In our house, the inventory of wine glasses is at a low by December. You know how it goes, the long stems crack when they’re forced too aggressively into the dishwasher by large hands (not that I don’t appreciate help with the washing up, Patrick , then there are the casualties from the summer barbecue season, and of course, some fall into what we in our household call “drama”. Anyhow, we need to replenish our cupboard to prep for our holiday entertaining. And we’re guessing you might be in the same boat. If the wine is good, show it some respect with decent glassware. Make an investment in wine glasses that will wear well, feel right, and look pretty on the table. Here are our personal favorites at the moment. In the spirit of the season, keep in mind that a pair of wine glasses can also make a lovely gift.

1. Crate and Barrel Marcel Wine Glasses, $11.95 each.
2. Williams Sonoma Riedel “O” Trio, Bordeaux, $29.95 for set of three.
3. Target Riedel Vivant Red Wine Glasses, $30 for a set of four
4. Williams and Sonoma Edward Wine Glasses, $80. for a sets of four.
The red wine glasses at the top of the post are from Martha Stewart’s Holiday Collection at Macys. They are a wonderful, vibrant red and will make any holiday table-setting explode with color. – S

We were so overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response to Friday’s post about what Lauren and I should wear to my 50th Birthday Party. It was so nice of you all to comment on what you thought looked best. We had a feeling that this type of post would resonate with mothers and daughters, sisters, and girlfriends, who routinely ask one another what to wear! Here I am (below), early in the evening with two of my dear friends, Pamela and Dawn. I’m paving the way for them by reaching 50 first.

We rolled out the oilcloth table covering from Oilcloth Alley late in the afternoon, and it became the basis for our table design. Inexpensive pots of pale lilac zinnias and white ironstone creamers filled with white dahlias and magenta daisies really complemented the bold fig pattern of the oilcloth. Lots of simple white votives kept the ambiance romantic long into the night, as well as a our last minute, impulse buy: a few tiki torches! We’re not big fans of renting out the conventional round tables from your local party supplier. You should look at your outside space like you do your indoor. Make it unique by using different sized tables and chairs, and place them in a way that allows people to mingle freely.
Our guests enjoyed an assortment of Italian cured meats, cheeses, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts and olives. We served heirloom tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and basil. And Lauren made a wonderful bruschetta with fresh ricotta cheese and dried figs. Fresh baked Italian bread was plentiful, and people just grazed and ate for hours. The talented baker from Cornerstone in Rye made the most delicious yellow cake with layers of fresh strawberries. Amazing. Look at the beautiful fondant flowers (below)! In addition to the usual wine and beer, we served a signature Italian drink: the Bellini (a mixture of Prosecco and peach puree)!

I have to confess that an hour before the party, after spending several hours with Lauren scrambling around to get everything ready, I seriously considered wearing something completely “un-fashionable”. When Lauren wasn’t looking, I threw on a really plain black t-shirt with an old swirly skirt I’ve had for ages and flats. Lauren was not having it. She reminded me that I was the birthday girl and that I really should wear one of the more festive outfits we had shared with the blog. So as you can see (below), we compromised, and I put on outfit #1 (most approved by our viewers) with the soft purple sweater from #3 for color. Lauren had a last minute change of heart and decided to wear her long gold knit Dries Van Noten skirt and a simple white tank. She looked great! I felt a little bit “bridey” in my white dress, but what the heck, you only turn 50 once.
The best part of the evening was seeing so many of my friends from a lifetime of work, family, and exercise hanging out together in my own backyard. Thanks to Lauren for putting it all together, and for making such a wonderful memory for me and everyone who attended.- S

This summer birthday is a big one for me. I’m celebrating one of those birthdays you try to keep private and then at the last minute decide just to embrace it with all of your nearest and dearest friends. Since this June has been so dreary and wet, we’ve chosen to celebrate my birthday outside. I’m excited already! One of our favorite ways to dress an outdoor table is with colorful oilcloths. The great thing about oilcloth is that it’s cheap, colorful, and you can cut it yourself to fit any flat surface. Oilcloth is great just to have around the house for DIY projects–we’ve seen outdoor pillows, purses, coasters, wrapping paper, drawer liners, and bibs all made out of this incredibly durable fabric. We’re just getting started on the party planning, so stay tuned for more tips!

Clockwise from top left: Yellow Fig, Mini Yellow Gingham, Mini Green Gingham, Red Hibiscus.
Above, designer Kristi Stratton’s kitchen table covered in a great orange oilcloth as featured in Country Living. Oilcloth is a great way to cover a precious table and is easy to wipe down with a little soap and water. We love it’s kitschy-chic vibe! – S