A white chocolate cherry martini, the inspiration of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead’s mixologist Christa Sladky, made with house-infused cherry brandy, Godiva white chocolate liqueur and Stoli Vanil—I personally had to sample and it was heavenly creaming and delicious (available through Valentine’s Day) and a haute chocolate bar: an addition to the Afternoon Tea and includes the choice of spicy dark chocolate, milk chocolate caramel and red berry dark chocolate hot chocolate beverages (through February 26). For Valentine’s Day (Tuesday, February 14^th) the crème de la crème is a two heart-shaped chocolate dessert for two that melts together when shared. Do I hear an ahh?!

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead is stirring up in February, go to www. ritzcarlton.com/buckhead.

Valentine's Day delicacies added to The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead's Afternoon Tea

Chocolate chip cherry scones and flourless chocolate brandy cherry cake to its classic afternoon tea (through Feb. 12) in The Lobby Lounge

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead’s mixologist Christa Sladky, makes a white chocolate cherry martini with house-infused cherry brandy, Godiva white chocolate liqueur and Stoli Vanil

In the sleek, clean, creative 1,500 square- foot space in the newly redesigned West Paces Ferry shopping and dining center next to the St. Regis, gals can choose from cocktail-namesake blowout styles that include Straight Up, Manhattan, Southern Comfort, Cosmopolitan, Mai Tail, and even Shirley Temple for girls ten and under. A trained professional stylist will shampoo and blowout your hair while you enjoy a complimentary fruit-infused water or glass of champagne or wine. While there choose to listen to your iPod from an individual iPod docking station or watch a chick flick on one of their flat-screen TVs.

In addition to a single blowout, you can opt for a monthly membership that offers two to four blowouts plus a few extras or a “Bartab” of 3-, 6- or 12-pack of blowouts. Gift certificates are available and are generated on a Drybar coaster. Great gift idea for any woman, at any time. Did you hear that guys?! Reminder: Valentine’s is on the horizon.  For more information, go to www.thedrybar.com

Drybar Atlanta open to serve Atlanta women with no cut, no color, just blowdrys.

Women can choose from an array of blowouts all creatively named after cocktails.

A blowout at the Drybar includes a shampoo in the sleek-designed shampoo room.

To encourage a more social atmosphere, furniture was carefully placed to allow plenty of room for guests to gather with friends at the bar while the new library is warm and inviting flanked by two large millwork pieces and a central fireplace. Perfect for those looking for a quick bite to eat or light snack, the new St. Petersburg, Florida restaurant and cafe offers a grab-and-go style menu and specialty coffee drinks. The resort’s iconic veranda has become a popular hangout thanks to added seating and a fire pit on the patio level. For more information about the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, go to www.vinoyrenaissanceresort.com.

The lounge lobby-like design is a great place to hangout. The color palette is reflective of St. Pete's distinctive culture with rich vibrant colors.

The new library in the Vinoy is warm and inviting flanked by two large millwork pieces and a central fireplace

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida has revealed a new lounge-like lobby

Latitude offers a flavor-driven menu with a mix of globally and regionally sourced, high-quality meats, produce and dairy that is unique, yet approachable. Complement with a wine selection of over 60 Old- and New-World bottles that can be paired with Willix’s selections, as well as re-imagined classic cocktails.

Located at 3500 Peachtree Rd, Suite 1096 B, Atlanta, Ga., on the east side of Phipps Plaza—in the old but so newly designed The Grape space. Latitude serves lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Additional information can be found at www.latitudeatlanta.com.

Pan Fried Pork Chop with wine. Photo by Heidi Geldhauser

Carrot, Golden Raisin & Walnuts. Photo by Heidi Geldhauser

Doughnut Holes with Persimmon Jam. Photo by Heidi Geldhaus.

Latitude dining room in Phipps Plaza. Photo by Caroline Petters.

A cocktail table and side table in a Deborah Wescelman-designed living room uses elements of different heights, shapes and colors to a neutral palette

Now that your holiday company has long arrived back to their home and the Christmas tree is down, you are probably thinking that the rooms in your home are looking void of décor and you need some design ideas and tips. Deborah Wescelman of Deborah Wecselman Designs in Miami, Florida is here to offer us some professional pointers. She has a refreshing approach to interior design that sophisticatedly combines minimal and eccentric designs. Her talent lies in her ability to mix elements from all different eras, styles and periods. She encourages a client to look at their personality and their own imagination that will translates into a great sense of style.

