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Category: General

Getting Ready For Fall Entertaining

With tomorrow being the first day of fall,  our thoughts are turning to fall entertaining.  These days successful entertaining seems to be all about the well-stocked bar or bar cart!   Whether you are serving cocktails or mocktails, wine or champagne, that bar needs to look its best.  The focal point or jewel of the bar is definitely the ice bucket.  The gorgeous glasses come and go, once they are filled, but the ice bucket remains standing strong until all the guests leave.  That is why I am recommending we choose one that is unique and elegant.  The ones below happen to be my favorites.  Happy Fall and Happy Entertaining!!!!

Getting Ready For Fall Entertaining

Vagabond House bar tool
vagabondhouse.com

Kraftware ice bucket
jcpenney.com

Antique ice bucket
onekingslane.com

Canvas
canvashomestore.com

Black ice bucket
etsy.com

Bar tool
chairish.com

CB2 ice bucket
cb2.com

Champagne bucket
etsy.com

Le Coucou

We just celebrated our “golden” anniversary…our19th on the 19th and I knew we really needed to mark the occasion by having dinner at someplace special.   I have been reading all the reviews and postings of Le Coucou for the past several months.  The spectacular photos of the decor totally drew me in.  One of the reviews said that you felt like you were immediately transported to Paris when you walked in the door and tasted the food.  That was enough for me.  Unfortunately due to its extreme popularity, it is impossible to get a reservation at Le Coucou  BUT, the staff is incredible and put us on a wait list and only after a couple of days gave us a choice of two nights for the upcoming weekend.  Readers, I have dined all over Manhattan and that RARELY happens.  But Le Cou Cou is a place of miracles.  Run don’t walk to this special spot.  Internationally acclaimed chef, Daniel Rose and famed restauranteur Stephen Starr will treat you to a night you will not forget!!  For more information on Le Coucou, click HERE.


Book Club Monday

When I lived in New York City, I use to deliver meals to people homebound with life-altering illnesses through God’s Love We Deliver.  Each week, we would pick up the food from a large church kitchen on Park Ave and deliver, on foot, daily meals to about 6 clients.  It was on of the best, most rewarding service experiences I have ever had.  I would look so forward to it each week.  You could imagine how happy I was when I recently read that a cookbook had been written to support this wonderful organization.  The book God’s Love We Deliver Cookbook, Nourishing Stories and Recipies from Notable Friends.  There is a forward by Ina Garten, in addition to family recipes and anecdotes from 75 supporters of the NYC non-profit organization.  “From Jennifer Hudson’s Feta-Stuffed Chicken Burgers to Ina Garten’s Roast Turkey and Michael Kors’ pineapple Upside Down cake, each contribution offers a glimpse into the home of the recipe-giver and is certain to inspire the marking of new memories.”  To purchase this cook book click HERE. summary Amazon


Fashionable Friend Friday

This week’s Fashionable Friend Friday is Ashley Stark.  Ashley is the Senior Vice President of Design  and one the new faces of Stark, the luxury rug and carpet company.  She has amazing taste.  I first “met” Ashley on Instagram and have been drawn in by her great style ever since.   She also has an online column called Ashley’s Window.  You can access it HERE.  Below are some of my favorite Ashley Instagram posts:






Crock Pot Banana French Toast

Here’s a great weekend breakfast treat to celebrate the first few weeks back to school.  I love my crock pot.  It makes family dinner preparation that much easier.  I found this recipe on Pinterest and it was getting rave reviews since it is quick, no fuss, and delicious.  I thought I would share it with you!!  It’s perfect for those upcoming chilly fall weekend mornings.  Bon Appetit!!!!

image diethood.com



1 10 inch stale (day or two old) french baguette, cut into 1-inch slices
4-ounce cream cheese, room temperature
3-4 bananas sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
3 eggs
1/4 cup skim milk
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter cut into thick slices


Lightly grease a 6.5 quart (or larger) crock pot

Spread cream cheese on both sides of all bread and arrange slices in a single layer on bottom of crock pot


Layer banana slices over the bread slices and sprinkle with brown sugar and nuts


Arrange butter slices on top and set aside


In a mixing bowl slightly beat eggs using a whisk or egg beaters


Add milk, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, whisk until combined


Pour egg mixture over bread


The liquid should not cover the bread but be 3/4 of the way up.  If it is less than that, add more liquid


Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours


Remove lid and if not serving right away, set the dial to warm


Drizzle with honey and serve





Fashion Trends for Fall 2016

I am happy to share with you some of my favorite trends for fall.  On the runways, Velvets are HUGE.   We keep seeing velvet jackets, shoes, bags and dress.  I think it is a much have for your fall wardrobe.  Statement furs are also being showcased.  Find a fun color or texture and what an addition that would be to your closet.  Off the shoulder tops are still going strong and I could not be happier.  Perhaps one in a jewel tone would be great.  I still plan on wearing the black and denim one, that I bought this summer, well into the fall!!!!  Lastly, my favorite trend is big sleeves.  I am still looking for that perfect piece but this trend is so beautiful and feminine.  Stay tuned!

Velvets

image Pinterest

image Vogue
 
Statement Furs

image laminlouboutins.com

image 5feetoffashion.com

Off The Shoulder

image tourdestifu.com

image DVF.com

Big Sleeves

image fashion tag.com

image Vogue.com