Christmas Dinner... The 3 C's

Our Christmas dinner is the perfect balance that ultimately summarizes what the holidays are all about: heavy on comfort with a bit of indulgence and a whole lot of fun! We call it the 3 Cs... and not the Cartier c's. No cut, clarity, or color involved here. Cheeseburgers, caviar, and champagne. Seriously, does it get better than that? It's the ultimate trifecta of high-low culinary perfection: the humble, yet freakishly delicious, cheeseburger paired with a flute of bubbly and a side of caviar. Done and done. Here are my favorites:

Toasted brioche. Grass-fed beef. Applewood bacon. Grafton Village cheddar. Lettuce. Tomato.

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs

Choose a bottle that's significant to you. I like picking one that's associated with a special memory. We served this champagne at our wedding.

Petrossian Royal Transmontanus Caviar

Certain things in life seem suspicious when they're discounted. Medical procedures would be at the top of the list and caviar would be right behind it. The Royal Transmontanus Caviar is farm raised in California, yet similar in texture to the more luxurious Royal Ossetra. If you are feeling up for a deep indulgence, than treat your taste buds to the Royal Ossetra. When I am serving Caviar for a crowd I opt for the Royal Transmontanus.  Don't forget to pick up a few blini's and crème Fraîche. 

Wishing you a Merry Merry! 

GDS Gift Guide

Nothing is worse than elbowing your way through crowds on Black Friday to rummage through a bin of mass-produced goods shipped over from China. But the truth is, it's a lot less intimidating to grab that  crowd-pleaser door-buster deal from a big box store, knowing that their generous return policy will at least buy you a get-out-of-jail-free card if your grateful recipient isn't pleased with your grand gesture. But you're better than that. And even if gift-giving isn't your thing, we're here to help. We pulled together a grouping of our favorite, most thoughtful gifts from small shops and online stores.

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1. Placemats from Holly Stuart Designs are made with Farrow & Ball's paint colors

2. Pendant from Erica Wilson

3. Plush quilted slippers from Loro Piana

4. Custom Griffin Design Source telephone table available in many colors and finishes. We love topping it with grass cloth! 

5. The ultimate carryall. Perfect for a market tote, gym bag, or roomy work bag

6. Fine jewelry from The Woods.  Interchangeable baubles add whimsy.

7. Equestrian-inspired cuff from Kendall Conrad

8. A cozy throw from Maine-based blanket maker Swans Island

9. A versatile clutch from Kendall Conrad gets an extra dose of style with a tassel