It's hard to believe that 2009 is almost here! For those of you planning to ring in the new year with a little bubbly, here are some fun recipe ideas for serving up your midnight champagne toast with a twist:

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1. POMEGRANATE CHAMPAGNE

Ingredients:
4 oz champagne
1 oz pomegranate juice
1 teaspoon cassis

Directions:
Pour chilled champagne into a flute, then add pomegranate juice and cassis. Enjoy!

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2. BLOOD ORANGE FRENCH 75
{recipe via Epicurious}

Ingredients:
3 blood oranges (about 1 pound)
1 1/2 cups gin
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon angostura bitters
2 750-ml bottles chilled Champagne

Directions:
Cut 1 orange in half through stem. Cut each orange half crosswise into 6 slices; reserve for garnish. Using small knife, cut peel and white pith from remaining 2 oranges; chop oranges. Transfer chopped oranges with juices to bowl; mash with potato masher or wooden spoon. Stir in gin, sugar, and bitters. Strain into 2-cup measuring cup, pressing on solids to release liquid. Chill 4 hours.

Pour scant 2 tablespoons gin mixture into each of 12 glasses; fill with Champagne and garnish with orange.

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3. CHAMBORD AND CHAMPAGNE

Ingredients:
4 oz chilled Champagne
1/2 oz Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur

Directions:
Pour the champagne into a champagne flute.
Add a healthy splash of Chambord, and serve.

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4. STRAWBERRY CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

Ingredients:
.5 oz strawberry liqueur
1 oz vodka
Pink Champagne

Directions:
Combine strawberry liqueur and vodka in an ice-filled shaker. Shake well and strain into a champagne glass. Top with chilled champagne.

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CHEERS! Wishing you many more reasons to celebrate in 2009!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is only a week away... especially when you've still got tons of shopping to do. If this sounds familiar, don't worry - you are not alone! I recently held a Holiday Baby Shower for a close friend - and picked up a lot of great gift ideas to pass along if you're shopping for moms with little ones (or moms-to-be) this year. Here are a few favorites, starting with the image at top:

1. Palette Plate by Skip Hop ($28.00)
Create art with every meal! Pint-sized Picassos will have fun with this one, and mom will appreciate the clever design. The bowls can be lifted out of the plate and also have plastic lids for storage in the fridge.

2. bambu™ Kids Fork & Spoon Set ($13.00)
These delightfully eco-chic spoon and fork sets are made from renewable Bamboo, sized and shaped for a baby's mouth, and designed for ease of feeding!

3. Melamine Meal Trays ($17.95)
Special enough for parties, and fun enough for every day. Each set includes includes a tray, spoon and plastic cover. Dishwasher safe and shatter & heat resistant. Available in 2 patterns: "Game" (pictured above) and ABC'S.

4. Built NY Baby Thirsty Totes ($12.95 - $17.95)
Fearful of those baby spills or bottles going cold? Fear no more. These Baby Thirsty Totes will insulate those baby bottles and soak up any spills. They even come with a convenient carrying handle that snaps to strollers, car seats, diaper bags or whatever else is handy. Available in "Single" or "Double".

5. Built NY Munchlers Insulated Lunch Bag ($11.95)
These adorable lunch bags were designed by award-winning children's book illustrator, Stephen Savage and are guaranteed to win over both kids and kids at heart! Sturdy enough to hold and protect food and snacks. The zipper placement allows kids to unzip the entire lunchbox and lie it flat for an instant placemat. Tested lead and food safe.

GIFTS FOR MOMS ON THE GO:

6. Walk in the Park Baby Sling ($69)
Most moms could probably use an extra pair of hands, but the next best thing is help them free up their own pair - while still keeping baby in tow - with a stylish baby carrier. The fashion-forward Serendipity Slings from The Peanut Shell® have all the smart attributes you want - like 100% cotton sateen fabric, comfort leg padding, front pocket, and fabric toy loop – PLUS stylish fabrics like this orange blossoms & sparrows print, which reverses to a deep brown circular pattern on the other side.

(Make it a gift set! Coordinating Walk in the Park Nursing Cover also available for $38)

7. Patemm Pad Manhattan Momma Changing Pad ($49.95)
A smart, stylish and practical solution to the diaper bag, the award-winning patemm® pad makes changing little ones quick and simple. The round design accommodates squirmy infants and serves as a sleek, all-in-one bag for diapers, wipes, and even a change of clothes.

