Cognac Sparkler

"Cooking demands attention, patience, and above all, a respect for the gifts of the earth. 
It is a form of worship, a way of giving thanks."
- Judith B. Jones

As we prepare our Thanksgiving feast today, I plan on putting on my most festive apron, digging deep into the gifts of the Earth and sipping this cognac sparkler! 

Cognac Sparkler

1 oz Cognac

sparkling apple cider

Angostura bitters

Pour Cognac into a Champagne flute; top with sparkling apple cider and top with a few dashes of bitters.

Notes: Cognac is a grape brandy produced in a specific region of France, but this cocktail would be equally lovely with Calvados or Applejack, both apple brandies. Hard cider can be substituted for sparkling non-alcoholic cider if you're serving this cocktail as an after-dinner treat. Cheers, and happy Thanksgiving!

 Image and Recipe from Martha Stewart Living.

Roya and Ryan

 

 

Cozy, intimate and romantic-this wedding is so inviting, I wish I'd been a guest! Roya and Ryan wanted old world charm on their big day, and worked with Twine Events and Oak and the Owl to craft a multicultural celebration at San Ysidro Ranch, starting with a Persian-inspired letterpress suite from Pitbulls and Posies with calligraphy by Katrina Centeno of Maison du Papier.

Roya fell in love with an Alençon lace gown by Alvina Valenta, and worked with a local seamstress to add a dramatic (and detachable) lace train. She paired the customized gown with a Cathedral-length veil, drop earrings and pink peep toe Badgley Mischkas, and when the weather grew cool and cloudy, the bride warmed up with a cream-colored wrap and plaid galoshes. Roya and her bridesmaids carried gorgeous white and yellow peony and garden rose bouquets by florist and event designer Oak and the Owl that highlighted their gauzy blue J.Crew gowns, while Ryan and his groomsmen looked handsome in classic black suits and and matching blue ties.

The couple married in a simple ceremony at the stunning Santa Barbara Courthouse, then joined their family and closest friends for an intimate supper at San Ysidro Ranch. Plow & Angel's cozy setting was brightened with Oak and the Owl's fresh floral arrangements and blue and cream La Tavola linens, and Roya and her father designed a traditional sofreh aghd in honor of her Persian heritage. At the end of the night when family and friends toasted the new Mr and Mrs, the couple knew they'd carry memories of their beautiful wedding day for the rest of their happy lives together.


Many thanks to the talented Desi Baytan for sharing these wonderful images with me; tell me, do you have a favorite shot or detail from this intimate celebration?

Mad About Plaid

Have you ever seen a more perfect pair of fall pumps? I love picturing these Christian Louboutin tartan beauties beneath a full tulle skirt, or with boyfriend jeans and a cozy sweater on the honeymoon! For more images from this gorgeous fall wedding, check out the feature on Snippet & Ink!

Image by A Bryan Photo.

Pretty as a Picture

Thank you all for your wonderful response to last week's gift guides-I hope they helped inspire your holiday shopping and readied you to start wrapping! 


John and I had been avoiding the final season of Breaking Bad, but on Friday we decided to bite the bullet and downloaded all eight episodes from iTunes. After some housekeeping, we curled up with Indian food to see how Walter White's saga would turn out.

When I woke up the next morning it was clear that John had already been puttering around for hours, so we headed to a nearby café for breakfast rather than dirty up a clean kitchen. We managed to knock out a handful of errands and make it home with plenty of morning to spare, so John picked up his guitar and I picked up my latest read, Salt Sugar Fat, which is absolutely fascinating. Eventually my early riser was ready for a nap, so I made a quick trip to the grocery store for provisions while he dozed. After he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and communed with our latest brewing experiment, a hard cider, John headed across the bridge for a guitar lesson in Berkeley while I headed down the street with our laundry. I cooked up a spicy corn chowder, and after a few more gripping episodes of Breaking Bad, we fell sound asleep.

