Pomegranate Orange Salad

Looking for a festive winter salad this holiday? This pomegranate orange salad with a homemade vinaigrette is the perfect addition to a holiday spread.

Ingredients:

16 oz mixed green salad

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1 orange, zest 1/2 cup of peel into curls

1 pomegranate, seeded

3/4 cup white granulated sugar

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon strawberry jam

Start by making candied walnuts and orange zest. Trust me, it's easier than it looks! Just melt 1/2 cup sugar in a large pot on medium heat, stirring consistently with a rubber spatula until sugar is caramel in color and there are no sugar chunks. Then pour in 1 cup walnuts and stir until all the walnuts are coated. Then pour mixture onto wax paper and spread with the rubber spatula. Wait for it to cool and break the pieces apart. Do the same with the orange zest with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup orange zest curls.

For the dressing, mix the peeled orange, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, strawberry jam, olive oil and red wine vinegar in a blender, then toss into lettuce to taste. I mixed in about 2/3 of the dressing and left the additional dressing on the table for people to add if they wished.

Finally, add the rest of the pomegranate seeds, candied walnuts, and candied orange zest.

This festive holiday salad is sure to be anything but an afterthought! Enjoy!



It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

There's a tree in the grand great room,

and one in the den as well,

The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the caaaaaat......

Okay, so I'm a better designer than I am a song writer....

As my favorite holiday approaches, I am doing everything in my power to keep from buying real reindeer to graze on the roof! Over the top? Please! I'm just getting started!

 Putting a little foliage in the stockings make them seem more inviting before they are filled with presents.

 My life doesn't stop when I'm taking pictures :) The hubs is still paying bills and the cat is still lurking in the corner...

 Walking in a Winder Wonderland...

Suction cups are my best friend when it comes to Christmas! I love adorning the windows with things that pop with the background of a dark night.

 This was affectionately referred to by one of my "fans" on HGTV.com as my "Yard Sale of Silver Shit". That comment still makes me laugh!!

I went with an upscale rustic theme for my office. Burlap ribbon on the tree contrasted beautifully with white frosted glass and mercury glass ornaments. I bought iridescent burlap ribbon to adorn the packages later.

I found these trumpets in July for 90% off the discounted price! It was Christmas in July!!

I've had this "antique" phone since college and used it to beep up my husband into our apartment. It still makes me smile :)

 Again with the suction cups... :)

 Simple ornaments are the easiest decoration!

Simply placing extra ornaments in a vase is the fastest way to make a centerpiece- Instant glow!

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

           Love,                                         

 The Roberts Family         

A Few of my Favorite Things

Now that Oprah is off the air, who is there to tell you what you need to put on your Christmas list this year? Fear not! I will tell you what you need to check out before Santa makes his rounds.

J Crew suede ballet flats. These shoes are so comfortable, not to mention adorable!! They come in all sorts of fun colors!

Ralph Lauren Candles- My favorite is the "Spa" Collection.

Really? How could I leave this one off the list?

A fabulous fur throw

Adorable adornments for your tree

Enjoy my favorite things!

Fall Back..... In Love with Clocks

I love clocks. They are sophisticated pieces of art and their elegance has not been altered by technology.

Yes, I love clocks... but in their place. In an office, a hallway, even a living room. Just make sure you place them correctly. Never place a clock in visual space of where you try to relax.  If placing a clock in a living room, place it over the sofa where you don't see it when you're sitting down, not over the fireplace. Also, test the clock and its noise before you place it. If it's too loud, the noise will be agitating to both you and your guests, creating the feeling of urgency in a place meant for relaxation. If it's too loud but you like the way it looks, taking the battery out and considering it a piece of art is completely acceptable.

Have your clocks and enjoy them too!! I like my bedside clocks minimal in size and old fashioned in style. Place a silver clock with an old fashioned silver hairbrush, a couple small vases with flowers, and some antique books for a truly luxurious antique vanity feel.

I love this worldly clock that I have in my office bookcase. All it needs is a fashion book under it from each city!

 All clocks and images in this post are available at Potterybarn.



Early Temptations

Like a child, my excitement for Christmas starts around July, and by the end of October, I am literally giddy with excitement for the holidays! My annual flowers have not even faded and I am already researching new Christmas decorations. This year I am going to go with a rustic theme- cut birch branches, natural moss, burlap ribbon and vintage sheet music.

 Does it get any better than this fabulous present wrapped in burlap?

Don't worry, I'll revert back to Halloween and Thanksgiving. I just couldn't help but one post as a tease :)

Wine Tasting Party

 

I had the pleasure of hosting a wine tasting party last night for a handful of my favorite ladies. I took a seemingly formal party and made it relaxed and very laid back--just my style :). A formal tablescape of hors d'oeuvres and cheeses(Oh the cheeses!) was balanced out by informal seating of comfy sofas, chairs and ottomans.

I made homemade tomato soup and served them with dried basil in shot glasses.

I finally put to use the fabulous cheese markers I received last Christmas!

 

Votives and candles created ambiance and a Heavenly Fall aroma.

I made cinnamon roll bites for a gooey dessert(recipe to come).

Fall fruit makes the perfect decor. Easy to find and delicious later!

The wine tasting party was a great success! Great food, great company and great wine! What else do you need for a successful party?