Here are a few of Deborah’s design tips:

1. Clean lines: furniture should come in basic forms: square, rectangle or circles—the cleaner, the better
2. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and prints. By adding primary-shaped furniture, it keeps the space “clean” and allows for abstract adornments that will not create a “busy” appearance.
3. Start with neutral hues then add unexpected pops of color: by using taupe, beige, cream, grey, black, white or brown (neutral) canvases, liven up the space with bold home accessories from bright yellow paintings to royal blue vases; unexpected pops of color add personality to any space

Deborah Wecselman was born in Lima, Peru and began her formal training as design associate in the store development department at Polo Ralph Lauren. She quickly rose to Senior Director of International Store Design, where she was responsible for the creation of more than 5,000 international shops and stores. For more information on Deborah Wecselman and Deborah Wecselman Designs, please visit www.dwdinc.com. 

This Deborah Wecselman-designed dining room combines the basic rectangle shape in the dining table, art and chandelier on their neutral canvas

This Deborah Wescelman-designed space features whimsical elements with great pops of orange. Deborah's special touches of flair are seasonless and require minimal revisions throughout the change of seasons.

Plus, beginning January 1, 2012, Disney Parks.com is giving away a vacation package every day until February 29, 2012 and has an exciting special offer. For more information go to www.onemoredisneyday.com.

Both the Magic Kingdom Park in Fla. and Disneyland Park in Calif. will be open for 24 hours on Leap Day 2012.

Factoid: February 29 is the leap year date and is one extra day in the year, hence a leap year, that usually occurs every four years. This day is added to the calendar in leap years as a corrective measure, because the earth does not orbit around the sun in precisely 365 days. It keeps the calendar year synchronized with the astronomical year.

On a personal note: With a Southern Twist is going to mix it up this year and not write every day; it will be more like two to three times a week. I’m not going to commit to exact days so when it’s posted to the website, e-mailed to subscribers, Facebook wall or Twitter, it will be more of a surprise; a twist on when it comes. Continue to enjoy and thank you for following!

The Great Courses: The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Taste and Traditions

Connoisseurs or novices, spirits lovers can now amaze and delight friends and family with an enhanced knowledge of and appreciation for great spirits and cocktails. The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Taste and Traditions, a dynamic series of video lectures available just in time for the holidays, is a fun and engaging educational experience that reveals everything people need to know to choose, mix, and serve spirits and cocktails just like a master mixologist.

Hosted by acclaimed expert and Certified Specialist of Spirits Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan and filmed entirely on location at Washington, D.C.’s iconic Gibson Bar, this exciting course features six half-hour lectures that cover the history, production, varieties, and uses of popular spirits including vodka, rum, and whiskey. As Jennifer demonstrates how to taste and compare the quality and complex notes of each spirit with the skill and confidence of a wine connoisseur, you’ll learn to maximize your experiences with spirits and discover your own personal taste preferences. They’ll also get a host of recipes for delicious cocktails that illustrate each spirits’ unique characteristics.

Check it out for yourself by clicking here to preview several great videos including How to Shake Cocktails, See How to Make a Hot Toddy and Learn to Mix Hot Butter Rum. From this site you can purchase The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Tastes and Traditions DVD for $29.95 or opt to download it for $27.95 or go to www.thegreatcourses.com/spirits.

Molly Bakes' Crazy for Cake Pops features 50 designs and 70 stunning photos.

A beautifully decorated cake can wow anyone but put a cake on a stick and you’ll start to get all those “a” adjectives like awesome and amazing. I like mini indulgences, so these mini desserts are a one-bite delicious treat that’s almost too cute to eat.  

Learn how to make these in Molly Bakes’ Crazy for Cake Pops, a craft cookbook packed with 50 cake-on-a-stick designs and 70 stunning color photos of a wide range of cake pops suited for any holiday. These cakes are easy to shape and decorate for creative types of all ages. I’ve featured the holiday bauble balls today but consider them for other types of occasions like birthdays, Super Bowl, Valentines and many other reasons to celebrate in the upcoming New Year.  

The author, Molly Bakes’ says that you don’t have to be a serious baker or experienced cake decorator to make her cake pops when you follow the step-by-step instructions laid out in the book. Combine a few simple ingredients, some lollipops sticks and your imagination. It’s also a great holiday gift idea. Click here to order from Amazon: Crazy for Cake Pops: 50 All-New Delicious and Adorable Creations.    

Molly Bakes' Crazy for Cake Pops Bauble Pops are as beautiful are any holiday ornament but edible.

