Tag: #holidays

Mastering the Art of Christmas

On By Leslie Byars RegisterIn Buy the Book, sides, The Parties6 Comments

“It took me almost 54 years, but I think I’ve finally figured the whole Christmas thing out.”

Whether it’s timing the amaryllis to open on the exact party date or getting all the cards addressed and mailed before it’s too late, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but also can be the most exhausting too.

Window shopping with friends in NYC is my favorite way to get ideas for everyone on my list and get into the holiday spirit.
Timing is Everything

It’s taken me over half of a century to figure out the minor details to make it relaxing and fun. Mastering the Art of Christmas comes from many years of doing it wrong. Here’s what I’ve discovered over the years to make everything right.

  1. Buy gifts for others that YOU really want yourself—like really bad.
  2. Stock up on festive, holiday tops and outfits in October, or earlier, before they are all picked over and obsolete—before resortwear comes out. You know you are going to want (need) something, and if you wait until December it could be a lost cause.
  3. In the day of social media craze, your friends are pretty up to date on you and your family and pets, so use your Christmas card fund to order customized gift tags for your food gifts. It will take them over the top. And while you are at it, order a new style of personalized notepaper to write all your thank-you notes. I like to have all of my notes in the mail before New Year’s Eve. Start the new year fresh!
    Elevate your homemade gifts with a professional-looking custom tag.

    The good news is that if you order too many gift tags, you will have plenty for next year. They will not go to waste.
  4. Buy at least one gift that is not on your child’s electronic (with links added) wish list. If their mouth doesn’t open at least once, you’ve missed the best part of gift giving.
  5. Make it your mission to be completely finished shopping by December 15th. The ten days before Christmas should be used for cooking, visiting, and celebrating.

    Pick up gift wrap and ribbon before Thanksgiving. As I’ve said before, wrap as you go!
  6. Everyone in your “monthly” life needs to be recognized in some way during the holidays. It doesn’t have to be much—just a thought. For instance, I gave my Fed Ex friend David a quart of my Get Well Chicken Noodle Soup that I had in the freezer. Eventually he is going to need it, running around in shorts all day long in the winter!
  7. ALWAYS have four or five extra gifts wrapped, and ready to tag quickly. You never know!
  8. Remember your friends’ children. You will be a hero.
  9. Keep a special photo album with one holiday picture of your family from each year. I like to do my photo by our tree. I never tire of looking at these. It will be the first thing I grab if the house catches on fire.
  10. Don’t let all of the tiring, silly, meaningless holiday details ever outshine the reason we are celebrating, and the importantance of being with family and friends. 
    Two separate outlets, two surge protectors, and a helpful husband with fly rods and ball retrievers can get the job done.

    Food Gift for Friends

    These Pickled Mustard Seeds are a welcome change from a heavy sweet for a food gift for friends. Simply add a few tablespoons to any roasted vegetables the last few minutes of cooking. They are especially tasty over Brussels sprouts and carrots.

    Pickled Mustard Seeds

    Makes 10 cups

    3 cups sugar

    10 teaspoons salt

    2 cups water

    3 cups white wine vinegar

    1 cup yellow mustard seeds

    1 cup brown mustard seeds

    20 garlic cloves (2 per jar)

    Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Allow to cool before placing it into jars. It will keep at least a month in the refrigerator.

    This recipe makes 10 cups, but easily can be halved or quartered. 

    Yields 10 cups

    Pickled Mustard Seeds
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    Ingredients

    • 3 cups sugar
    • 10 teaspoons salt
    • 2 cups water
    • 3 cups white wine vinegar
    • 1 cup yellow mustard seeds
    • 1 cup brown mustard seeds
    • 20 garlic cloves (2 per jar)

    Instructions

    1. Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven.
    2. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
    3. Allow to cool before placing it into jars. It will keep at least a month in the refrigerator.
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    Keep your eye out for inexpensive package toppers like these cute whisks from Publix. $1.59 each

    Fabulous Finds

    From Murray’s in NYC, these attractive slate cheese boards made from Brooklyn Slate come in two sizes with their very own spreader, chalk, and burlap bag for storing. The smaller size is $24.99, large $29.99, murrayscheese.com

    “If you run across a fabulous gift idea, don’t be afraid to buy multiples for several of your friends. And when ordering online, always check the “free gift wrapping” option when available—even if it’s just for the box!”

