What’s the secret to effortless holiday hosting, especially when overnight guests come knocking at the door? It’s rigorous planning — with a strong measure of creativity. Wonderful things happen by accident, but only if the stage is properly set. So, with that in mind, I’m delighted to share my top-ten hostess-extraordinaire tips. Some regard entertainment — have books, board games, magazines, movies, and music ready to cue up at any time. Comfort rules — think faux fur throws and slippers. Feeling peckish? So will your guests. Have lots of nibbles and potent potables (adults only) on hand. You’ll note rubber gloves are on my must-have list. Give everyone a chance to chip in (without spoiling the manicure).

Drum roll, please! What’s #10 on my list? You didn’t think we’d have a list of nine, did you? My final and most important advice on how to be the hostess with the mostess is for you yourself to have a great time. Plan in advance, but when your guests arrive, let it all go. Improvise. If you’re happy, relaxed and flexible, odds are your guests will follow suit!

Do you believe in seasonal disorders? I do. And holiday overload is one. For the most part, I love the revelry of the season, fa-la-la. Shopping, entertaining, giving, getting, toasting, caroling and cavorting. But sometimes a self-imposed time out is in order in the form of a super-leisurely breakfast in bed. (Best of all, it can happen any time of the day.) Silver coffee service, shades and bangles are the preferred accoutrements. It’s time to unwind, enjoy and (then) go again!

image via.

It may be time for Norman Rockwell to move over. I’m thinking of that quintessential Thanksgiving Day painting with the 1940′s family expectantly ’round the bird. This year, I plan to hold on to the tradition, but shake it up. Goodbye Windsor chairs; hello blankets and rugs. Fire pit, not fireplace. Sprinkle in good friends with family members. Spread the menu wings beyond turkey. Maybe the gravy is a curry concoction. Our Thanksgiving holiday wish for you? Shake it up and pass it along.

As you delve into Labor Day weekend, you should not feel daunted by the role of entertainer.  Set up a relaxed tablescape outdoors and make one fabulous dish.  Enjoy conversation with friends and cherish the beginning of a season filled with cooler evenings. A few bottles of wine and you’re good to go! I found this delish recipe on one of my favorite food blogs, what katie ate.

photos: food, outdoor.

Here at LSI, we’re  seeing red, white and blue (Union Jack style) this week as all eyes turn to London for the start of the XXX Olympics. If you are not  able to cross the pond and attend in person, no worries. Plan your own Opening Ceremonies party and olympian viewing marathons for your favorite events. Great British swag abounds (we know; we’ve been shopping and party planning). See you at high tea!

 Purchase Meri Meri products via.

It’s summer and we all love an invitation to friend’s beach houses. We are not ones to show up empty handed and, as a result, always on the lookout for the chic-est, most-divine, and super-coveted hostess gifts. Our latest find: Alice Chocolates. We love the graphics and feel certain the confections are commensurate.

Valentine’s day doesn’t have to be about pink roses and romantic dinners for two.    We’re loving all things gold right now.  A palette of white with pops of gold furnishes a warm romantic and a-typical fete.  A white and gold bar and menu round out the white valentine theme.

We’ve been holding this image from House Beautiful, Nicholas Manville’s set up for a buffet style dinner party, for a bit.

It highlights a number of trends, namely the current appreciation of all things marbled.  We’re sure Nicholas, the head of Bergdorf’s home decor floor, is all about timeliness as any merchant has to be… but this setup could be duplicated with the most humble dinnerware.

The idea that a table can “become animated” is charming, isn’t it? It’s all about the guests after all, but there’s no shame in putting real effort into providing a beautiful backdrop. So we’ll take a set of the handmade plates by Sylvie Saint-Andre Perrin! On a recent visit to NYC, we made our way to the 7th floor and were surprised to see this table laid out just as it was in House Beautiful. Sylvie’s pottery has perfect weight and feel, we’d just as soon hold them as eat off of them, they’re that fantastic.

God bless the internet. In my meanderings, I stumbled upon a tumblr that had a picture of this pretty-

a Strawberry Mint Spritzer!

Upon further investigation, I found that this is considered a “healthy cocktail”. Alrighty then! Let’s get to it! Recipe:

1 bottle of Sake- any kind

1 bottle of champagne

1 pint of strawberries

6 meyer lemons

3-4 sprigs of mint

Vanilla Stevia

During trips to San Francisco I discovered they joy that is mixed drinks with Sake. It’s been a little disappointing to find that sake hasn’t caught on yet in North Carolina. Now we’ll just make it for ourselves. Don’t go for alcohol? Substitute sparkling mineral water in their place. This is the perfect cocktail to whip up for a Spring evening impromptu porch-sit.

recipe & photos via here

The garland is hung, the lights are in the trees, the candles are ready to glow…and the taco truck is on it’s way! All the makings for a big bash honoring our Ron Royals. A half century, and the world ain’t seen nothin’ yet. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RON!