INGREDIENTS
3 oz Bulldog London Dry Gin
3/4 oz Pumpkin water*
1/2 oz Simple syrup
1 oz Egg white
1 pinch Pumpkin pie spice
2 dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters

*make Pumpkin Water by diluting 1 part organic canned pumpkin with 2 parts hot water

MIXING NOTES
Combine all ingredients except bitters in a cocktail shaker.
Shake well without ice (dry shake).
Add ice and shake again (wet shake).
Strain into champagne flute.
Top with bitters.

INSIDER NOTES
The Brom Bones (aka The Headless Horseman) was first launched on Halloween at a Bulldog Gin party by Elizabeth mixologist John Freeman who custom created the cocktail for the night. Based on its popularity, this fall inspired cocktail remains on the restaurant’s cocktail menu for the rest of the season.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Elizabeth Restaurant

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His latest release, Orangerie, is back by popular demand, specifically because of the media and industry frenzy it first created three years ago.  Made with a soft, sweet blend of Highland single malt and single grain whiskey from Fife and infused with hand zested Navalino oranges, Indonesian cassia bark and Sri Lankan cloves, Orangerie quickly became coveted on both sides of the pond.

Glaser fondly remembers the relentless text messages from Brit barman Ben Scorah who had seen the limited edition infusion in London and was hell bent on getting it for his world renowned whiskey bar, Beekman Bar & Books. “He texted us weekly to check on its arrival!”

While scotch whiskey may remain predominately a male pursuit, interest in Orangerie by female mixologists has opened it up to a new audience.  “Women are swooning over Orangerie,” says Glaser.  “They love the orange zest. It’s very approachable.”

With a suggestion to drink it chilled with an orange twist and paired with a piece of dark chocolate, we can certainly understand why.

Available in 750ml bottles for $40, Orangerie is sold at specialty retailers in select markets around the world. Check the web site for a complete list of locations.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Compass Box Scotch Whiskey

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With friends, family and strangers as their witness, over a dozen couples took the plunge (or recommitted) in what was truly a sweet and sustainable day.  M Booth & Associates and Synergy Events produced the weddings, while my dvGreen team came on board as sustainability and design consultants.

Helping to promote green while also saving some of it, registered couples were treated to a full wedding setup.  A vibrant wedding canopy and bridal flowers were created with local sunflowers and greens by our girls at Celadon & Celery.

Powered by solar panels, wedding band One Love kept the party rocking all day.  Photographer Patrick Butler provided couples with portraits, and In2Green filled bridal gift bags with cool eco-Ts.  For signage, we opted for biodegradable bioflex with non-toxic inks rather than conventional vinyl.

Passers by enjoyed some sweetness of their own by digging into Beautiful Sweets organic cookies and drinking Sun Crystals-enhanced teas served in compostable Bagesse cups.  As with all good green events, leftovers did not go to waste and were donated to The Bowery Mission.  Additionally, gowns worn by guerilla brides, who hit the streets promoting the event, were donated to the Bridal Garden.  To keep the donations flowing, Sun Crystals plans to maintain a partnership with 1% For The Planet.

Of course, we can’t forget to thank Mother Nature herself who blessed the couples with a bright and sunny day (which of course helped to keep those solar panels fully charged).

Contributing green writer Danielle Venokur is the founder of dvGreen, a sustainable event design  and production firm.  She hosts The Green Party on MNN.com, and has  been featured in GOTHAM, The Knot, Treehugger, Vogue, and Modern Bride as one of their 25 Trendsetters of 2008.

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Lighting a candle - whether for a private vigil or a lively party - can change the energy in a room.  With a candle in a glassybaby votive , the gesture can contribute to improving a person’s life.  Created by Lee Rhodes, a cancer survivor who wanted to find a way to give back to the care centers that cured her and to the community of patients that needed her support, glassybaby is a collection of beautifully colored votives that benefits charity.

Every year, glassybaby selects a group of colors to benefit local and national cancer organizations such as the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the Martha Stewart Center for Living.  Handmade by glassblowers in a Seattle studio, the votives, which can be used as vases or drinking glasses, come in a wide range of delicious colors from pastel pinks and greens to deep blues and burgundies.  With over 70 shades, there is a color to match every tabletop setting or room aesthetic.

