The Ultimate Holiday Guide
It’s here! My Ultimate Holiday Guide! From what to cook and what to drink, to how to glam up your home, to what to wear and where to eat out—I’ve pulled together all of my favorite recipes, ideas and go-to's to save you time and stress this Holiday season. So, don’t let Thanksgiving throw you in a lurch or Christmas mess up your groove! Cooking, entertaining, dressing up—and going out—has never been easier.
What to EAT...
Menu conundrums? Not to worry! I’ve pulled together my absolute favorite dishes for the table that are all about maximum Holiday flavors with a twist. From the easiest sides—like my Five Spice and Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce—to the most mouth-watering desserts (Maple Pumpkin Tart, I’m lookin’ at you!), everything to tantalize your tastebuds and your tummy is here!
APPS
Cheesy Tomato Confit with Fennel, Thyme and Five Spice
Marmite Glazed Nuts
Deviled Egg with Labneh Vanilla Whipped Yolks and Smoky Panko
Niçoise Butter Board
MAINS
Char Siu Wellington
Slow Roasted Salmon with Grapefruit, Fennel and Chile with Herby Shallot Vinaigrette
Mom’s Five Spice Roast Chicken
Turkey Meatballs with Lemony Herb Dressing and Greek Yogurt
SAUCES and SIDES
Five Spice Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce
Everyday Vinaigrette
Salt and Pepper Potato and Corn Salad
Roasted Squash Blossom and Zucchini Salad with Herby Ricotta
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Bourbon Soaked Raisins
Crunchy Carrot Salad with Peppery Buttermilk Balsamic Dressing
Grilled Corn With Hoisin Parmesan Butter and Togarashi
Sheet Pan Roasted Delicata Squash with Chickpeas and Pomegranate Gremolata
SWEETS
Chocolate Pudding with Five Spice and Crunch
Whole Orange Almond Cake with Raspberries
Maple Pumpkin Five Spice Tart with Pecan Gingersnap Crust
Maple Miso Pumpkin Crisp
What to DRINK...
What’s Holiday season without a little tipple? Cocktails are sure to whet your whistle, so here are some of my go-to’s to get the party started. Now that’s something to toast to!
Poinsettia Smash
Touchdown Toddy
Ume de Nuit
The 358
How to DECORATE...
As a kid, my favorite part of the holidays was decorating the house and the tree. From the lights to the ornaments and everything in between, nothing compared to a house—and a dining table—that was festooned for the perfect Holiday gathering. Whatever your style or look, setting the mood starts with having everything you need right at hand—from stemware, to napkins, to centerpieces and so much more.
Set Your Holiday Table
Celebrating the Season with Pottery Barn
Delaney Candlestick
Matilda Goad & Co. Decanter
Chan Luu Linen Napkins
House of Hackney Peacock Cake Stand
Mercer Champagne Flatware Place Setting
Golden Bunny Tail and Yarrow Dried Bouquet
Vintage Etched Gravy Boat
Hearth & Hand Embossed Glass Drinkware Tall
Tom Dixon Marble Pestle and Mortar
Chelsea Floral Salad Plate
Laguiole Carving Set
Ridge Textured Stoneware Serving Platter
What to WEAR...
Do you go cozy chic or full-on glam? Whether you’re rocking a comfy sweater or a sequined shift—it’s all good! There’s nothing that says Holiday time better than getting spiffed up for entertaining (or those 3 parties in one night—that you RSVP’d yes to!), and my round-up of style pics will surely put some pep in your step.
Peter Som Collective
Exclusively at Rent the Runway
Brocade Peplum Top
Ruffle Shoulder Sweater
Scoop Neck Midi Dress
Leaf Printed Top
Going out? Here’s WHERE TO GO...
In the mood to skip the dishes and eat out? Some of my favorite restaurants across the country have the MOST delicious Holiday fare—made by the professionals of course and plated to perfection. All you have to do is show up, sit down, and enjoy! Whether its casual Italian or Chinese banquet—here are my city guides, which’ll point you in the right direction for a festive night out.
