Thanksgiving Countdown: Desserts

This is called saving the best for last. In fact, I could forgo the entire meal, and be happy with the Thanksgiving dessert table. But never fear, if you scroll down this post you will find links to the rest of the meal, as well.  It is my hope that this post inspires you to do a little something different for dessert. Think about poaching pears or Brûléeing  your pumpkin pie to wow your guests.

Pumpkin Espresso Tiramisu

Layered to pumpkin perfection, this recipe is sure to get many
 oohs and ahhs! 
Southern Living

Brûléed Bourbon-Maple Pumpkin Pie
What a showstopper! A blend of chocolate and pumpkin with bourbon and maple syrup is a fabulous surprise.
Bon Appetit

Puff Pastry Apple Galette

Isn't this good looking? The caramel sauce caught my eye, as I always make my apple pies with it cooked within the filling.  The ice cream is the "icing" on this dish.
Williams Sonoma

Biscoff and Kahlua Crunch Cupcakes
One part dessert, and another part after dinner drink. A perfect bite in my book. And chocolate seems to be ignored a bit for this holiday meal. I don't know about you, but I always want chocolate!
Bakers Royale

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
I've made this recipe. It is absolutely delicious. The layers of bittersweet chocolate ganache and salted caramel are just beyond!
Bon Appetit

Pumpkin Pots de Crème
What a super chic way to end a meal! Made from half and half, brown sugar, all of the warms spices and more. It's all been topped off with whipped cream and crushed amaretti cookies.
Leite's Culinaria

Pumpkin S’mores Cake (Gluten-free and Vegan)
If you are having a crowd, it is wise to have a gluten free offering.  This cake looks like it is missing nothing in a flavor profile. YUM!
Heather Christo

Blood Orange Tart With Toasted Meringue
Meringue is a bit like bacon to me. It makes everything better. This beautiful dessert will be unexpected but 
oh so appreciated!
Spoon Fork Bacon

Easy Mini Pumpkin Pie Tarts
My experience tells me that people really like just a bite sized portion of sweets. When you serve mini desserts, you trick the mind of your guests. They think that they can have a bite of everything.  It's more fun that way. These are cute!
Lovely Little Kitchen

Cranberry Custard Pie
I believe that my sweet Mom baked something similar, without the fancy embellishments. It was delicious. Nothing is more homey than a
 custard pie!
The Creative Bite

Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
This is Thanksgiving on a plate for me. My meal is just not complete without pecan pie. And adding chocolate and a little booze is nirvana!
Broma Bakery

 Caramel Apple Cheesecake
This is Bobby Flay's cheesecake recipe . So there's that. And the fact that this cake receives five stars from reviewers. I think it is an 
absolute winner.
Foodnetwork

Spiced Hazelnut Pear Cake With
Chocolate Sauce
Now this is a cake with the holiday spirit! It's elegant with warm spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Wine infused pears make a tasty statement. Serve with chocolate sauce.
Epicurious

Pumpkin Swirl Slab Pie
Pumpkin pie bores me. Sure it tastes "fine," but it is so expected. Change the shape of it, and swirl some cheese cake in the batter, and now you have my attention. And isn't it pretty?
A Beautiful Mess

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Cool Factor

{ Via: Zsa Zsa Bellagio }

Was there anyone cooler than Karl Lagerfeld? He was my inspiration today. As I do my daily shopping sprees down the aisles of the Internet, I run across some very cool things. Most of the time, they aren't what I am looking for that day, but I take note. Today's post features some of my favorite finds. The only thing that they have in common is their own individual "cool factor," and the fact that any one of these picks would make a great gift. 

John Derian Teapot

Here's looking at all of you teetotalers. High tea just became cooler. This eerie yet elegant serving piece has been handmade in Paris.

Jayson Home

Pop Shoes
Kids shoes have had bells and whistles in the past, but none of them have featured luxury materials like leather before. If I was a child, I would be asking Santa for these. Each pair is equipped with a strip of LED lights on the soles, controlled by an on/off switch. Too cool for school.
Maisonette


Lulu Frost Jewelry
Designer Lisa Salazar has moves like Jagger when it comes to creating jewels with the cool factor. Her designs are inspired by the past, icons like Mick and Bianca, and the Plaza Hotel. Not to mention that she has created something for my own "Miss Shop This." You owe yourself a peek at her things. They are #wishlist worthy.
Lulu Frost

Sugar Paper LA Holiday

I am into gift wrapping big time. In my view, how you present a gift is as important as the gift itself. Sugar Paper's line for target is for the non traditionalist, like myself. Loving the boxes in cream and black. The paper goods are sophisticated, and very
 L.A. cool. 

Target

No. 2 Toilet Paper
Toilet Paper with a conscious. You gotta love that. And shall we talk about the chic wrapping? Most importantly, it is made from 100% sustainable bamboo. Which means it will be silky soft. A fun and appropriate gift for the wellness junkie or anyone on you your s#@t list.
Goop

Skyline Chess
Named one of the most beautiful chess sets in the world by Architectural digest. I agree. It's made of marble and bronze. London never looked so beautiful. This design is a game changer. 
Moda Operandi

Cynthia Rowley X Impala 

Roller Skates

Old School Cool: This limited edition style is for girls who have it going on. What fun!