Available at their retail stores in Seattle and New York (opening October 29, 2009) and online, glassybaby votives are sold for $40 each with 10% of sales going to charity.   The sturdy and sophisticated votives can also be rented for weddings and events for $5 each.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of glassybaby

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Thanks to our rotten economy many parents have had to scale back—but that doesn’t mean your child’s birthday has to be anything short of magnificent.  Here are some of my tips and parenting secrets for a classic birthday bash at home:

Home parties should be small
Three to four kids for a two year old is plenty, add one or two more for every year to a maximum of 12.  If you are inviting more than 12 children, look for a venue to host the party or pitch a tent outside.

Keep the menu simple
Don’t knock yourself out with exquisite canapés.  Do offer some healthy snacks, wheat crackers, cheese sticks, grapes, etc. Mini quesadillas are a nice alternative to pizza. If you plan to order in, Susie’s Supper Club offers homemade granola bars, tasty spinach squares and yummy banana nut muffins–all appropriately kid-sized.

Limit the candy
It’ll just send the kids into orbit.  Cake and a juice box are plenty of sugar. Skip colored juices and dark chocolate cake unless you are planning an outdoor party. Your carpets will thank me.  If allergies are an issue, call up OMG cupcakes for vegan, gluten-free delights that look divine and are made with exceptional ingredients.

Plan on a 90-minute party
Anything longer is too hard for a large group.  Here’s the basic run down.

20 minutes: Free play/Icebreaker. I like a simple craft such as rolling out a long sheet of paper on the floor and supplying crayons and (washable) markers.  Here’s an idea: Have each guest lie down on the paper roll and trace around them. Let the kids color themselves in—big fun. Swing by Pearl Paint for your supplies.

40 minutes:  Main Activity. Could be your husband doing magic tricks, or a clown brought in to perform. Older kids will love tie-die or a rock band party. If you are bringing in the talent, why not try something new like Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady who will whip up artsy creations for the kids.

15 minutes: Birthday cake, song and snack.

15 minutes: Free play (to run off the sugar). Simply crank up some danceable tunes and throw some balloons on the floor for the kids to bop around.

Hide all breakables
Instead invest in reusable tableware (a party pak) from Kids Konserve made from recycled yogurt containers.

Keep a large trash can handy
Kids can toss or recycle cups and plates and won’t have to carry food to the kitchen.  The Container Store has colorful toy bins on wheels that can serve double duty.  Line them with thin garbage bags for the the party and when the clean-up is done they are perfect for organizing toys.

Designate a photographer
(i.e. Uncle Joe—the 20 year old without kids)—you won’t be able to shoot good pictures and coordinate the party. If you can hire a professional, you won’t regret splurging on a photographer like Suzanne Cohen who specializes in candid photos that tell a story.

Relax and join the fun
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your child will likely remember you joining in the festivities and bashing the piñata more than perfectly matched table settings.

Founded by Nicole Feliciano, Momtrends launched in 2007 and provides the latest news on things trendy and cool for families. Momtrends is packed with practical information and shopping tips aimed to help busy, style-starved parents find the best gear for their family.  Nicole is a contributing writer to Babble.com, Time Out New York Kids, and many more online and print publications.

PHOTO CREDIT:  OMG Cupcakes, Susie’s Supper Club, Wendy the Pipe Cleaner Lady and Suzanne Cohen Photography

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To-Go Ware features a smart-looking set of portable bamboo utensils including a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks, conveniently housed in a holder made from recycled PET plastic bottles.

The RePEat Family Fun Pack ($54.95) comes with 5 complete sets and holders in assorted colors including agave, avocado, beet, hijiki and pumpkin.

One for each of the members of your eco-entourage.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of To-Go Ware

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Despite the annual deluge of tacky costumes and kitschy decor, we found ourselves inspired by Halloween and its celebration of the living dead.  Our interpretation of this haunted holiday can be brought to life with these exquisite items below…

From the parlour of Douglas Little of D.L. & Company, the “purveyor of curious goods,” comes two incredible candles that would surely set a mysterious mood for Halloween - Vena Amoris ($150) or “vein of love,” an effigy wax scuplture of a hand and, from the Momento Mori collection, Skull with Snake ($85).