On Sunday morning, I was up early enough to grid the coffee and make the toast, which we naturally smothered in avocado and topped with a poached egg. We sipped the last dregs of our morning caffeine fixes while watching the conclusion of the Walter White saga, then resumed our usual Sunday morning activities-reading the New York Times Sunday magazine, scrolling through PostSecret and taking in inspiration from all my favorite blogs while John practiced his Schubert songs. He headed off for an afternoon at the distillery, so I turned on God Save My Shoes, a documentary about an obsession I too revel in each Tuesday, and did some editorial planning. After a bit of ballet-inspired exercise, I took a stroll to the neighborhood co-op for supplies for Sunday night supper; my baby brother was bringing his girlfriend, and I wanted it to be a wonderful night! After stocking up on chickpeas, Riesling and cilantro, I curled up with tales of the processed food industry and was so absorbed that suddenly I realized it was dark outside! John arrived home just as I started whipping up a dish of curried chickpeas, and we cozied up with a glass of Sherry while we waited for our guests to arrive. The evening was full of happy conversation and getting to know one another, and at the end of the night, I gave Char a thumb's up. John and I jumped into bed the moment our door shut and watched a sleepy episode of Frasier before turning in for the night.


Tell me, what were you up to this weekend-drafting your gift lists, diving into a riveting new read or ordering a Thanksgiving turkey, perhaps? 

Image by A Bryan Photo.

For the Bar Cart

bubbles for every budget // Graham Beck Brut Rosé, $15 // Saint-Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux, $13 // Paul Bara Brut Rosé, $60 // Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve, $35

glad tiding and boozy gifts // St George Spirits Terroir Gin, $31 // Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, $20 // Balvenie 12 Year DoubleWood Scotch, $42  // Barbancourt Estate Reserve 15 Year Haitian Rum, $40 // Clear Creek Douglas Fir Eau de Vie, $50

bar cart necessities // Holiday Cut Glass Highball Glasses, Set of 4, $120 // Monogrammable Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker, $24 // Mingle Bar Glass, $10 // Orb Champagne bucket, $50 // 5-Piece Orb Bar Tool Set, $50 //

The ultimate gift list for holiday parties, you've got everything you need to throw a fabulous fête or be remembered as the very best guest! I've included bottles of bubbly for budgets big and small and the prettiest holiday glassware and tools of the trade all decked out in silver and gold. It can be a gamble to bring barware, but if you know Mom and Dad need new highballs or your closest friend doesn't have any flutes, a set of 6 and a bottle to fill them with makes for an instant celebration! 

 Wondering what to bring with you to the neighbor's holiday soirée? I've rounded up all my favorite spirits to get you singing "Frosty the Snowman"; The St George Terroir gin is an ode to California Christmas, full of Douglas fir, bay laurel, and coastal sage. You'll hoard the Balvenie DoubleWood Scotch but should really share the Barbancourt, which makes an excellent addition to eggnog, and for a true treat, I adore the Douglas Fir eau de vie-it's like drinking a Christmas tree. Cheers, and Happy Holidays all!

For the Gents

Tokens & Icons Subway Token Cufflinks, $160 // Bonobos Nottingham Blazer in Brown Herringbone, $400
Bonobos Classic White Shirt, $88 // Kaufmann Mercantile Deerskin Leather Driving Gloves, $60
Herbivore Botanicals Beard Tonic, $16 // Minnetonka Sheepskin Hardsole Moccasin, $75
 Frank Clegg Signature Travel Duffle, $865 // Malin + Goetz Cannabis Candle, $52


Inspired by gifts for my own manly man, this collection is full of things John loves-or desperately wants, like that incredible leather duffle. Tech gloves are a thoughtful gift for your city slicker, and you can pay homage to his hometown with sweet subway token cufflinks. When his busy day is done, light up a cannabis candle (I promise, they smell nothing like high school basements of yore), hand him his favorite slippers and turn on the Christmas tunes for a happy holiday evening at home.


Other gifts I'm loving for the men in my life? Classic cotton sleepwear from Brook's Brothers (avoid the wrinkle-resistant duds) and cozy flannel sets from L.L.Bean, a handsome timepiece that makes him feel like a PanAm pilot, and sunglasses to match, a Whisky Advent calendar that will keep him smiling all December long, and the best gift of all-a flight home.