So here’s a roadmap on how to do Savannah in style. If you’re driving from Atlanta to Savannah it’s only 3.5 to 4 hours so leave early enough to have lunch in Savannah.

I made reservations at the Mansion on Forsyth Park (my favorite hotel in Savannah) but there are lots of charming hotels and bed and breakfasts. The Mansion, as the name denotes, is right on Forsyth Park and is conveniently off the tourist beaten path but still convenient to everything you’ll want to do. We were able to check into our hotel early, even though their official check in isn’t until 4:00 p.m. Since the Mansion has its newly opened sister hotel on the river, the Bohemian Hotel, they have shuttle service to that hotel which more importantly means to that side of Savannah. It’s leaves 10 minutes to the hour from the Mansion and then on the hour from The Bohemian. Since it was 12:50 p.m. and we had reservations for lunch on the river, it saved us blocks of walking.

The Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah is conveniently located across the historic park.

Even though I try to avoid anything on the river because I find most of it very touristy, Vic’s on the River is the perfect place to set the stage for a day in Savannah. Ask for a place in the dining room facing the river so you can enjoy the views of the cargo ships traveling the river. It’s impressive.

Vic’s lunch menu has lots of Southern favorites for your selection including shrimp and grits, local shrimp and oysters, fried green tomato BLT sandwich, crispy local flounder, as well as an array of appetizers, soups and salads, entrees and sandwiches. I enjoyed their Crobb Salad: lump crab over baby mixed greens with applewood smoked bacon, goat cheese, pineapple, tomato and cucumber. Lunch is served with mini homemade biscuits which I requested served with side of orange marmalade. Yum.

So after lunch some shopping and since it gets dark earlier this time of year, we just hit my favorites. Walk to Broughton Street and don’t miss one of my all time favorites: The Paris Market. It’s a store that feels like it was transplanted from the streets of Paris and it’s fills with home décor, jewelry, kitchen items and so much more. I picked up a cooper Eiffel Tower cookie cutter and a lovely scarf. Just off Broughton, you have to check out an eclectic culinary store, Kitchens on the Square. Great for stocking stuffers, homemade aprons and anything that might be on your foodies’ shopping list. The only store where I’ve seen cookie cutters in the shapes of all 50 states (Julie said great for teacher gifts). Then work your way to the far end of Broughton to a new store called Cherry Picked Consignment where you’ll find great designer-label fashions. The beautiful designer dress in the window drew me in. Women’s apparel and accessories at great prices.  

A historial home in Savannah adorned with an outdoor Christmas tree.

Now walk south on Whitaker Street and discover the best of the best shopping in Savannah including:

• Arcanum Studio (unique home décor), 346 Whitaker St.
• One Fish Two Fish (original art, home décor, books, linens, PJs and more), 401 Whitaker St.
• Circa Lighting (fabulous lighting), 405 Whitaker St.
• La Paperie (Fine stationery and correspondence needs), 409 Whitaker St.
• Southern Charm Antiques (antiques with a Southern charm), 412C Whitaker St.
• Trunk 13 (ladies apparel), 414 Whitaker St. 
• Mint Boutique (ladies apparel), 413 Whitaker St.
• Custard Boutique (ladies apparel), 422 Whitaker St.

Savannah is home to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) and a unique shop featuring an array of art designed by current and alum SCAD students is available at Shop SCAD

For us, the shopping ended at The Mercer Williams House: the house famous for the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The impressive home is open to the public now for daily tours. Walk along The Mercer House and work your way toward Forsyth Park to The Mansion. We stumbled upon a wedding party having their pictures taken in front of the fountain. Groomsmen decked out in their cowboy boots and hats.  The fountain is always decorated this time of year so great for pics.

Have drinks at the Mansion’s bar in its 700 Drayton lounge in an original 1888 Savannah mansion that’s chic while still feeling like part of the past. It’s chic and vibrantly adorned with art. When the weather’s nice, enjoy drinks on the patio facing the park.

Then walk just south of Forsyth Park to Local11Ten for dinner and experience what Executive Chef Brandy Williamson delivers with her French-inspired flare with traditional Southern cuisine (what I’d call with a southern twist). Local 11 Ten menu changes based on what’s being sourced seasonally and locally (hence the Local) and they’re located at 1110 Bull Street (hence the 11 Ten). I love that the restaurant is situated in a 1950’s style bank that’s been renovated. A larger party can dine next to the vault, staff uses the old drive-in window area for beverage prep while the menu is displayed for passersby in the old night depository.

Historic home in Savannah on Forsyth Park decorated for the holidays.

