{In Case You Missed It}: 2022 Highlights

 

Happy New Year! 

I know we’re nearing the end of this first month of the year, but hopefully you will still accept my my wishes for your to enjoy your best year yet in 2023—while I share my perennial highlights from 2022. This tradition started way back in 2013, and I truly enjoy recapping my highlights from each year.  It’s part ode to all the ways DMRFF continues to add to my journey and dreams and part keeping up with my journey and its evolution, year over year.

So in case you missed some or all of our footprint in 2022, here are the key highlights from my DMRFF world:

Food:

2022 brought more goodness on the food front, in particular with recipes that I brought to life in my kitchen and shared here on the blog.  From frittatas, to brussels sprouts, cheesecake, zucchini muffins, pralines and more, it was another delicious year, indeed. If you missed any of them, it's never too late to dive in!

Beyond the kitchen, I engaged in collaborations with notable food brands.  In honor of Black History Month, I collaborated with the FeedFeed and shared this recipe. I also collaborated with America’s Test Kitchen and had the privilege of reviewing and promoting their fabulous cookbook, Vegan Cooking for Two.

Lifestyle and Beauty:

Fragrance has been a part of my “get ready” beauty regimen seemingly forever and I shared my favorite tips for getting the most out of your scents, including tips for layering  and how to make your fragrance linger longer.  

Travel:

My travel escapades in 2022 took me back to repeat, favorite destinations including Los Cabos, Mexico, Savannah, New Orleans, Destin, New York City and Phoenix. Each getaway offered up fresh experiences and memories, proving there’s always more to explore no matter how often you visit a destination.

The Cherries on Top:

The year also brought in the special honor of being selected as a 2022 Better Homes and Gardens Style Maker for the 3rd time (with the previous honors in 2018 and 2021).  This year’s celebration took place in NYC and boasted a day of learning from industry experts, connecting with fellow Style Makers, and culminating in a beautiful soiree overlooking the Hudson River in celebration of the magazine’s 100th anniversary.  It was an affair to remember and an honor, indeed, to be recognized by this prestigious  publication and brand.

This year was laced with many proud moments and accomplishments, including the publication of my first book, which represented a dream come true.  Along with fulfilled career goals, ministry, and relationships, I am very grateful for all the goodness I was blessed to experience last year, including the opportunity to share with you.

Thank you for being here in my corner of the world and for allowing me to continue to share my passions with you.  

Here’s to the Happiest of New Years…

xo, Dawn

{Be Inspired}: Hope Is In The Air

Yesterday marked the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States of America.  And with it came a renewed hope for the journey ahead as a country--and as a black woman in this country.  "So much from one day?," you may be asking.  And my answer is a resolute yes.

Let me explain.

Witnessing Kamala Harris, who is the first woman, and a Black and Southeast Asian woman, in fact, become the Vice President of the United States was historic and reaffirming at once.  Why? Because it emphasized something we all know: representation matters.  Seeing a woman who looks like me, and who has undoubtedly encountered (and overcome) the challenges that other women, and Black women, in particular, face, is the ultimate affirmation that it (whatever 'it' may be) can happen for me, too.  It's no exaggeration when I say that countless girls and women of all backgrounds felt the same.  To see it is to aspire to it; to know its possibility turned reality.

 

It's why, I imagine, President Joe Biden recounts telling his high school mates that he believed he would be President someday.  He saw, administration over administration, white males, who looked like him, hold the most prestigious and powerful position in the world.  Not a far stretch in his mind, therefore.

Hope lives in the believing that a dream, however audacious and ambitious, can become reality.  Hope lives in being able to "see" before you see.  And that's why representation matters.  It's why recreating more moments like yesterday's, on the big and small stages of life, matters.  From the White House, to the Clergy, to the Boardroom, to the University, to the Military, and so much more, it's what we need now more than ever.  

Opportunity. Hope. Big Dreams. Dreams Fulfilled. Repeat. 

If 2021 needed a booster shot (and it did, even in its short tenure so far), yesterday was the super dose of hope that I believe revived our expectations for better, brighter days ahead.  And I pray you experienced at least a small taste of it, too.

Here's to more Happy (Inspired) Living! 

{In Case You Missed It}: 2019 Highlights

Happy New Year! How amazing is it that we have crossed the threshold not only into a brand new year, but a brand new decade?!  And, as always, wrapping up a year gives way for my reflection on many of the moments that made it special, indeed.