Vintage inspired black goblets from Eden & Eden ($65 for a pair) and gold beaded napkin rings in the shape of spiders ($56) by Kim Seybert would give your dining table an opulent look.  Serve guests candied apples made with red wine caramel which taste as decadent as they look.

Lace masks, leather gloves and boudoir inspired apparel from Kiki De Montparnasse would allow you to dress to impress in less for your night on the town.

And, if mingling with the masses at the Halloween parade isn’t your style, spend some time at Purgatorio, the new erotic nightmare fantasy show created by Simon Hammerstein of the infamous supper club, The Box, which opens on October 15th, 2009 and runs through the 31st.

PHOTO CREDIT:  D.L. & Company, Kiki de Montparnasse, Epicurious, Neiman Marcus

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When it comes to this type of dining, who better to ask than chef Marc Murphy  who is known for his rustic Italian and French cuisine and his easy going style.

The renowned chef took a moment from his busy New York restaurants – Ditch Plains, Landmarc Tribeca and Landmarc Time Warner Center – and his spot as judge on the Food Network show, “Chopped,” to share his secrets with the Lazy Hostess on how to plan the ultimate autumn feast complete with one of his widely popular food stations.  Here’s what we learned:

Display an Abundance of Food
A table presented with an abundance of cheeses, meats, savory snacks, bread and vegetables is an easy way to entertain guests without having to replenish throughout the evening.  A typical Landmarc food station, prepared by Murphy’s catering team, is almost overflowing with a variety of cheeses such as old Amsterdam, Parmesan and Saint Andre, large bunches of red and green grapes, sliced country bread and breadsticks as well as savory antipasto including grilled artichokes, roasted red peppers and marinated mushrooms.

Pack it Together for Fullness
To set up your food station, use items found in the kitchen such as wooden cutting boards, cast iron and copper pots mixed in with other serving bowls and platters.  Create various heights to show off the different food selections (meat, cheese, antipasto) and drape a large white tablecloth over everything to hide the risers underneath. Pack everything tightly together and fill in all the gaps between the levels with bread to create an appearance of fullness and the look will be impressive!

Serve a Signature Cocktail that Reflects the Season
Murphy likes to prepare a big batch of one signature cocktail for the night that reminds guests of the autumn season.  A new creation that is being served at Landmarc events is the Harvest Mojito which is made with white rum, fresh lime juice, mint syrup and beet puree.

Stick to Hearty Seasonal Food
The Landmarc menu is filled with dishes like lamb meatballs with tomatoes, whipped ricotta and mint as well as herb roasted branzino with sautéed radiccio, carrots and zucchini.  Another crowd favorite is their Orecchiette alla Norcina, which is a hearty pasta dish that is very easy to prepare.

Here’s the recipe for you to make at home.

Orecchiette alla Norcina
6 servings (8 cups)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Italian pork sausage (preferably without fennel seeds), casing removed, crumbled
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 pound orecchiette

Bring one gallon of water to boil.   Add 2 tablespoons salt.  Add pasta and cook 10 to 12 minutes. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.  Add sausage and sauté until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.  Add cream and rosemary and bring to a boil.  Add drained pasta to pan and cook for 5 minutes.  Add parmesan and cook for 3 more minutes, tossing frequently. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Marc Murphy Recommends
We convinced chef Murphy to give us the scoop on some of his favorite resources and brands, which include olives from Sahadi’s, pistachios and mixed nuts from Bazzini Nuts and bread from Sullivan Street and Grandaisy Bakeries in New York.

For more information about Landmarc Catering, contact Lisa Mensch at 646-688-0058 or visit their website.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Landmarc Catering

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Created by former Astor Center director Lesley Townsend and an advisory board that reads as the who’s-who of the cocktail industry including Sasha Petraske, Dale DeGroff, Allen Katz, Julie Reiner, Charlotte Voisey among others, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic is best described as, “part festival, part fete, part conference, part cocktail party.”

“It all started with a naive question,” recalled Townsend with a laugh. “If New Orleans and San Francisco have cocktail events, how come New York doesn’t have one?”  Little did she know that the accidental idea posed to a few of her industry contacts (who later became the Advisory Board), would initiate so much interest so quickly that Townsend was (enthusiastically) pressured to leave her job and spearhead the event.

