesu nascenti virginio matri (Jesus was born of the virgin mother).

After twenty-two years of marriage and three miscarriages, the queen would finally give birth to a son, the future Louis XIV, on September 5, 1638. The Val de Grace church was the fulfillment of a vow that if she were to bear a son, she would have a magnificent temple to God erected, dedicated to the Nativity.

This graceful, languid duo of angels hold the coat-of-arms of Anne of Austria. At the top of the shield, on either side, are sculpted baby dolphins' heads. In French, the word for dolphin - dauphin - also refers to the term for the crown prince.

The Sainte Chapelle

on the Ile de la Cite is a jewel of Gothic architecture, built between 1240 and 1244 to hold precious relics acquired by King Louis IX during the Crusades. But by the 19th century, the chapel was in a state of rack and ruin, and its steeple had been long ago destroyed in a fire.

The talented sculptor Adolphe-Victor Geoffroy-Dechame created a new one, encircled by angels with golden striped wings. They were much admired upon their completion, in time for the 1855 Exposition Universelle, and the visit of Queen Victoria.

O

ne of the most fascinating things

about the angels of Paris is the way they reflect 'l'esprit du temps' - the spirit of the times.

Each artist and sculptor

created angels in their own style, and in the current fashion. The Church of St. Jean de Montmartre was built in the early 1900's, to tend to the spiritual needs of burgeoning population of the hills of Montmartre.

Pierre Roche's winsome

Art Nouveau angels, tucked into alcoves at the entrance to the church, clasp their hands in prayer as their long locks seem to float in the wind; feathery wings unfurl about them like ocean waves.

ANGELS OF PARIS ORDER THE BOOK ON AMAZON

F E AT U R E

Christmas in Connecticut PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM CHYUNG

D E S I G N D E TA I L S F R O M T H E I DY L L I C CONNECTICUT COUNTRYSIDE

Janet Szymanski

shares a sneak peek inside

her happy holiday home. Filled with thoughtful, personal

collections, Janet expertly creates curated, designed vignettes that vary room to room, from front porch, foyer and beyond.

1 9 9 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

Stylist tip:

U S E P E T I T E PA I N TINGS FOR ARTISTIC VIGNETTES.

Stylist tip:

FILL APOTHECARY JARS WITH GLITTERING ORNAMENTS FOR A COLORFUL CHRISTMAS COLLECTION.

TA S T E M A K E R

S T O R Y B Y M AT T W O O D B U R N PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA HEIN

happy holiday gifting, he says…

THE GUY’S GUIDE With the holiday season approaching, catching up with friends and family is important to me. This valuable time is easily lost throughout the year, as busy as we all are. So when the opportunity arises, I like to treat those close to me with “unique experience” gifts. (You know how it goes, when you are in the event business - those closest to you are quick to expect you to plan, produce and execute even the smallest last minute holiday get-together. So much for the holiday break!)

Come December, one small and easy way to create excitement for loved ones is to make a conscious effort around creating a gift “experience”.

One of the most satisfying is gifting to a group; bringing together likeminded people in your circle that may not have met or spent time together. Think of something new, or something you know they would not do for themselves. For me that means a dining, entertainment or cultural offering with a dash of shopping. In the event industry, we are spoiled working in amazing locations throughout Chicago and tend to forget how different this is compared to the day-to-day office setting of friends and family.

Dinner for two at the Art Institute’s Terzo Piano, and passes to the Modern Wing is one example of how you can impress with a little bit of thought. For the workaholics on my list, they need loads of rest and relaxation by the end of the year. Let them do it in style at the Spa at The Peninsula or The Trump, and then join them for a memorable meal inside the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. For a night out with the guys, treat them to an old-school Chicago Steakhouse dinner, or lively, obscure ethnic restaurant, followed by a classy bottle of booze and a cigar downtown in a nearby lounge. These experiences quickly become their favorite gifts of the holiday season.

205 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

ARTI STS W E LOV E …

JUL I A H O L LI NG SW O RT H M CL E M OR E

H O L IDAY I SSUE | 206

I HAV E ALWAYS B EEN FAS C INATE D W I TH L IG H T, CO LO R , F LOWER S A N D B E AU T IF U L PAP ER .

I love ha ndling the natura l m ateria ls. I've fo c us ed on o ther subjec ts, but have a lways com e b a c k to th e flowers...bec a use I need bea uty in my wo rl d .

Th e flower or lea f ’s interior spa ce is revea l ed a s lig h t shines through in the photogra phic p ro cess .

Th e m ore tra nslucent the pla nt or flower, t he b e tter the ba c k lighting illum ination, so I l o o k fo r th at when I c hoose my “ m odels” .

We grow m ost of the flowers you see, a nd o ur f rie nds a re generous to let us pic k flower s i n t hei r g ardens. Ta ke a look at som e of the t i t l es a nd you'll see friends' na m es, a nd street na mes w here we 've lived a nd where my ga rdens have b een a s we ’ve m oved a round the la st few yea rs.

I use words like " da nce" or " float" in the t i t l es to illu strate what I see a s the com position s evo l ve, and to portray the em otions I put into the wo rk .

Eve n sized at 5" x 7" notec a rd photogra p h, yo u can see the deta il of the pla nts a nd flowe rs - - t hei r ve in s, water droplets, stem s a nd leaves . They ’re n ot perfec t flowers, they’ve lived a bit a nd t hat b rin gs m ore visua l interest to m e.

