I know I have said this before, but at this time of year I am even more grateful than ever. With everything going on in the world, how could I not be? I am almost giddy with the anticipation of being together with family and friends to share a Thanksgiving feast. I have always loved this particular holiday. I feel like it connects me not only to the people around the table whom I adore, but also to those who are no longer here to enjoy it with us. One of our traditions is to use plates and serving pieces that belonged to my mother-in-law, who loved Thanksgiving. It feels good to connect with her through our holiday traditions.

My children are old enough now to not only sous chef in a meaningful way, but also to take the reins in decorating the table, and setting the stage for a beautiful meal. I love spending the day with them in preparation mode. Now that they're out of the house, it feels even more special to spend time together. Their closeness is something I am especially grateful for.  As siblings, my father and his sister were incredibly close. Seeing that same love and connection between my own children fills me with so much joy. It truly represents what family means on a very deep level, which in turn translates quite literally into "giving thanks" as I do not only everyday, but especially during the holiday season.

In the spirit of giving thanks, I'd like to offer a special 25% discount on all lingerie, both online and in the shop, now through November 30th. If you're shopping online, please use code THANKS25. Discount is limited to stock on hand and is not applicable to custom orders. Our holiday hours next week are Tuesday 11am - 6pm, Wednesday 11am - 4pm, Closed on Thursday, Friday 11am - 6pm, and Saturday noon - 5pm. We look forward to helping you find the perfect gift for someone you love, or a special holiday treat for yourself.

Speaking of the holiday season, the holiday party invitations are starting to roll in. I am really looking forward to seeing friends, catching up, and ringing in the season. I think these colorful tourmaline earrings would be perfect for any event. The color and movement of the loops all feel rather festive, don't they?

I also think this pearl scarf would be lovely to wear to a holiday dinner. Ropes of pearls feel very luxurious and unexpected at the same time. Pearls warm to body temperature pretty quickly, so it would be a cozy option for a chilly evening.

If you are traveling or hosting travelers, you will most certainly need a beautiful pair of pajamas to wear. We have a few sets in 100% silk charmeuse, that would be perfect to gift, or to enjoy treating yourself to. My favorite is the Liberty Print called Gracefully, which I wear out too. I pair the pajama top with trousers, and feel both chic and comfortable for any occasion. I've lately taken to flying in it, which feels perfect. The silk keeps me warm on the plane, and I add our Minerva camisole underneath for an extra layer. It's like my silken armor for travel, and I love the little bit of lace that peeks out from the camisole. 

Of course you will be in need of a hostess gift at some point over the holiday weekend, either to present to whomever is cooking those turkeys, or for yourself as a reward for a job well done. Here, I would suggest one of our silk sleep masks, along with one of our beeswax and essential oil candles. It says "thank you, I love you, and now please rest" in the most elegant way.  

I am very excited as usual for Thanksgiving dinner this year. I love hosting friends and family at our house, and the cooking always begins with this recipe from Martha Stewart. I came across it in the early 2000's when I first began hosting Thanksgiving, and it has become a tradition to begin the holiday preparations with making this recipe first. It is a zesty twist on a more traditional cranberry sauce, and I think it is far more delicious. You can play around with the proportions, and even make it with honey instead of sugar, as I often do.  

Dried Cherry + Ginger Cranberry Sauce

One 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries

3/4 cup of dried cherries

1/2 cup finely chopped shallots

2 tbs. red wine vinegar

zest and juice of one orange (about a 1/2 cup)

2 tsp. grated ginger, peeled

3/4 cup packed brown sugar (or honey, if you prefer)

Combine cranberries, cherries, shallots, vinegar, orange zest and juice, ginger, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan, and cook over medium heat until cranberries pop. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries release their juices, about 15 minutes or so. If the cranberry sauce becomes too thick, add water until the desired consistency is reached. I like to cook it down quite a bit over a low heat.  I think it brings the flavors together really nicely. Transfer to a bowl to cool completely.  You can also make this ahead, and freeze.  

Happy Thanksgiving to All with tons of Love, Love, Love,

PS I hope you save the date for Wednesday, December 4th. We will be having our annual holiday party with our next door neighbor, Pamela Barish. It will be festive as always....looking forward to seeing you!