Highlights of the Fall Preview gala included a feast of classic food, loosely inspired by pre-Prohibition time, such as Cheeses from Stinky Bklyn; Smoked Salmon from Russ & Daughters; Roasted Game Birds from Allen & Delancey; Cheese Fondue from The Jake Walk; and even a few whole suckling pigs.

Top cocktails of the night were the Delmonico (Hendrick’s Gin, Solerno Liqueur, Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge) and, of course, the Manhattan, (Michter’s Rye, Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth and Angostura Bitters).

The guests, many of whom arrived in full 1920’s costume, danced to the iconic New York jazz band, Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks.

According to Townsend, there will be a lot more drinking to come with the upcoming multi-day Manhattan Cocktail Classic which is scheduled for May 14 to 18, 2010.

For more information on the event, visit their web site or follow them on Twitter for news and updates.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Trina Albus and Live the Lush Life 

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The Colorado Springs company has been creating these beautiful glasses by hand by slicing off the bottom of used wine bottles, sandblasting them to attain a new finish and recycling the tops.  Available in two sizes, the glasses come in a variety of colors including Amber, Aqua, Olive and Blue. A set of 4 old fashioned glasses is $28 and the taller set is $30.

What a romantic anniversary gift to give a spouse to have the actual bottles from the wedding (that might have headed to a landfill) refashioned into everyday drinking glasses.  For an extra touch (and major points), the name, date or a special message can be etched on the exterior of the glass.

To custom order your glasses from Wine Punts, call 719-229-3059 or visit the website.

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Fever Tree is made from all natural botanicals and juices with ultra carbonated spring water, cane sugar and, for their tonic water, authentic quinine for a fresh, clean taste making them the choice of sophisticated palettes all over the globe.

Named after the colloquial term for the cinchona tree (fever tree) in which quinine is found, the collection of award winning soda mixers includes Tonic Water, Bitter Lemon, Club Soda, Gingerale and, their newest addition, Ginger Beer which contains hot Nigerian ginger for an extra bite.

Fever Tree sodas are served at Gramercy Tavern in New York, Spago in Las Vegas as well as specialty grocers across the U.S. such as Whole Foods and Wegmans.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Fever Tree

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There are times when you may sacrifice form in favor of function but never in the case of Bodum.  The minimalist brand from Copenhagen, best known for their French Coffee Press, has been creating beautiful and affordable products for everyday life since 1944.

Bodum’s new Cool Collection features a standout piece, the Double Wall Glass Ice Bucket ($39.95), made of two walls of borosilicate glass and topped with a silicon lid for extra insulation.  The innovative design allows the ice cubes to be suspended over the second layer of glass where melted ice can pool without touching fresh cubes.  Besides preserving ice for longer periods of time, the bucket can be used to chill wine, water or spirits and comes with a stainless steel pincer.  Available in 8 vibrant colors including red, purple, pink, green, grey, black,  brown and white.

Launching soon, the ultra light Bistro Ice Tea Jug (top left, $59.95) has a temperature resistant handle and internal filter to be used to brew ice tea, to infuse water with fruit or, with the filter removed, as a pitcher of any type of beverage.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Bodum

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The brainchild of three best friends, Milkmade is a new service that drops off a pint of freshly made ice cream every month to about 50 members based in New York.  Created with organic ingredients sourced from local farmers, Milkmade features seasonal flavors inspired by available items at the morning market as well as the unique cravings of its founders.

Members can enjoy mouthwatering flavors such as Black Current with Gingersnaps and Maple Pancake which is filled with bits of organic homemade pancake.

Besides their inventive recipes, the founders are dedicated to sustainable agriculture and supporting local farms.  Ice Cream Socials are hosted at Milkmade’s headquarters in New York to educate their members on the making of their products and the fresh ingredients that go into them.  Can you think of a more delicious reason to have a party?

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Milkmade

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With the chicest social types embracing the concept of hosting a party where their guests get a hand in the entertaining, the potluck dinner has been elevated from its simple bring-your-own-dish status to a creative group dining experience. Of course, The Lazy Hostess loves the idea of easy home cooking with any army of sous chefs in tow.

