I grew up with the notion that Christmas would not be Christmas without Turrones (similar to nougats) lying around in the house as long as the Holiday goes on.  Up until last night the only Turron I would buy for our home was Turron De Alicante, Spain.  I swear to anyone I know that the best food in the world is found in the south of Valencia called Alicante.  Having paid a visit a few times and being mesmerized by the exquisiteness of its cuisine I assumed that so was the case with their Turron.  Alicante’s was the best.  I had tried many others that have only confirmed that.  Until last night, when my hubby brought home something I wasn’t expecting to incite me like that.  It goes by the name of Antica Torroneria Piemontese,  ALAS! What was that..?  I should probably say I prefer desserts that are not overly sweet, so this one was right up my ally!  Sweet enough to brig a smile to my face (and kept me yearning for more) and hard enough as to not threaten my teeth.  The one I tried is coated with a delicious green coating with cedar flavor.
I also tried their truffles and oh my! With an outer coat of powdered coffee that kind of spreads inside your mouth at first until you bite into an explosion of perfectly bitter/sweet chocolate, between the bites little pieces of nuts surprise you.  The whole unexpected experience made me search for this Antica Torroneria Piemontese thing for many minutes to not find a place where this stuff is sold here in the US.  Nothing… that sometimes it’s better off not to come across things this good after all.
Below, a few lovely images of Dessert Tables.  Enjoy!

images via Lost Past Remembered, So Darling, A gray blog, Sparkling Events, Pinterest.

Good Morning my dear friends.  What a fun weekend we had, we went to see the Nutcracker over the weekend, but this year we decided to go to see it at BAM in Brooklyn for a different take and we had a lot of fun!  Amazingly, Christmas eve is days away and since it only happens once a year, I figured let’s go all the way with Christmas decor and inspirations.  I’m a very fashionable girl, nothing would make me happy than having a Christmas with a good dose of Hermes.  Enjoy!

images via Hermes, Pinterest, Tumblr, The Black Wintour.

Remember this kitchen (first top) I posted last week?  It was photographed by Michael Graydon from Toronto, Canada.  I visited the website of this incredible photographer last week and found this home decorated for Christmas in a very elegant and restrained way.  The house has coziness in every room that it’s very suitable for the season.  For those who like to keep the decor simple. Enjoy!

Everything in this room from the bookcases to the oushak rug and the pinecorn garland behind the TV make you want to come in, start watching movies and not leave. 

This home, not content with having gorgeous beam ceilings in every room, seems to have a stunning fireplace in each.  I wonder if this room above is the casual dining room.  It would be great to come here the morning after Christmas and enjoy it with family and friends.  The fact that the kitchen is so closed makes the whole left over feast a lot easier.

Displaying flowers, paper white and amaryllis around the house is an excellent way to make a subtle reference to Christmas.  Especially in the guest room.

all images from Michael Graydon.

top image Southern Accents last Coco Kelley

I think it is just appropriate for this “kitchen of the week” post to be about kitchens decorated for Christmas.  The first three images belong to Jill Sharp Brinson’s home, Ballard Design’s creative director.   It was featured in the November issue of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle.  The house was styled with the help of Suzanne Kasler and the result was quite amazing.   Do you see why I declared that my next kitchen needs to have a row of windows above the counter top?… Above is why. This is probably the only kitchen with brushes, sponges and cleaning artifacts displayed that look this good. Do they sell that stuff at Ballard?

Many people, like myself, prefer to set small buffets around the house for guests to help themselves.  This would be a lovely serving station. 

 

 

 images via House and Home, Martha Stewart, Traditional Home.