2019 was not without its ebbs and flows, and despite some of the bumps, bruises and downright difficult moments I encountered, there were undoubtedly so many more special moments that I was blessed to experience and/or create--and I'm excited to recap some of my favorites here for you, as a part of my now running annual highlights.  From food, to travel, to lifestyle and fashion, media collaborations, and sharing with you, it was another very good year for me and D.M.R. Fine Foods.  And considering we're heading into the 10th anniversary of the blog this year (I launched it almost three years after starting my brand and business), I'm thrilled to say that it keeps getting better and better.  And the best is still yet to come!

So to get us going, I'm kicking things off with a fun slideshow round-up. (*Recommended: watch in full screen mode.)



Food ~
My food escapades once again included being a featured blogger in the 3rd annual Black History Month Potluck, which showcased my Spice Roasted Chicken, along with 27 additional recipes from fellow bloggers for a one-of-a-kind expose of the best in black cuisine and culture.  There were additional new recipes brought to life in my kitchen, like my now favorite Hasselback Butternut Squash with Maple Butter, Egg Muffins and more, and favorite sips, including this travel-inspired Spritz and this festive, grown-up twist to apple cider.  From my travels (more on that in a moment), to home cooking, restaurant weeks, local dining experiences, and more, 2019 was a delicious year.

Travel ~
2019 was an epic year of travel for me.  From taking in never-before-visited continents, countries, cities, and states, to revisiting long-time favorites, and making memories all along the way, 2019 kept my wanderlust in full gear.  The lineup included New York City, Florida (Orlando and Destin), Chicago, Thailand (Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket), London, Paris, Arkansas (Little Rock, Bentonville, and El Dorado), and last, but certainly not least, Maui, Hawaii.  Travel is truly life for me, and I'm so grateful to have amassed such amazing experiences and lifetime memories, once again.

But it didn't stop there.  I did a thing and launched my very own travel boutique, to boot.  Taking my expertise and love for travel and extending that to help others explore and create postcard-worthy memories now lines my travel purpose and goals.

Fashion and Lifestyle ~
I started the year with the privilege of indulging my inner fashion bug during the NYFW-adjacent MAN/WOMAN Autumn/Winter 2019 Man Show in NYC.  Can you say my element?! It goes without saying that it was great to be back in the thick of it all.  From a little extra fun with Mac Cosmetics for National Lipstick Day, donning tribal braids for a new look and life lessons, necessary self care, and more, the year brought more of the lifestyle flair that I love.

Media/Collaborations ~
2019 proved to be another exceptional year on the media/collaboration fronts.  From my running monthly column in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine (which wrapped its 8 year stint!!! last year), to my absolute favorite Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, to ADAC, Slutty Vegan, Candytopia, more phenomenal restaurants (SEAR/Marriott Hotels, Aziza, Mission + Market, Fogo de Chao, Henri's), Diptyque, Home Depot Backyard Night Market, Scotch & Soda, Miracle Atlanta, ESSENCE (dream collaboration!!!), and one truly unforgettable press tour hosted by Arkansas Tourism, I couldn't have asked for a better extension of my bringing my talents and passions to bear across so many phenomenal brands and experiences.  Truly. blessed.

I'm thankful for every experience and opportunity to live and share my passions and expertise.  I thank you for remaining connected and appreciate your ongoing support and interest in my corner of the world.  I love having you along for my journey and look forward to sharing more as 2020 continues to unfold.

Happy Living!

xo,
Dawn

Welcome to a Very Good New Year

Happy New Year! I wrapped the year with a Caribbean getaway and I'm finally (slowly) emerging from my vacay state of mind and settling into a whole. new. year.  2019!  It's always amazing to take that in considering that it feels as if 2018 just began yesterday in some ways.

And what a year it was.  I experienced what was (for me) a supreme year of continued increase, growth, opportunity--and, yes, a couple of tough patches.  Still, the overarching theme, without question, was definitely God's favor and blessing--even in the uncomfortable places that required me to stretch, let go in some areas, and forge ahead with renewed strength. As my tradition has become, I'll be sharing a fuller recap of the highlights that made last year so special for me and D.M.R. Fine Foods, so stay tuned for an upcoming dedicated post!

In reflecting on the year gone by, I came across a post I shared here, in which I reasserted my faith and decision to have a very good year last year (and every year, to be honest)--before much time had elapsed and before much of the 'very goodness' had actually unfolded.  Because my mission with this brand is to share the good life in its many facets--and in the ways most meaningful to me--I wanted to share this with you to prime you for a very good year of your own this year.