These yard herons behind the Girl Scout's founder's (Juliette Gordon Low) birthplace home are even adorned with holiday bows.

Orange Waffles

Brighten your holiday breakfasts with delicious waffles with the essence of orange with a burst of cranberry topping.

(Serves 4)

8 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened (4 oz.)

2 cups cake flour (lightly spooned into cup and leveled off)

4 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon orange zest

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup whole milk

In a small saucepan over low heat, or microwave safe container, melt the butter. Allow it to cool to room temperature. In a large bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until evenly blended. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and whole milk until well blended. Add this mix, to the flour mixture and mix with a fork just until all the flour is moistened. Stir in the butter just until evenly blended. The batter should be lumpy. Use batter immediately after preparation. Cook the waffles and remove them to the oven racks to keep warm until serving. Serve with hot cranberry topping. Note, these waffles freeze perfectly and reheat in just a few minutes in a toaster or oven preheated to 300˚F.

Burst of Cranberry Topping

1 cup water

1 ½ cups sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

4 cups fresh (or thawed frozen) cranberries 

In a medium saucepan, stir together the water, sugar, cornstarch, and cranberries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Stop stirring, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1 minute, swirling the pan occasionally. The mixture will be thickened but pourable. Keep it warm or reheat it before serving.

Click here to order from Amazon - Chef’s Choice WafflePro M852.

Sugar and Spice Nuts

¼ cup packed brown sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 egg white beaten

1 cup salted cashews

1 cup almonds

1 cup pecan halves

½ cup dried cherries

In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and cayenne. In a large mixing bowl or electric beater whisk the egg white well. Add the nuts and cranberries to egg white and mix to coat. Sprinkle with sugar mixture and toss to coat. Spread flat on a baking sheet coated lightly with peanut oil or cooking spray. Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring once at about 10 minutes. Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container. Makes 3 ½ cups. Enjoy!

It was fascinating to learn that Denise is a native of one of my favorite Southern towns: Natchez, Mississippi. One of my cherished Christmas ornaments is from a Christmas store in Natchez that I bought way back in the day when I was still with The Pillsbury Company. Denise grew up living in a four-story Victoria home/clothing store downtown that was owned by her mother and grandmother. She was a young docent at several antebellum houses where she learned the joy of cooking, entertaining, storytelling, architecture, interior decorating and garden design.

It’s not surprising, then, that her career was inspired by both her grandmother, Freddie Bailey, who wrote two regional cookbooks, and cousin, Lee Bailey, a design guru who wrote and styled 22 nationally acclaimed books on good living. He was a master at recipes combined with ideas on presentation. Denise worked with Lee on one of my personal favorites, Lee Bailey’s Southern Food and Plantation Homes. In researching this story, I was so sorry to learn that Lee Bailey died at the age of 76 on October 16, 2003. This was the same week that we had to put down our beloved golden retriever, Kelly, so I can see why I missed. He was/is one of my all-time favorite cookbook authors. I’m so glad that I own five of his many published cookbooks.  

I found Southern Cocktails at Savannah’s One Fish Two Fish at 401 Whitaker Street, but you can easily buy on Amazon. Just click here to purchase: Southern Cocktails: Dixie Drinks, Party Potions, and Classic Libations.

Southern Cocktails: Dixie Drinks, Party Potions, and Classic Libations

French 75 is one of the many Southern cocktails featued in Denise Gee's book, Southern Cocktails

The recipe for Euphoric Eggnog would be the perfect Southern cocktail to kick up your holiday parties this season. Serve in antique silver tea cups for an unforgettable ladies' lunch.

It hasn’t been moved in 86 years, but today the secret is out (well, not exactly). The Coca-Cola Company has moved the 125-year-old secret formula for Coca-Cola to a new home at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. As the capstone to the 125th anniversary year of Coca-Cola, for the first time in history, the vault containing the secret formula will be visible to the public in a permanent exhibit titled The Vault of the Secret Formula, opening today at the World of Coca-Cola.

At the World of Coca-Cola, experience the fascinating story of the world’s most famous soft drink in a dynamic, multimedia attraction featuring a fully-functioning bottling line that produces a complimentary 8 oz. glass bottle of Coca-Cola for each and every guest to take home. View over 1,200 never-before-displayed artifacts ranging from vintage bottles to a 1939 Coca-Cola delivery truck from Argentina. The thrilling, multi-sensory 4-D movie experience, In Search of the Secret Formula, puts you right in the action. And, tempt your taste buds with over 60 different beverages made by The Coca-Cola Company from around the world in Taste It!

