Happy Holidays

For all our friends and followers, thank you for a wonderful year of memorable events and unforgettable moments. We look forward to serving you even better in 2014. While you head home for the holidays, we will be wishing you well and hoping your hearts and tables are full. Cheers to the most wonderful time of the year, and Merry Christmas to all!
 

Holiday Menu | Stephen Pyles Southern Cuisine

The father of Southwester Cuisine, and definitely a local favorite of ours, Stephan Pyle's has been awarded everything from an Emmy (from the PBS series New Tastes from Texas), the James Beard award for Best Chef in American, and a Who's Who of Food and Wine in America.  We love everything he comes out with, and Stephan Pyles Catering is no different. We ask for a sample from their holiday menus to share with our readers. No doubt you'll want this at your next event.

Nostalgia | Santa's Cookies

A favorite holiday tradition for those with children has to be setting out cookies for Santa on 
Christmas Eve. It's certainly an undeniable treat when opening stocking in the morning for adults too. While store bought cookies are easy, we like the idea of baking with the family the night before. One of the best recipes we've tried has to be one made infamous through urban legend - the $250 Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie. Story goes that a customer and her daughter ordered the treats at the Neiman Marcus cafe and loved them so much, they asked for the recipe. The waitress checked, and to receive the recipe, a "two fifty" charge would be added to her bill. The women obliged, thinking $2.50 was quite the steal. Thirty days later, going over her bill, the woman noticed a rogue $250 charge on her bill. One customer service call later, she realized it was for the chocolate chip recipe. The note could not be reversed, so the woman decided to share the recipe with everyone so no one would have to pay such a hefty price for a cookie. It's all urban legend, of course, but it is one heck of a cookie. 

Yields about 2 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
½ cup (one stick) butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 ½ teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the work bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla for 30 seconds longer, until well combined.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the mixer, while beating on slow speed., Beat for about 15 seconds, stir in the chocolate chips and espresso powder, and mix for 15 seconds longer.
Prepare a cookie sheet with about 2 tablespoons of shortening (or use a non-stick spray). Using a 1-ounce scoop, or using a 2 tablespoon measure, drop the cookie dough onto the cookie sheet in dollops about 3 inches apart. Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into 2-inch circles; there should be room on the sheet of six or eight cookies at a time. Transfer to the oven in batches and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cookies are nicely browned around the edges. Bake for a little longer for crispier cookies.

Christmas Countdown

All images via Pinterest

With a little over a week left for Christmas, you're either excited or stressing about the holidays. For all those last minute planning tips, decor ideas, and entertaining options, check out our Pinterest board for our favorite tricks for an easy and elegant December. Happy Holidays!
 

Press Play // Christmas Waltz

Audrey knows the power of a good playlist. Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Beyond the traditional fully loaded Christmas Classics playlist, it's nice to have a holiday playlist with a seasonal slant that includes more than Santa Claus is Coming to Town and White Christmas. Our favorite December tunes and soulful winter ballads make the cut in the Christmas Waltz Playlist. Download it now for holiday hosting duties, long drives, or just beating the ice storm that has us all taking cover. 


 

Deck the Halls // Festive Ideas for Entertaining

Branching Out Floral + Event Design. Photo credit: John Cain Photography

Once you learn the basics of setting the table (Haven't done that yet? See our POSH 101 series on setting the table for the holidays), the best part of entertaining becomes breaking all the rules. Start your own traditions - set out the fine china, use every heirloom piece your family has to offer, or, go super modern and rent entire place settings, linens, and chairs. Stack china high with the layered look we love so much, or simply change up the patterns with each place setting with vintage pieces and assorted stemware. During the holidays, personal traditions really do trump any rules you've learned, so get festive and just go for it. Guests will appreciate a nostalgic setting with a whimsical approach to making merry, especially with a truly luxe take on your tabletop. POSH PICK: An Exotic Bird by Charles Sadek china pattern or Mahogany Rose by Noritake with traditional damasks in holiday hues.

Rattan Chargers, Elise Cut Crystal Stemware, Exotic Bird, Sevres, Barcelona Gold China Collections from POSH. Branching Out floral arrangements. Photo credit: John Cain Photography

Our favorite tablescapes incorporate natural elements that reflect seasonal landscapes, like the pine cones above. Branching Out designed a beautiful tabletop with floral arrangements fit for a wintery scene. They are a simple yet ingenious way to add a personal touch for the seating guests. POSH PICK: If you don't have a natural element to use, create caligraphy place cards tied to faux fur napkin rings or around bundled Floral Elegance Stemware for a more relaxed take on your place setting. 
 