Cynthia Rowley

Champagne Tower Set

Did you ever wonder how this was done? As with anything, one has to have the right tools. These ten hand blown coupes are bubbly and cool. It's all about the shape. Just stack them up and pour. These will hold a magnum of champagne. This is how you earn the host with the most title!

Food52

John Derian Ring Mugs

Sip your tea in style! Astier de Villatte collaborated with sculptor Serena Carone on these fanciful cups which replace the typical handle with a glittering, bejeweled

 “ring.” I'm in love.

John Derian

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Holiday Host Gifts

It's time to stock the gift closet, for all of your seasonal soirees.  There's an unwritten rule for guests. Don't show up anywhere empty handed, unless you have sent something in advance. This year, skip the bottle of wine and grocery store bouquet, and shop these under $50 gifts that will wow any host or hostess.  

Gold Oil Container
Your host will love the stunning style of this sleek and chic oil container. It not only looks good, it protects oil from sunlight, which can decrease antioxidants and alter the flavor.
Williams Sonoma

Limited Edition White Truffle
 Infused Hot Sauce
Because some like it hot! Perfectly packaged for gifting. It's a unique blend of of ripe chili peppers, organic agave nectar, white truffle, and a hint of organic coriander.  The seasoned chef will love this as much as Oprah does! Ships for free from ...
Amazon or Neiman Marcus

Wine Condoms
Wine Time: Here's the perfect gift for every wine lover on your list - Wine Condoms! What a fun and easy way to keep your wine fresh and ready to drink, on the off chance you don't finish that bottle. (wink)
Neiman Marcus

Loop Handle Cheese Knife Set
A trio of chic cheese knives. They are handmade and quite handsome 
for the price.
Shop Terrain

Di Martino Pasta
Pasta dressed in Dolce & Gabbana. Now how chic is that? It's so stylish your host won't want
 to cook it.
Neiman Marcus

Ila Collection
Inspired by the intangible magic of a shared meal, the ILA Collection is sure to make any dish that your host serves a little more special. The packaging is perfect for the modern home. Priced from $16 - $42.
Jayson Home

Juliska Apron
From the Walk In The Forest Collection. This cooks apron is neither kitchy or holiday specific. It's an ode to natures natural beauty. A very tasteful gift for any hostess. Use Code: FREESHIP for free shipping.
Saks Fifth Avenue

Le Labo Signature Detergent  
This is a very unique gift for the hip hostess. Le Labo fragrance has a cult following. Thirty-three ingredients are blended together to create a unisex, woody, and delicate scent with notes of cardamom, iris, violet, ambrox, sandalwood, papyrus, cedar, and leather. This gift will will refine the art of laundry.
The Laundress

USB Rechargeable Lighter
I bet he or she doesn't have one of these. Choose rose gold, white, black or gold. It's pretty, clever and useful!
Food52

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Comfy Chic For Thanksgiving Day

Where are you celebrating Thanksgiving? No matter if you are at the beach, like my sister and sister -in-law in Florida, or at Grandma's home in the North woods, I know that you want to be comfy. And it's possible to be both comfy and chic at the same time. Barefoot Dreams designs. as seen above, are always cozy, and with the right accessories  can be quite chic. You can shop their edits at Nordstrom's and QVC. This post features fab fashion to greet your guests or honor your hosts in comfort and style.

David Lerner

James Sequin Lounge Joggers  

Now this is taking loungewear to another level!  This look could also be worn in any restaurant. It's fun and pretty fab!

Shopbop

Back Zip Top
For those of us who prefer grand exits. An unexpected but fun piece that will go with every bottom that you have in 
your wardrobe.
Club Monaco

Airbrushed Sweater & Skirt
Even a skirt can be comfy when it is made with an elastic waist. All of Lou and Grey's clothing is super soft. Loving the bright colors that are fabulous 
for Fall.
Lou & Grey

Gassato Knitted Wrap
Created from a lightweight gassato cashmere, this wrap is wonderful! It will cover whatever you need covered, and is available in four fab colors. Now on sale at
Pure Collection

Cord Tailored Blazer
If you like the structure of a blazer, this casual fabric is so feminine. It's the perfect topper for denim and a drive. Now on sale.
Pure Collection

Cashmere Layers
Head to toe cashmere (and a little fur) is always appropriate for any event. Even the cashmere sneakers are fun! Click the link and head to 
their cashmere shop.
Lafayette 148 New York

Speckled Interlock Top & Lounge Pants

Such style AND comfort! These separates come in four fashion shades including black. Each piece is on sale and the set comes in at under $60. 

Beat me to it!  Spend $200 on the website and save 20% with Code: HOLIDAY20.

Natori

Sheila Leopard Pullover
I am wild about this sweater. Thanksgiving is made for sweaters. This one is made fancy with the fur cuffs. Get the look, including the
jogger pants at
Alice + Olivia



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