The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia now contains the Coca-Cola secret formula.

Muir Glen Dinner Menu at Aria on Tuesday, November 29, 2011

I was recently invited to and attended a celebratory dinner at Aria in Atlanta hosted by Muir Glen to celebrate their 2011 Reserve Tomato. Chef Gerry Klaskala, owner and executive chef of Aria, has been a Muir Glen partner chef since 2001 so Aria was the perfect venue for this event. Last year when Chef Klaskala traveled to California to participate in the 2010 Reserve Harvest and had the opportunity to sample tomatoes right in the field from the test plot for the 2011 Reserve, he knew they’d be the perfect tomato for holiday cooking.

So to showcase the flavors of Muir Glen and the 2011 Reserve Tomatoes, Chef Klaskala created a dinner at Aria that included a specialty drink, six hors d’oeuvres, three entrée samplers and dessert, all made with Muir Glen tomatoes. One of the menu items included a recipe that Chef Klaskala created exclusively for Muir Glen—Spicy Slow-Braised Beef with Tomato, Tomatillo and Potato Stew, available in the Muir Glen 2011 gift basket.

The food this evening was incredible and very thoughtful in its preparation and presentation. The restaurant and the dinner felt like being a guest for the evening at Chef Klaskala’s home. He personally greeted old friends and new guests, like me, like long-time friends. Each table was beautifully decorated with a festive white floral arrangement and holiday ornaments. Chef used the evening to remind all of us about the little things that you can do to make guests in your home feel special when you entertain: do as much food prep in advance so that you can enjoy your friends, have fresh flowers in your home and in the restrooms and have little decorations on the table like holiday ornaments that each guest can take home as a special gift. And for someone like myself that always entertains, does all the cooking and in most cases, the dishes too, I couldn’t resist by asking, “who does the dishes?” Chef Klaskala said that he always hires a couple of folks to do just that. So that’s the ticket.

The gorgeous tablescape at the Muir Glen dinner at Aria on Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Aria's Chef Gerry Klaskala greets guests at the Muir Glen dinner.

Each year, Muir Glen produces a special Reserve Tomato which was harvested in the fall and is only available for a limited time. So when they needed a name they turned to their Tomato Connoisseurs’ Club (TCC) who voted on a name that evokes the fiery glow of the perfect tomato, Harvest Sunset. This year’s 2011 Reserve gift basket include both the fire-roasted and diced varieties of Muir Glen Reserve Tomatoes, Muir Glen Fires Roasted Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Muir Glen No Salt Added Tomatoes and a recipe booklet featuring chef-inspired recipes, available online for $10 plus $5 shipping. Visit www.muirglen.com for more information. Visit www.aria-atl.com to learn more about Aria and to make reservations for your own incredible dining experience.

Cooking Basics - This arrangement is the perfect starter kit, whether you’re shopping for a newlywed, bride-to-be, someone that’s interested in cooking or someone that just needs their basics freshened up. This gift includes:

• Stainless steel measuring spoons
• Glass measuring cup
• 8” mini whip
• Tango Spoonula
• Pot holder
• Springform pan 

Salad Lover - This gift begins with a great salad bowl and everything needed to make a salad before the lettuce is added.

• Bamboo Salad and Pasta Hands
• Mustaphia’s Moroccan olive oil
• Lettuce knife
• 8” mini whip
• Chardonnay wine vinegar
• Vic Firth pepper mill
• Kitchen towel
• Salad bowl 

Party Starter – This gift helps ‘get that party started’ with lots of goodies that a hostess needs to entertain expected or those unexpected guests.   

• Wine opener
• Dark chocolate cashews
• Cocktail napkins
• Cheese knives (set of five)
• Blue cheese olives
• Bamboo cutting board
• Serving tray

Thanks to the staff at The Cook’s Warehouse for preparing these culinary creations. The Cook’s Warehouse has four Atlanta locations (Ansley Park [Midtown], Brookhaven, Decatur and Merchant’s Walk Shopping Center, Marietta). www.cookswarehouse.com

12 Drummers Drumming
Cookie Dough Drumstick-le
Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka, Créme de Cacao, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Vanilla Extract, Frangelico, Cinnamon, Sugar Rim

11 Pipers Piping
Pipe Dream
Macallan 12, Drambuie, Honey, Earl Grey Tea

10 Lords-a-Leaping
Leap of Faith
Tanqueray 10 Gin, St. Germaine, Chambord, La Marca Prosecco

9 Ladies Dancing
The Wallflower
Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Tanteo Cocoa Tequila, Bacardi Rum, B&B, Butterscotch Schnapps, Pumpkin Puree

The St. Regis' Ghost of Christmas specialty holiday drink. Photo courtesy of Brooks Harris, NewSouth Photography.