Image: Source Unknown

Set the mood for the evening with a subtle and gracious glow. Lighting should be soft and reflective, not harsh or direct. We love a mixtures of votive candles and dimmed chandeliers. POSH PICK: Jan Barboglio Copper Candle Holder and Mercury and Silver Vintage Candelabras make for impressive lighting. 
 

Call it the Great Gatsby effect, but Art Deco is back and we're not complaining. There is something terribly romantic and fresh about going back to old school cordials and crystal coups for serving drinks, especially into the New Year celebrations. Mix and match for a unique and authentic style for toasting friends and family. POSH PICK: Our vintage collection has an impressive range of crystal and glass goblets, coups, and cordials for every style of service. 
 

To Do // Trim the Tree

Texas siren Jayne Mansfield trims a tree in true bombshell fashion. This is exactly what we wear too, of course.

We're sure you're stuffed and never want to see another turkey...until Christmas that is. Pop a bottle of champagne and get in the Christmas spirit while trimming the tree with our Christmas Playlist.  

 

Agenda // City Lights

 
Have a great weekend everyone! Here is what's on our agenda:
 
SEE: Holiday season is officially here. As always, Downtown Dallas is taking it seriously with family friendly festivities along Main Street beginning at 6 PM Nov. 15th. The lighting ceremony will be at 7 PM at Main Street Garden. You'll enjoy pictures with Santa, live entertainment, street vendors, and more.
READ: Liv Tyler may be known as the beautiful muse/rocker child/actress, but she's about to be known for her manners. Seriously. Along with her grandmother Dorothea Johnson, Liv has compiled an elegant guide to 21-centry manners for professionals in business and social arenas. You may have your doubts, but it is surprisingly insightful and spot-on. Get it here.
ENTERTAIN: Check out these pretty place setting picked out from the Brides of North Texas team. You'll be itching to entertain or get inspired for setting your holiday tabletops in no time. POSH Place Setting: Scarlet Filigree Charger, Sevres China, Vintage Glass Compotes.
BUY:  The Barneys Holidays Lookbook is the absolute best, y'all. We our especially loving the home for the holidays section. What is the perfect gift for the hostess with the mostess? The Fornasetti Bocca Round Tray from the iconic photographic black and white face collection (love those bright red lips) and a Rablabs Emerald Bottle Stopper for that great bottle of wine you're bringing over. 
INSPIRE: We came across the Amazing Pictures facebook page by chance and are now officially addicted. Seriously, the most amazing pictures you've ever seen and sure to inspire you this weekend.
 

Staying up late

Entertain: Christmas in Corinthia

Yesterday we introduced you to our friend Marin Fiske-Rankin. (If you missed her incredible Christmas memories growing up on Corinthia, her family's horse-racing farm in Kentucky, you can check it out here. Trust us; her pictures will make you want to immediately move to the countryside and ride horses.) Hailing from Lexington means she is not only from the "Horse Capitol of the World" but also the "Bourbon Capitol of the World". Of course, we had to ask her how to make the perfect libation for cold, winter nights. With an English father who makes a mean mincemeat pie, she also shared her family recipe for Yorkshire Puddings. In return, we created the perfect tabletop for a Corinthia Christmas. 

Top image: Marin Fiske-Rankin | Middle Image (from left): Mint Julep cup, Elise cut crystal wine goblet, Silver goblet / Elise double old-fashion glass / Christofle flatware: P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals. Floral arrangement by DEBBY JEWESSON AT BRANCHING OUT EVENTS & FLORAL DESIGN

P.O.S.H. PLACE SETTING: Jan Barboglio hammered charger / Mottahedeh Lace charger / Exotic Bird dinner + salad plate / Christofle flatware / Inset: Ivory Chiavari chair / White hemstitch napkin and berry red tablecloth

 

Nostalgia: A Kentucky Christmas with Marin

If anything, the holidays should be a time to reflect on our family and blessings. With everything going on in the world around us, that sentiment is only too apropos this December. With that in mind, we asked a couple of our dear friends to share the very things that make Christmastime so special for their families. 

We know Marin Fiske-Rankin as a friend and creative Events and Food Service Manager at SMU's Meadows Museum. (You may remember her handiwork from this post on the Velazquez Black Tie Dinner in honor of the collaboration with the famed Prado Museum.) Her sense of humor and sweet disposition immediately brought her to mind for this post, but once we found out she grew up on a horse-racing farm in Kentucky, we knew she would have great memories to share with us. See what makes a Kentucky Christmas so special below and check back tomorrow for a tabletop inspired by Marin and her scrumptious English and Kentucky recipes. 