I e njoy a nd a pprec iate m a ny a rti st s a nd p h otogra phers a nd m a ny k inds of a rt , b ut I always go ba c k to Matisse, G a uguin, a nd I mo g en C unningha m when I wa nt to ba sk in im a gery.

M y a rt is dedic ated to the m em ory of my mo t her, R uth Green Hollingsworth a nd my com pa ny, Green I n k, i s na m ed a fter her. She ha d confiden ce i n me w he n I doubted myself the m ost.

A n Ohio native, Mc Lem ore splits her yea r b et ween Colum bus, Ohio a nd Cha rlevoix , Mic higa n.

FOR P E R F E C T LY GOR G E OU S H OLIDAY AND H OST ESS GIFTS , S H OP JU LIA’ S NOT E C AR DS ONLINE .

MY ART IS DEDICAT E D TO TH E MEMORY OF MY MOT H E R . . . SH E HAD CONFIDENCE IN ME WH E N I DOUBTED MYSELF TH E MOST.

A R T I S T S W E LOV E

T HE F LOWER OR LEAF ’S I N T ER IOR SPAC E I S RE VE ALED AS L I G H T SH INE S THROUGH I N T HE PH OTOG RAPHI C PROC ESS.

A Perfect

O N SALE A PE R F EC T E VE N T, A MA ZO N , BARNE

ct Event THE B O O K

M A K E S A PE R F E C T HO LIDAY A N D H OSTE SS GIF T $ 2 0 R E TA IL

NOW AT E S & NO B L E & OT H E R B O O KSTO R E S

nicole greene's CHEF SECRETS…

TA S T E M A K E R

STORY BY NICOLE GREENE PHOTOGRAHPY BY AMANDA HEIN

HOLIDAY I SSUE | 21 4

leaves

PA I N T E D The holiday season is always beyond busy, so when you’re entertaining at home, take every opportunity you can get to add a special touch without mak ing an extra special effort.

Hanging colorful sugar cookie “leaves” from thin ribbons, on backyard branches arranged in a vase, adds a touch a whimsy to your event décor, and is a fun, festive way to get the kids involved in décor and party prep.

Prepare your favorite sugar cookie recipe (I’m a loyal devotee to Martha Stewart ’s) or grab some store-bought cookie dough in a pinch, and roll to a 1/2”, maintaining a roughly rectangular shape.

Chill the doug h in the freezer until you are unable to leave a fingerprint when pressed.

Bake the dough according to the recipe or directions. Once the tray is removed from the oven, allow it to cool until you are able to handle the tray (dough should still be quite warm).

Using your favorite cookie cutters, punch out the desired shapes. With a wooden skewer, punch out a prominent hole in a secure spot on each cookie for hanging.

Separate the cookie shapes from the scraps once cooled.

Use store-bought icing to decorate, or prepare your own royal icing, it ’s this easy.

Whip 3oz egg whites and 1 tsp of vanilla extract with mixer until frothy.

Gradually add 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar on low and mix until all of the sugar is blended.

Increase speed to high and whip until the mixture holds stiff peaks.

Separate and adjust color according to your needs.

Decorate!

I love incorporating the ombre trend when doing cookie leaves, especially this time of year! Add a drop or two of color to your white icing to achieve a faint and subtle shade, and ice a quarter of your cookies.

Add another couple of drops, stir to combine, and ice another quarter. Continue adding coloring incrementally until all cookies are decorated.

Once the icing is set, string satin ribbon through the holes you made in the cookies, and place them on your tree, garland, or Manzanita centerpiece.

C H E F S E CRE T: IN ORDER TO GET CLEAN EDGES AND A WELL-DEFINED “HOLE” SHAPE FOR HANGING YO U R CO O K I E , I R E CO M M E N D PUNCHING THE DOUGH OUT AFTER IT’S BAKED WHILE S T I L L WA R M F R O M T H E O V E N .

crema

CHOCOLATE O n e o f my favorite sweet & savo r y snac ks i s cho co l ate c rem a s pre ad on toasted sou rd o ug h – the p e r fe c t m an ifestation of life’s simple p l e a sure s. Thi s re ci p e i s perfect for t he holidays because i t ’s e asy to make, perfect fo r casual group gat her i ng s, a nd c an b e tur ne d i nto fabu lo us gift s for t he g o ur mand s i n yo ur l i fe !

S im ply s pre ad t he cust ardy cho co l ate sp re a d o n sl i ce d , s l i gh tly warmed or grilled sou rd o ug h, d r i z z l e w i th a tou ch o f EVO and finish wit h a p i nc h o f se a sa l t. Yo ur taste bu ds … and your family… wi l l thank yo u fo reve r !

To m ake these a gift , stock up o n 4oz j a m o r maso n j a r s . A r ran ge t he jars on a t ray and f i l l w he n the c re ma com es o f f the stove top using a sp o ute d me a sur i ng c up to po u r. Transfer t he t ray to the re f r i g e rato r to co o l .

O n ce th e crema is set , t he jars c an b e d e co rate d i n a ny n um ber o f ways. I like to create custo m l ab e l s usi ng Paper So u rce’s 2.5” round labe l s i n a ra ng e o f co l o r s, a nd f in is h w it h some fest ive Div i ne Tw i ne.

