'Tis the Damn Season
Now entering: the mad rush before Christmas
We are exactly one week out from what is, for many, the biggest holiday of the year. That means crunch time for menu-planning, gift-buying and home-decorating (especially if you’re having family in from out of town).
This week, I’ve rounded up some of my entertaining essentials: an excellent holiday playlist, a handful of recipes that will feed a crowd and—of course—some last-minute gift ideas.
Merry, merry, everybody.
I mentioned the Fly by Jing Chili Crisp in my foodie gift guide a few weeks back, but my love bears repeating. This stuff is so good. I love it on eggs, avocados, and brown rice noodles. I think a little meal-kit with this, some Momofuku noodles and maybe a fun bowl or some nice chopsticks would be such an easy, fun gift.
This gorgeous coffee table book is an excellent gift for the cool co-worker/intimidating sister-in-law/chic neighbor in your life.
A Boy Smells mini candle set feels and looks very luxe, making it a perfect choice for a chic mom/aunt/grandmother situation.
Speaking of gifts that look and feel luxe (but, at $30, don’t break the bank): the Dior Nail Créme is as chic as it gets. Your little sister will love it.
Men are so hard to shop for. If you’re feeling stumped by what to get the man on your list, just go for a Sonos. My boyfriend is obsessed with everything they make and the speakers are aesthetically pleasing enough that they won’t destroy the look of an entire room (which might be important, if the man you’re buying for happens to live with you).
And here are some truly excellent (tried and tested) recipes I love for holiday entertaining. They all feed a crowd:
Kale salad with bacon, walnuts and a dressing that utilizes fig preserves (this is so insanely good)
Chicken enchiladas (I’ve made a lot of enchiladas—this sauce is the best)
Pumpkin roulade with ginger buttercream (more involved, but such a fun spin on pumpkin pie)
The best coffee cake you’ll ever have
And I’ll leave you with this….