Style~Personality~Flair…we all have a unique way of announcing our own. During the Holidays, our “personalities” seem to shine a little brighter, perhaps a bit bolder. That is reflected in our fashion choices and also our home décor selections. Our personal style is often carried directly from our closet’s fabrics and accessories into our home’s fabrics and accessories. Holiday party fashions and Holiday home decorating are no exception.

Having started my career in Fashion Design, I understand that like fashion our home design and decorating reflects our personalities and individual style. That is especially prevalent during this time of year, when festive gatherings, entertaining and celebrations are taking place. We certainly know how to bring out the bling, accessorizing ourselves, our homes, our children, dogs and sometimes even our vehicles, announcing to the world our personal tastes (some good, some not so good) and flair. There are a few rules that apply when it comes to Holiday accessorizing, whether it’s you or your home that’s being transformed. Party fashions and home entertaining have similar design dilemmas. Here are a few seasonably fashionable tips to help ensure you AND your home will shine bright, yet tasteful, bold and beautiful throughout this joyous time of year.

Don’t overdress yourself OR your home. More is not always merrier! Simple and elegant almost always is a good rule to follow. Absolutely introduce those dynamic accessories, just don’t overdo it. Let them shine, stand out, get the attention they deserve. Too many clashing accessories on your body or your walls can take you from classy to cluttered. Tis the season I know, however there’s no reason to adorn yourself like a Christmas tree. There’s also no need to carry it massively throughout the rest of your home. We want a peaceful season.

• All that glitters is not always gold. Actually, this showy color is making a big comeback so go ahead; feel free to use it with pride. Whatever colors you choose bring the bling-bling on. Beads, crystals, metals and feathers can be used together to bring a sophisticated balance of shimmer and matte. Keep in mind however, bling lightly…classy not cluttered. Personally, I am thinking this is the year I’ll get that black feather Christmas tree!

• One rule that always applies, even during the flamboyancy of the Holiday season, size does matter! The size of the accessory should always be in proportion to where it’s being displayed. If you decide you’d like to showcase a larger item, that’s ok! It’s just best to have that one large item you love presented alone rather than creating visual chaos by grouping many items together in order to fill a space. That holds true whether you are coving your body or your walls.

• Non traditional Holiday colors are sure to make you and your décor style look as hot as our winter temperatures. Let’s face it; red and green aren’t always the most flattering on us or in our living spaces. The shades are tough to work around and they are powerfully strong colors. Some new festive colors you may want to introduce to your wardrobe and décor…blue, pink, silver, gold, black and white.

Whatever your style, enjoy sharing it with your family and friends. Let your personality shine through beautifully this Holiday Season! Be peacefully creative and courageous with your accessory choices. Carry your personality out of your closet and throughout your living space. Or…vice versa…which is another article we’ll save for the New Year…New You! ?

A Very Happy Holiday and Wish of a Wonderful New Year to All of You!

Denise

Copyright 2011 Fine Wine & Design

Wrapping Up Your Wines

-What better way to celebrate than with a bottle of great wine. That sensational wine deserves an equally sensational presentation. Why carry wine to dinner parties and  gatherings in a boring bag. Be original! And show how much you care with an upscale wine gift that will be remembered.

Art has never been an easy term to define…especially when a creation is intended for use as a wrapping rather than an actual gift. What’s nondebatable is that certain types of gift wraps function just as effectively as focal points as do the actual objects they are covering. I’m thinking specifically of unique and creative wine gifts and the art of presentation. Perfect for everyone on your list! Your friends, family hosts and hostesses will appreciate your good taste.

Giving a bottle of wine is such a joy in itself. Presenting it stylishly is an alluring attribute giving your gift a sense of distinction. It can be challenging to find just the right gift wrap to make that original statement. But your wine loving friends will appreciate your originality and thoughtfulness that went into it. A great place to find unusual and creative wine wrappings are at wine bars. Many have a fabulous selection offering anything from gifts to wine lovers home décor. You may opt to wrap simply in a classic and colorful drawstring wine bag. Or present a spectacular bottle of red in a chic café wine caddy. A wine case delivers a fine cuvee making an attractive decoration for any bar. An artful wine tube is also a handsome way to share a bottle of prized vintage. A beautiful addition to any table is a polished wine bucket. Fill it with ice water, place a bottle in it and you’re ready to dine in style. Love your wine? Show your metal! There is a variety of animated bottle holders made from recycled steel, copper and even wood. My favorite wine wrap is a clink proof wine tote. Consider one of these when you want to present both that fabulous bold red AND a crisp clean white. Its part wet suit, part wine bag, all functionally cool! These keep bottles safely separated so folks won’t hear your comings and goings…allowing you to party hop like a pro.

Bring a smile to the face of the most discriminating wine connoisseur and delight your family and friends at this years Holiday gatherings. Turn your gift of wine into an innovative wine presentation. Whether sophisticated, whimsical, elegant or contemporary, wine bags, boxes and purses are sure to impress. And be sure to pick one up for yourself too… you might not want to give them all away.

Cheers!

Denise

Copyright 2011 Fine Wine & Design

Laura Slama Celebrated Cuisine | Executive Chef, Owner celebratedcuisine.com

2 T extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for rubbing
2 tender celery ribs, diced (1 cup)
½ sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
1 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/4 cup prepared crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 T white wine vinegar
4 oz marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/4 cup pitted green olives, chopped
2 T pine nuts, toasted
1 ½ T sugar
1 T capers, drained
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 basil leaves, chiffonade
2 each 6-ounce salmon fillets, skin on

1. Prepare caponata: Heat a large sauté pan with high sides over medium high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the celery, onion and garlic and cook over moderate heat until just softened, 4 minutes.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, wine, vinegar, artichokes, olives, pine nuts, sugar and capers and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the liquid is reduced, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the basil and let cool.
3. Prepare salmon: Light a grill or preheat a grill pan (or preheat an oven to 425 degrees). Rub the fish lightly with olive oil and season with salt. Place fish on a small piece of foil (or parchment if placing in oven). Grill, skin side down, over moderately high heat, until no longer opaque, and a white liquid just begins to emerge from the top of the fish, for medium rare, about 9 minutes. Using a wide spatula, lift salmon from skin (it will stick to foil/parchment). Transfer the fish to plates, top with the caponata and serve.

As seen on Episode 13 “Beauty From The Beast.”

For more culinary inspiration KEYWORD “recipes”, a specific ingredient or click here.

Laura Slama Celebrated Cuisine | Executive Chef, Owner celebratedcuisine.com

Yield 6-8 parfaits

Ingredients

1. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, lime juice, zest and sugar until smooth.
2. Whip cream in a separate cold bowl until it holds medium stiff peaks.
3. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
4. Using martini or wine glasses, portion a little mousse into each glass, then layer some of the fruit (mixed or just one type). Continue to layer the mousse and berries, finishing with mousse, then garnish with a berry and shaved chocolate.

Note: Glasses may be filled and refrigerated a day in advance. Garnish up to one hour before serving.

As seen on Episode 13 “Beauty From The Beast.”

For more culinary inspiration KEYWORD “recipes”, a specific ingredient or click here.