MI LK C H OCOL ATE C R EM A 10 1 /2 OU N C ES M IL K C H OCO LAT E , C H O PPE D 3 E G G YOL KS 1 1/3 C U PS H EAVY C R EAM 3 TBS PN G R ANUL ATED S U G A R Wh is k th e egg yolk s unt il frot hy a nd smo o th. Br i ng the c ream an d sugar to a boil in a sauce p o t ove r me d i um h e at. Tem pe r t he eggs wit h so me o f the ho t cre a m a nd retu r n a ll to t he sauce pot, co o ki ng ove r l ow he at u ntil th e m ixt ure t hickens and yo ur f i ng e r c an l e ave a trail acro ss t he cust ard on a woo d e n sp o o n. Strai n the m ixtu re ove r t he chopped chocol ate a nd w hi sk unti l the c h o co late is melted and t he mi xture i s smo o th. Po ur i nto a bowl or cont ainer, cover and chi l l unti l co mp l e te l y f i rm (abo u t 2 hours).

H O L I DAY

Grand Opening Fete RO O M 152 0 'S

WAS A WINTER STUDY IN SPARKLING, SENSATIONAL SUSPENSION. F ro m a n e n t i re wa l l of h a n ging O rc hid s , to live a e re a l a r t i st s p er for m ing ins id e th e w in d ows , to f l oat i n g w hite mering ue co ckta ils , g u est s were m ez m erized w ith whims ic a l s u r p r i s e a n d d el i ght at each turn.

P H O T O : AV E R Y H O U S E ROOM 1520, FINESSE CUISINE, 3C EVENTS, A PERFECT EVENT

21 9 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

LEMON MERINGUE

Pie in the Skyy MARTINI

A SW E E T-TART AND GROWN-UP TWI ST ON A FAMI L I AR C HIL DHO O D CLASSI C, SHERBET PUNCH. TOP WI T H A M E R IN GUE COOKI E AND YOUR GUESTS WI LL F E E L L IG HTE R THAN AI R! THI S RECI PE MAKES 32 OU NC E S , E N O UGH TO SHARE WI TH A CROWD! IN GR E D IE N TS 1 P IN T LE MON SORBET, SOFTENED 1 C UP O R A NGE JUI CE, NO PULP 1 C UP SKYY VODKA 2 P IN TS L E MON-LI ME SODA SM A LL ME R INGUE COOKI ES, LEMON OR VANI LLA D IR E C TIO N S

1 .P la ce s o f ten ed s or b et i n 1 q u a r t g l a ss p i tc her. Ad d o ra nge juice a n d vod ka .

2.S lowly a d d l em on - l i m e s od a , a s t h e s or b et and s o da will c reate a foa my c a p.

3 .W he n s e rv i n g , p ou r 6 oz over i ce i n a m a r t i ni s ha ke r, s ha ke a n d st ra i n i n to c h i l l ed m a r t i n i g l ass.

F lo at m e rin g u e cook i e on top.

Optio na l: Th ere a re s o m a ny i n terest i n g p roduct s ava ila ble to d ay, w hy n ot ex p er i m en t ? Tr y swi tchi ng o ut the f lavor s , or m a ke a va r i et y : l i m ea d e w i t h l i me s o r be t, o r b l ood ora n g e j u i ce w i t h b l ood ora ng e s o r be t a nd s od a .

Rosemary Whiskeys R I N SE F R E SH R OSE MARY, FREEZ E ONTO COOKI E S H E E TS IN F R E E ZE R, TI LL FROSTED. FI LL GLASSES WITH IC E . P O UR P OMEGRANATE JUI CE I NTO G LASSE S, F IL LIN G 1/3 FULL. ADD JACK DANI ELS, TO F ILL LIQ UID IN GLASS TO 2/3 FULL. TOP WI TH G I N G E R A LE . A DD FROZ EN ROSEMARY FOR STI RRER.

gold

NEW YEA

H OLIDAY I SSUE | 228

ON THE COVER

d coast glamour

AR'S EVE

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y AV E R Y H O U S E

RING IN 2013 WITH C H A M PAG N E & S W E E T S

Throw easy, elegant New Year's Eve party, using our stylist secrets and time saving steps to design a gorgeous, delicious Petite Sweets bar.

raise the bar

It is easy to create a gorgeous, edible, centerpiece "toasting and tasting bar" that looks magnificent...but is very s imp le with our stylist secret tips.

Tu r n yo u r t a b l e t o p i n t o a d e l i c i o u s , d r e a m y s e l f s e r ve b a r f o r bubbly bevs. Set out champagne glasses and a few bottles in ice buckets to taste throughout the night - from Rose to D e m i - S e c . P r o s e c c o i s a g r e a t , b u d g e t f r i e n d l y b u b b l y, w h i c h is typically less than $10 a bottle.

sweet treats

Set a tasting bar with pretty pastel painted s w e e t s , s t r a i g h t f r o m yo u r f a vo r i t e n e i g h b o r h o o d bakeries. Cupcakes look oh so chic when placed ontop mirrors, trays, in teacups, and more. Dress up plain buttercream icing with monogrammed r o u n d l a b e l s , p r i n t e d o n yo u r c o m p u t e r, s e t o n t o p j u s t b e f o r e t h e p a r t y. M o r e C u p c a k e s i n C h i c a g o , Va n i l l e P a t i s s e r i e , a n d S u g a r B l i s s C a k e s a r e a phone call or email away - as shown here.

by candlelight

Ta l l , t o w e r i n g , r o m a n t i c c a n d l e a b r a are fast and fabulous decor ontop tables, bars, kitchen islands and more.

