New Year Cheer - French 75

This New Year's elevate your pop, fizz and clink with the French 75.  This bubbly concoction adds instant glamour to any bar and is a sure way to bring spirit and cheer to your New Year's celebration.  The simplicity of this drink will ensure that you are not stuck behind the bar laboring, making it the perfect New Year's party libation. 

As with all apothecary concoctions, the details are in the quality of the ingredients (e.g., top champagne or sparkling wine is a must - none of that $5 bubbly imposter nonsense).  Here's what you'll need per serving:

• 1 ounce Cognac
• 1/4 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• 4 ounces Champagne
• lemon twist

Shake Cognac, lemon and simple syrup with ice and strain into a champagne flute.  Top slowly with 3 to 4 ounces of Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.  Let the cheer begin to flow!

Let the corks begin to fly, cheers to 2016!

{images by Brooklyn Boheme}

Celebrating with Steven Stolman: Confessions of a Serial Entertainer

I was lucky enough to tag along with my friend to Hudson Grace's book signing party this week for Steven Stolman's latest read: "Confessions of a Serial Entertainer".  When I was invited to the party, I thought, a party in a handsome boutique surrounded by legendary designers, beautiful hand crafted vessels and cocktails and wine,  sounds like the perfect retail therapy to me.  And, boy was I right!

San Francisco's design royalty filled Hudson Grace in support of their friend's book.  The roster included interior designer Ken Fulk, who I have a major design crush on.  I tried to contain my childlike giddiness while the ever charming Fulk told me some of his design tales (apparently, a Fulk authored book is in the works and anticipated to be released next Fall...I can't wait!...Santa, are you taking note?)

Bound in a beautiful Tiffany blue with attractive illustrations, Stolman's book is a fun tutorial for successful entertaining and the perfect present for this Holiday Season.  Stolman offers inspiring and practical advice in his book, such as an affirmation that store bought is OK but put it on a pretty plate and destroy the evidence.  The boutique setting was the perfect compliment to such an elegant book - it was no coincidence that a book about being the hostess with the mostest was presented in THE boutique for lustworthy entertaining wares.  Cocktails presented in Hudson Grace stemless glasses circulated the room on silver platters, whilst party goers were surrounded by a backdrop of greater goods meticulously curated by Hudson Grace. 

Ken Fulk in the fashionable plaid suit and Steven Stolman signing a guest's book.

Hudson Grace proprietor Monelle Totah surrounded by her greater goods and design clientele.

Generous glasses of Rosé made their rounds throughout the evening.

Here are some of my favorite seasonal entertaining wares from the evening that any Serial Entertainer would lust for.

A monotone tablescape of sculptural wares would be a visual treat for any Holiday diner.

This white ceramic pumpkin would elevate any Thanksgiving table to chic.

White turkey serving dish and sea salt caramels, a must for any Holiday entertainer.

Antique cutting boards are the perfect way to present anything!

Marble platters with orange persimmons are a simple chic Holiday table setting.

Thanks, Steven for all of the wonderful entertaining tips - and just in time for the Holiday Season!

Steven Stolman. Photo by Unabashedly Prep. 

Images by Brooklyn Boheme (unless otherwise noted).