I’ve been invited to a fantasy holiday cocktail party. Naturally, I haven’t a thing to wear!
But wait. I’ve been invited to imagine a fantasy holiday cocktail party, complete with the drinks, the décor, and what to slip into as I welcome my guests, who may number as few as one other person (for a cozy evening), or as many as 200 should I have a mind to rent out a ballroom…
As the former is far more likely a scenario than the latter, I’ve perused my sources and considered my resources. I’ve rifled through photos and smiled nostalgically at a few holiday gatherings I’ve planned in the past and very much enjoyed. I considered whether to go casual or dressy, and I’ve noticed how consistently I wear black, yet adore surrounding myself in red!
These days, I’d be in the mood for an intimate gathering – six or eight at most, and it goes without saying that they would be fascinating “global” types, with stories to share and never any need to be anyone but exactly who they are.
And must I add that if I am entertaining as part of a duo, I do not adhere to the notion that there can only be couples?
Send me your poets, your artists, your philosophers… Great company and putting them at ease are all that’s required to make for a lovely evening.
Holiday Cocktails
As for the drinks, I’d go for classics – variations on champagne, eggnog for those who wish to go traditional, perhaps a little mulled cider. I found some wonderful suggestions here, in these holiday cocktail recipes from the Beauty Bean. (Guess which drinks I’m drawn to. Yes, they’re red! And may I say that the recipe for Red Velvet Slipper martinis sounds divine?)
On the subject of what to nibble on while sipping your cocktail, as is typical around my home, we mix “high and low” along with old and new, and other juxtapositions.
I’d serve a few savories – bite size hors d’oeuvres (all kinds), along with homemade cookies and petits fours. Strange mix? Maybe!
Since we’re talking fantasy, might I invite the Top Chefs to stop by and whip up all of the above?
I am just as likely to mix newish blue and white plates with old china, and my grandmother’s small silver serving trays with simple white dishes from Crate & Barrel.
Incidentally, while this is a Christmas Cocktail By Invitation Only, should friends drop by, they would of course be more than welcome.
Holiday Decorating
At holiday time I tend to keep things simple. I love to deck the mantel of the fireplace with greenery that grows in my backyard, add a few pine cones (also from the backyard), and bright, cascading red berries picked from bushes that grow along the side of the house.
I add a few candles, some of my favorite objects, always with patina or texture – eh voilà – and with small poinsettias here and there, the occasional stem of red added where it is unexpected, a favorite bowl filled with old ornaments, and I’m done!
A little color, a little sparkle, and the beauty of nature.
Yes, there’s a tree.
Yes, there have been known to be a few shoes on the tree, though rarely under it…
Holiday Cocktail Party Dresses? Or Jeans?
I dress by mood, by circumstance, and from time to time, I dress from the shoes up! I decide on the pumps, the peep-toes, the strappy sandals… and then I take it from there.
Naturally, black is involved! (Must I really clarify that at least half my wardrobe is black, perhaps more?)
But I may go for great shoes, jeans, and some sort of black fitted top and funky earrings. Or, I may go for a dressier look.
Now seeing as we’re in fantasy land here, could I ignore the irritation of a sprained ankle and the reduced options when one comes in at a hair’s breath under five feet tall?
I wouldn’t say no to a few holiday dresses from Nordstrom. (Hello? 6 petite, anyone, and a four inch heel, preferably a Manolo or a Choo?)
Fantasy, After All
It’s fantasy, right?
In that case…
Of course I went in search of the perfect LBD, the Little Black Dress. It’s harder to find than you would think!
I paged through some LBD options at Nordstrom – a few simple looks from St. John were appealing – and then I played for awhile among the more glittering gowns.
This number from Kay Unger? When you look at the detailing up close, it’s not too much. I love the steely gray – flattering on so many skin tones and hair colors. The three quarter length sleeves are very appealing, and the high neck in front still allows a bit of collar bone to show, which is a very pretty area on most women – and then you turn…
Oh, the back. Quelle belle surprise!