For the Gourmet

American Grown Cookbook, $23 // Mastering the Art of French Cooking, 50th Anniversary Edition, $25

Dandelion Chocolate 3-Bar Gift Set, $20 // Hot Cakes Sea Salt Caramel Sauce, $10

Savannah Bee Company Orange Blossom Honey, $15 // Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, $23/lb

Botanik Teak Salt Cellar with Spoon, $39 // Le Crueset 3.5 Quart Round French Oven in Spinach, $230


Perfect for sprucing up your parents' kitchen or outfitting your baby brother's first place, this guide is full of cooking luxuries big and small. Single origin chocolate is a sweet treat for neighbors, teachers and friends, and I'm always delighted to dig into a new cookbook. You can make your favorite gourmet's dreams come true with a classic Le Crueset, but I also love the idea of bringing some local honey and famed clothbound cheddar to kick off a holiday supper!


Still feeling stumped? Try a Fairtrade chocolate Advent calendar, a Whole Foods gift certificate (always much appreciated), a few tins of Harney & Sons tea and a matching mug, or an herb wreath perfect for cooking holiday meals!

For the Ladies

J. Crew Short Sleeved Pajama Set, $85 // MOR Belladonna Petite Candle, $14 

Kate Spade Cooper Strap Watch, $195 // Belle Botanica Hydrangea Print, $10

 Montegrappa Fortuna Rose Gold Rollerball Pen and Pencil, $190 each
 J. Crew Makeup Brush Set, $36 // Sugar Paper Dear Note Set, $20


This pink collection is perfect for your bestie, your sister, or you (if you haven't already drafted, revised and sent multiple versions of drawn up your holiday wishlist)-because who doesn't love crisp cotton pjs, a pretty print or new notecards? I've been drooling over that incredible rose gold pen, perfect for writing sweet nothings, but this year I've been thinking about what a wonderful gift a day at the spa would be, or surprising an important woman in your life with a mani-pedi at the end of her usual cut and color; the best gifts reflect thought and effort, not necessarily a hefty price tag or the prettiest wrapping paper.


Looking for more inspiration? I've added a bottle of my signature scent, personalized pencils in a pretty box, a 2014 Kate Spade Agenda and charming Champagne label iPhone case, and this incredible pair of Dior earrings to my wishlist!

Christmas Come Early

Some of the year's biggest shopping days are right around the corner, and I've put together gift guides for everyone on your list! Inspired by my own present plans, you'll find guidance on gifts for the ladies, gourmets, gentlemen and party planners in your life-and maybe you'll even find a goodie or two to add to your own holiday wishlist!

Between the two of us there'd been quite a few late nights at the office this week, and we were both looking forward to a relaxed evening at home with plenty of Indian food and Netflix selections. Though John was hard at work cleaning stills by the time I made it home, he walked in the front door just a few minutes before the chicken tikka masala and prawn vindaloo arrived. We dug in, then curled up with an action movie we made it about three-quarters of the way through before falling fast asleep.

I don't know what unearthly time John started banging around on Saturday morning, but we were both up, dressed, and washing breakfast dishes well before 9. I settled in with my laptop and to-do list while John changed his strings and practiced some Schubert. Our usual Friday night date (who was too busy singing to join us for Indian food) swung by that afternoon and we made a trip to our local beer store where we stocked up on yeast, bottles and food grade buckets. After consulting this Bold Italic piece about the best pork buns in the Inner Richmond, we disregarded their advice and practically dove headfirst into Xiao Long Bao, whose window full of steamed buns proved irresistible. We ate an enormous lunch, and then John and I headed home to do the only reasonable thing after eating so much dim sum-nap! We had a relaxed afternoon and evening, and after a few more hours of practice, picked up groceries at our local co-op and sushi from the restaurant just down the street. We curled up with a few episodes of Amazon's new comedy, Alpha House before crawling into bed early.

