The holiday season is upon us, and so is the traditional list of “to dos” that creates stress even before the first Salvation Army Santa rings his bell or the first Chanukah candle is lit. Paired with the joy of the season is the inevitable anxiety of getting it all done: the greeting cards, decorating, […]
Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party for 75 or an intimate dinner for 12, you want to spend your holiday entertaining budget on the things your guests will enjoy and remember. We talked with local event planners to help us figure out where to skimp (hint: expensive wine) and where to spend the big bucks […]
Pinterest is a veritable cornucopia of visual inspiration. So with Thanksgiving right around the corner, we’ve been scouring the boards for delightfully clever, totally unique and ultra chic (read: not at all cheesy!) décor ideas to help you throw a fabulous Thanksgiving fete. Below are a few of our faves: 1. White Pumpkins: Eschew the typical […]
The holidays are almost here. For many of us, that means welcoming, and sometimes stressing over, holiday guests. No need to worry though, these steps will help you get your home in order. Plan Ahead Eddie Ross, East Coast editor of Better Homes & Gardens, says it’s all about the preparation. “Try to plan in […]
March 19 is National Poultry Day. No, seriously! I’m taking this to heart. Maybe it’s because I’m a crazy chicken lady—I own more than 150 poultry-themed items, from sculpture to stationery—but this is one important holiday in my book. So in honor of the humble bird, we’ve compiled some of our most popular chicken recipes […]
The holidays are busy, especially if you’re the host. House guests. Menus. Cooking. Lists. Fatigue…and then you hit the wall. For me, this usually occurs halfway through. I’ve been known to sneak up to my bedroom for a nap (maybe they’ll think I’m at the grocery store), or I’ll quietly slip out the door with […]
This past Halloween, Sarah Stegner followed her daughter, Jaya Nambiar, through their Wilmette neighborhood. As they made their way through the deepening shadows of early evening, she was struck by the feeling of community engendered by this rite. “We were trick-or-treating in a group, with Jaya and her friends Maxine Finks, Owen Merrill and Delia […]
The smells of Holiday treats fill your home and everyone’s mouth begins to water … including your pets! This time of year brings out the counter surfing talents of dogs and cats. Here are some food items to be aware of: High fat foods Meat, gravy, butter, and desserts may cause pancreatitis (inflammation […]
As invitations to holiday parties arrive, is your first thought, “Bah humbug!”? Do ghosts of gatherings past make you want to curl up and hibernate until January 2? No need to take a pass on the festivities, says therapist Marc Pfeffer, Director of Chicago’s Panic/Anxiety Recovery Center. “During the holidays we’re meant to engage with […]
Out of ideas for that perfect, personalized gift? Look no further. Here are some of our favorites. For the sentimentalist Celebrate family roots with a custom family tree. This unique personalized artwork features the family name, year and a bird for each family member. Printed on stretch canvas and framed, available in three sizes. […]
