Eating In

Instead of hassling with dinner reservations, crowded upscale restaurants, and limited set {over-priced}menus we decided to celebrate Valentine's @ the Cornelius household this year.

No pressure, just a low key romantic dinner at home.

Which gives me an excuse to set the table!

Which then in turn forced me...against my will...I had no choice to go to World Market.

I've got the basics, but wanted a few accent dinner ware and design elements.

So I picked up some great napkins, light purple vintage inspired glasses, and taper candles.

And now for the dinner...this was delish, if I do say so myself!

Appetizer: Cherry Tomatoes with Basil Oil, Herbed Goat Cheese, and Toast

Main: Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs

Sides: Garlic Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes + Chives

Pan Sauteed Broccoli with Lemon

Dessert: Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

I created this recipe after I had something similar @ a local restuarant.

You're going to want to keep this one:

Cherry Tomatoes with Basil Oil, Herbed Goat Cheese, and Toast

(serves 2)

1 (4oz) Plain Goat Cheese, @ room temp

1 tsp. dried thyme

{mix these two together and refrigerate until serving}

10-12 fresh basil leaves, julienned

1/4 c. good extra virgin olive oil

{mix in bowl and set aside, at least 30 min, until serving}

1 package of cherry tomatoes (red, orange, & yellows); cut in half

1 french baguette, cut on diagonal

Bake bread rounds, drizzled with olive oil, sal t+ pepper @ 350 for 8-10 min.

When ready to serve, put the goat cheese mixture and cut tomatoes on a plate.

Drizzle tomatoes with basil oil. Serve with warm, room temp bread.

Sending you lots of love!

xoxo-LC

Hostess Gifts: Culinary Chic

Christmas Decorations are filling the shelves.

{again with the time warp}

The holiday season is here.

The coming months will be full of delicious food, fabulous parties, and stretchy pants!

Slightly kidding...

There will be festive celebrations. And what is a more charming gesture than thanking your hostess with the mostess with something super fabulous and personal? Wait for it....nothing!

So today here's some suggestions for the culinary chic:

Don't leave home without them!

Anthropologie

Enchanted Buck Measuring Cups $48

{I would totally use these}

Anthropologie

Imprinted Palette Egg Caddy $24

{for the artsy}

Anthropologie

Recipe Cards $14

{wouldn't it be lovely if you included a favorite family recipe as a surprise?!}

Anthropologie

Spring Mix Apron $28

{for the girlie girl}

BUILT

Fishnet Wine Tote Two Bottle $18

{for the many concerts in the garden}

Horchow

Multicolor Drinkware $235 for 6

{gorgeous. period}

Williams Sonoma

Panettone $39.95

{makes delicious french toast or a beautiful centerpiece}

Stay tuned for more unique hostess gifts...

Got a date with my Chick-fil-a,

xoxo-LC

Lights, Flashing

Christmas lights, that is.

Ok, ok. I know it's only October, but close your eyes and holiday season will be here before you know it. And you know what that means....presents? NO- PARTIES! {well, presents too...}

But my gift to you today is my top picks for the holiday social scene. Every girl's got to have a great cocktail party dress to throw on. These are what I'm crushing on right now- glitter/sequins, red/pink, waist cinching silhouettes, and subtle pattern details. The perfect compliment to any of these looks is a splash of red lipstick, a smoky eye, a great cocktail ring, and a confident walk.

Go ahead, drool...

Aidan Mattox Sequin Sheath Dress

$370

Laundry by Shelli Segal Metallic Jacquard Peplum Dress

$164.90

Tadashi Shoji Pleated Metallic Jersey Sheath Dress

$298

Taylor Dresses Bengaline Party Dress

$198

Santi Rhinestone Frame Clutch

$228

Sondra Roberts Rose Satin Box Clutch

$98

Badgley Mischka Kiss Kiss Pump

$200

My opinion, you can't go wrong with any of those dresses.

And you can find them all conveneintly on Nordstrom.com

Get ready to break out the bubbly,

xoxo-LC