Sexy, but not too much. Of course, this would be a more likely candidate were it black… Now, now. You can never have too many black dresses. And I would also have more occasion to wear it shorter, as I typically never put on anything long. Might I have this knee length please?
In Real Life
Naturally, I like my fantasy stirred and my reality, well… these days, I’ll take that reality unshaken, thank you.
The fact is, I’m not the gown type and I am the little black dress type. Here I am, in one of my separates versions of the little black dress, and more along the lines of how I would actually put myself together for the sort of holiday gathering I would throw or attend.
I’m wearing a Tahari pencil skirt I’ve had for years, a lacy fitted top, and a silky black button down shirt, which I’m wearing as a jacket. My variations include pencil skirts with a bit of sparkle or camisole tops with a sequined detail or two. Generally, I believe less is more, and this is particularly true when you are small in stature.
Somehow, the classic nature of these separates calls for equally classic accessories. Small pearl drop earrings, and I should add a double strand at the neck… More pearls, but little else.
Normally I would be wearing black hose with a black heel of any sort. (Sprained ankle however, remember?) I would also be tempted to go for an elegant boot, something like the Jimmy Choo high heel “Galen” boot. It’s absolutely my style, and perfect when you’re a petite!
As for appropriate chaussures – as I’m in the mood to choose Choos, how about those stunning cranberry-colored pointy-toe Choos I mentioned recently? They would look lovely with the chair, don’t you think? And divine on my little feet.
Santa, are you listening?
Relaxed Guests, Wonderful Party!
As for the guests, I’d want them to feel comfortable sitting on my red chairs, leaning against my red pillows, enjoying their red drinks, enlivened by colorful art and relaxed conversation, and I might end up changing into my jeans as the hour grows late.
We just may find ourselves settling on the rug in front of the hearth, nibbling petits fours and sipping our cocktails, engrossed in a serious game of multilingual scrabble and surrounded by my stacks of books… everywhere.
And should they have enjoyed a bit too much to drive home?
We all know that happens from time to time.
The solution is simple. I’d make room for anyone who needed to stay the night. And there would be plenty of café au lait and bagels in the morning!
Your holiday fantasy gathering?
Please join the cocktail party, this month’s “By Invitation Only,” here, and whatever and whenever you celebrate seasonal festivities, happy holidays!
Click here for shoes. Click images of boots and gown to access Nordstrom. Thank you, Nordstrom!
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From where you are can you see me nodding my head in agreement with absolutely everything you said? Everything. Tout! Tout! Tout! And no that is not a horn blowing, unless it is one that I am blowing to get your attention to be invited to your party. “Send me your poets, your artists, your philosophers… ” Ah, oui! As you say, just meet ’em at the door with a drink in hand and you are good to go. Although I would most likely be just on food and refill patrol for most of the evening, listening to everything going on, until we get to the sitting on the floor in front of the fire stage!
As always, you look gorgeous in your choices. Beh oui, I would say that 90% of my wardrobe is dans le noir aussi…but it has been many a moon since I have looked as elegant as you do here. Et bien dans ton peau aussi…
Merci copine, I will be copying your idea of ornaments in the antique bowl…
H
I am also fond of pine cones and greenery in simple bowls, Heather. Plucked from the somewhat woodsy back yard, simple, and plentiful. (And I add a few sticks of cinnamon… and pomander balls I make with oranges and cloves. Heaven.)
Et tes compliments. Comme tu es gentille !
My “fantasy gathering” – joining you at your virtual party, or in real life – I would bring my husband who is – actually rather quiet – but brilliant for interesting small talks…. (compare to me….because I’m not really a party person…)….so – I’m with you – six or eight would be just perfect!
Although I would try to be dressed somewhat appropriate (NO jeans!) – I guess that I could not top your out fit!
However – I certainly enjoy your “petite fours” – the cocktails – and most important: the talks!
So, I raise my glass and drink to your fantasy/virtual party – and to YOU! Zum Wohl – Cheers!