8 Maids-a-Milking
Ghost of Christmas
Bulleit Boubon, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua

7 Swans-a-Swimming
Candy Cane Cocktail
Hangar One Raspberry Vodka, White Crème de Menthe, Pomegranate Juice

The St. Regis' The Champenguin holiday specialty drink. Photo courtesy of Brooks Harris, NewSouth Photography.

6 Geese-a- Laying
The Champenguin
Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Combier Liqueur D’Orange, St. Germaine

5 Golden Rings
Pure Gold
Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum, Apple Pucker, Goldschlager, Sour and Apple Juice

4 Calling Birds
Call Me Anytime
St. Regis Atlanta Personal Selection Woodford Reserve, Frangelico, Créme de Cacao

3 French Hens
French Russian
Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Café Boheme, Kahlua, Half & Half with a Chocolate Cigar

2 Turtle Doves
Lovely Doves
Ketel One Vodka, Coconut Cream, Créme de Cacao, Peppermint Schnapps

Partridge in a Pear Tree
Pearly There
Grey Goose La Poire, Disaronno, Fresh Sour, Vanilla Simple Syrup

The St. Regis Bar in Atlanta. Is that one of the four calling birds?!

The St. Regis Wine Room in Atlanta adjacent to the St. Regis Bar and patio. One of my favorite places in Atlanta for a cocktail.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead’s holiday overnight accommodations includes daily American breakfast for two each morning in the restaurant, $50 USD hotel credit per night and a $50 Lenox Mall or Phipps Plaza gift card and a bottle of champagne upon arrival (once per stay). For more information, go to www.ritzcarlton.com.

Southerners come from miles around to holiday shop in Atlanta.

To kick off the celebration, shoppers are invited to attend a special holiday party that will be held on December 1. Co-hosted by Bearings and Westside Provisions District, the party will take place from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. complete with live music by Smokey’s Farmland Band and spirits by American Spirit Whiskey.  Selected Westside Provisions District merchants will stay open late and serve wine and cheese to attendees. 

Holiday pop-up participants featured throughout Tinsel and Twine include:

• Arboreal – stationery and gift wrap
• Peter Nappi – handcrafted footwear, bags and belts
• F.M. Allen – fine clothiers
• Les Nouvelles – women’s fashions
• Rebecca Boutique – women’s fashions
• Le Jardin Francais – international floral and garden design atelier
• Tracery Interiors – interior design

Pop-up hours for December 1 – 4 are:

• Thursday, December 1, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday, December 2, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 3, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, December 4, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Parking is free in the parking deck at White Provisions. Westside Provisions District is located at 1100-1210 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. For more information and a list of  Westside Provisions District retailers and restaurants, go to westsidepd.com.

“Festive table runners are easy to make and can give your holiday table or kitchen island that extra-added touch,” said decorative painter Patricia Presto, a design consultant for IPG (Intertape Polymer Group), a leading provider of consumer tape and packaging products. “To get started, you’ll need a plain table runner, stencils, paint, and a quality painter’s tape.”

Decorative painter Patricia Presto uses a small brush to paint on stencil snowflakes to a plain red table runner. A low-tack painter's tape such as Bloc-it holds the stencil firmly to the runner to ensure clean paint lines, repositioning and removal without leaving any residue.

Following is a complete list of the supplies you will need:

• Plain cloth table runner. Use a runner you already have, or find a low-cost runner online or at home furnishings store.  
• Free-form stencil and stencil paint. Snowflakes or festive trees are excellent choices, which you can find online or at your local craft store.
• Low-tack painter’s tape. Low-tack painter’s tape keeps your stencils in place to ensure a slip-free design.  Presto favors Bloc-it from IPG, which allows you to remove or reposition stencils without leaving any residue.
• Brown paper or non-stick sheet. This protects working surface from paint.
• Stencil paint and brushes.
• Paper plate and towels.

For complete video step-by-step directions, click here.

VOGA Italia wines can be found at most supermarkets including Publix and liquor stores that sell wine.  

This Thanksgiving Sangria recipe includes pomegranate juice and cherries

Ingredients

• 2 (750-milliliter) bottles VOGA Merlot
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/3 cup Triple Sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
• 1 orange (cut into sections)
• 1 apple (cut into sections)
• 1 cup of cherries
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick

Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with cherries or cinnamon sticks.

