Holiday Strolling

I especially love downtown Annapolis during the holiday season.

We spent the morning milling around town.

Just about every door and window where dressed for the season.

We even made some new friends.

There were many brightly colored front doors.

We were on a Star Monograms mission.

It was time to get down to monogramming business.

The store was filled with new treasures.

A gingerbread sailboat by Emma Bug...only in Annapolis!

These guys must attract a lot of new business.

EAS & BLS

Memory Lane

Every time I drive by a Christmas tree farm or see Christmas trees for sale on the side of the road I am reminded of my college ceramics professor. He owned and operated a Christmas tree farm during the holiday season. The best part about his classes were the stories he shared from his life. He once told the class that when he saw a family that looked like they didn't have much money and could really use a free Christmas tree he would tell them they were the 100th customer and the tree was on the house. Sometimes it's easy to forget that this is the season of giving and a simple gesture can mean a great deal to someone else.

I was a Fine Arts major in college and my favorite medium was clay. My ceramics professor taught me to work hard to achieve goals for myself. Most of my art teachers shot my ideas down but he worked with me on developing them. Sculpting is one of the loves of my life and one day I will get back in the studio.

Winter Nights

MBW and her hubby were in town so JCW suggested going to Annabel Lee Tavern. The cozy neighborhood bar is a tribute to Edgar Allen Poe and serves upscale comfort food. The Chipolte Crab Bisque hit the spot.

The BLT Grilled Cheeseburger on Texas Toast served with Duck Fat Fries.

During dinner MBW surprised me with some belated birthday gifts...a Lilly Pulitzer Cuff.

She also gave me a Mariposa Sailboat Napkin Holder to match the other Mariposa pieces she has given me over the years.

After dinner we headed to Dangerously Delicious for a couple of slices of Baltimore Bomb Pie.

JCW, EAS, MBW, WDW

Special thanks to MBW and her hubby for a wonderful dinner and the thoughtful Birthday gifts...they were well worth the wait! We wish you all lived closer. xx

Hostess Gifts

Winter White Amaryllis Bulb Kit, Calyx Flowers

Nest Holiday Candle, Saks

Mrs. Prindable's Caramel Apples

Sofia Sparkling Mini 4-Pack, Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Stationery Set and Bamboo Pen, Iomoi

Ginger Syrup, Morris Kitchen

Great for cooking, baking, cocktails and even making your own ginger ale.

Oil Mister, William Sonoma

Old Bay

A staple is every Maryland home.

Boatman Geller Wine Tags, Fine Stationary

The perfect addition to a bottle of bubbly.

Meyer Lemon Soaps & Lotion, William Sonoma

Rocking Chair Mix, Red Rocker Candy

Our go-to hostess gift is homemade rum cake. I am strictly forbidden to post the recipe...It's JCW's mom's recipe and he literally had to steal it. In one way it's good that we aren't allowed to share the secret recipe because it gives our friends incentive to invite us over knowing that they will never be able to duplicate our rum cake! What is your go-to hostess gift?

Gifts for the Pups

Bowtie Collar, Pecan Pie Puppies

Tin Cloth Collapsible Dog Bowl, Filson

AKC Plush Mallard Toy, Petco

Deep Dish Dog Bed, Orvis

Buddy Biscuits, Petco

Needlepoint Collars, Tucker Blair

Blue Crab Dog Bowl, Paws

Barbour Quilted Dog Coat, Orvis

This coat is on Otho's list...he has wanted a Barbour for quite some time now and he is very excited about matching his parents when they go on walks.

Musher's Secret, Amazon

For the dog that has everything...a personalized Goyard Collar.

The Goyard Dog Bowl

Leave it to the Queen of Cashmere to snap these pictures in the Goyard Boutique in Paris.

Growing up we had a westie named Buffy. She could never wait for us to come downstairs before she started unwrapping gifts...we soon learned that nothing could be stored under the tree. Christmas was by far her favorite holiday. Buffy, your spirit lives on in our hearts. I am sure there will be a lot of wagging tails come Christmas morning. xx

Gifts for the Gents

Alden Shoe Tree, J.Crew

Mallard Needlepoint Coasters, Smathers & Branson

Maker's Bow Tie, Collared Greens

Shoe Horn, Col. Littleton

Doop Kit, J.Press

R2 Jacket, Patagonia

Bacon of the Month Club, The Pig Next Store

North Pole Tuxedo Shirt, Vineyard Vines

The Wire Complete Series, Amazon

Look for me in the 5th Season.

Big Green Egg

Col. Littleton Dresser Caddy, Kevin's

Argyle Socks, J.Crew

Aggie Beef Jerky, Texas A&M Department of Animal Science

Old Fashioned Slingshot, ReForm School

Ammo, Remington

Special thanks to the gents for realizing that half the fun is buying the gifts. Don't ask to return your gal's thoughtful gift...she is probably the one with the good taste anyway! I not naming names but JCW has been quick to ask where did you purchase this gift and do you have the receipt?