I look forward to continuing to share my journey and passions with you as the year gets underway and, as always, thank you for support!

Here's to the happiest of New Years!

xo, Dawn

{In Case You Missed It}: 2017 Highlights

Happy New Year! Embarking upon another year has always been a source of excitement, hope and anticipation for what's to come.  As 2018 continues to unfold, I'm pressing the pause button to reflect and share some of the amazing highlights that 2017 brought to D.M.R. Fine Foods.

There's a heightened sense of gratitude that occurs when I realize just how amazing this past year has been.  On virtually every front, I was so blessed to create, curate, and share my passions in both familiar and new (for me), exciting ways!

If you've been along for the ride with me until now, multiplied thank yous!! And if you're newer to D.M.R. Fine Foods, welcome!  I look forward to you settling in and staying awhile. :)

So without further adieu, here's our best of 2017, starting with a short video stream of some favorite moments (recommended: watch in full screen mode).
Travel ~
My year in travel was probably my biggest in recent memory.  I literally started the year in the midst of a winter getaway to Rome, Florence and Paris and got to take in these favorite cities (and fall in love with them) all over again.  Within a month, I was off to warmer terrain in the U.S. Virgin Islands and enjoyed a lovely return visit to St. Croix.  My journeys continued to New Orleans, Chicago, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Cuba, Phoenix (including one amazing day trip to the Grand Canyon) and finally, my perennial favorite, NYC.  Travel is such a source of joy and discovery and refreshing for me, so a year heavy in taking in destinations near and far couldn't have been better.


Food ~
2017 was by far the most exciting year in food to date!  I started the year sharing recipes inspired by travels, like Warm Goat Cheese Salad, soon followed by a phenomenal virtual potluck with 27 other food bloggers in honor of Black History Month!! It was a one-of-a-kind showcase of global black culture--through the lens of food, including my Curry Chicken Pot Pie feature.  More goodness followed with recipes like Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Cherry Upside Down Cake, Roasted Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers, Braised Short Ribs and more!

Beyond my kitchen, my food journey was also inextricably linked to my travels, and I had the pleasure of taking in unforgettable local eats and restaurants, such as this and this and this.  It was another delicious year, indeed!

Media ~
Beyond sharing here on the blog, my recurring column in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, digital and social media, I was immensely blessed to add both television and radio to the fold.  From a radio interview on the food and culture scene in St. Croix, USVI to several appearances on CBS46's Atlanta Plugged In morning show, I couldn't have been more thrilled for the opportunities to share my food and lifestyle passions with broader audiences.

The year brought continued successful collaborations that included media relations and social campaigns for the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, The Four Seasons Hotel, St. Lucia Department of Tourism, Davio's Northern Italian Restaurant, PopSugar, and more.

Fashion & Lifestyle ~
Fashion found its way center stage through style files on Trench Coats, the Met Gala Red Carpet and the exceptional Ragtrade Atlanta Fashion Week and Runway Show.

And lifestyle inspiration spanned fall tablescapes, to holiday-themed decor, and more.

Thank you for allowing D.M.R. Fine Foods to share with you and may you be inspired to live "the good life" like never before!

xx,
Dawn

{In Case You Missed It}: 2016 Highlights

Happy New Year!  I hope that your new year is indeed off to a great start and already shaping up to be your best one yet.

Before we go much further, however, in keeping with my recent tradition, I want to pause and share on some of the most special highlights from 2016.  If you follow me on social media, then you're likely aware that I was fortunate to end last year and begin the new year indulging in my passion for travel with a vacation in a few of my favorite European countries and cities--hence the recent quietness on the blog and much appreciated break and rest from my usual routine. (More highlights from that to come in the days and months ahead...!)

Now that I'm back in the saddle, so to speak, my first order of business here on the blog is to share a brief capture of some of the moments--in food, travel, fashion and style, lifestyle, inspiration, and more, that made last year exceptional on its own terms.  Six plus years and counting, and I am more thankful than ever for this outlet and the opportunities you afford me to share my passions with you.



From dining at the James Beard House, to being featured in Vinings Lifestyle Magazine, to recurring media coverage and collaboration for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Taste of Atlanta Festival, as well as local restaurants, working with amazing brands like Groupon and Warby Parker, sharing my recipes in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, increased collaboration with PopSugar, a fabulous Holiday Pop Up Shop, wonderful travels from New York to Miami to Mexico to Italy, and more, 2016 was once again super sweet and special for D.M.R. Fine Foods.  I feel truly blessed by it all.
 
