Gifts I Gave Myself - A Lifestyle Editor's Holiday Wish List

So what does a New York area lifestyle editor want for Christmas? Check out my list. Check it out twice!

Each year I enjoy putting together gift guides for everyone on your holiday list. So this year I am going to share some top items on my own personal list for Santa. Maybe it could give you some good ideas too?

Cozy soft cotton and wool cable knit sweater from Hanna Andersson

I've been a fan of Hanna Andersson since forever as this catalog company offers well made, organic cotton clothing for the whole family. I picked up this gorgeous cable knit sweater while shopping for family gifts. It reminds me of the Irish Aran Isle hand knitted sweaters I've seen when marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parades. This is a unisex sweater in ecru with 70% cotton and 30% wool. Buy it a size up, (this is a medium) for layering and a comfy relaxed fit.
Tips: Look for free shipping offers and a 20% discount code for new customers. Also, shop the clearance area as there are often many deep discounts on high-quality organic cottons. Visit online at HannaAndersson.com

100% Heavy Cotton Spa Robe. PHOTO: Me at Crystal Springs Resort Spa

When I visited Crystal Springs Resort and their Elements Spa, each suite had two thick cotton terry robes hanging the closet. It was so plush and luxurious that I wanted to take it home! So I was very happy to have found a similar heavy cotton robe by Alpine Swiss. Seriously this robe weighs nearly four pounds with the outer layer being made of cotton velour but the inside being lined with absorbent terry. The shawl collar is cotton velour and so soft against your skin. Has one chest and two hand pockets with a matching belt. Perfect for my spa days at home! My Alpine Swiss 100% Cotton Robe is available on Amazon.

Editors Celebrate Fashion Week: Drink and Cocktail Ideas

Some specially crafted cocktail party ideas just in time for Fashion Week 2013!

Fashion Week, NYC Going to fashion shows, meeting with retailers and interacting with PR people are all part of an editor's day. Multiply that times TEN during Fashion Week which kicks off in NYC today!  This is the time of year that I like to do loft parties and late evening get-togethers with my editor colleagues (shout out goes to Madam Editor of GaveThat.com & Magda my super assistant!), photographers and technical people whom I rely on all year.

Entertaining Thoughts
Fashion Shows are known for their high-powered music...and that's just on the runway. After parties are even more crazy. Rather than hire a DJ, I have a Karaoke Machine that docks my iPod for endless song selections. This is being done at a lot of store events too. The tower speakers are amazing for sound quality and with two microphones, everyone gets a chance to step up to the mic and belt one out. Easy to read lyrics appear on a full color 7" screen. This is so much fun!

My Singing Machine Karaoke System with be rocking my Fashion Week Parties!

Cocktails Anyone?
You can go the Skinny Girl Cocktail route but I prefer to craft my own drinks and keep the alcohol light. Always have some hot or cold hor dourves available buffet style so your guests can have something to eat with their drinks. You don't want the other editors waking up the next day with a headache! Here are some special drink recipes just for NYC's Fashion Week!

To go with your cocktails: Delicious Pears, Cheeses, Crackers and Salami fresh from Harry & David Orchards

Fashion Week Cocktails!

THE PUBLICIST

Intense and long-lasting. That’s the inspiration for this sparkling later afternoon highball.

1 part vanilla vodka

1 part Drambuie

Polar® Orange Vanilla Seltzer, and lots of it

Lemon peel, garnish (because it’s easy, otherwise use orange peel)

Build the drink in a highball glass, by pouring vodka and Drambuie over crushed ice. Top generously with Polar® Seltzer and stir gently, taking care to not bruise the bubbles.

 

 THE MARKET EDITOR

Anyone who spends half their time on an airplane searching for the newest designs always looks forward to the comforts of home. In this case it is a sparkling version of a “whiskey sour”.

2 oz quality American Bourbon (Whiskey)

1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Egg white

Polar® Vanilla Seltzer

(if you need to sweeten it add a teaspoon of agave)

Vigorously shake the whiskey, lemon juice and egg white in a shaker. Once there is a bit of froth pour over ice in a double old-fashioned glass. Top generously with Polar® Seltzer.

THE PATRON

Every young American designer needs a sparkling European patron. A perfect combination of old world and new.

2 parts Campari

1 part quality Gin

Polar® Orange Vanilla Seltzer

Splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Begin by chilling Campari, the gin and the lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour into glasses, and then top generously with Polar Seltzer.

THE ASSISTANT

This ultra “skinny” cocktail gets the job done.

2 oz quality lemon vodka

Polar® Lemon Seltzer

Lemon peel, to rim glass and garnish

   

Easy & Delicious Holiday Treats

Entertaining for the Holidays? No need to panic! Our video above gives you lots of all time favorites and crowd pleasers. Here are a few that you can make ahead of time, chill and serve on festive platters. Easy to make, these always go over big:

1.) Deviled Eggs - These always fly at my house and are easy to make. Just hard boil your eggs, peel and split while scooping out the yolks. Mash the yolks with a bit of sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, Hungarian paprika & Dijon mustard. Stuff the boiled egg whites with this creamy mixture and top with extra paprika.

2.) Oysters on a Half Shell - Be sure to get a good Oyster Knife (try Sur la Table) and check out our article on how to open & serve raw oysters under Shore Delights.  We enjoy fresh, salt water Sewansecotts from H. M. Terry in Virginia. Slightly steamed or raw, they are plump with a delicate liquor that reminds you of fresh sea water.

3.) Fresh Baked Raisin Bread - This is a variation of your basic sandwich loaf only with a bit of brown sugar, 1 cup of raisins and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon added. Most bread machines will alert when you can add the raisins or other dried fruits. Slice and leave out with a tub of softened butter and chutney. 

4.) Raw Nuts - We used to have a big bowl of walnuts, almonds, filberts, Brazil nuts and pecans set out during the holidays. Add a festive wooden soldier nutcracker to that extra touch. 

5.) Bacon Wrapped Dates - These are so good! Get the bigger Medjool dates and wrap each one with a small section of sliced, smoked bacon. Secure with a toothpick. Bake in the oven on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees until the bacon in crispy. 

6.) Dark & Milk Chocolates - You can have anything from Hershey's Kisses to Godiva Truffles, depending on your tastes. Fill the bowls and watch them disappear! 

And for the Main Course...
You can slice your turkey, roast beef or ham ahead of time and cover with gravy and/sauce to keep it moist. You can keep your main course and hot entrees warm in foil pans with Sterno cans underneath. 
What I've done is used an electric griddle set on low to help keep my casseroles warm. I like to use Pyrex and Mauviel Cookware because it can be used on the stove, oven and then go on to serve buffet style.

Best Picks Christmas List!

Yes, there's still time to get ready for the holidays with these last minute gift and entertaining ideas. You can also enter to win our Healthy Holiday Gift Basket listed at the top of the page so hurry! It's almost Christmas!