ENTERTAINING for the holidays jeff lewis
NO OVEN REQUIRED
Simply put—I can’t cook. Given that the Holidays are usually centered around food, my only real value is that I can make cocktails. Occasionally I can throw together a plate of something to make it look like I put in a little effort but I never want to outshine my ability to serve a well chilled drink.
Since you're not invited over, let me share with you how I entertain.
If I have guests, it’s only proper to have some type of food option available for them to help absorb the alcohol. A fruit and cheese spread requires no cooking and fills the void.
Grab a couple of cheese options, sausage, apricots, berries, and grapes. Take a serving board or a reclaimed butcher block to lay out the spread and toss in some cashews, rosemary and raisins. Offer a couple of cracker options or thinly sliced bread and get back to enjoying your libations.
TABLE SETTING
While I can’t prepare the food, I can prepare the table. Right now I'm into clustering what would seem like too many candle pillar holders together in random heights on the table. I think it brings a unique element to your table setting.
Of course plants or flowers as center pieces add a little life to the space, but keep it simple and neutral.
BAR CARTS
Bar carts are back in a big way. Just about every retailer is offering a variety of options at different price points.
As important as the alcohol however, is how the cart is styled. In addition to glassware, I like to add a tray on one of the shelves with bottles of well-labeled alcohol. I may not like whatever is in the bottle, but the label adds to the aesthetic. Pair an ice bucket with a couple of shaker options, a few glass decanters with liquor you drink often and finish off with a small plant or flower.
DRINKS
The most important part of my holidays are three essential cocktails. Depending on your mood, try the recipes below...
BLOODY MARY
RECIPE
- Vodka (3oz)
- Bloody Mary mix (2oz)
- Worcestershire (1oz)
- Olive juice (1oz)
- Lime juice (1oz)
- Serve shaken well
MARTINI
RECIPE
- Vodka (4oz)
- Water (2oz)
- Olive juice (.75)
- Serve with fresh hand-stuffed blue cheese olives and shaken well
MARGARITA
RECIPE
- Tequila (3oz)
- Lime juice (2oz)
- Cointreau (1oz)
- Serve shaken well
Shop TO ENTERTAIN
Here are some select products to style your home for the holiday season of entertaining.
BAR CARTS
TRAYS
CHEESE BOARDS
CRYSTAL GLASSWARE
STEEL MARTINI GLASS
COASTERS
DECANTERS
CANDLE PILLARS
SELF PROMOTING: MY RUGS
To top off your shopping experience, try my new rugs available online from Home Depot. They're the perfect touch for any space and they won't break the bank. So if Aunt Shirley spills a glass of red wine again this year, there is no need to panic.
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