Christmas Brunch

Each year, my Nashville family gathers for a very special occasion: Cousins' Christmas Brunch.  As we all travel for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is a fun opportunity to celebrate the holidays together, a grown-up version of "the kids' table."  I chose a box mailer for the invitation with names in metallic on the front, tied with silver tinsel string.  Inside, the invitation rested on a bed of Christmas tree branches to give a nice holiday scent when opened. 

For the table, I wanted a very crisp and clean color palette: white tablecloth, silver chargers, Juliska Country Estate dishes, hammered silverware, grey monogrammed placecards, mercury glass votives, assorted glasses, white hydrangeas and roses with painted silver leaves and winter berries.  A small gift rested on each plate in a white lacquered box wrapped with white and silver tulle.  Cable knit vases, vintage ornaments and silver antlers added some texture.

I was pleased with the outcome of an etched vinyl applique which, similar to a sticker, was applied to an antique mirror.  This easily removable element added a nice touch.  I placed this on a small table to create a special mimosa corner in the room.  Here, I was happy to also debut my new favorite decorations: cut glass glitter reindeer with fur stoles adorned with snowflake and silver bell elements.  Bling on the holidays!

For brunch I served a breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, toast with sweet orange marmalade and zesty lemon cream cake.

We visited and laughed for a few hours before watching holiday movies and enjoying red-velvet cupcakes with eggnog filling and buttercream icing.  

It was a real treat to spend the day with loved ones and I had a wonderful time hosting.  The only downside to Christmas Brunch is that it happens only once a year. 

For The Guys: Madrid Trend: The Bold Pant

After spending a week in Madrid earlier this month, the most noticeable trend for guys I observed was the bold pant.  Everywhere I looked there were red, blue, orange, purple, green and yellow pants.  Men in Madrid are not fearful of color, that's for sure.  

Now I will say that when it comes to being classically handsome or dapper, nothing usually beats a black/grey/white combination, but the bold pant is a trend not to be overlooked.  Nashville guys sometimes break out the color, but usually in either a very preppy country club style or grungy band look. Refined casual everyday wear scarcely sees such color. My favorite, the purple pants above, I noticed from across the street on my new pal Diego.  I asked where he purchased them and to my luck & surprise, we were standing in front of the store Cremieux.  

I quickly entered the shop, was greeted with a generously delicious gin & tonic and acquired my own purple pants. I was happy to see there were many other fun finds inside as well.  This was my first time in an upscale Cremieux store; before I had only known them from smaller department stores in the states where I'd never had much luck. I was impressed with their selection of unique offerings in this Salamanca district store. 

Upcoming Fall Favorites: Creed, Nordstrom, Color

Fall is almost here and I have some favorite things already!  First up is Creed's new fragrance, Royal Oud.  

My favorite scent of all time is Creed's Millesime Imperial, however I've found Royal Oud to be a wonderful addition to my collection when I'm in the mood for its elements of sandalwood, lemon and cedar.  Its warm, rich base tones and lighter top notes blend very well together.  According to the Wall Street Journal, Prince William is already enjoying this new Creed creation.  A portion of proceeds will benefit child health in India via Global Giving.  It launches in Nordstrom stores this November which brings me to my next favorite thing: the Nordstorm store opening in Nashville!  

I am very excited about this addition to the local shopping scene.  We must support it and our favorite brands they carry, sending a message that Nashville can not only support it but strongly desires the variety.  Mark September 16th in your calendars to shop, shop, shop!

As I shop around this Fall, I just know I'm going to discover some great colors I don't ordinarily wear.  Below are a few things I'm thinking about buying for this season, both from Zara's new online site.