Festive Holiday Party Drinks

The holidays are a great time to try out new and festive drinks and one of our favorites is the Kir Royale. Easily prepared with champagne and a touch of creme de cassis, this black-currant flavored drink is always a hit with our guests.

Ingredients:
5 fl. oz. chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
2 tsp. crème de cassis
1 lemon twist for garnish

Directions:
Pour the Champagne and crème de cassis into a Champagne flute and stir briefly. Garnish with the lemon twist. Serves 1.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma, The Bar Guide.

Eco-Chic Placemats

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and if your calendar is anything like ours, it is quickly filling with holiday parties and get-togethers with friends and family. Never one to show up to a fete empty handed, we've found some great hostess gifts to get you through the holidays.

Our latest fave? These amazing Eako placemats and coasters made from decommissioned London Fire Brigade fire hose. Not only are they environmentally friendly, non-slip and heat resistant, but they look great as well! We can't wait to see the reaction when we wrap these up for the holidays.