Top Image: MARIN AS A CHILD ON HER HORSE, SALLY / MARIN AS WE KNOW HER TODAY | Middle Image: THE GATES AND CORINTHIA GATE ARE ACTUALLY PICTURES FROM MARIN'S FAMILY HORSE-RACING FARM | Bottom Image: NOTHING BEATS SHARING CHRISTMAS IN YOUR PJ'S WITH FAMILY IN KENTUCKY

Thank you for sharing with us, Marin. POSH friends, we'd love to hear what memories make you nostalgic for the holidays.
 

Weekend Checklist: December To-Do's

1. What's a holiday dinner without pecan pie? As soon as we tasted this Drunken Nut from Bishop Art's Emporium Pies, there was no competition. Free of syrup and made with Texas pecans and shortbread crust - need we say more? Order it at Emporium Pies.
2. Rosenthal and Versace provide a holiday china collector's plate annually. It's a priceless addition to your personal collection. Read more here. 
3. The weather outside (in Texas at least) has finally turned cold. Our fingers are crossed that it stays chilly through through the holidays, but what we really wish for is a white Christmas. Images via Pinterest. 
4. Vogue: The Editor's Eye is already on our coffee table. (You can pick one up at Forty Five Ten.) However, it's the documentary by the same name on HBO that has our DVR working overtime. We can't get enough of Polly, Grace, and the rest of inimitable fashion editors that have made Vogue more than just a fashion magazine. Learn more here. 
5. The window displays at Neiman Marcus are have the fun of shopping, especially during Christmas hours when Santa shows up. 
6. We love the Dallas Theater Center, and who can pass up the Charles Dickens classic? 
7. The Trains at NorthPark exhibition is a whimsical, educational, and traditional part of Dallas' holiday celebrations. Presented by the Bank of Texas and benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, this is the perfect family excursion while shopping 'til you drop at NorthPark. More info here.  
 

What's Haute: The Hostess with the Mostess

With only two weeks until Christmas, there will be parties for hosting and happy meetings when friends come to call. Which begs the question, what to wear? Cue our dear friend Katherine Heidt, personal shopper extraordinaire at the Neiman Marcus flagship store downtown. With her brilliant sense of humor and style, it will take two minutes tops before you love her as much as we do. Plus, she has her pulse set on Dallas style. You can go in and say, "Well, I want something glamorous but not over-the-top...maybe lace...or how about leather?" or some kind of sputtering nonsense, and she will pull out the perfect dress in no time. Give her a season or a brand and she'll give you the best look; text her an image of the blouse you saw yesterday and she'll have one waiting for you that no one has seen; show her what purse you want and she'll let you know if it's timeless or a trend. Really, people. Katherine is a wealth of information. Whether you want to stand out or beautifully blend into the stealthy smart dressers of stylish Dallas, Katherine is your gal. Herewith, her picks for smart hostess and guest attire for the holidays.

1. A more casual approach to the holidays... Milly sheer-lace blouse
2. A clutch to get you through New Year's... Alexander McQueen Crystal Britannia Box Clutch Bag
3. Every lady needs a beautiful evening shoe in which to shine...Valentino Jewelry-Box Couture d'Orsay / 4. Oscar de la Renta Jewel-Toe d'Orsay / 5. Jimmy Choo Diva Crystal Cutout Sandal
6. A divine look for holiday glitz...Diane von Furstenberg Delian Clean Jacquard Dress
7. If all else fails, the LBD is always an elegant choice...Diane von Furstenberg Sahib Mixed-Media Long-Sleeve Dress
8. Reds and berries are always seasonal, as is this texture...Black Halo Jackie Velvet Dress
9. A little sparkle and shine...Diane von Furstenberg Menaro Sequined Long-Sleeve Dress
10. A lovely lace to spice up the traditional LBD...Pierre Balmain Fitted Lace Dress
11. Perfect for any holiday event...Marni Bejeweled Clutch Bag

Contact Info: 

Katherine Heidt 

Personal shopper

Neiman Marcus downtown dallas

iPhone: 214-801-7497

Email:    katherine_heidt@neimanmarcusstores.com.