I woke up on Sunday morning to our front door opening; John had woken up just before dawn to start loads of laundry and fuel his early start with espresso. I roasted fingerling potatoes with garlic and fresh rosemary while John loaded the dryers, and over soft herb-scrambled eggs, we talked about our upcoming holiday plans and finalized our shopping lists. I played the domestic-folding towels, making the bed-while John played Schubert, and before we knew it, it was time for him to head to work. I gave myself a mani-pedi while watching Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's, a charming documentary about the legendary New York department store, then dove into emails and my editorial calendar. After running a few errands, I enjoyed a long yoga practice, and just as I was rolling up my mat, my baby brother arrived to pick up his mail. We caught up on everything going on in each others' lives, talked holiday plans and when John got home I started supper-a simple paella, enjoyed with a glass of white wine. Char's had enough dinners with us to know that Sunday's usually a pretty early night, so he bid us adieu with just enough hours left in the evening for a few episodes of Frasier in our pjs.

Tell me, what were you up to this weekend? Drafting your holiday shopping lists, pulling out decorations or ordering a turkey for next week's big feast?

Image by Brooke Holm, styling by Anne Weir and Kelly Joyce for kikki.K.

Ginger Snap

I always fall for cocktails with tea-the tannins give them terrific bite, and mixed with lemon and spices, you can't go wrong!

Ginger Snap

1 1/2 oz SNAP

1/2 oz ginger syrup

2 oz black tea

1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice; shake for 5-10 seconds, then pour into a highball glass. 

Notes: SNAP is an organic spirit inspired by traditional German gingersnaps; the spirit's molasses and ginger notes are highlighted by ginger syrup, which you can make at home or pick up at your local liquor store (Morris Kitchen's is incredible). I'm loving SNAP's autumnal recipe suggestions-goodies like SNAP and sparkling apple cider or lemonade-so don't be surprised if you find me clutching an empty bottle by the end of the weekend. Cheers!

Recipe by Kari Morris of Morris Kitchen, image by Nicole Franzen.


PS-Please join the amazing women of Ever Ours and Utterly Engaged and consider donating to For Philippines With Love.

Cheese, Please!

This week I'm loving cheese (and charcuterie, with a crisp Samuel Smith cider) for dinner, next week's gift guide reveal, and these lovely celebrations! Tell me, what are you loving or looking forward to this week? 

I'm a sucker for courthouse weddings, and this one (held on historic steps) photographed by Laura Ivanova and featured on Snippet & Ink is particularly lovely.

This Hawaiian celebration captured by Rebecca Arthurs Photography and featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs makes me want to book a flight tonight!

This Northern California wedding snapped by Christina McNeill from OnceWed is proof that less is much, much more.

This LA fête featured on 100 Layer Cake is chock full of classic details all captured by Jen Huang.

 This wintry Southern wedding photographed by  Robyn Van Dyke via Southern Weddings makes me even more exited for our Christmas in Texas.

For a big dose of loveliness, check out Magnolia Rouge's latest, The Romance Issue!

Image by Cooper Carras, Cheese "Cake" from The Cheese School of San Francisco.

Chelsea and David

 

 

 With family and friends all across the globe, Chelsea and David wanted to introduce their guests to one of their very favorite places-Blue Hill at Stone Barns. They first visited the Pocantico Hills, NY restaurant two years before their engagement, and there was no question about the perfect venue for their big day. Romantic illustrated invitations from Bella Figura set the tone for the weekend, and the lovebirds kept comfort in mind as they planned a stunning autumn celebration.

Chelsea wore a romantic tulle gown by Ivy & Aster purchased at Lovely Bridal Shop paired with pearl drop earrings, a simple veil and embellished Sergio Rossi pumps; her romantic bouquet by Poppies & Posies included blush blooms and colorful fall leaves. As the weather grew chilly, Chelsea pulled on a cozy angora shrug, while David looked handsome in a charcoal three-piece John Varvatos suit, brown lace-ups and a rust-colored tie.

The couple was married in an indoor ceremony that fused elements of David's Israeli upbringing and Chelsea's Midwestern heritage. Following an alfresco cocktail hour, the newlyweds and their guests headed to the Hayloft, where Poppies & Posies had filled the rustic-meets-modern space with spectacular floral arrangements and flickering votives. After a harvest-inspired feast and plenty of bottles of wine, The Mixtape Band got everyone on the dance floor for some fun.

Many, many thanks to Bryce Covey Photography & Robert Sukrachand for sharing your spectacular images with me; I'd like nothing more than to jump right into the scene! Tell me, do you have a favorite photograph or detail?