Ta b l e s c a p e s P a r t y R e n t a l d e l i ve r s r i g h t t o yo u - b r i n g i n g b o t h candleabra and the taper candles in different heights, depending on you r cei l i n g h e i g ht .

CHEERS TO 2013!

TA S T E M A K E R

H OLIDAY I SSUE | 23 6

Magnums!

HOLIDAYS ARE ALL ABOUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS GETTING TOGETHER. THIS IS THE PERFECT OCCASION TO OPEN UP BIG BOTTLES OF WINE. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...MAGNUMS... THAT I’LL BE SHARING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSHUA ADLER

Domaine de la Bongran Viré-Clessé 2004 RICH, BEAUTIFUL CHARDONNAY FROM THE THEVENET FAMILY NEAR MACON. THEY AGE IT IN THEIR CELLARS FOR 7 YEARS BEFORE RELEASE, AND IT HAS AN AMAZING AROMA OF WHITE TRUFFLES.

Domaine Alain Burguet Gevrey-Chambertin Mes Favorites 1998 GEANTET-PANSIOT GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 1ER CRU ‘LE POISSENOT’ 2010

Gevrey-Chambertin WAS NAPOLEON’S FAVORITE WINE -- A FEW SIPS OF THIS PINOT NOIR AND YOU’LL FEEL LIKE AN EMPEROR AS WELL. RICH, CASSIS AND EARTHY FLAVORS THAT YOU JUST DON’T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE AND ARE PERFECT WITH FALL DISHES.

Leon Barral Faugères Jadis 2007 A BLEND OF CARIGNAN, SYRAH, AND GRENACHE -A RICH, SUNNY RED FROM THE SOUTH OF FRANCE MADE BY AN ICONOCLASTIC WINEMAKER WHO ALSO RAISES PIGS AND MAKES HIS OWN SAUSAGE.

Bordelet Poiré Granit ERIC BORDELET WORKED AS A SOMMELIER AT THE 3 STAR RESTAURANT ARPEGE IN PARIS BEFORE RETURNING TO HIS HOMETOWN TO MAKE CIDER. THIS PEAR CIDER COMES FROM 300 YEAR OLD TREES AND WILL BLOW YOUR MIND.

TA S T E M A K E R

holiday is here S T O R Y B Y R YA N M . B E S H E L T H E L A S T H I N T S O F S U M M E R H AV E L O N G S I N C E FA D E D A N D T H E C O L O R S O F FA L L H AV E I G N I T E D T H E C I T Y. THE MAGNIFICENT MILE BECOMES BLUSTERY AS THE WIND WHIPS THROUGH THE BUILDINGS. AS EVENING APPROACHES, TINY S PA R K L E S S H I N E F R O M T H E B R A N C H E S O F T H E T R E E S L I N I N G T H E S P R AW L I N G S I D E WA L K … P U T AWAY Y O U R S H O R T S , T U C K AWAY Y O U R TA N K S A N D S T O R E AWAY Y O U R E S P A D R I L L E S : H O L I D AY T I M E I S H E R E .

As fall rolls on and winter approaches, 900 North Michigan Shops has started to feel the holiday nostalgia. The trends of the season are ready for perusing and the gifts are waiting to be chosen – but what stirs our inner child are the holiday traditions that are just beginning.

This season, we invite your family to join ours for the magic of the holidays. Check your coat (on us!), park your car at our discounted holiday rate, marvel at our 40 foot Christmas tree and catch a photo with Santa. Then take in the custom holiday décor and enter to win one of our Posh Giveaways (like our package that includes $500 Shopping Spree to 900 and a one night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago!)** But, let’s not forget those perfect gifts for everyone on your list ready for your arrival at 900 North Michigan Shops…

1 . For that hard-to-shop-for friend or family member, we suggest stopping into L O T T O N G A L L E R Y for a look at some of the amazing collections by world renowned artists. Here you can find artistic gifts, hand blown glass and a bit of art history, which never hurt anybody.

L A R G E W H I T E P U L L E D F E AT H E R VA S C R E AT E D B Y D A N I E L L O T T O N

2 . Elevate Dad’s morning shave with a swanky set from T R U E F I T T & HILL 3 . For our little friends and family, swing by G A L T T O Y S + G A L T B A B Y to check out their trend-forward selection of toys, clothes, furniture and more! Recently voted “Best Baby Gear” by Chicago Magazine.

4 . Make the holiday’s golden (or silver or platinum) for Mom this year with a beautiful piece from T H E G O L D S M I T H L T D . You can even bring in old jewelry (or new ideas) and the Goldsmith Ltd. team will fully customize a piece for you – or update your family heirloom!

FROM THE 900 NORTH MICHIGAN SHOPS TO YO U R S … W E W I S H YO U A V E R Y WA R M S E A S O N ’ S GREETINGS! "LET'S DANCE" DIAMOND NECKLACE T H E G O L D S M I T H LT D .