When the weather turns colder and the holiday season approaches, many opt to stay indoors and bake treats for friends and family.

“Pantry pests” are insects that tend to gather around food often stored in pantries and cabinets such as flour, dry cereals, spices, candies and chocolate. This is particularly a concern in the South. I tend to call ever common pantry pest a weevil, but it might be a weevil, moth or beetle, but no matter what it’s called, you don’t want it in your pantry.   

Here are some tips for keeping these pesky pests from spoiling your holiday baking traditions:

• Immediately wipe up any crumbs or spills from countertops, tables, floors and shelves.
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
• Only purchase food in sealed packages that show no sign of damage.
• Add a bay leaf to canisters and packages of dry goods like flour, rice and other grains—their pungent scent repels many pantry pests. (Love this idea!)
• Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
• Check expiration dates on baking ingredients before use.
• Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.

Source: The National Pest Management Association

I struggled finding burlap ribbon but found beautiful burnt sienna ribbon at Morgan Imports in Durham. For my readers that live in Florida, I noticed that Ballard Designs carries it in their Jacksonville and Tampa, Floria retail stores this holiday season. Sorry, but it’s not available at their Ballard’s Backroom locations.

This rose hip bouquet inspired my Thanksgiving table floral arrangement.

Hot Skwash is a family-run business founded by Daria Knowles in Oregon. Her experience as a Denver art gallery director and then as a stay-at-home with a creative passion for sewing, knitting and fabrics sprouted into something special. In 2002, she came across a gingham holiday pumpkin with a crude stem at a gift store and she knew this could be transformed into something incredible with the right fabrics and colors. After creating velvet pumpkins for several years, her friends, family and clients encouraged her to grow her creative talents by starting her own small business. Daria founded Hot Skwash, LLC, in 2008. Her keen eye for color, texture, and shape gives each velvety treasure its own personality and by working with local farmers, she’s able to recylce unwanted pumpkin and squash stems into pumpkins that Cinderella would be proud to have accent her home. And it doesn’t stop there, she employs other stay-at-home moms who share the same passion for the pumpkins which helps connect Hot Skwash to its roots and to then to your home.    

Daria Knowles' Hot Skwash in harvest colors

These gorgeous creations can be purchased online at www.hotskwash.com, but also through specialty retailers across the U.S. Georgia retailers include Atlanta Botanical Garden, Erika Reade Ltd., and Inner Pieces, all in Atlanta; High Cotton, Dahlonega; Yellow Bird, Dalton; Terra Cotta, Savannah; and Firefly, Thomasville.

Also, Hot Skwash graced the dinner tables of a special event/fundraiser for The Tony Blair Faith Foundation with Tony Blair this month in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dinner was prepared by Bay Area chefs Tyler Florence and Emily Luchetti. Click to see the fab-u-lous images featured on Inside Scoop. We also heard that Tony Blair tried his first s’more!

Daria, I’m so glad our paths crossed.

Daria arranging several Hot Skwash

A Parchment Paper Thanksgiving features select recipes from the new The Parchment Paper Cookbook: 180 Healthy, Fast, Delicious Dishes! using parchment paper, published this month, by award-winning author and food writer Brette Sember with Nicole Cormier. No more endless, after-dinner scrubbing.

• Spinach Artichoke Pie Hors d’oeuvres
• Turkey with Tarragon, Rosemary, and Cranberry
• Roasted Carrots, Parsnip, and Rutabaga with Maple Syrup
• Brussels Sprouts with Pumpkin Seed Oil and Pecans
• Sweet Potatoes Gone Light (click for a PDF of this recipe)
• Rustic Apple Tart
• Easy Indian Corn Pudding

According to Replacements’ Chairman and CEO Bob Page, “Not only were many of them produced prior to 1930 [but] most of the flowers and other botanicals painted within the last 100 years are represented in this acquisition. There are very few duplicates. Collectors are not likely to find these same pieces any place else in the world. We are absolutely delighted to add these rare pieces to Replacements’ inventory.”

Replacements' impressive Flora Danica acquisition includes more than 1,000 pieces, for example this exquisite tureen.

Sought after by collectors around the globe, Flora Danica is considered one of the most luxurious porcelain patterns ever produced and is one of the oldest patterns still in production. The Danish monarchy commissioned Royal Copenhagen to begin this pattern in 1790 as a gift for Catherine the Great of Russia, who died before artisans completed the original service. The pattern motifs and name are based on the historic botanical encyclopedia, “Flora Danica” which means “flowers of Denmark,” and features thousands of flora native to the Danish country.