Here are some fresh ideas and tips for hosting the modern day potluck:

Divide and Conquer
With so many (literal) cooks in the kitchen, you, as the host of the party, need to give some clear direction to make the night run smoothly.  The more you plan your group menu in advance, the better the final outcome.  Break the food and drinks into categories like appetizers, entrees, dessert and bar so that guests can tell you what they’d like to bring.  Make sure you have enough guests in each category so that you don’t end up with just wine and pie for dinner!

Take the Lead
As the dinner host, you need to provide the foundation for the meal.  This means that you should prepare and serve an entree dish that will anchor the night’s menu and provide a significant amount of food for your guests.  Don’t forget that it’s your responsibility to provide the basic supplies for the party including dinnerware and cutlery, napkins and serving utensils. If you need more supplies, try ordering eco-friendly items from Sustainable Party, which carries cups, plates, forks and more.  For the bar, you will need glassware, ice, garnishes, mixers and bar tools.

Style Your Food
With food arriving throughout the night and in a variety of containers, you need to have a system to organize everything.  If you have extra serving platters, transfer the food from the plastic containers they arrive in to more aesthetically pleasing options, like the porcelain collection at Crate & Barrel  Designate food stations for appetizers and salads, entrees and desserts to keep access to the buffet less congested.  Set up a separate bar so that guests may help themselves.

Select a Theme
To avoid a hodgepodge of dishes and to simplify the assignment for guests, select a theme for the night.  Some of the more popular themes are Italian or Indian night and Chili Cook-Off (where various guests bring their best pots of chili for guests to taste). For something more original, use a favorite film (Like Water for Chocolate) or a specific cookbook (Julia Child) for your event and menu inspiration.

Don’t Slave, Slow Cook
Potlucks call for hearty food that can be easily prepared, shared and served.  A true Lazy Hostess short-cut, we like to use a slow cooker to create savory food with less time in the kitchen.  Whether you are making soup, stew, cassoulet or chili, a slow cooker will let you quickly prep your ingredients, throw them into the pot and then leave for up to 8 hours while it does everything else (which means perfectly cook and meld together all those delicious flavors!)  Our absolute favorite is All Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker which has a non-stick interior pot that can be removed for stove top cooking as well as for serving at your table.

To get you started, here is one of our tried and true recipes, originally from Real Simple and adapted for preparation in a slow cooker.

Turkey Red Bean Chili

2 pounds lean ground turkey
1 large onion, chopped
5 large cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 can diced tomatoes (14 ½ ounce)
2 cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained (15 ½ ounce)
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cayenne

Place a non-stick pot over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, stirring well, and cook until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Transfer the pot back into the slow cooker (if using the All Clad) or transfer contents of pot into the slow cooker. Add the broth, chili powder, cumin, tomatoes, beans, salt, and vinegar.  Still well.  Close lid on slow cooker, set on lowest heat and leave for up to 8 hours.
When ready to serve, offer your guests garnishes including shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped jalapeno and chives as well as sides like corn bread or crunchy tortilla chips.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma and Real Simple

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Who says pop-up drawings are just for kids?  These exquisite laser-cut cards and place mats by artist Lian Ng are inspired by children’s books but definitely have a place at the adult table.

Made from recycled paper, the folded cards ($4.50 each) are  4.25″ x 5.5″ and come blank on the inside with a matching envelope in either white or kraft paper.  A variety of styles for all types of occasions are available including images of a fireplace, birdcage, safari and balloons.

As for the place mats, which come in 19″ x 13″ rectangles ($26 for 10), the delicate pop-up images of a pram and crib make for charming table settings for a baby shower.  There are 15 other styles including a cake, carriage and dinner feast and most have room for a name to be inscribed.

The entire collection of PopArt cards and place mats are available online at Publique Living.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Publique Living

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Handmade of die-cut stock paper in 7 different color combos, the flowers, circles and hexagon shapes are strung together on clear, sturdy thread with loops at the ends for easy hanging.

