After decorating our home for the holidays, it was time to surround ourselves in a world of wonder at Skylands Manor 24th Annual Holiday Open House.  The estate was decked and dazzled with lights and fanciful decor in every room. An impeccable attention to detail created a spirited visit as we perused at our leisure throughout the manor...

With Thanksgiving carefully packed away as the china wrapped in Black-Friday and Cyber-Monday circulars, party season has already begun, my friends! Being a frequent hostess and hospitable guest, there is a certain decorum to adopt when celebrating the festivities with style and finesse. Let me share my list of top ten do's and don'ts when out and about this season... Let's go!

1) RSVP as soon as possible... It is very frustrating for a host to have to email or call, following up on your response, especially if a lot of guests are expected for the party. When the day arrives, being punctual is appreciated and expected. "Fashionably late" is very passe. Listen, things happen and if you will be more than a half hour late to an intimate get-together, a courtesy call to the host is appropriate.

2) If you have any dietary needs, make the host aware of them ahead of time... That is, if you have any food allergies, are a diabetic or a vegetarian/vegan. Give your host enough time to accommodate your situation. I'm not talking about being on the latest liquid diet or colon-cleanse fad! In that case, you need to just personally modify your selections from the menu offered or ditch the diet for the night.

3) Bring a gift for the host... It doesn't have to be extravagant, just a little something like a bottle of wine, or a lightly scented candle. If you are crafty in the kitchen, a simple great dessert or app would be perfect! It shows you appreciate the invite extended to you and yours and are happy to share the time together.

4) Wear something appropriate... Dressing “festive” doesn’t mean whipping out the Sexy Santa costume, especially at a company or family party! Ladies, keep it classy and avoid wearing anything that shows too much leg or cleavage. If you find yourself asking if it’s inappropriate, it probably is. Gents, dress professional, swap the jeans for khakis or chords. Remember, it’s always a good idea to be dressed up than dressed down.

5) Put away the gadgets... Many hosts today are setting up a large bowl in the entrance so that arriving guests can leave their Smartphones at the door. You are at a party with live people! What is this with people texting each other from across the room in the same space?? Get over there and work on your social skills!

6) Mingle and meet... It's a party! Make the rounds and talk to people! 

7) Hold your glass in your left hand so your right is free to shake and greet... This helps solve the awkward fumbling of hands as you mingle, and can potentially avoid the embarrassment of spilling your drink all over yourself... or on someone else for that matter.

8) Avoid drama... Forgiveness is the best gift you can give to yourself. While I'm not encouraging you to be bubbly with anyone who has crossed the line giving you the evil eye over the years, a party is not the time to start a full blown argument bringing up resentments. Remember - keep it light and keep it bright.

9) Overindulgence is a cardinal sin... Too much of a good thing, is, well, a bad thing! Just because there is all that food and alcohol doesn't mean you need to consume it all in one night. Moderation is key to everything and you will feel much more satisfied and smitten if you don't overdo it.

10) Send a thank you note... It is always a welcomed gesture to send a hand-written note to the host after the party. Yes, I know that today the art of hand is lost to electronic messages and tweets. Yes, I know that it is more convenient for modern communication. But to take the time to acknowledge kindness and hospitality is really a treasured gift itself. I can guarantee you will absolutely make a lasting impression if you take the time...

But the most important part of my party protocol is to HAVE FUN folks! 
Enjoy the delights of the season responsibly... xoxo-Sonya

A chemical reaction appealing to the senses... Soft, aromatic, smooth...  

Ingredients used to create a bar of soap have certainly evolved from the time of the Babylonians in 2800 B.C, but the basic process remains elemental. Combining oils and fat with an alkali to create a bubbly reaction produces soap and glycerin. It is the quality of the base elements which begets a delightful beauty bar. 

Interestingly, the first soaps were believed to be used for cleaning textiles and fabric rather than the body. Bathing bars are credited to the Romans and the Celtics who notably discovered the benefits of personal hygiene around the beginning of the second century. Spain, Italy and the southern parts of France began making soap from olive oil later, proving this ingredient to be far superior for bathing and washing. In the eighth century, this became a lively trade with Northern Europe.
By the nineteenth century, Louis Pasteur affirmed the benefits of personal hygiene and Andrew Pears helped define soap as a "beautifying" cosmetic aid. Consequently, bathing slipped back into fashion and the demand for soap was higher than ever before, cleaning up new industry!

Today, luxurious bath bars are available in countless natural blends affordable for any purse. Whether in for a quick shower or lavishing a delightful soak in the tub, take a look at a little something I created with my limited edition line of bath items to pamper...