As always, I hope DMRFF continues to inspire you to live and embrace "the good life" in all its facets. 

Here's to the happiest new year yet....

xo, Dawn

{Put an Egg on It}: Recipes, Cooking Techniques & More!

Herbed Baked Eggs

Welcome to the wonderful world of eggs!  Boiled. Baked. Scrambled. Poached. Frittatas. Omelets. (Okay, by now you get the picture.)  The incredible, edible egg is indeed one versatile and mouth-watering star ingredient fueling some of our most delicious dreams. 

I, for one, have taken to incorporating them into my diet more since the new year debuted (the boiled variety is a favorite for protein-fueled breakfasts and snacking).  But did you ever consider that when it comes to preparing them, technique is involved?  Well, there is.  And today's post is dedicated to all the egg-noshing, technique, and etiquette savvy, that I can muster.  If you're like me, you'll soon be saying, 'put an egg on it!'. 

Recipes ~

Herbed Baked Eggs are one of my absolute favorite ways to indulge.  Easy, yet elegant, they're even great for entertaining (think brunch).  For more ways to indulge, here are 44 (yes, 44) additional recipes to keep your egg recipe rotation in high gear.

Technique ~ 

What every good cook needs, but admittedly sometimes lacks, is the skill to pull off the runny, poached egg, light and fluffy omelet, and immaculate golden yolk that boiled eggs are made of.  If that's someone you know ;), then help is here.  These tips and tricks will have your egg game strong before you can say, 'what's for breakfast?'.

Etiquette ~ 

And once all the "work" is done, all that's left is the eating, right?  Well, before you do, make sure you know exactly how to eat them.  My quick and fun dining tutorial will equip you in no time.

Now... on to Happy Eating!

{In Case You Missed It}: 2015 Highlights

As I approach the end of another year (five years and running now for the blog), it has become clearer to me than ever that the love and sweat poured into D.M.R. Fine Foods is worth every ounce of effort.  Sharing my passions with you here and beyond, and getting to experience them in newer and more exciting ways during this past year, has made 2015 nothing short of phenomenal.  While you're always welcome (and encouraged) to devour the archives, I want to encapsulate the highlights that set 2015 apart for D.M.R. Fine Foods--and have us raring to go for an even greater 2016!

FOOD
Where to start? There was no shortage of great recipes that made for a delicious year from start to finish.  Favorites included Rustic Strawberry Jam Crostini, Chilled Red Pepper Soup, Strawberry-Basil Sorbet, Buffalo Hot Wings, Crispy Flatbread Pizza, Raspberry-Ricotta Cake and so much more! Visit our recipes page to see them all.

Beyond my own cooking and baking forays, were equally delicious restaurant tastings and brand openings, food festivals, including the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival and perennial Taste of Atlanta Festival.  Not to mention the thrill of my award of dinner for two at the Beard House in NYC from the James Beard Foundation and a share of this post on their Instagram feed. Swoon!

And last, but certainly not least, was the continuation of my beloved Pop-Up Cooking School and Holiday Pop-Up Shop.  

TRAVEL
I started the year with an enviable travel bucket list that combined long-standing favorites with new, yet to be seen, territory.  I'm elated to share that I made every place on the list (with an extra or two along the way)--with the exception of one due to a last minute downturn in weather.  You'll have to stick around in 2016 to learn which one that is because I won't let it get by me next year.   

What could be dreamier than starting my year in travel in Paris and London for a winter holiday?  It was followed by weekend getaways, R&R beach escapes, NYC, and finally Argentina and Uruguay.  Laden with beauty, great food, amazing people and cultures, adventure, shopping, art and more, as travel goes, it was phenomenal on all counts. I'll be sharing more in upcoming travel postcards, so wait to be inspired.

FASHION
A passion of mine since seemingly forever (just ask my mom), I loved bringing more of myself to the blog on this front.  From beach style, to Labor Day garb, to New York Fashion Week(!!!), 2015 served up some truly memorable moments in fashion.

LIFESTYLE INSPIRATION
From interiors to dining alfresco to makeup and beauty to simple pleasures, there was no shortage of lifestyle inspiration in 2015.    

