happy holidays
french 75 cocktail
With the holidays upon us, it’s the perfect time to share one of my favorite cocktails! The “French 75”, also known as the “Soixante Quinze”, is a classic + vibrant champagne cocktail. There are many theories as to it’s origins, and much debate over gin vs. brandy, but we know the recipe was first recorded in 1930. The name refers to the power of the drink, which was allegedly created by a World War 1 fighter pilot-saying it felt like being on the “receiving end of a French 75mm howitzer artillery piece”! It does pack a punch…you are forewarned-and as always, drink responsibly please. Personally, I like to think of it as elegantly potent, and anything that was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway is a favorite of mine.
combine base spirit, lemon juice + syrup in a shaker with ice; shake for 10-15 seconds
strain into a flute or coupe glass and top with champagne
santé!
goody goody gift swap
If I made a list of all the reasons why I love social media, it would be…very long, ha. However-I would be sure that the Goody Goody Gift Swap was on it! It’s a holiday giftswap for creatives-pairing random individuals from around the world…taking us out of our electronic realm for a bit. I discovered it via instagram in November and signed up immediately to participate. As “plugged in” as we all are, some good old fashioned mail is refreshing…don’t you agree?! I made a new friend in Wisconsin, and sent the present above to her. I can’t wait to find out what she thinks, and to receive mine-FUN! Many thanks to Jenna Cantagallo for the brilliant concept! Who knows…we could be swap mates next year!
thank you Erin Ellis for the (partial) use of your beautifully designed logo!
camille styles feature
I’m so thrilled to be featured on Camille Styles, as part of their “Entertaining With” series! We collaborated on a fun and festive piece in celebration of the upcoming holidays. The réveillon is an intimate dinner we host every New Year’s Eve, and it is a special tradition for my family. The word “réveillon” means awakening, and I’ve always loved the concept. It’s an old French tradition experiencing a resurgence-in the States, you can’t escape it if visiting New Orleans during the holidays! Check out the feature here, and if you’re visiting from Camille Styles, welcome…make yourself at home!
a huge MERCI to the talented Courtney Apple for capturing the evening so beautifully
more thanks to…Brandywine View Antiques, Lindsey Buck, Sullivan Owen, TOPS Malibu, West Elm