 Rub a dub dub... a little something beautiful for the tub! xoxo-Sonya

With a list in hand, after checking it twice, I am ready to hit the market shopping for our Thanksgiving goodies. This year, in addition to filling the table with expected traditional favorites, we will enjoy some simpler choices too. One of my new favorite appetizers is a healthy dip bursting with Mediterranean flavors and crisp veggies...

Layered Greek Garlic & Herb Dip  

1 pkg.  (7 oz.) ATHENOS Roasted Garlic Hummus  

1 pkg.  (4 oz.) ATHENOS Garlic and Herb Feta Cheese, crumbled  

1/2 cup  chopped tomatoes  

1/4 cup  chopped cucumbers  

2 Tbsp.  sliced kalamata olives 

2 Tbsp. chopped scallions  

STACY'S Muti Grain Pita Chips 

This one is real easy. All the work is in the chopping really. I have found that once you cut up the tomatoes and the cucumbers, it is best to blot out any extra moisture with paper towels before assembling the whole thing. When ready, first spread the hummus on the bottom of a 9" pie dish as the bottom layer. Sprinkle evenly a layer of the feta cheese, layer the tomatoes and then layer the cucumbers. Sprinkle the olives and scallions on top and serve with pita chips. Crunchy multi grain pita chips cradle the burst of fresh flavors for a supreme tasting experience!

This Thanksgiving, while waiting for the turkey to finish roasting in the oven, have a helping of some healthy eats... You'll be glad you did!

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! xoxo-Sonya

The daylight hours were spent reading, preparing the food that quickly defrosted, or sorting through clothes to be donated... 

Hurricane Sandy really walloped the east coast and many of us had to break out the candles to make it through the dark nights without power. No Internet, phone, TV or electricity was challenging at first, but liberating as well. The routines had to be broken and altered as everyone adjusted to a "new normal" for the prolonged lack of modern necessities. With so many families in extreme need of basics because they lost their homes and belongings, one project became gathering whatever I could to donate. Blankets, toiletries, and clothing were folded and packed to help.

While most of the items were in great condition, some of the wool sweaters I found had irreparable holes, yet I didn't want to throw them away. I figured those three casualties would do well for recycling in a different way... To create a winter garden of flowers...

Since all three were wool, I threw them in the washing machine, holes and all, with hot water and a bit of Woolite. This would shrink the knit, felting it, so that it could be cut and made into whatever without the worry of runs in dropped stitches. After a hot wash and hot tumble in the dryer, I started to cut circles and strips to create hand rolled flowers for stitching. With purple merino wool and oatmeal cashmere, the roses started to take shape. I used the dark green merino wool for the leaves.

The showroom is filled with unique handmade items, which I am continually replenishing to keep the displays fresh! Have a look at the latest...

Charlie Brown needs to try a new snack... It sure is better than a rock and a lot more nutritious than candy corn. I bet he and Peppermint Patty could easily handle the simple recipe, with Snoopy picking up the ingredients for them at the supermarket. 

Pumpkin frozen yogurt... Yeah, go ahead... Yummy... It is very easy to prepare and in just twenty minutes, not only do you have a satisfying sweet treat, but a pretty  healthy one too! Let me share the recipe with you...

Great Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt (from Relish Magazine)

1 1/2 cups low-fat Greek yogurt

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar

2 cups pureed pumpkin

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Pour into container of ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. This recipe said it makes about 10 servings.

Well, let's be realistic... I would say maybe only 5 servings... I like it in a bigger bowl, of course...

I bet Linus and Sally would have loved this while they waited in the pumpkin patch.

Give it a try... Enjoy your own Great Pumpkin treat... xoxo-Sonya

A shy glance sweeps the room, secret guests hide behind gilded facades... Who is here? And over there? No one really knows at the masquerade ball...

Elegant masks have been in fashion since the twelfth century, fancied at Venetian carnivals to keep guests' true identity hidden. Wealthy socials were forbidden to consort with commoners, yet behind a mask, they were free to be anything they wanted for the evening, enabling conversation with ones outside their social circle. During the Italian Renaissance they were used for high society balls and parties. Luxury and elegance reigned at these affairs, and people often used the soirees to make illegal or secret financial transactions as well as sexual favors. No one knew because in disguise, they were anonymous to everyone else. How very naughty...

Masquerade... to disguise yourself or to look as a another person, creature or thing. It also stands for mystery and intrigue. Both men and women alike wore these masks, made into an image of what they desired to become. So elaborate were the designs and workmanship, they commanded the highest caliber of artistry and still remain popular today, especially during  Halloween  and Mardi Gras.

Here is a little something for the ball... All  made by hand of lace, brocade, encrusted with jewels, glass, and feathers, I created these beauties in the spirit of a time past, to echo opulence suited for a contemporary affair. Have a look...

Gilded Gold

Masquerade Trio

Elegance in Ebony

Are you ready for the Masquerade?... xoxo-Sonya