All my best wishes for a lovely, not too hectic Pre-Christmas time and
warmest greetings from the Périgord, karin
Yes to the ornaments in bowl – I use a silver Revere bowl of my grandmother’s. Yes to simple greenery. Yes to black clothes. I predict they are coming back into style :). And yes of course to not everyone need to be coupled. Happy holidays to you!
I love the sound of your party…nibbling petit fours, sipping cocktails and scrabble…perfect 🙂
Your real life style looks great…timeless elegance…lovely to meet you through our ‘by invitation only’ blogging party!
Mmmm….cocktails and shoes on the tree. Sounds like a perfect party to me! And like you, I’m more the LBD than gown type (though just once in your life, wouldn’t it be fun to wear something like that? As long as you don’t have to sit down. Or eat. Or get in and out of a car.)
Your Cocktail Party sounds brilliant and what a wonderful post for our BIO subject this month. You really have thought of everything.
One question… could I borrow that beautiful dress when you’ve finished with it ?!!!!!!!! XXXX
Yes, Jacqueline! (And if you’re over 5′ tall I’d bet it would be gorgeous on you!)
🙂
Ah, but aren’t these little elegant gatherings of 6 or 8 intellectually witted people the very best??? I love them most of all…plenty of food for thought, as well as food to imbibe (along with those cocktails, of course)…
The perfect size for a seated dinner party. This way everyone can interact or act up as the case may be.
The LBD, well you saw mine at my place, is never wrong. Never. And, it’s always nicer to have a couple of unattached gentlemen in attendance. It’s our job as the hostess to see they aren’t bored, right?
Brilliant! Thank you SO much for being with us once again. We had such a lovely turnout this time.
Onward & Upward !!
I’d love to be invited to your party … small and intimate is always the best… Sometimes I feel that perhaps I am becoming anti social… but then I realise… no… just more select in where I choose to go… Crowds are fun from time to time but it is the smaller gatherings that are memorable…
AS for black and shoes… we are always on the same page there… xv
Ooooo, may I come? Sounds divine! I’ll bring wine! 🙂 I love everything about this post today!
Naturally, I like my fantasy stirred and my reality, well… these days, I’ll take that reality unshaken, thank you. I love this line and can completely relate to it this year.
Yes, please stop by, Lisa! (Just navigate around the shoes and books everywhere…) 😉
Encore le visuel, Mme Wolf. Je cherche un bon mot, le bon mot pour décrire le blogue, l’idée et l’idéal du cocktail (réunion, non pas la boisson), et vous aussi la maîtresse du blogue, notre blogueuse journalière. Ah oui, le mot français parfait me vient à l’esprit et avec votre permission, je le partage avec vos lecteurs. Le mot? Sexy.
Je vous souhaite bonne chance. J’espère que vous pouvez réaliser votre fantasme et je porterai un toast en votre honneur.
Gentil comme toujours, Monsieur Belle. Pour l’instant, une cheville qui marche pour que moi je puisse marcher, ce serait le pied ! Pax et santé, WQ.
We have loads of people over for Thanksgiving and that’s about all our entertaining these days, sadly. Even being retired, by the time I get the tree up, the presents made and wrapped (knitted, sewn or baked), cards sent, I’m sick of the whole thing. My favourite day of the year is probably about the 6th of January – by then all the evidence has been removed and we are back to ‘normal’. (Just call me Scrooge, I don’t mind). I keep thinking about trying a monthly ‘pot luck’ to gather people around. It’s not a British thing, but that might make it more fun for people, doing something different for them. I don’t know any poets, artists or philosophers, just mostly scientists, teachers and shop keepers – though a couple of my neighbours have fabulous singing voices! A few cocktails and they might sing for their suppers if we’re lucky!
I don’t own a black dress, something I think I may have to remedy. Agree wholeheartedly that less is best for us shorties. Love your shoes (on the Willing Eye) and agree they are art. Perhaps I’d still be more enamoured of shoes if I liked my legs better. Still I’m training for a 10K and it’s going OK so I’ll not complain about my legs – they work just fine!