MEDIA COLLABORATIONS
Beyond the festivals, restaurants, businesses and brands I was fortunate to work with this year, my collaborations as a contributing writer with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine's For the Love of Food column and as a PopSugar Select Food member continued in full force.  I was also proud to add UPSCALE Magazine to the list as a contributor to their annual Luxury Hotel and Spa Guide in the June 2015 issue.

The biggest thrill of them all remains connecting with my readers, supporters and patrons through the blog, events, social media and beyond.  Thank you for the support and enthusiasm that makes it doubly fulfilling.  I hope you enjoyed all we had to share in 2015 and stay plugged in as the New Year unfolds.  (**Check out this quick video collage of some of the year's favorite moments.) 
 
Here's to the happiest of New Years--and may it be our best one yet!

Xx,
Dawn  
  

 

{Be Inspired!}: 2015, Better Than Ever

It's 2015!  Although it's reality now, the sound of it still strikes me as a bit futuristic, somehow.   And for this new year, I'm once again reaching for the best--the best of my personal self and growth, the best in my relationships, the best in my career, goals, dreams and aspirations--and the best of D.M.R. Fine Foods (which actually represents a mix of them all.)

So before too much more time elapses, I want to know what 'best' looks like to you this year.  What are your dreams? Goals? Inspirations? Plans?  AND...what would you like to see more of from DMRFF?  

I'll continue sharing more of the food, travel, culture, lifestyle, and inspiration for the good life that we've done in the past (with a few new additions perhaps :)), but I want to know what specifically resonates with you and keeps you coming back for more.

I'd love it if you would drop me an email or leave a few comments on the post to share your thoughts; hearing from you is always a highlight for me and will help us navigate the road to best together! 

Thank you & Happy Inspired Living!

Image Source

 

{In Case You Missed It}: 2014 Highlights

When 2014 began, I couldn't have dreamed of all the great things in store for me and D.M.R. Fine Foods. And now that we're at the very end, I can honestly say that it was a year filled with some of my best moments in food, travel, culture and lifestyle inspiration!  

The highlights included having my dream of launching my very own cooking school become a reality, to more wonderful travel, to continued sharing of my love of food through favorite recipes, writing and collaborations, to a very festive, fun and delicious holiday pop-up shop, to working and connecting with some of Atlanta's premier restaurants, festivals and design brands.  And lastly, but never least, it was another great year of having the opportunity to share with the readers and supporters of D.M.R. Fine Foods! 

Thank you for your continued support and feedback.  Here's to an even greater year ahead and to sharing it all with you!  Check out some of my favorite 2014 moments in this short video, and I'll see you in 2015!

Here's to the Happiest of New Years!

xx, Dawn

{Be Inspired!}: A Power Manifesto

It's amazing to realize that we're almost through the first month of 2014; my how time flies!  As I thought of this, I began to think about how grateful I am to live the life I live and about how much more expectancy I am carrying forward into the months, weeks, and days ahead.

I discovered a manifesto early in the new year that immediately struck a chord with me and my aspirations for a life well lived.  And while life will present its share of highs and lows and ups and downs, we can choose to embrace it in its fullness and remain full of hope, faith, joy, love--and inspiration.

I want to share this manifesto with you in hopes that it will boost your expectancy for more inspired living!

Happy Inspired Living!
P.S. What inspires you? 

Image Source

Link Love: New Year Jump Starts

Photo Credit: Goop

The start of a new year is often a great time to recharge, refocus and revamp many areas of our lives.  From healthier cuisine to fitness goals, in particular, there's definitely a lot to be excited about.   With this in mind, I'm sharing some of my favorite links from around the web for getting your new year off to a great start.

Go For an Upgrade

Not looking for a major overhaul, but could likely benefit from some small, healthy food upgrades with major payoffs?  Then you'll want to check out these quick and easy tips. {Birchbox}

Give Your Body Some Love

We all know that some foods do more for our bodies than others.  But did you know that there are at least 9 that deliver fat-blasting, metabolism-boosting umph?!  That's right.  So show your body some love and bring these super foods to the table more often. {Cosmopolitan}

Rev Up Your Fitness in 5,4,3,2,1

No gym membership.  Short on time.  No home equipment.  The list of reasons 'why not' to exercise can be endless.  This year take the lead on your fitness with this simple plan that crosses all of those excuses off the list. {Your Nutritionista}

Nosh, Nourish & Detox

If you're looking for nosh-worthy eats that do overtime on the "good for you" front, too, then you'll want these warming winter bites that serve up loads of nourishment and detox power--and make for truly good eats. {Goop}

Happy Eating...and Living!

