Christmas at the Ritz

Above photograph courtesy of The Ritz London

A few years ago we delighted in celebrating Christmas at The Ritz. It was everything and anything it was supposed to be. We were greeted by the bellhops that somehow already knew us by name and continued to remind us of such for our entire stay. Service with a smile. Talk about feeling at home.

Inside, the tree surely was a sight to see, and became better and better as we ascended to our room, lights flowing down the middle of the staircase providing a transparent curtain of intrigue.

Above photograph courtesy of The Ritz London

Spending the holidays in London is a treasure in itself, but staying at The Ritz put the cherry on top. Each night I would marvel as we strolled our way back across town to the hotel. One night I even had the cab drop us off a few blocks away so we could merry in the wonder of the site of it all.

Buckeyes, a nut and a cookie

It may be 'tis the season, or it may be pure nostalgia, but I love making Christmas cookies.

I distinctly remember one specific year growing up when my mother and I spent the day baking Christmas cookies. It was extra special because my mom allowed me to play hooky from school that day so we could bake the Christmas cookies together. I was the third child so it was a rare opportunity to be able to have time with my mom all to myself. It's a day and a memory I will always treasure.

But back to the cookies, especially a favorite to us Michiganders and Midwesterners alike - the Buckeye! Not the nut, but the cookie. Super simple, super easy, and super delicious.

Yields about 2 dozen, depending upon size.

Ingredients

PART 1:
1 cup of peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, softened

PART 2:
1 12-oz package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons butter

Shiner Holiday Cheer

It only comes once a year, but I surely love that Shiner Cheer!

Breed & Company

Tis the season of gift giving and from homeware to hardware, Breed and Company has options to meet every shopper's needs.

Let's start with some great handbag and travelware brands like Jon Hart and Spartina.

And don't even get me started on the kitchen... there's the Kitchen Aid mixer and all things Cuisinart, Le Creuset for your dutch oven needs, my recently acquired best friend, Nespresso, and my even more recent best friend Breville for their fabulous tea maker.

Breed is also popular for wedding registries because of their great China collections with brands such as Lenox, Herend, and Waterford. And don't forget your Lismore crystal.

And a personal favorite of mine - collections of classic Blue and White or Woodland Spode.

But don't worry boys, there's stuff for you too...

Garden & Gun Hard Copies

What's better than Garden & Gun magazine? Compilations by Garden & Guns editors, but of course. And conveniently enough, these seem to be released just in time for the holidays...

Last year for Christmas I received The Southerner's Handbook:

This year for Christmas I asked Santa to put Good Dog in my stocking.

I mean, come on, how good do these look on the bookshelf...

Rosemary Trees

When items are multi-functional, I'm a big fan. So of course, come this time of year when I am decorating for the holidays, I like to go straight for the Rosemary trees. 

They are perfect for the season, but then become quite useful in the kitchen shortly thereafter (or even in between!).