The garlands, which retail for $38, are delivered flat packed in envelopes and take 2-5 days to arrive.  Other items by artist Heather Frazier include paper mobiles and wall hangings.  Orders can be placed at frazierandwing.com

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Frazier & Wing

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Over 700 retailers and designers are participating by hosting parties in all of the five boroughs. The events are open to the public and promise to include coveted give-aways, celebrity and model sightings and face time with some notable designers.

Leave it to Vogue to turn the whole city into one big catwalk.  To help you navigate the jam-packed fashion calendar, here are some of our picks for the coolest parties of the night…

Block Party
Centre Market Place (east of Centre Street, south of Broome)
It may be a tiny and hard-to-find strip of downtown NY, but Centre Market Place is a hipster heaven.  Built by Wendy, No. 6, Onieals Grand Street and Pipino Salon have banded together to host an all night dance party complete with shopping discounts, Pipino’s famous “pin-ups” for $35, a taco truck and photo booth.

Adam Lippes 
675 Hudson Street, 212-229-2838
In partnership with Havaianas, designer Adam Lippes will host a chic cocktail party where guests can personalize custom made T-shirts and flip flops while listening to tunes by DJ Phresh.  Proceeds from the sale of flip flops will go to the 9/11 Charity Fund.

Korres Natual Products
110 Wooster Street, 212-219-0683
Those in the know love this Greek brand’s all natural skincare products.  Their event will include a detox bar serving cocktails infused with Korres signature ingredients including pomegranate, honey and thyme as well as free make-overs and gift bags.

Barney’s New York
660 Madison Avenue, 212-826-8900
Forever our “happy place,” Barney’s New York is hosting a street fair with star designers Isabel Toledo, Thom Browne, Alexander Wang and The Row’s Mary-Kate & Ashley Olson.  To capture their irreverent and wacky attitude, the listed activities include salsa lessons, knitting and lip readings.

Ports 1961
3 Ninth Avenue, 917-475-1022
For the fashion globetrotter, Ports 1961 never fails to transport you to an exotic locale.  This season the destination is India and, in celebration, the brand has donated funds to build a well in India via charity: water.  Guests will enjoy tunes by DJ Donna D’Cruz, interactive elements, special guests and an exhibit of artwork by Indian artists.

In addition to New York, other international editions of Vogue will promote parties on September 10th, 2009 in all of the respective fashion capitals of the world including the UK, Italy, France, China, Japan and more.

For more information, visit fashionsnightout.com.

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How do you like your water? These days your choices go way beyond sparkling and still.  Ayala, the first organically certified enhanced water, features unique herbal infusions like Lemongrass Mint Vanilla, Cloves Cardamom Cinnamon and Ginger Lemon Peel.

Inspired by the culinary uses and medicinal benefits of herbs, Ayala is a natural product that has zero calories, artificial additives or preservatives making it a smarter choice than sugar-laden sodas and sports drinks.

With its colorful and chic packaging, we are betting that sophisticated hostesses will be serving the chilled herbal waters right out of the bottle.  While it might not be eco-friendly to serve plastic at your party, the bottles are made of BPA free plastics and are 100% recyclable.

Ayala is available nationwide at specialty grocery stores including Whole Foods, Garden of Eden and Gourmet Garage or online.  The 16 oz bottles comes in 12 packs of a single flavor or a variety case that includes 2 of each flavor.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Ayala Herbal Water

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A little bit of whimsy can be added to your table setting with these delicate handcrafted paper creations.  The collection by Timeless Paper consists of menus, napkin rings and table cards in the shape of butterflies, peacocks and flowers.  Place cards are cleverly designed to perch on the rim of goblets for an eye-catching and original presentation.

Created with white or cream paper stock with handpainted dots in any specified color, the items are handmade by graphic designer Emily Arrison.  Space is left for calligraphy or may be ordered in advance with names printed in an elegant script.

The individual items are sold for $1 to $3 each and come in sets. The entire collection is sold on Etsy at Timeless Paper’s shop.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Timeless Paper

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The crisps, which come in signature flavors including Fig and Olive, Salty Date and Almond, Rosemary Raisin Pecan and, our favorite, Cranberry Hazelnut, pair beautifully with soft cheeses, bruschetta, antipasto or even smoked salmon.

Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps are available online for $6.99 and at select Whole Foods stores nationwide.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Lesley Stowe Fine Foods

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