IT'S CHRISTMASTIME IN THE CITY......

New York City anytime of the year is always exciting for me, but I particularly love the magic of Christmas when everything seems to transform into a glittery fairyland.  The hustle and bustle of the crowds, the skaters on the pond, the tree at Rockefeller Center, the stores all lit up and sparkling in their Christmas grandeur, even the incessant honking horns of the taxis......It's definitely Christmastime in the city!  

Click to enlarge photos~

A window at Bergdorf Goodman

Window at Tiffany's

Horse-drawn carriage

An Angel at Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center Tree

Across from the Plaza

Tree at Trump Tower

Bergdorf Goodman Window

Window at Mackenzie Childs

Bergdorf Goodman

The Plaza

Trump Tower

The grand foyer at The Plaza

Outside the Plaza

The Plaza

The Plaza

The St. Regis Hotel

Cartier 

The Dancing Snowflakes

Tiffany's

SLEIGH BELLS RING.......

It was after taking my first horse and carriage ride around Central Park at Christmas a few years ago that I found this horse and carriage for my own front lawn.  I think we chose the coldest day of the year to get it set up on the lawn, and today I filled it with fresh greens and a big red bow.  I love how it looks, and I love the memory of that first ride around Central Park in my own life size chariot, driven by my own personal coach wearing a black top hat, and I bundled in my warm red blanket was  feeling like I was living the scene of a real life Christmas card as we trotted away through the Christmas city streets.

LAUGHING ALL THE WAY.....

My sister and I are off to spend a weekend together in Manhattan.  We signed up for a class in floral design at the Jane Packer Flower School.  Jane Packer is a renowned floral designer from England and she recently opened a school in New York.  I'm really excited to take a class in fresh floral design since my business is in silks.  It should be fun.

Then,  I'm sure there will be plenty of laughing and chatting as we take in all the sights and sounds of the city at Christmas.  I took this photo of Ralph Lauren's window on Madison Avenue shortly before Thanksgiving.  I'll go back now and check on the progress.  I'll keep you posted......

FAMILY AND FRIENDS.....

A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISH.....

CHRISTEL~

We know how wonderful you are in Grayden's eyes......

But,

We all think you're pretty special, too!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

With love from all of us!

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT......

CHRISTMAS AT MEADOWSWEET

The decorating frenzy has officially hit Meadowsweet, and we are up to our elbows in ribbons, wreaths, garlands and glitter everywhere!    But, just like Santa, I could not do it all without the help of some very special and talented elves.  So, without further ado, let me introduce to you (much to their chagrin)  Meadowsweet's Designer Elves...... Smile..... Kathy, Sue and Joan 

ADD A LITTLE SPICE, AND EVERYTHING NICE....

Don't you just love all of the delicious scents of the season? All the holiday spices..... nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves...... Care to take a break from the decorating and join me in a slice of Cranberry Nut Bread and steamy cup of coffee..... just out of the oven, hmmmmmm?

~ADDITION TO PREVIOUS POST~

I've had several requests for the recipe for my Cranberry Nut Bread, so here it is.....  I can't take the credit, it is Ocean Spray's Classic recipe.  I make it every year, and it is delicious!

2 C. Flour

1 C. Sugar

1  1/2  tsp. baking powder

1  tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

3/4 C. orange juice

2 T. vegetable oil

1 T. orange peel, grated

1 egg, well beaten

1  1/2 C. fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped

1/2 C. nuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 9x5  loaf pan.

Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl.

Stir in orange juice, oil, orange peel and egg.  Mix until well blended.

Stir in cranberries and nuts.

Spread evenly in loaf pan.

Bake for 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool on rack for 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

TABLETOP TUESDAY..... My first!

Susan, from Between Naps on the Porch invited me to Tabletop Tuesday..... I am a newbie and wasn't quite certain what to do.  So I have reposted my Thanksgiving Table.  My China pattern is Lenox Eternal, and the salad plates are Lenox Holiday Tartan.  The centerpiece is one that I designed using all faux greens and assorted fruits and berries. I must admit, had I known about Tabletop Tuesday, I would have used cloth napkins...... thirty lashes!  You ladies put me to shame!  I promise to do better for my Christmas table!