8. Smart Mom Jewelry (around $20 each for pendant necklaces / $12.75 for bangle bracelets)
One thing I repeatedly hear moms with little ones complain about is that they can no longer wear fun jewelry because it always ends up getting tugged on by their "mini-me". Well, Smart Mom came up with an idea that definitely rings true to their name. Their "Teething Bling" jewelry is made from the same material as many teething toys! It looks great on moms, but is also safe for curious babies to handle and chew. Pretty smart!

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What are some of your favorite gift ideas for moms this year?

Toast to the season with a delicious, HOT holiday cocktail... perfect for sipping over good conversation with friends! Here are a few yummy recipe ideas:

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White Chocolate Raspberry Cocoa
{via HostessWithTheMostess.com}

Ingredients:
1 to 1-1/2 ounces white chocolate sauce
6 ounces steamed milk
3/4 ounce Chambord
3/4 ounce creme de cacao

Directions:
Fill a glass coffee cup with boiling water to preheat. Pour out water. Mix white chocolate sauce and steamed milk in coffee cup. Add Chambord and creme de cacao. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh raspberries.

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Hot Buttered Rum
{via cocktailtimes.com}

Ingredients:


- 1 lb light brown sugar
- 1/2 lb unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl beat together softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and spices until well combined. Refrigerate in an airtight reusable container for up to a month, or place in your freezer until ready to use.

Directions:
In a pre-heated coffee mug combine 2 heaping tablespoons batter with 1 1/2 oz. Mount Gay Eclipse Rum. Top with boiling water and stir well to mix. Serve with a spoon.

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Hot Apple Pie
{via HostessWithTheMostess.com}

Ingredients:
2 oz Tuaca
hot apple cider
whipped cream
cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions:
Pour the Tuaca in an Irish coffee glass.
Fill with hot apple cider.
Top with whipped cream.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

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CHEERS!

Take a peek around at the holiday decor available today, and it will quickly become apparent that Christmas isn't just about red and green anymore. One of my favorite trends from amongst the "alternative holiday palettes" is a Hot Pink & Lime Green combo. Not only does this duo look festive, energetic & fun, but it works for both Christmas and New Year's Eve, so there's no need to swap out your decor if you're celebrating both!

Here are a few ideas for bringing this palette to life:

{Pictured at Top}

1. Pink & Green Paper Flowers
These festive DIY paper flowers are reminiscent of a fireworks display – which is perfect for New Year's Eve parties, of course!
{Photo by  BKB Photography / via brides.com }

2. The Long-Stemmed Rose
Special occasions call for special cocktails - like this honey-and-rose flavored vodka - served in champagne flutes of course! (see recipe below)

3. Green Foil Charger ($4.95 each at Crate & Barrel)
Dress up the table with these cool, metallic chargers, or use them as the foundation for a pretty candle arrangement made from different sizes of pillar candles, silver beaded garland, and colorful metallic ball ornaments.

4. Embossed Metallic Gift Wrap ($7.95/roll)
Instead of renting or purchasing table runners, use rolls of shimmery gift wrap to create your own inexpensive, DIY versions!

5. Tinsel Ribbon ($5.95 each)
Wrap this sparkly ribbon around rolled napkins to create playful "napkin rings" - or use it to dress up party vases, favor boxes, and more.

6. 21" Pine & Berry Spray ($3.99 at Jamali Garden)

This lime green pine is dusted with iridescent glitter for a festive holiday vibe.

7 & 8. Starburst Ornaments ($4.95 each at cb2)
3-D metallic glass stars twinkle retro constellation in neon brights.

9. Stainless Steel Cylinder Vases ($24.95 - $29.95 at cb2)
These tall, tubular vases are perfect for displaying lime green pine & berry spray or other fun fillers like  hot pink and lime green ostrich feathers!

10. Hot Pink Acrylic Sea Glass and Small Bright Green Sea Glass ($11 each)
Dress up clear glass vases or table surfaces with these sparkly, decorative gems.

