Beautiful Life and Style

Category Archives: Holidays


by 1 Comment

Easter Recap

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! I am exhausted today after hosting my first real dinner party in my apartment yesterday! It was really fun to pull out the fancy tablecloth and set a proper table, and of course to spend the day cooking! And then eating!

Easter is one of my favorite holidays, mostly because it signifies the true start of Spring. So I really wanted to celebrate that! I tried to keep things fairly simple, but of course ended up going a little overboard. The table was a theme of blues, pinks and greens. I folded the napkins into cute rabbit ears and used hard-boiled eggs as placecards- then used napkin rings to prevent them from rolling off the plate. The result was whimsical but elegant:

20130401-114036.jpg20130401-114019.jpg

For the food, I probably bit off a little too much to try to cook AND serve in my tiny kitchen. I went with a nontraditional choice of Brisket over an Easter Ham- but it ended up being a huge success. And everyone LOVED the chocolate Mouse- with freshly made whipped cream and raspberries.

The Menu

White Lillet Cocktails

Frisee, Radicchio and Fennel Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Braised Brisket with Bourbon Peach Glaze

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Mustard Mashed Potatoes

Chocolate Mousse

As you can imagine we were STUFFED by the end but it was all so worth it and the festivities lasted late into the night. Once everyone had gone I had a little time to unwind- finishing up the wine and tidying up the kitchen. I’m not gonna lie that the triumphant feeling at the end of the night is very addictive- I can’t wait until my next excuse to plan a party.

20130401-114054.jpg


by 2 Comments

A Valentine’s Table

I know I sound like a broken record saying this, but I”m sorry I have been so horrible about posting! I don’t know what my problem is- I’ve been so busy! Its a good thing I suppose, but I feel like I blinked and this week is Valentine’s Day! I mean, weren’t we talking about New Years Resolutions just last week???? I’m going to blame the snow.

While there are a lot of mixed emotions about this holiday, I’m going to say that I find it incredibly FUN to have a day devoted to eating candy, wearing pink, and feeling loved. I’d been toying around with the idea of having a little Valentine’s Brunch this weekend- but it seems like most everyone I know is going to be out of town for President’s Weekend. Oh well. That doesn’t mean I couldn’t think about some great ways to set the table:

Valentine's Table Valentine's Table2 Valentine's Table3 Valentine's Table4 Valentine's Table5

There are soooo many variations on the Valentine’s theme- but I really find myself drawn to the place settings that aren’t an overload of red. I’m sure you’ve seen a few examples that are overly cheesy or too red and severe. I think by mixing in an unexpected color like gold or purple or blue it freshens up the theme in a way that isn’t too literal. Here’s a quick interpretation:

Valentine's Day Table
So what are you doing to celebrate the holiday? Avoiding it completely or jumping right into a chocolate fountain with your love?
Inspiration via: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5


by 1 Comment

Happy New Years!.. and my one resolution

Happy New Years to all of my lovely readers! Thanks for sticking with my on my journey through 2012- I can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store for us!

Last year I feel like I had quite a few “New Year’s Resolutions”, and I had a lot of fun accomplishing them all! I started up a book-club with my friends to get myself reading more, hosted a few fabulous parties, stopped watching so much mindless reality television, started being much more financially responsible, etc. etc. This year though, the idea of a long list is overwhelming. So I’m keeping it simple. My only resolution for 2013 is to WAKE UP EARLIER.

jane-fonda-bed

Seriously- I”m too embarrassed to tell you what time I wake up everyday and then how much more time I waste hitting snooze. I mean, do you ever catch yourself saying “oh how I wish there were more hours in the day???” Well- duh- there could be more hours if I only got my lazy butt out of bed! This year I”m setting an alarm for 6:30 and STICKING WITH IT. I think with an extra few hours in the day, I’ll have time for all of my other goals- hopefully they just fall into place:

  • searching for a new job
  • working out
  • testing new recipes
  • keeping in touch with friends
  • organizing our apartment
  • (and of course) blogging more

So tell me, are you early to rise?? I’ve been a night owl my whole life and I’m really skeptical I can make this work- but I’m certainly going to try! Any tips for good morning routines??? favorite breakfasts? Sun Salutations?? watching the news?? I need all the help I can get!


by 1 Comment

My Christmas in Instagrams

Sorry for the blog hiatus- who knew the holiday season was so hectic?? My family had a wonderful Christmas- Nick and I hosted and it was holly jolly warm and cozy with an abundance of presents and family and FOOD. As much as I love Christmas- I’m almost glad its over because now I can go back to eating like a little rabbit- I’ve probably gained 20 pounds this December.

If you stalk me on instagram, you know what I’ve been up to- but for the rest of you- here’s a little glimpse into our celebrations. I promise to be back to “normal” blogging tomorrow!!

Lighting up the Tree

Lighting up the Tree

Create your own gingerbread man

Create your own gingerbread man station at a friend’s party

Brown Paper Packages

Brown Paper Packages tied up with string

Christmas Crackers

Christmas jokes

Christmas Feast

feast feast feast FEAST

Christmas Tulips

the cozy view from the couch

Boston Common Christmas

Merry Christmas from Boston!

 

 

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 198 other followers