    Need help keeping up with your stuff? There will never be a question whose is whose phone charger, platter, or jean jacket with IdentaMe Labels. With a million variations, icons, and more, these can be personalized for everyone on your list. $14.99 for 56 small round labels. Other sizes and styles available at identamelabels.com
    These classy, black craft boxes are available in all sizes from amazon.com. No paper needed, which really speeds up the wrapping process. Every gift looks like it came from Barneys!

    Now, on to the important things…

    What’s on my wish list?

    With a December 26th birthday, I can’t help but write a few things down on a wish list—this is my moment for the year!

    Maybe it’s the art major in me coming out, but this Dinner with Georgia O’Keeffe cookbook looks amazing! I always enjoy any new book or cookbook. It’s my inspiration. Available at bergdorfgoodman.com
    Look at a glimpse of these beautiful photos from Bergdorf’s website. I can’t wait to see every page!
    I admit, I’m handbag obsessed—they always fit! This clear Cult Gaia mini Ark Bag will go with anything. Please someone in my family read this post! cultgaia.com
    This bag will match any outfit. Summer, here I come!
    A girl can dream. I saw these Gucci slingbacks in person in New York. I love a beautiful shoe with a comfortable, block heel. And a shoe with a little bling never hurts! gucci.com
    I bought one of these Casafina Ibiza Individual Pasta bowls for a gazpacho photo last year, and now I eat out of it every day for lunch. This pottery is lightweight, microwave safe, ovenproof, and dishwasher safe. I’d love to have enough to set my table, and maybe the dinner plates too. Hint hint. Available at Table Matters, table-matters.com
    I don’t own a broach, but if I did I would want this one. It’s amazing how you can put it on anything (like any t-shirt or blazer) and it suddenly looks like Chanel! chanel.com
    I’m fascinated by this Dior Lip Glow. You apply evenly, and in 10 minutes your lips turn  “your” unique, natural color. Everyone is different. dior.com
    On Christmas Day I hope to be wearing these. They scream Christmas and are super comfy! May Leather Red-Star sneakers by Golden Goose, bergdorfgoodman.com

    Well, I guess this is a wrap for 2018. I’ve got a BUSY week. Lily is being presented at a debutante ball on Saturday, and we have a slew of folks coming in from SMU to celebrate. I’m having the pre festivities at my house. So, I better get cooking!

    I wish you all a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year. I’m gathering new recipes, ideas, and props for a fresh start in January. So be sure to subscribe to dearpartydiary.com so you won’t miss a single post. The party never ends.

    See you next year!

    I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy about making comments or asking questions. I love getting mail! Leslie

Thanksgiving—I wouldn’t change a thing.

On By Leslie Byars RegisterIn appetizers, Ask Leslie, beverages, soups, The Parties5 Comments

“All this talk about food is making me thirsty.”

You may have been anticipating that I would share new, inventive side dishes for your Thanksgiving feast in this post, but I wouldn’t do that to you and your family. Let’s be honest, we all crave what we have grown to expect and love on this food intoxicating holiday. So instead, I’ve decided to share a few “extras” to jazz up your spread, and get you through the busy week ahead.

“As much as I like to try a new recipe, Thanksgiving is not the time to experiment with the family favorites. Change up your menu with a new appetizer or beverage instead.”

Cranberry-Jalapeño Salsa served with sweet potato chips not only makes a festive appetizer but also serves as a nice relish with your Thanksgiving meal. And if there is any left over, you can put it on a turkey sandwich the next day.

Cranberry-Jalapeño Salsa

Makes about 2 ½ cups

12 ounces fresh cranberries

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish

Juice of 3 limes

½ cup sugar

2 tablespoons honey

Dash of hot sauce

Purple cabbage, for serving

Sweet potato chips

Place cranberries in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times until cranberries are evenly and finely chopped, scraping down sides of the bowl once.

In a medium-size bowl, combine chopped cranberries and next 8 ingredients. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, and up to 2 weeks.

Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve in purple cabbage (See Learn from Leslie, below) with sweet potato chips.

Cranberries should be in a Cuisinart demonstration. They process beautifully! And just think, there’s one less serving bowl to wash at the end of the day!

Learn from Leslie: To serve in a cabbage bowl, carefully remove the outer, dark leaves. With a knife remove a small amount of the bottom of the cabbage so it will sit evenly. Then cut a circle around the top edge, and hollow out a portion to hold the salsa.