 

Tabletop Tuesday: Southern Living Christmas

The season is merry and bright (even if that means spring-like weather in Texas). We love perusing our favorite magazines for tablescapes, and we were thrilled to see P.O.S.H. in a recent holiday spread. Editor-at-Large Kimberly Schlegel Whitman designed a holiday tabletop with our red chiavari chairs for the pages of one of our favorites, Southern Living. (See the tabletop plus ideas for hosting here.) Our red chiavari chairs take a traditional Christmas setting to a festive fete in no time. See how we would style the table below.

Top: Tabletop with P.O.S.H. red chiavari chairs photographed by Laurey W. Gleen for Southern Living.
Bottom: Get the look with P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals. (Clockwise from top left) Red Chiavari Chair / Silver Goblet, Red Chloe Goblet / Red Glass Charger (left), Scarlet Filigree Charger (right). Add Vera Wang Lace Dinner Plate / Christofle Flatware on Oyster Jacquard linen by Resource One, exclusively at P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals.

Holiday Menu: Kent Rathbun

Frame via Paperless Post

Today we continue where we left off Thursday with more delicious goodness from Kent Rathbun (Click here for yesterdays recipes and an overview of this national favorite.)  This savory menu ensures friends and family eat, drink, and be merry this holiday season with a mix of traditional recipes with Kent's Southern spin. Pecan pie is a favorite around here - we can't wait to try this Sweet Potato - Maple Pecan Pie.

 Serve it up: Maple Leaf Charger, Mahogany Rose  China Collection, Gold Leaf Salad Plate, all P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals. 

 

Learn more about Kent Rathbun, including his catering and restaurants by clicking here. For a PDF of this recipe, please email showroom@poshcouturerentals.com

Check out the other chefs in our holiday cooking series:

Brian C. Lescher from the Grape. Part 1 and Part 2. 

Cassandra Fine Catering holiday menu. 

 

Holiday Menu: Kent Rathbun

If you’re in the Dallas area, you know first-hand the perfect preparation and savory taste of a Kent Rathbun feast. From his big D beginnings at The Mansion on Turtle Creek and the Landmark Restaurant to the award-winning Abacus and Jasper’s, Rathbun has proven his signature blend of flavors are the pinnacle of world-class dining and five-star restaurants. Just a few of his accolades include: Bon Appetit’s Best of the Year, “One of the Top Meals Around the World” by USA Today, “Top Pick” and “Best Chef” by D Magazine, and recognition and features in publications like Elle, Southern Living, Veranda, and Texas Monthly. With an introduction like that, we’d be crazy not to include him in our chef series for holiday entertaining. We love his catering, but we thought it would be fun to share a few of his scrumptious recipes with you. 

First up, a holiday libation featured in our new Hot Toddy glassware. Plus, a truly Southern-inspired take on stuffing with Rathbun’s Charred Corn-Jalepeno Jack Stuffing. Let the mouth-watering begin. 

Serve it up:

Peppermint Patty - The Hot Toddy served on the Gold Beaded B&B Charger, P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals / Grape Metallic Weave linen from Resource One, exclusively at P.O.S.H.

Stuffing - Simply Platinum catering bowl, P.O.S.H.  Couture Rentals.

Learn more about Kent Rathbun, including his catering and restaurants by clicking here. For a PDF of this recipe, please email showroom@poshcouturerentals.com

Check out the other chefs in our holiday cooking series:

Brian C. Lescher from the Grape. Part 1 and Part 2. 

Cassandra Fine Catering holiday menu. 

Toast: Texas Discovery Gardens

'Tis the season to be jolly...and give back. P.O.S.H. is a proud supporter of many DFW organizations, so we are taking the time this month to TOAST a few of our favorite groups in hopes that it will inspire you this holiday season. 

First up, Texas Discovery Gardens. P.O.S.H. had the chance to work with co-chairs Marilyn Waisanen and Waverly Smith and the fantastic team of TDG on tabletop donations for the 2012 Flora Awards, honoring Barbara Hunt Crow. Not only is TDG a beautiful place for us to visit (The Butterfly Garden is a must see!), but we were proud to help honor such a wonderful patron for this whimsical place this is both organic and sustainable. According to Flora Award Chair Marilyn Waisanen, “Barbara demonstrates through her deeds what it means to give back to your community. The staff and board at Texas Discovery Gardens are especially appreciative of Barbara’s commitment to our mission of environmental education.” (MySweetCharity)

If you haven't had a chance to see and support this local treasure for yourself, now is the time to do so. For more info, visit Texas Discovery Gardens here. 