{In Case You Missed It}: 2013 Highlights

One of my favorite moments of 2013: In Puerto Vallarta with Chef Thierry Blouet

With only a few hours remaining in what has been an inspiring, amazing--and, yes, delicious--year, I wanted to share a few of the highlights that have made this year so special for me and D.M.R. Fine Foods.

From favorite recipes, to exciting new (and long-standing) collaborations with stellar brands, to travel, lifestyle inspirations, and more, 2013 was special indeed.  And the best part of it all was sharing it with you--my readers and followers.  I hope you were inspired, and I look forward to continuing our adventure in the New Year ahead.

I captured some of my favorite moments in this fun & quick video collage, so enjoy!

Here's to the Happiest of New Years & Happy Eating!

5 Tips for Smarter (& Healthier) Eating

It's always a good time to make better choices about eating smarter and healthier.  But this is especially true following the holiday season, where we break more comfortably (and frequently) for extra-indulgent fare.  Following such escapades, fresh starts are generally in order.

Whether you're rebounding from a run of decadent eating or simply want to give your existing regimen a boost that will yield greater health and nutrition payoffs--sans extreme measures or deprivation--these simple tips for smarter and healthier eating will supply you with extra fuel in your arsenal.  They are tips that easily evolve into habits that will keep you on the right track (or get you back there) for a new year (and lifetime) of good eating in the truest sense.

1.  Read food labels carefully.  Knowledge is power--and that couldn't be truer when it pertains to understanding what you're feeding your body.  Taking a few extra moments to evaluate the amount of fat, sugar, or other contents, in packaged foods can mean all the difference between smart (and healthy) vs. poor choices.

2.  Pay attention to serving sizes.  This is a must, especially when your goals include a healthy body weight.  Frequently, the packaging of that favorite beverage or goodies (chips, cookies, candy, crackers, etc.) will make it seem as if it's all one serving.  But, in keeping with tip #1, if you read the label more closely, you'll often discover that you have multiple servings (and multiplied calories!) tied into that neat, "little" package.

3.  Cook your food.  The best way to know what you're eating and control serving portions is to cook and serve yourself.  The benefits, health and otherwise, of home-cooked meals far outweigh the extra time and commitment it involves (and you can always count on DMRFF for inspiration.) :)  So even if you increase your "nights in" by only one or two days a week, you'll reap hearty benefits on food cost savings and with more balanced, wholesome meals.

4.  Keep healthy snacks on stash.  Whether you're lounging at home or running errands, keep healthy snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, popcorn and bite-sized veggies on hand.  Not only will having these snacks readily available avert the temptation to eat more unhealthy snacks, especially when hunger pangs strike suddenly, but you'll likely notice a correlation to improved fitness and energy levels.

5.  Go natural when possible.  If you have access to farmers markets or organic selections at your local grocery store, opt for the best selections possible.  I'm especially keen on organic dairy, produce and meat selections.

Combine these tips with your personal goals for eating smart, without sacrificing taste, variety or the joy of eating.

What smart eating habits do you follow? 

Happy Eating!

New Year's Entertaining: The Essentials

When planning your next big celebration (hint: New Year's), incorporate these essentials for an affair to remember!

1. The Perfect Bite: Delicious, elegant and easy bites, like Williams-Sonoma's Smoked Salmon Trio, will keep you and your guests satiated without the fuss of a formal meal.

2. A Signature Drink: Select a signature drink for your event, like this Lemon-Orange Fizz Mocktail, to keep the festive air high and the "bar" duty minimal.

3.  Gorgeous Flatware: Add a splash of unexpected flair that's sure to keep the conversation flowing, like gorgeous glassware or flatware. Feature here: Anthropologie's Bronze Age Flatware.

4.  Plates en Masse:  Having enough dinnerware to go around means never having to leave guests for mid-party kitchen duty.  Pottery Barn's Caterer's 12-Piece Dinnerware Set is the perfect stash for intimate affairs.

5.  Ambiance:  Nothing says--or creates--ambiance like the perfect lighting.  Use candlelight to enhance your setting and create the perfect mood and decor with these beautiful small hurricanes from Crate & Barrel.

6.  More Ambiance:  Just when you thought you had the perfect atmosphere in place, you must remember to seal the deal with a beautiful fragrance, such as Henri Bendel's Fragrance Reeds in (my favorite) Fig.

Happy New Year--& Happy Entertaining!