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COCKTAIL: The Long Stemmed Rose

Ingredients:
- 3 oz. Shakers Rose Flavored Vodka
- Rose petal (for garnish)

Directions:
Combine vodka and ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake well. Pour into a thin flute or chilled martini glass. Float one rose petal in glass. Cheers!

{Photo by Joe Deleo / via brides.com}

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What's YOUR favorite color palette for the holidays this year?

From 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, Ina Garten will be signing copies of her new book: "Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics" at Crate and Barrel's Madison Avenue store (650 Madison Ave.) in NYC. If you're in the neighborhood, check it out!

I'm a huge fan of this culinary icon - Barefoot Contessa Parties! is already one of my favorite cookbooks, and this new book is sure to be a hit. The recipes are subtly sophisticated yet easy to pull off (perfect for stress-free entertaining); I can't wait to try the tagliarelle with truffle butter and the lobster corn chowder.

In the new book, Ina breaks down her ideas on flavor, and covers other essentials every hostess should know: ten things not to serve at a party, ten no-cook things to serve with drinks, top ten flavor boosters, and how to set a table like a pro.

The book is available for $35, cover image courtesy of Clarkson Potter/Publishers.

Already an Ina Garten fan? What's your favorite recipe?

Reindeer have always been one of my favorite decorative elements when it comes to holiday decor. They can materialize in all sorts of great decorative styles - from crafty and cute to whimsical, stylish, and even ultra-modern. Here are a few fun reindeer-themed entertaining & gifting favorites from 'round the web:

1 & 2. Twig Reindeers ($14 - $29) and Reindeer Twig Ornament ($8 each)
I just adore these witty, long-legged reindeer figures! They were hand cast by artisans to resemble the original versions, which were made from actual twigs by a local craftswoman, Mary Pat Ortega Rowan. (Available in bronze or silver finish.)

3. Reindeer Juice Glasses & Carafe ($23 - $39) and Reindeer Dinnerware ($31 - $47)
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen ALL make an appearance on this stylish, whimsical reindeer collection from Pottery Barn! Several coordinating pieces are available in this popular line, which makes an appearance at PB each year.

5. Holly Jolly Plate - ($4.95 each)
Set an contemporary table or serve holiday treats in style with these happy, modern reindeer plates!

6. Curly Antler Reindeer Ornament Set ($14.85/set of 3)
Three sleek, modern ornaments feature scrolling antlers and a mirror finish.

7. Reindeer Party Platter/Plate ($4.95/plate & $14.95/platter)
Crate & Barrel's popular reindeer strike a whimsical pose, framed in a white porcelain square with a vivid red background.

8. Reindeer Treats ($11.95)
A fun felt bag with jingle bell tie holds a minty-sweet treat. Crisp popcorn is drizzled in buttery toffee and sprinkled with crushed candy canes.

8. Double Chocolate Cocoa  ($10.95)
The adorable reindeer silhouette on this hot cocoa canister makes it an even yummier gift idea for your favorite holiday hostess!

9. Red Nosed Rudolph Pop-Up Card ($6.50)
Friends and family will love this super stylish, 3-D reindeer greeting, which can easily double as holiday decor after it arrives!

10. Dusted With Snow Reindeer (on sale for $16.25)
Put a little sparkle in your holidays! These paper mache reindeer are sprinkled with sparkles that catch and reflect light.

After a quick trip south to visit family, soak up some sunshine, and indulge in a decadent Thanksgiving feast (more on that later), I flew to Chicago this weekend to teach a special Holiday Entertaining and Decorating class, co-sponsored by Real Simple and Pottery Barn. I presented the class in Oakbrook, IL, at a Pottery Barn store with just about the friendliest and most helpful staff around, and thought it would be fun to share some pictures from the event.

I'm told the class was enjoyable and informative, but a sneaking suspicion tells me the "candy bar" (pictured last) was the most popular part. Who doesn't like chocolate on a snowy Sunday morning?

The next class is being held this Sunday, December 7th, when I'll be presenting here in NYC at the Pottery Barn on 67th and Broadway. Filled with dozens of fun tips for getting through the Holiday season with less stress, this class is being taught all over the country, and you can attend one near you by contacting your local Pottery Barn store.

For more tips on stress-free entertaining, check out our handy guide.

All photos by Grace Wong.