SE,

TRUEFITT & HILL S H AV E S E T

TOY C A R G A LT T O Y S

241 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

MOVE OVER LBD. LITTLE BLACK DRESS, OH SO LAST YEAR. WE'RE TALKING LBLC. "LITTLE BLACK LACE CAPE" ... EVEN BETTER, A DKNY LBLC. CLICK FOR VIDEO $395, SHOPBOP.COM

HOL IDAY I SSUE | 242

OOH LA LA IT'S ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS.

S P I NN IN G N OW WITH DJ

M E G A N TAY L O R

It's th e mo st won d er f u l t i m e, o f the ye a r. ..

Time a ga in to g at h er w i t h o ur f riend s , fa mily.. .iTun es.

Le t's ce le b rate ou r sel ves, and the holid ay s e a s on .

Yea r a fte r yea r l i sten we te nd to listen to the s a me o l ' t ra d i t i on a l s o ng s that evo ke ou r own h ol i d ay m em or i es and s p irit.

B u t.. .n o t th i s yea r.

201 2 is yo u r yea r b a by - h ere is an early holid ay g if t , j u st for you .

Two to ta lly cool h ou r s of ho lid ay remixe d - to b r i n g you everything f ro m sou l s h a ke r s, to h i p ster i n die covers , to a few o f t h os e c l a ss i c s we can't live w it h o u t.

Le t th e mu si c l i f t you - a n d help yo u reme mbe r w h at i s i m p or t ant to yo u this sea s o n . ..

H O L I D AY 2 0 1 2 M I X FREE DOWNLOAD LINK

TA S T E M A K E R

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA HEIN 24 5 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

TA S T E M A K E R

most wonderful time, of the year H OLIDAY I SSUE | 246

christmas CANDACE'S

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY CANDACE JORDAN

it’s simply my favorite holiday of the year I can’t wait to see the décor go up and then... as soon as it’s taken down, I start dreaming about how I can make it better next year.

I love seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces as they hunt for the perfect tree or take the kiddies on a city sleigh ride.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved this season.

I especially love the little Christmas mouse cookies that my neighbor, Stefani Turken, is famous for in the neighborhood.

It’s never been about the gifts or the actual celebration - although I certainly love being with friends and family.

And, in the past, I’ve even been known to dress up in a giant Christmas tree suit just to greet friends at our door for parties.

For me, the highlight of it all is the DÉCOR! I’m a decorating nut.

Every square inch of my house is covered with garlands, lights, decorated trees.....even my marble statues wear little Santa hats.

My two Chihuahuas have more Christmas sweaters than my husband....no one escapes my obsession around this time of the year.

I love seeing the glow inside homes - from outside, on the snow-covered streets, where everything you see looks like a Norman Rockwell painting.

I love taking the time to actually slow down - and celebrate friends and family.

Everyone I know is moving at warp speed, with business, and with projects, and I see the "golden age” of traditional, formal Christmas celebrations slowly slip-siding away.

But, I know I will always find a way to pop a Santa hat on my dog and put out my beloved antique Christmas collectibles.

So Santa, the countdown has begun. I’m ready and waiting...

TA S T E M A K E R

H O LIDAY I SSUE | 248

THE ART OF THE

perfect gift

Original art created for that special someone is the perfect gift this holiday season. Using photo references you send her, Rosemary will illustrate your subject on paper or create an original painting on canvas. A perfectly chic gift that will be treasured forever.

As a nationally published fashion illustrator, ROS E MARY FA N T I also illustrates some of the world’s most fashionable people, premier weddings, and special events. She captures a unique likeness of her subjects with the style of a savvy fashion illustration.

CONTACT ROSEMARY WITH YOUR INTEREST

B LO G G E R S W E LOV E

feel the love.

E AT T H E F O O D STORY BY LISA CHALEM PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA HEIN

taste

IS MY O N LY O P TI O N . DO E SN ' T N E E D TO B E YO U R S.

I am not a woman of presentation. ingredients: M y gra d e s c h o o l po ste r b o ard p ro j e ct s were s can t, u su al l y s co r in g n o b e t te r t han B + . I was o th e r wise occu pied rat ion ing s cho o l - f re e ho urs be twe e n h om ewo r k , h a ir st rai g hte ni ng al a Vi d al S assoon h i gh wat t a g e h a ir d rye r ( no f l at i ro ns i n th e 70s), an d ab s o r b in g co p i o us am o unt s o f i nfor mation abou t my g ir lf r ien d s ’ l i ve s . Vi s ual p e rfe ction was a casu a lt y I g la d ly acce p te d . I had m o re i mpor tan t th i n gs to d o.

Not mu c h im p rove d fo r m e as an ad ul t wor k in g in n on prof it f u n d ra i s i ng . Turns o ut my p ro o fre adin g ski l l s m atc h ed my i nab i l i t y to g l ue cut o ut le tte r s to any t h in g in a st rai g ht l i ne. Am o ng my b est wor k : “D ear Wa lg reen s C E O, We ho p e Mo ntg o m e r y Ward w i l l con s id er a d o nat i o n to o ur o rg ani z at i o n …” an d "Save t h e D ate fo r o ur up co m i ng eve nt l ocate d at th e co r n er o f t wo st re e t s t hat neve r m e e t!"

