JORDANA JOSEPH
owner of Jorje Interior Design
“What I love about this table [setting] is the mixture of colors and textures. We took a simple idea—woven ribbon. Then we added in shine, with the white vinyl place mats, and roughness, with the linen tablecloth, to make the tabletop look like a present for the holidays.”
Antoine Sir candelabrum ($552.50), at dwr.com. Crate & Barrel cake platter ($35), at crateandbarrel.com. Nymphenburg plates (large, $839 each; small, $429 each), Lobmeyr Champagne cups ($148 each), goblets ($141 each), and tumblers ($107 each), by request at kneenandco.com. Baccarat Champagne flutes ($100 each), at baccarat.neimanmarcus.com. Other items are stylist’s own.
Photography: Anna Knott
Season’s Greetings
CHANDRA GREER
owner of Greer
“For invitations, I like something simple that could be used for any occasion. A little wit is important too.”
Greer invitations ($16.50 for set of eight) and Crane place cards ($11 for set of ten), at Greer, 1657 N. Wells St.; 312-337-8000, greerchicago.com
Photography: (products) courtesy of vendors; (head shot) courtesy of Experts
Holiday Cheers
FELICIA FERRONE
owner of Fferrone Design
“The holidays are a perfect time to spend with friends, celebrating and reflecting on the year. The Revolution Champagne flute came into being as a result of these rituals. There’s nothing like toasting with a little bubbly.”
Fferrone Design Revolution Champagne flutes ($79 for set of two), at fferronedesign.com.
Mauviel copper Champagne bucket ($299), at williams-sonoma.com.
Schramsberg J. Schram sparkling wine ($100), at schramsberg.com.
Photography: (products) courtesy of vendors; (head shot) courtesy of Experts
Warm Toasts
JEFF HANSEN
beverage director for Lula Cafe
THROUGH THE WOODS
1.5 oz. El Dorado rum
1 oz. apple shrub or Pok Pok apple drinking vinegar
.5 oz. Busnel Calvados apple liqueur
.5 oz. simple syrup
.25 oz. Zirbenz stone pine liqueur
Shake, then strain over ice in a highball glass; garnish with an apple slice and a pine sprig.
“It’s got a little bit of spice, a little bit of warmth, and some of the same components of mulled cider—but on ice. Serve it on the rocks or as a punch.”
Hansen’s recipe for apple shrub:
Chop 30 apples. In a large pot, combine chopped apples with apple cider vinegar (enough to submerge apples). Refrigerate, covered, for two weeks. Strain liquid—the “shrub”—from apples. Over low heat, dissolve one pound of sugar per gallon of liquid. Will keep, refrigerated, for two months.
Iittala Aarne cocktail glass ($45 for set of two), at switchmodern.com.
CB2 stainless steel cocktail shaker ($15), at CB2, 800 W. North Ave.; 312-787-8329, cb2.com.
Photography: (products) courtesy of vendors; (head shot) courtesy of Experts
Simple Feasts
HEATHER SPERLING
editor of Tasting Table Chicago and curator of Dose Market
“I like to start a party with a spread of Old Town Social’s Old World–style charcuterie, plus all the accouterments—pickles, mostardas, and some good crusty bread.”
Old Town Social charcuterie (price available upon request), at Old Town Social, 455 W. North Ave.; 312-266-2277, oldtownsocial.com.
Match cheese set ($376), at barneys.com.
Quince & Apple figs and black tea preserves ($7), at Olivia’s Market, 2014 W. Wabansia Ave.; 773-227-4220, oliviasmarket.com.
Photography: (products) courtesy of vendors; (head shot) courtesy of Experts
For the Happy Host
JULIA CUDDIHY VAN NICE
owner of Van Nice PR
“Iomoi is an automatic go-to for host gifts. It offers a beautiful array of designs that I can customize to my host’s style and personality.”
Iomoi customized ice bucket ($88) at iomoi.com.
Iomoi monogrammed canvas tote ($210) at iomoi.com.
Claus Porto Argus soap ($18), at lafcony.com.
Photography: (products) courtesy of vendors; (head shot) courtesy of Experts
Editors’ Picks
Let the good times roll
Diane von Furstenberg flatware ($105 for five-piece set) at Bloomingdale’s, 600 N. Wabash Ave.; 312-324-7500, bloomingdales.com.
Diane von Furstenberg tray ($90), at Bloomingdale’s, 600 N. Wabash Ave.; 312-324-7500, bloomingdales.com.
Spring Olive greeting card ($5), at etsy.com/shop/springolive.
Anthropologie decanters (from $50), at anthropologie.com.
Photography: (products) courtesy of vendors; (head shots) courtesy of Experts