Cozy, yet formal Private Dining Set-Up at LB Steak

Silver, jeweled Christmas Trees and Glass Vases holding cinnamon sticks and acorns adorned the table with hints of Christmas Reds from the classic Poinsettia flower.

Each guest had a classic, pink Kara’s Cupcake box waiting for them at their seat as a favor for them to take home, featuring Northern California’s premier “cupcakery” that uses local organic ingredients for their delectable delights.

Delicious passed hors d’oeuvres of Oyster shooters, mushroom bouche and Chicken Satay set the tone for the evening

Delicious Pumpkin Creme Brulee and Chocolate Fondant Cakes finished the evening beautifully

A Thanksgiving Dessert Bar greeted guests as they entered the home.

Spotlight on Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Gingersnap Cookie Crust, recipe courtesy of Magnolia’s Cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, recipe also courtesy of Magnolia Cupcakes

Guests were given home-made cookies wrapped in individualized boxes with amber ribbon as a sweet treat to take home

Paper Garlands with multi-colored paper leaves were hung for ambience

Amber colored linens were wrapped with green ribbons topped with golden leaf accents for each guest.

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Hope that your thanksgiving was filled with lots of love and cheer…on to Christmas!

Oh for the love of Macaroons!

First of all, no one can deny that the hottest French Macaroons are Laduree Macaroons…they always come perfectly packaged in true French fashion all wrapped up in a nice satin bow.  The only problem is that they are only available in France and Western Europe!  Fortunately, there are so many comparable patisseries in the States that let us indulge in our craze for macaroons that we are able to get our fill.  Until my next trip to Paris, I will be dreaming of Laduree Macaroons!

Perfectly packaged Laduree Macaroons every single time!  Aren’t they precious?

{DID YOU KNOW?  There are two ways to spell these yummy treats:  American Lingo::Macaroons or say it like the French::Macaron.  Take your pick, they all mean, yummy flavored cakes!}

{The Finest French Macaroons from San Francisco + Los Angeles}

These French Macaroons from L’Artisan, maker of Gourmet Parisian Macaroons in San Francisco, are scrumptious!  They have so many flavors including (from L to R)::Seasonal Pickings, Espresso, Almond, Rasberry, and an extensive list including Mint, Lemon, Pistachio, etc.  I’m definately making a trip there very soon!

Paulette “Macarons” are all the rage right now.  They have two flagship stores in San Francisco and in Beverly Hills, CA, serving 12 different flavors that can be ordered online or picked up in store.  They can be ordered in bulk for “Macaron Towers”, ordered in boxes of 12 or 24 for private parties or gifts, or ordered in petite boxes of 2 or 4 for favors.  Their packaging is contemporary in true California fashion, leaving me totally wanting one!

DID YOU KNOW?  “Macaron” in french means “Fine Dough”…very fine indeed!

{French Macarons from NYC + New Orleans}

Mad Mac NYC is a bakery that specializes in MADelieines and MACarons.  They are the epitomy of gourmet goodness for the world of madeleines and macarons and are available in small trays of 12 or large trays of 48.  I’m going to NYC in September, can’t wait to stop by and grab a box!

Sucre is surely the toast of the South when it comes to a gourmet Confectioner’s Boutique.  Their yummy macarons have been featured everywhere from Oprah to Paula Deen’s Best Desserts.  Not only do they have the assorted and seasonal macaron selections, they also have chocolate dipped macarons!  Now that’s surely heaven in a box!  Watch the owners of Sucre make these lovely treats below!

Sucre – Macaroon from Sucre – Founder – Joel Dondis on Vimeo.

{FOR THE DIY BRIDE or PASSIONATE BAKER}

Martha Stewart has recently provided the recipe for you to make French Macarons at home with different flavors such as almond and pistachio!  If you are a DIY Bride, be sure to make your macarons with your favorite flavor and remember, practice makes perfect!  If you love baking (like me) then this will be a fun and ambitious recipe to try.  Download the recipe here