Af te r my A n n u a l Me e t i ng s l i d e s how p re s e n tation (m ode r n d ay iM ov i e p ro j e ct ) was p ann e d by a re ti red steel comp any exe cut i ve w ho wave d h is h an d a n d b ellowe d , “ Thi s wo n’t d o ! ” I ’d pray for assi gnm en t s o n ly i nvo l v i ng 8 ½ x 1 1 s h e e ts of pape r f illed exc lu s i ve l y w i t h wo rd s , m arg i n s s e t to de fau lt , 1 2 p o in t Ti m e s N ew Ro m an fo nt . I’d fe ign i l l n e ss w h en s o m e o ne was ne e d e d to arran ge th e l u n ch b u f fet o n t he co nfe re nce ro o m cre de n za.

"Pl eas e, " I wo u ld urg e my b o ss , " l e t m e to play to my st ren g t h s ! L ike f i x i ng p ap e r j am s and me e tin g de adlin es a n d s h arp e ni ng p e nci l s ! " D on ’t m is u n d er st and . I b e l i eve t he re ’s va lu e in a darn g o o d look ing t ray o f s and w i che s , cou tu re ch oco lates a r ra n ge d at vari o us eye l eve ls, bowls f i l l e d to t h e b r im w i t h unb ro ke n chi p s alon gside vats o f s a ls a w it h no t hi ng d ri p p i ng d ow n th e s ide s.

I kn ow m ost p eo p l e d o n’t l o ng to b e o f fe red potato ch i p c h a rd s f ro m t he b o t to m o f t he b ag . I ge t it. I j u st h ave a h a rd t i m e m ak i ng i t hap p e n. B e cau s e gi ven t h e c h oice b e t we e n g re at t ast i ng a n d good l ooki n g , I p ic k t h e fo rm e r, al ways . Pe rhaps afte r my ki d s live els ew he re I w i l l b al ance t he two.

Yet as t h is is A Pe rfe ct Eve nt e Mag az i n e I am of feri n g t h os e w i t h ste l l ar p re s e nt at i o n s k ills to take a st a b at t h is cl ass i c b ut te r co o ki e, o r igin ally a reci p e for my g rand m o t he r ’s s p ri t z co o kie s. Ye s, Novemb er a n d D e ce m b e r i s f re nz i e d , rus h in g to parti e s w it h w h at yo u s ai d yo u’d b ri ng . B u t s e e i f you c a n f it t h ese i nto yo ur ro t at i o n. Ma ke th e m l ook a s g reat a s t hey t aste. I k now yo u can do it. I ce rtai n ly c a n n ot .

recipe:

I’m n o t s u re w h at my g rand m o t he r wo u ld s ay if sh e knew I g ave up o n t he co o k i e p re ss ( wh ich sh e worked m a g ic a lly, I was i ne p t ) b ut I know sh e ’d i n si st I in s ist yo u us e uns al te d b ut te r an d th e h i gh est q u a lit y vani l l a yo u can f i nd . Act o th e r wis e an d you ’ ll h ea r “ t s k! t s k! ” f ro m ab ove.

1/2 LB ( 2 STI CKS) UNSALTE D BUTTER, SOFTENED 2 EGG YOLKS DASH OF SALT 1/2 CUP SUGAR 1 TSP VANI LLA DASH OF FRESH LEMON JU I C E 2 1/2 CUPS WHI TE FLOUR

directions:

With e le ctr ic be ate r s MIX bu tte r u n ti l so ftened.

ADD eve r yth in g e lse bu t flou r an d B E AT we ll. Fin ally ADD flou r 1 /2 cu p at a ti me mixin g on ly u n til in cor porate d.

U S E woode n s poon or you r h an ds to fi ni sh combin in g bu t be ge n tle. Th e dou gh sho ul d be a bit dr y.

RE FRIG E RAT E dou gh for a few h ou r s, up to 24.

PRE H E AT ove n to 35 0. S e t u p you r co o ki e cutters (S an tas, s n ow-pe ople, dr ie dle s), a smal l bowl o f flou r, a rollin g pin , an d parch me n t-lined co o ki e sh e e ts .

DU ST you r s u r face (cu ttin g board, e tc.) wi th a few big pin ch e s of flou r. For m th e dough i nto two softball-s ize d balls an d du st th e m wi th fl o ur.

RO LL on e ou t flat, abou t 1 1 /2-2 in ches deep.

CU T th e cook ie s an d ar ran ge th e m abo ut o ne in ch apar t on th e sh e e ts .

RE PE AT proce ss for re main de r of th e do ugh.

B AK E 1 5 -20 min u te s ch e ck in g at about 12 mi nutes so cook ie s don ’ t bu r n . You r bake time wi l l vary base d on th e th ick n e ss of you r cook ies. COOL cook ie s on wire rack s .

DE CO RAT E . I make frostin g by wh iski ng abo ut 1/2 cu p powde re d su gar an d wate r, on e tabl espo o n at a time. ADD more s u gar if it ’s too thi n, water i f too th ick , e tc.

U S E a pastr y br u sh or silicon e s patu l a to spread frostin g on to cook ie s th e n toss th os e spri nkl es abou t.

ALLOW de corate d cook ie s to dr y compl etel y be fore stor in g in an air tigh t con tain er.

C HE C K OU T T HE BLOG! 25 1 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

HOLIDAY HOL IDAYI SSUE I SSUE| 252 | 12

A FERRIS WHEEL WITH WHITE FLUORESCENT BULBS ELECTRIFIES THE PLACE DE LA CONCORDE

inParis

CHRISTMAS RICHARD NAHEM is the editor and photographer of the popular Paris blog. He also writes about Paris and travel for Travel Agent Central, Focus on Style, julib.com, and Passport magazine. Richard also leads private insider tours of Paris, showing clients the Paris they never usually see on their own.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD NAHEM

Growing up in New York City, Christmas was always my favorite time of the year.