If you’re not familiar with Replacements, Ltd., then you’ll need to be. If you’ve lost, broken or want to fill voids in your china, crystal, silver and collectibles wish list, then Replacements, Ltd. is your source. Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., Replacements, Ltd. carries the world’s largest selection of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. The company’s 500,000 square-foot-facilities house an inventory of nearly 14 million pieces from over 342,000 patterns. www.replacements.com

Savory Grilled Turkey: The Ultimate Grilled Turkey

Delight holiday guests’ taste buds with a new take on the holiday bird. The savory and rich flavor profile the grill adds to the turkey will keep your recipe in the books for seasons to come.

Savor Thanksgiving dinner with turkey on the grill

1 (12 pound) whole turkey
1 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon A.1. steak sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce

1. Remove giblets from turkey (discard or save for another use).
2. Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan in the center. Skewer turkey openings closed.
3. When the grill temperature has reached about 350 degrees F, place turkey on the grill rack, directly over the drip pan. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Set aside and cover 2/3 cup for serving.
5. Continue to grill turkey 1 hour-2 hours longer or until a meat thermometer reads 175 degrees F in the thigh, basting frequently with remaining sauce.
6. Cover turkey and let stand for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with reserved sauce.

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association and the National Turkey Federation offer the following preparation and cooking tips to ensure a safe and delicious meal:

Turkey Time

• Purchase a whole turkey according to the weight recommendations in your grill, smoker or fryer owner’s manual.
• Thaw the turkey completely and pat it dry. Cook the bird un-stuffed.
• Brine the turkey for increased flavor and moisture.
• Outdoor cooking times depend on many factors: the size and shape of the turkey, the distance from the heat and the outside air temperature. Allow more time on cold or windy days and at high altitudes. Allow less time in very hot weather.
• Have a food thermometer handy to measure the internal temperature of the bird; the temperature should be 165 degrees F, but most people prefer it to reach 170 degrees F in the breast and 180 degrees F in the thigh.

Safety First

• Check to make sure the grill, smoker or fryer is in working order.
• Be sure to read the owner’s manual for safety precautions.
• Stock up on enough charcoal, propane, oil or wood chips needed to cook the meal.
• Be sure to use the grill, smoker or fryer outside only—never indoors—and make sure that it’s set-up on a flat, stable surface, preferably on a protective grill pad, and away from any combustible materials.

For more recipes and other information on turkey go to www.eatturkey.com.

During Candlelight Christmas Evenings guests will be greeted with a forest of evergreens on the Front Lawn.

Christmas displays throughout Biltmore House, the gardens and grounds will center on the countries George and Edith Vanderbilt visited at the turn of the century. Rooms in Biltmore House will feature the traditions and folklore of France, Germany, India, Egypt and Italy mixed with elements of the Vanderbilt family’s own Christmas traditions.

The warm glow of Christmas lights create a cozy setting in the Banquet Hall.

On Christmas Eve 1895, Vanderbilt opened Biltmore House for the first time to his friends and family. In subsequent years, the couple welcomed family, friends and the estate’s employees into the Banquet Hall for the annual Christmas party.  

The Breakfast Room at George Vanderbilt's Biltmore House first welcomed guests on Christmas Eve in 1895. His guests were treated to lavish and festive holiday decor. Today that tradition is kept alive each year as Biltmore House is filled with hundreds of trees and garlands from the area.

Biltmore’s modern-day Christmas celebration is modeled on that first Christmas, with an elaborately decorated, 34-foot tall Fraser Fir dominating the Banquet Hall. Guests will see 57 trees throughout Biltmore House, each intricately designed and decorated by members of Biltmore’s floral team. Miles of fresh garlands and wreaths create a yuletide scent throughout the House, with around 1,000 red and white poinsettias in the Winter Garden and other areas.

A 34-foot live Fraser fir is placed in the Banquet Hall of Biltmore House every holiday season. The tradition of having a tree in this room goes back to 1895 when George Vanderbilt first opened the home to his family and friends.

Biltmore House takes on a warm glow during Candlelight Christmas Evenings creating a unique holiday experience. Local choirs and small musical ensembles stationed in the Winter Garden will perform music of the season. String quartets and other musicians will perform throughout the house as guests wander among the decorated rooms. The front lawn will glow with a 55-foot Norway spruce, lit by 45,000 tiny white lights.

For more information go to www.biltmore.com.

The glow of hundreds of lights and a roaring fire illuminate George Vanderbilt's Library during Christmas at Biltmore.