We are starting a new feature today. A Joyeux Bride. Our first Bride is Kristen. Here is her story..

Beverage Monday.

Christmas Cocktails

Here are some warm Christmas drinks to share with friends and one just for yourself. Just the thing to warm you up after a night of caroling, parade watching or shopping.

Clarence's Hot Cranberry Toddy
This is named after the Clarence in "It's A Wonderful Life".

Serves 3-4

• 6 oz. cranberry vodka
• 1 pint cranberry juice
• 2 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 3 tsp. honey
• 6 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• Cinnamon sticks (garnish)

In a medium sauce pan heat all the ingredients {except the vodka} to just about the boiling point. Let stand for 1 minute. Add cranberry vodka and stir. Pour into heat-resistant cocktail glass or Irish coffee mug. Garnish with cinnamon sticks.

Mistletoe and Holly Cocktail

Serves 4

• 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice (100 percent juice)
• 1/4 cup white creme de cacao
• 1/4 cup 100-proof peppermint schnapps
• 1/4 cup heavy cream lightly whipped with 1 tsp. sugar for garnish
• 12 fresh cranberries {garnish}
• pinch of Matcha powder for garnish

Pour cranberry juice into a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Lower heat, add creme de cacao and peppermint schnapps and stir to blend and release some of the alcohol. Continue to cook over low heat for exactly 1 minute. Pour the hot beverage into Irish coffee mugs {footed glass mugs} and place a small dollop of whipped cream in each. Garnish with cranberry skewers. {3 cranberries on a bamboo skewer or heat proof swizzle stick} Use a fine-mesh sieve to gently tap a light dusting of Matcha over the whipped cream. Serve hot.

Cocoa Raspberry Heaven

Serves 1

• 1 oz. plus 1 tsp. Chambord
• 1 oz. white crème de cacao
• 8 oz. hot chocolate
• Whipped cream
• 1 fresh raspberry (optional)

Pour raspberry liqueur and white crème de cacao in a cappuccino mug.
Add hot chocolate and stir. Top with a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle teaspoon of Chambord on top of the whipped cream. Top with a fresh raspberry.

Cheers,

All photos and recipes are courtesy of Fine Living.

Icy Cold Inspiration Board

For December, how about an ice blue, white snowflake with touches of silver inspitation board? When I started this I was thinking cold and icy. An Elegant, Winter Wonderland! Not at all what we get here in Southern California~unless it's man-made.

Silver Snowflake Invitation{Invitation Consultants}
Winter Table Setting{Canada~Vancouver Courier}
White Bouquet{The Knot}
Snowflake Cookies{FraziCake Blog}
Snowflake Earrings{Tiffany}
Ice Cuff Links{Etsy}
Ice Blue Bridesmaid Dress{Eden Bridals}
Snowflake Wine Stopper{Beau-Coup}
Candy Display~The Knot
Sugar Dusted White Cake{InStyle Magazine}
Crystal Shoes{Bellissima Bridal Shoes} Snowflake Ice Sculpture{Ice Impressions}

Enjoy,

High Heel Shoe Protectors

I have been seeing these around and I think they are perfect addition to my emergency kit. We have so many outdoor weddings here and the last thing you want on your wedding day is to sink into the grass or sand. You also don't want to feel that you need to be prancing around on your tip-toes. You don't want to turn away from that fabulous pair of heels because you are afraid of walking in them and ruining them by having to jerk them out of the grass with every step!

These are from Clean Heels, in the UK. They have quite a few different styles with a little bling!

These are from Solemates High Heelers they are little different and more function over fashion but they are patent pending. and located in the US.

The Smart Heel is not really used for grass or soft surfaces but it does help protect your stilettos from everyday damage


Happy Reading,

Beverage Monday.

Reindeer Ranch Wines

I don't usually feature wines here on Beverage Monday but when I saw these at Bristol Farms, I thought they were perfect for the season. They are available through Rutherford Wine Company. Won't they make a fun addition to your holiday table or party?
Cheers,

Venues of the Southland~Gondola Getaway

Gondola Getaway

Naples from Belmont Shore

The Gondolas

I didn't realize that you could be married on a gondola till I received an email from the owner. The capacity is 52 and you do have to have more than one gondola, but how romantic and intimate. Plus, you get to cruise around Naples in Long Beach. It is also a great idea for a proposal or just a romantic night. Hint, hint Mr Joyeux!

Happy Reading~


The photos above were taken by me.

Custom Bridal Party T-Shirts

These are all from Wedding Things.

Aren't these cute? You can customize them for your whole bridal party and yourself, too. Wedding Things is based in Vancover, BC and they ship to several countries. Check out their site they have a whole lotta cute things.