Featured: Texas Discovery Gardens 2012 Flora Awards honoree Barbara Hunt Crow; butterflies from The Butterfly Garden. 
Get the look: Gold Lace glassware, Barcelona Gold Dinner Plate, Blue and White China Collection, Fruitwood Chiavari Chairs - all P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals

Holiday Menu: The Grape

Today we continue where we left off Thursday with more delicious goodness from Executive Chef Brian C. Luscher of The Grape. (Click here for yesterdays recipes and an overview of this Dallas favorite.)  Brain is bringing the holidays home with an amazing mushroom strudel and pork roast that will have everyone coming back to the kitchen for seconds. We tried out the baked brie and can't wait to cook up the whole menu for family and friends. (P.S. For those of you whose idea of cooking involves heating up leftovers in the microwave, The Grape also caters!) Brian has been kind enough to share all of the recipes on this menu. If you would like a copy, please email showroom@poshcouturerentals.com (Take our word: You'll definitely want to!). This menu is perfect for a fall fete or social gathering. With Brian sharing recipes and POSH providing festive tabletop, you'll have the holidays covered!

 Paper design from Paperless Post / Menu from The Grape / Gold Bead B&B Charger from P.O.S.H. / Patina Bark linen from Resource One, exclusively at P.O.S.H.

Check out The Grape's full menu and offering here.

 Like The Grape on Facebook.

 

Weekend Checklist: Best of Both Worlds

This weekend checklist does indeed include the best of both worlds. Whether it's a contemporary line from a timeless porcelain collection, the creative high-low genius of Neiman Marcus, getting schooled on fashion and nature, or reading novels and fun magazines, we're inspired by the yin and yang of the world around us. Check it out below.

1. Tabletop = Love here at POSH, so it was exciting when Laurel showed us the latest from Anna Weatherley.  The collections are hand-painted porcelain by artisans in Hungary and have a craftmanship unlike any other. What especially caught our eye where the classic colors (sky blue, ivory, periwinkle) that took a contemporary spin with nearly graphic-like scalloped edges, perfect for the modern mixing and matching of patterns. (Images via here and here.)
2.  Equally inspiring to us is art and nature. To our delight, this weekend we'll be planning how to catch up on two forces of nature to hit Dallas. First, the one and only Garance Dore will be at Northpark on October 25th. The illustrator turned photographer turned blogger turned fashion darling (and the other half of The Sartorialist himself) promises an afternoon of giggles and fondness for all things French. Second, the long-awaited opening of Klyde Warren Park is finally here! With an opening weekend featuring The Polyphonic Spree and Owen Wilson (to name just a few), you can bet these Friends of the Park can't wait to celebrate our first downtown park set to rival any other major city. October 27-28.
3. As always, the weekend is a time to catch up on reading. We're most excited about the latest endeavor from D Magazine - D Moms! We also can't wait to see what J.K. Rowling has come up with after leaving Hogwarts for adult territory with The Casual Vacancy. (During our recent trip to Paris, we saw literally hundreds of these books being bought in both English and French.) Last but not least, an icon in every sense of the word is discussed yet again in a book destined for our coffee table - learn more about the incredible world of the late Lee McQueen and the creative world of Alexander McQueen in Love Looks Not With The Eyes. 
4. Leave it to Neiman Marcus to give us the best of both worlds when it comes to the high-low of fun and fashion. "A legendary partnership" with Target gives us 50 exceptionally designed (and priced) goods while their now iconic namesake Christmas Book gives us fantasy gifts to dream about for years to come. Oh, Neiman's. We do love you. The Target Lookbook is here and the NM Christmas Lookbook is here.

Tabletop Tuesday: Rustic Elegance

Branching Out Floral & Event Design recently participated in a "Christmas in July" event at the Crescent Club. Their mission? You guessed it - create a unique holiday look for the Gourmet Room. The design team based their blended vibe of rustic elegance was inspired by owner Debby Jewesson's love for the understated glamour of Ralph Lauren. We think she captured the RL essence perfectly. Will this inspire your holiday Pinterest boards? It already has ours!

GET THE LOOK

1. Toast to the holidays with Elise Cut Crystal glassware, Gold Filigree Etched champagne glass, Exotic Bird cup and saucer.

2.  Layer it on for a luxe look: Jan Barboglio hammered charger, Copper glass charger, Peach Barral Antique Sevres Collection dinner plate, Silver Bead glass charger, Exotic Bird salad plate.

3. The overall look of the Ralph Lauren inspired holiday room. Linens by bbj linens.

4. Don't forget the design details! Love the paper goods designed Southern Fried Paper, the gorgeous florals by Debby J's team, and the rustic elements by Fauxcades (think leather couches and chairs, cowhide rugs, etc).