I lived in Brooklyn with my parents, and we would drive to the city to see the festive windows at the department stores on magical Fifth Avenue. We would marvel at the majestic tree at Rockefeller Center. To top it off, my parents bought tickets to the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall with the Rockettes kicking up their heels and a larger than life, living Nativity scene. I didn’t think Christmas could ever be more magical than those childhood memories, but I have to say Christmas in Paris is even more magnificent.

Instead of the tree in front of Rockefeller Center, a magnificent tree hovers over Notre Dame. The Champs Elysees sparkles with a new set of sophisticated “green” LED lights that were christened just last year. On Place Madeleine the famous gourmet food emporiums Fauchon and Hediard windows overflow with towering macaroon trees, magnums of pink Champagne, gigantic boxes of decadent chocolates, human-sized gingerbread men, and enticing stacked tins of caviar. A Ferris wheel with white fluorescent bulbs electrifies the Place de la Concorde - and those brave enough to shake off the chill of winter will have a glittering, bird’s eye view of Paris.

Ice skaters sharpen their blades and do their figure eights around the outdoor rink in front of the majestic Hotel de Ville. Others live the romantic dream of a chance to skate atop the Eiffel Tower, where a rink is setup high in the sky, every other year.

Shoppers are seduced by the enchanting windows at Galeries Lafayette, where just inside, the tree rising up the atrium easily gives the Rockefeller Center tree a run for its money. The most clever and design forward conceptual windows are at Le Bon Marche, and for pure fantasy, Printemps is IT. For unbridled luxury, Leila Menchari, the longtime veteran window designer at Hermés, pulls out all the stops with ostrich horse saddles, metallic gold boxing gloves, and colored crocodile Kelly bags.

While Christmas in New York can never be duplicated, Paris has its own holiday je ne sais quoi. And I must say, I am just as happy to soak in the sparkle, right here, on this side of the pond.

LEILA MENCHARI, THE LONGTIME VETERAN W I N D O W D E S I G N E R AT H E R M É S , P U L L S O U T A L L T H E STO P S W I T H OST R I C H H O R S E S A D D L E S , M E TA L L I C G O L D B O X I N G G L O V E S .

H O L I DAY

H OL IDAY I SSUE | 25 6 PHOTO CREDIT:

D E B I L I L LY D E S I G N F O R S A F E W A Y

Ring in the New Year!

SPECIALTY COCKTAILS OR MOCKTAILS for the wee guests are always a party starter. Premix and pour into these Debi Lilly Design oversize punch/terrarium bowls for an elegant, easy self serve display on the bar.

Silver Chargers are perfect for dressing up a punchbowl, creating an instant centerpiece: just add a trio of candles, a pyramid of pine cones, a collection of our faux green apples, and more!

Silver mercury glass is a timeless classic and makes every tabletop sparkle and shine this winter. Add a flickering candle ontop, or a sphere of winter hued carnations, and set an elegant table in an instant.

Easy, elegant DIY centerpiece: Arrange a collection of pillar and votive candles ontop a table, tray, mirror... surround with fresh rose petals for the perfect finishing touch.

Glass jars

FILLED WITH COOKIES RIGHT FROM THE BAKERY OR GROCERY AISLE MAKE A BEAUTIFUL AND EDIBLE D I S P L AY O N TA B L E S A N D BUFFETS.

PHOTO: DEBI LILLY DESIGN FOR SAFEWAY

TA S T E M A K E R

From her Paris Kitchen…

DOMINIQUE MALET

There is nothing better than preparing for the holidays, “en famille”, as a family, with kids.

Here are just a few of my favorite recipes for the holidays. I first started to prepare these at my mother’s side as a young girl, and years later, now cook them with my own children and their darling friends.

French flavors to share… happy holidays de Paris.

H OLIDAY I SSUE | 26 0

Disguised Fruits MAKES 40 PIECES P R E PA R E M A R Z I PA N : 1 0 M I N U T E S INGREDIENTS ½ POUND GROUND ALMONDS ½ C U P G R A N U L AT E D S U G A R 1 LARGE EGG WHITE G R AT E D L E M O N Z E S T 1 TEASPOON ORANGE BLOSSOM WAT E R ( O R B R A N DY ) FOOD COLORING (OPTIONAL) 1 5 D R I E D D AT E S 15 PRUNES 10 NUTS Co m b in e a ll in g re d ie n t s in a la rg e b ow l .

Kn ea d a n d fo rm a b a ll.

Yo u c a n s p lit t h e m a rzip a n in t wo h al ve s , a n d a d d co lo r to o n e h a lf, a d d in g a few d ro p s o f fo o d co lo rin g .

Cove r t h e b ow l w it h p la st ic w ra p a n d ke e p in t h e frid g e. fru it s a n d s e p a rate n u t s in t wo h a lve s .

Sh a p e t h e m a rzip a n in to b a lls a n d fil l t he fru it s w it h t h em .

Ro ll t h e to p o f t h e fillin g in to g ra n u l ate d s u g a r.

Sto re in a irt ig h t co n t a in er u p to a we e k.