Let’s talk about impressive adult beverages…

My new favorite drink with my new favorite toy. Read on to find out more.

Gold Rush Cocktail

Makes 1 drink

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon water

Ice, plus extra for serving

4 tablespoons bourbon

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Stir together honey and water in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for about 10 seconds or until warm. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add honey mixture, bourbon, and lemon juice. Shake for about 30 seconds to combine thoroughly. Pour over ice, and garnish with a colorful pansy, if desired.

“Come to think of it, my dad used to give me these exact ingredients as a child to stop coughing in the night.” 

Now to hear about my new favorite toy…

I can’t wait to set an entire dinner table with my Bottle Light Glorifier Glow Wine Bottle Stickers, 5 for $11.99, amazon.com They come is several colors too. These LED stickers are warm white.

Cocktails have never been as much fun as they are when you attach a LED sticker to the bottom. There’s four modes: on, off, slow blinking, and fast blinking! They are spectacular under wine and liquor bottles too. Order yours now for the holidays. Bottle Light Glorifier Glow Wine Bottle Stickers, available at amazon.com

Peel off the protective paper and stick away. The on/off button is on the other side.

Now for a simple supper by the fire…

Unfortunately and fortunately, we will all need to eat between now and Thanksgiving, so here is an economical, satisfying, company-worthy soup to serve on a busy weeknight or any night. Oven-proof bowl by Earthborn Pottery, earthbornpottery.net

Easy French Onion Soup

Serves 6

3 large yellow onions

3 sweet onions, such as Vidalia

6 tablespoons butter

4 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme

4 bay leaves

1 cup dry white wine

4 cups beef broth

1 (14.5 ounce) carton low sodium chicken broth

1 dash Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1 baguette

Olive oil

1 (8-ounce) block of Gruyère cheese, grated

With a sharp knife, thinly slice onions. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add onions, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Stir occasionally until the onions are caramelized and a rich, dark brown color. This process will take about 35 to 40 minutes.

Add wine and next 4 ingredients. Simmer for 45 minutes. Be sure to remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.

While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the baguette into ½-inch slices. Brush both sides with olive oil; bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from the oven.

Increase the oven to broil. Spoon soup into oven-proof crock or bowl, place a baguette or two on top of soup, and top with cheese. Broil until cheese is hot and bubbly and begins to brown.

Don’t be afraid to mix antique Ironstone Transferware with an earthy piece of pottery. Pottery by Earthborn Pottery, earthbornpottery.net

Easy French Onion Soup
Save RecipeSave Recipe
Print Recipe
Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 3 large yellow onions
  • 3 sweet onions, such as Vidalia
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 4 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) carton low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 baguette
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  1. With a sharp knife, thinly slice onions. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add onions, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Stir occasionally until the onions are caramelized and a rich, dark brown color. This process will take about 35 to 40 minutes.
  2. Add wine and next 4 ingredients. Simmer for 45 minutes. Be sure to remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.
  3. While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the baguette into ½-inch slices. Brush both sides with olive oil; bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from the oven.
  4. Increase the oven to broil. Spoon soup into oven-proof crock or bowl, place a baguette or two on top of soup, and top with cheese. Broil until cheese is hot and bubbly and begins to brown.
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Fabulous Beverage Find

Need a quick welcome beverage? Or an alternative to a mimosa? Give this Austrian Beer with fruit soda a try. Stiegl Radler Grapefruit, $10.29 for a 4-pack (each can is 1 pint 0.9 ounces) stiegl-shop.at, and available at most grocery stores in the beer section. (Rumor has it this mixes well with vodka!)

My Thanksgiving memories…

My mom (A.K.A. Emily Post) always loved burning candles at our Thanksgiving meal. We would usually eat around 4:30 p.m., when it was “properly” dark enough to light them. This would make for a more relaxing day of cooking too. After a late breakfast, we would sip on mimosas or bloody Marys while finishing the rest of the cooking. I’d play a few hands of gin fireside with my dad between my turns in the kitchen. If time would allow, my sister Beth would organize a Ping-Pong bracket for a little “pre” turkey cardio. It was an awesome day, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Now it’s even better with my girls helping with the cooking, ice water, and place cards, and Jon helping Dad tend the fire while also contributing his famous squash casserole. Too bad it only happens once a year!

I’d love to hear about your Thanksgiving traditions. Tell me all about them in the comments.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!