8 Crazy Nights! Happy Hanukkah, xo Chandelier

Hanukkah has officially begun at our house--and somehow, this year, it feels more festive than ever. Perhaps its having two children bursting at the seams to celebrate: spinning the dreidels, downing latkes, cheering as I placed the last-minute pennant banner on the mantel, it's definitely the festival of lights around here.

So, though it may sound cliche, I have to say that the world looks totally fresh and new through the eyes of my children. And, though I never really thought Hanukkah was that a big deal (perhaps its because it is just weeks after the mega-birthday bashes we throw around here), I am learning that holidays can be as festive as you make them. No matter how small they may be, I learned yet again that the littlest touches make the biggest smiles. What a gift.

Here are some of the sweet treats and crafts, plus some gorgeous inspiration, I've found along the way!

CHOZEN ICE CREAM

Who says it's too cold for ice cream? The jewish-inspired flavors of Chozen's all-natural ice cream--Chocolate Gelt, Babka, Matzoh Crunch, Coconut Macaroon, Apples & Honey and Ronnie's Rugelach-- give me the warm and fuzzies! A favorite of celebs like Gwyneth Paltow, Jon Stewart, and Andy Samberg, pints of these delicious confections are sold in New York City and--direct to your door, anywhere via online purchase for $25 for a 5-pint pack. I'd say this doubles as the perfect gift for your mishpucka (that's yiddush for "family") or the mensch in your life!

HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE COVERED MATZOH CRUNCH

I'm totally recycling this recipe from my Passover post as it is a huge hit around here. Attending a dessert swap? I'd say this totally qualifies as a knock-out entry!

HANUKKAH TABLE DECOR

Setting your table for a Hanukkah dinner party is as simple as adding some gorgeous blues, silver, and crackled clear glass through a charger, candles and stemware.  It's not too late to hit Homegoods and Pier One, who has these gorgeous glasses for $7 a piece and I happen to *love* the idea of floating candles in (or serving teensy-eensy latkes) on this sea urchin platter ($44.95, Pier One).

DRINK IT UP!

So Christmas has spiked egg nog and mulled cider, but certainly Hanukkah should share the season of creative libations--shouldn't it? I'm obsessed with the idea of serving up cocktails like this one, appropriately named "The Dreidel" (made up of Slivovitz plum brandy, cherry liqueur, Angostura bitters and egg whites). This is just one of "Eight Cocktails of Hanukkah" recently published on the Smithsonian blog. From Manschiwetz Sangria to the Hanukkah Gelt Martini! Add a little more sass with these vintage paper straws ($4 for a pack of 25 on Etsy).

HAVE FUN WITH PAPER!

Last night, I realized that something was missing around here. The menorah felt a little lonely, so I created a pennant banner for our mantel--and voila! The kids started to jump for joy that their house was "decorated" for the holiday. I can get into this! So, needless to say, I love a free printable when we see one. These cutie pies are yours to download courtesy of The Party Dress blog. Use them as placecards at your table or send guests home with wishes inside for a fabulous 2012!

Wishing you all eight wonderful nights, and a fabulous Christmas weekend! In the words of my cousin's facebook status, "May your lives shine as brightly as our menorah".

Chandelier's Five Favorite (Affordable-Chic) Holiday Gifts

Chandelier has wrapped up some incredible events this year--and now we're finally getting down to planning for our own parties--and all the gifts in between. Here are some of our favorite gift picks under $100--we just HAD to share! 

FOR YOUR ACCESSORY-OBSESSED: Lana Signet Ring, SarahChloe.com, $98

Whether she's a classic prep or Brooklyn hipster, these signet rings are a no-brainer accessory. Available in script or block print engraving, a variety of monogram styles from a single initial to a trio of letters, and silver, gold or rose gold, this everlasting gift reads trendy-but conservative enough to become a year-after-year staple.  

FOR YOUR FOODIE:  Matryoshka Doll Measuring Cups Set, Sur La Table, $12

Need a stocking stuffer for your next dinner party hostess? These Russian Doll-inspired measuring cups look as cute on the counter as they are usable in the kitchen. This set of six dry-measure cups accurately measures ¼, 1/3, ½, 2/3, ¾ and 1 full cup, and nests neatly inside each other (space-saver, yeahy!). 

FOR YOUR FAVORITE GIRLFRIEND: Skipperling Mirror, Anthropologie, $42

Propped up by delicate brass butterfly wings, this little mirror is the perfect touch to dress up an vanity. It says sweet but not saccharin--and that's what we like most about it. 

