LIFE STYLED CHIC by Monica Garrett

This holiday season has inspired me so much with all the festivities going on around me, the crisp cold air, warm clothes and decorations. Some of my must have favorite elements of the season can evoke just the right feelings for you too. For the savvy socialites throwing holiday parties, here is a drink sure to keep your guest warm and chatty.

Holiday Glogg
12 oz. SKYY vodka
1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
1.5 tbsp. mulling spices
1 tsp. fresh orange zest
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. blanched almonds
4 tbsp. raisins

Wrap mulling spices in cheesecloth. In a large saucepan, combine the wine, SKYY vodka (or any top shelf Vodka; No one want’s a holiday headache!), cheesecloth with mulling spices, orange zest, and sugar. Allow to very lightly simmer over medium heat for at least 30 minutes (do not boil). Discard the mulling spices. Drop a few raisins and almonds at the bottom of each mug and top with the hot liquid.

Any outfit can be instantly festive with the perfect red lipstick. Finding the right shade is KEY! I highly recommend going to your favorite make-up counter and asking for help. They will match you with the perfect shade for your skin tone and you will be thankful you did!

For your holiday centerpiece, I totally recommend getting crafty! A Thanksgiving party I attended had the centerpieces with flowers and cranberries in the water vase (vs. stones) and thyme thrown in for variety! Such a great solution for color! (Yay Suzanne!) But, one plant I feel get’s overlooked too often are succulents. They can be gorgeous additions to any centerpiece and I am seeing them pop up in all sorts of weddings and events!

This fabulous arrangement is done by Francoise Weeks who creates one-of-a-kind floral design for weddings and events in Northwest Oregon, Portland Metro area, Southwest Washington and Vancouver. What a wonderful arrangement!

What makes your holidays chic?

This holiday season has inspired me so much with all the festivities going on around me, the crisp cold air, warm clothes and decorations. Some of my must have favorite elements of the season can evoke just the right feelings for you too. For the savvy socialites throwing holiday parties, here is a drink sure to keep your guest warm and chatty.

Holiday Glogg
12 oz. SKYY vodka
1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
1.5 tbsp. mulling spices
1 tsp. fresh orange zest
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. blanched almonds
4 tbsp. raisins

Wrap mulling spices in cheesecloth. In a large saucepan, combine the wine, SKYY vodka (or any top shelf Vodka; No one want’s a holiday headache!), cheesecloth with mulling spices, orange zest, and sugar. Allow to very lightly simmer over medium heat for at least 30 minutes (do not boil). Discard the mulling spices. Drop a few raisins and almonds at the bottom of each mug and top with the hot liquid.

Any outfit can be instantly festive with the perfect red lipstick. Finding the right shade is KEY! I highly recommend going to your favorite make-up counter and asking for help. They will match you with the perfect shade for your skin tone and you will be thankful you did!

For your holiday centerpiece, I totally recommend getting crafty! A Thanksgiving party I attended had the centerpieces with flowers and cranberries in the water vase (vs. stones) and thyme thrown in for variety! Such a great solution for color! (Yay Suzanne!) But, one plant I feel get’s overlooked too often are succulents. They can be gorgeous additions to any centerpiece and I am seeing them pop up in all sorts of weddings and events!

This fabulous arrangement is done by Francoise Weeks who creates one-of-a-kind floral design for weddings and events in Northwest Oregon, Portland Metro area, Southwest Washington and Vancouver. What a wonderful arrangement!

What makes your holidays chic?