Holiday Chocolate Balls MAKES 20 BALLS P R E PA R AT I O N : 4 5 M I N U T E S COOK: 3 MINUTES + 5 MINUTES COOL: 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS 5 O U N C E S H E AV Y C R E A M 1 OUNCE BUTTER 1 T E A S P O O N M A P L E S Y R U P, O R H O N E Y 1 0 O U N C E S C H O P P E D D A R K C H O C O L AT E + 4 OUNCES ADDITIONAL CHOPPED C H O C O L AT E F O R C O AT I N G 1/2 CUP SIFTED COCOA POWDER 1/2 CUP SIFTED CONFECTIONER SUGAR In a saucepan heat cream with butter and maple syrup then remove from stove.

Add chopped chocolate and stir until melted.

Pour into a large bowl and chill until firm for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

When firm, form small balls and place them on a tray or large plate covered with saran wrap.

Refrigerate 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the rest of chocolate in a pan, over a double boiler/water bath. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Pour sifted cocoa powder and sifted confectioner sugar in 2 separate plates.

Dip the balls into the melted chocolate.

Remove excess frost ing with your fingers and roll into your choice of sifted cocoa or sifted confectioner sugar.

TA S T E M A K E R

vicki archer

P FRE

pos tcards from

V I N TAG E T E AC U P S F I L L E D W I T H G A R D E N H Y D R A N G E A S T H AT H AV E C H A N G E D CO LO U R A S T H E DAYS G R OW S H O R T E R ‌

P R OV E N C E ENCH ESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKI ARCHER

26 5 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

P O D S O F VA N I L L A I N T H E S AT U R DAY M O R N I N G MARKET IN ARLES… FOR ME, THE BEST MARKET I N P R OV E N C E F O R F R E S H P R O D U C E … I M AG I N E T H E SW E E T S C E N T …

V I N TAG E L I N E N S F R O M V I L L E N E U V E L E S -AV I G N O N F L E A M A R K E T. T H E CO LO U R S , T H E T E X T U R E S A N D T H E HAND-EMBROIDERED MONOGRAMS A R E W H AT M A K E T H E M A U N I Q U E A D D I T I O N TO A N Y TA B L E …

TA S T E M A K E R

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA PUCK

A M A N DA P U C K

is the

F O O DA R A ZZ I FOODARAZZI NOW T H E S TA L K I N G , L O V I N G , OVERALL OBSESSION, AND CANDID PHOTOGRAPHY O F P R O M I N E N T, M O U T H WAT E R I N G , L I P - S M A C K I N G GOOD FOOD. Fo o d i s the mo st co mmo n d e n o m i n ato r b e twe e n p e o p l e. We al l have o u r favo ri te c hi l d ho o d d i sh, o ur favo r i te p i z z a , o r o ur favo r i te re sta ura nt. We a l l s h a re a l ove fo r g o o ey, f re sh o ut o f t h e ove n , c ho co l ate c hi p co o ki e s. Fo o d i s a to p i c that c ro sse s a l l b o rd e r s. W h i l e m a ny l i ke to tal k a b o ut fo o d , A m a n d a a l s o ha p p e ns to l i ke to ta ke p i c t u re s o f i t .

She ' s stal ke d g o o d fo o d he r e n t i re l i fe.

Thi s i s w hat d e f i ne s he r : the fo o d . O n e i ma g e at a ti me. She i s the Fo o d a ra z z i .

A he m, and al so a massi ve l ea d e r i n t h e ho sp i tal i ty, eve nt and p ub l i c re l at i o n s wo r l d i n C hi cag o as the E V P o f XA, Th e E xp e r i e nti al Ag e ncy.

TOP CLOCKWISE: WINTER COMFORT F O O D - G I A N T M E AT B A L L F R O M B AV E T T E ' S B A R & B O E U F F L O AT I N G O R C H I D . J A P O N A I S C L A S S I C C O C K TA I L YES. BACON ON A STICK WITH M A P L E S Y R U P F R O M D AV I D B U R K E ' S PRIMEHOUSE

HOLIDAY I SSUE | 270

3050 N. LINCOLN AVENUE• CHICAGO | 773•244•9333

GE T YO U R SU GA R H I G H I N STO R E O R C U STO M DES I GN ED FOR YOU R N EXT E VE NT! 1 69 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

AMANDA HEIN - PHOTO

sweet endin CHEF ART SMITH

THANKS FOR THE AMAZING TRICK TO HIDING THE UNSIGHTLY CARDBOARD UNDERNEATH HOLIDAY CAKES. SCATTER FRESH CRANBERRIES TO SURROUND, AND DONE. GORGEOUS, SIMPLY GORGEOUS, CHEF.

ngs

273 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

Metallic

N U M B E R L A B E L S F R O M YO U R LO C A L

O F F I C E S U P P LY S T O R E B E C O M E I N S T A N T , P R E S S O N C U S T O M

C O U N T D O W N G L A S S E S F O R T O A S T I N G AT M I D N I G H T. . . N O T T O

MENTION A GORGEOUS CENTERPIECE FOR THE BAR, WHEN PLACED O N T O P A M I R R O R E D T R A Y T O D I S P L A Y D U R I N G T H E P A R T Y.

New Year's Eve glam glasses P H O T O G R PA H Y B Y AV E R Y H O U S E

ELEGANCE IS EASY!

275 | HOLIDAY ISSUE

Cheers to 2013!