The holidays are just around the corner and so is the season of giving. As you open up your wallets to purchase presents for friends and family, don't forget those less fortunate. According to a poll conducted by the American Red Cross, 79% of Americans agreed that they would rather have a charitable donation made in their name than receive a gift they wouldn't use and four out of five said helping the less fortunate is an important part of the holiday tradition. To get into the holiday spirit, here are a few charitable events and causes that hope to make the season bright for all:... Read More
A pair of customized Louis Vuitton steamer trunks that belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., the famed Hollywood actor and dandy, have been listed for sale by N.P. Trent Antiques of Palm Beach, Florida.... Read More
With parades dating back to the early 1900s, community Turkey Trots, and block parties to help give back, there’s plenty to do this Thanksgiving. Whether you’re traveling home this year, skipping town to visit friends, or staying close by, cities across America throw all kinds of celebrations mixed with local traditions and tastes. Holiday markets, cooking classes, and prix fixe feasts abound on this most food-loving holiday, though some cities take their celebrations to the next level.... Read More
The day of grace and gluttony we know as Thanksgiving is more than just the big meal before Black Friday. It has rather noble origins. When our pioneering forefathers arrived on American shores, they left the Mayflower in a tragic state. Throughout the winter at sea they suffered from exposure, scurvy, and outbreaks of contagious diseases. When only half of the original crew made it to the New World, an Abenaki Indian greeted them in their native tongue of English. Days later, he returned with Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe, who was sold into slavery to an English sea captain.... Read More
We’re not going to argue — at Thanksgiving, the star of the show is more often than not the turkey. After all, weighing in around 13-20 pounds, the beast is a force to be reckoned with — especially when you’ve been laboring over it all day. Turkey, stuffing, creamed onions, and cranberry sauce aside, though, adding a little color and seasonal flair to the table is just as important as getting the food on the table.... Read More
The earth contains one trillion tons of wood, so it makes sense to use it. The technology boom that has dominated the last decade has drawn our interests away from the warm feel and look of wood, but this year it has been making a comeback in a variety of unique uses. Our good friends over at AHAlife are all over the trend, so we lumbered through their vast selection to bring you a few special items.... Read More
Models of automotive works of art from the incredible collection of Ralph Lauren are among the designer’s enticing holiday offerings this season. There are four limited edition models at 1:8 scale in all, priced at $9,500 apiece, including his $40 million 1938 Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic Coupé (above), his $25 million 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa and 1996 McLaren F1 LM.... Read More
An Hermès Diamond Birkin, with diamond and white gold hardware, is expected to fetch more than $80,000 at the upcoming Handbags & Luxury Accessories Signature Auction in early December. More than 550 luxury accessories by such industry stalwarts as Chanel, Gucci, Judith Leiber, and more than 100 Hermès handbags are going to the table at Heritage Auction's event.... Read More
By far the hottest ticket in town each Halloween is for the Karma Foundation’s "Kandy Halloween" event — a no-holds-barred, over-the-top, fantastically outrageous costume party with all of the fabulosity, frolicking and fantastic-looking ladies one would expect, if not demand, of the Playboy Mansion venue where the highly anticipated annual affair is hosted.... Read More
You may be familiar with the word "karma," the idea that every action taken by a person generates energy that is then returned back in kind. The belief that by bringing happiness and success to others the universe will return the favor.... Read More
Way back in 1982, the Martha Stewart era began with a book titled simply "Entertaining." Now a new book, "Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations" brings it all full circle. Martha's new book is far more lavish than the original book based on her experiences as a caterer. This book is a hardcover cookbook but is pretty enough to be a coffee table book. It is full of gorgeous photography and includes recipes, ideas for dining decor and menus that evoke some of the idyllic scenes Stewart has showcased in her magazine, on television shows and in her long series of books.... Read More
You can get a privileged look behind the impressive portals of England’s great country estates in all their resplendent finery thanks to a lavish new book by renowned British architectural historian Jeremy Musson from Rizzoli.... Read More
It's hard not to be envious of Beatrice Peltre and her food-centered life. Peltre has blogged for years on La Tartine Gourmande, gathering fans of her French rustic cooking style and her beautiful photography and gaining a career as a food stylist, recipe developer and food writer.... Read More