FOR YOUR FAVORITE NEIGHBOR: Snowman Family Kit, L.L.Bean, $29.95

We are totally head over heels for this make-your-own snowman kit--complete with a wooden carrot nose, eyes, and buttons wrapped up neatly in a burlap sack--this is the gift that keeps on giving. I am planning on ordering a bunch of these for upcoming holiday parties! Add a cute tag and you've got an instant hostess gift for the neighborhood holiday potluck.

FOR YOUR GADGET GURU: Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 4, Mophie.com, $79.95

This one is DEFINITELY on my list (ahem, hope you are reading this!). If your Apple addict is anything like me, he/she will be overjoyed to have 5 battery lives available at the flip of a switch on this nifty iPhone case. 

Happy holidays and shopping to you. 

Trick or Treat! All-Things All Hallow's Eve

Halloween happens to be my favorite holiday. It's not only my birthday, but it's my excuse to stop time and enjoy my kids, while we decorate, dash and dive into a bag of pure deliciousness. So, as you all plan your own personal parties, I thought I'd dedicate tonight's blog to all-things "All Hallow's Eve". 

PS: Apologies for the quiet blog--we've been up to our eyes in events this Fall! 

1. GIVE TO GET! FEED TRICK-OR-TREAT BAG TO BENEFIT UNICEF

 

FEED Trick or Treat Bags, Available at HSN.com for $12.95

Who needs a costume when you've got this great accessory? $3.50 from each of these limited-edition FEED Trick-or-Treat tote bags goes directly to UNICEF. Designed by Lauren Bush, each bag purchased (they’re $12.95 at HSN.com) will generate funding to help UNICEF provide one child in the developing world with an entire year’s worth of micronutrient powder.

2. LITTLE TOKYO: TEENY SUSHI ONESIE BY THE WISHING ELEPHANT

Looking for something cuter than the typical plush at the Halloween store for your tot? Check out this costume--your little roll will come with the sushi grass, wasabi and ginger accessories. Available on the Wishing Elephant's Etsy Shop for $40 (I know, a little steep, but this one's a total keepsake!), this costume can be customized to your favorite sushi. Prefer salmon? No problem. Available sizes 3 mo.-18mo. through October 21. 

3. BLACK & WHITE ARE THE NEW ORANGE PUMPKINS

Photos: Dana Gallagher, Country Living 

            

Savannah stylist Liz Demos skipped the carving knife and went straight for a paintbrush to fashion these graphic pumpkins. "With a stark black-and-white palette," Demos said of her trio of bold designs, "you can make any pattern, even creepy insects, look downright chic." Read more: Pumpkin Decorating Ideas - DIY Pumpkin Stencils - Country Living

4. OUIJA BOARD ACCESSORIES

While searching for Ouija Board placemats (they don't exist-yet!), I stumbled upon another Etsy find! A little spooky, a little chic. And only $12.00!

 

5. CANDY CORN LOLLIPOPS

Vintage Confections, Chicago-based handmade sweets shop, is featuring lots of cute candy for October 31. Think beyond the Tootsie-Roll Pop and pick up these candy corn lollipops, mustache lollies, or even candy skulls. 

Got any cute Halloween ideas? Let us know. PS: If you've got kids in need of a quick costume, check out some great ideas in this piece on Care.com that features an tips from Chandelier!

Dreaming of a White (Edible) Christmas

This photo from a recent Domino spread served as the inspiration for the dessert buffet at a recent Chandelier Events holiday party. The pastry mega-talents at Thomas Preti Caterers took my vision and whipped up a "Snowed In" dessert winterscape beyond my wildest White Christmas dreams! Here are some of the highlights (and a few inspirations that you can pull off in your own kitchen this weekend):

• Croquembouche Christmas Trees: Hand-made meringue and the traditional profiterole spun with caramel & sugar (see photo), this customary French Wedding Cake doubled as snowtipped trees on our display.


• Individual Fondue: Guests were served gourmet hot dark and white chocolate sauces in their own ramekins, and selected fruits, pretzels, marshmellows, pound cake, and brownies in a gift-box display (brilliant idea from the chefs at Thomas Preti that wowed guests ... and curbed double dipping).


• Chocolate Pudding Shots: Even Jello chocolate pudding can be dressed up by serving it in shot glasses! Top with fresh whip cream (cool whip will do in a hurry!) and top with a dust of cinnamon.


• White Chocolate Raspberry Trifle: Serve your own spin on this layered dessert with vanilla pudding, raspberry sauce and chocolate cookie crumble in martini glasses!

** A big dose of delicious gratitude to Jessica, Jen and the amazing crew from Thomas Preti for their fabulous, fresh ideas...and top notch service.

Check back soon. More photos to come!