Little Full...Lotta Sap

I don't know what it is that has gotten people in the holiday spirit extra early this year but I noticed an over-abundance of people that either put up their tree before Thanksgiving or put it up the weekend after...maybe I am just a Grinch but I think that is just a bit early. I can deal with stores putting up decorations after Halloween, but for some reason I just can't get into the idea of residential holiday decorating till after Thanksgiving leftovers are all gone.

Maybe I am not so far off base.. according to the National Christmas Tree Association (haha! it is real organization to support local tree farmers and encourage people to buy and enjoy real trees) the expected fresh life expectancy of a cut tree is only three to four weeks...making now the perfect day to go get one! So what's the difference in the different trees?

The Douglas Fir (actually not a part of the fir family!) one of the most common Christmas trees, that is a native of the pacific northwest, it is typically 7-10 years old when it is large enough to be harvested for your home. They are known for their spreading branches and the needles that are dark green to bluish green in color and radiate out in all directions off the branch making it very full- plus the needles are soft to the touch!

The Eastern White Pine were historically considered the largest pine in the United States and have been the staple tree used to make ships' masts. It is also the state tree of Maine and Michigan- so this big guy has a big history to bring with it as a Christmas tree! It has long soft, flexible needles that are usually bluish green to silver green in color. while prized as a valuable lumber tree it does also make a great Christmas tree as they often reach over six feet in 6-8 years!!

The Fraser Fir also known as Southern Balsm, is the ultimate Christmas Tree as it usually require little pruning since they grow naturally in a pyramid shape. The needles are dark green with a silvery underside that gets shown off by the way the branches turn slightly upward as they grow.Its quintessential holiday scent as well  excellent needle retention have made this tree a top contender for best Christmas tree. I have to admit I am a bit biased as almost all Fraser Firs are grown in North Carolina and Virginia so childhood nostalgia gives this one a few extra points for me!

The Leyland Cypress, frankly this is a very interesting tree, it is a "sterile" tree... meaning it is not a naturally occurring tree, it is only grown by rooted cuttings!It was created by C.J. Leyland in 1888 and became all the rage for Christmas trees in California in the 60's. It has a dark green to grey coloring and tends to be "heavy and stout". Because this tree is not naturally occurred you will typically only find it at cut-your-own tree lots

The Noble Fir got its common name because of its enormous cones and tall heights that they reach in maturity. Like the Fraser Fir, the silvery underside of the bluish green needles shows off due to the growth pattern of the branches. Its stiff branches and long needle retention have made this a wildly popular Christmas Tree. I think the most intriguing fact about this tree is that they were used to build the R.A.F. Mosquito planes in World War II. 

Aghh... the Virgina Pine, the staple Christmas tree of the Southern United States! So popular to the point that it has been genetically altered to enhance its Christmas tree characteristics! It's branches are stout and woody with needles that are typically 2-3 inches long and it responds really well to pruning! These trees are found everywhere, from retail lots to cut your own lots- but buyer beware if you cut your own- they are the single most popular tree for woodpeckers- make sure you don't have any passengers!

So if you are headed out to pick one of your own that is pre-cut test the freshness by pulling on it to see how many needles fall off! And treat it just like buying fresh cut flowers, trim the stem...errr trunk of the tree- a fresh cut will help it absorb water and keep it alive. Speaking of water...get it in water as soon as you can! and make sure it has plenty f water otherwise you will end up with a mess of falling needles come Christmas morning. Your tree will typically need a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter (ie: 8 inch diameter needs 8 quarts of water) so get a stand that holds plenty of water and keep your pets out of it!

The hostess is like a duck...

calm and serene on the surface and paddling like hell underneath. I grew up with that saying framed on the wall in our kitchen, as well as my mother being the shining example of the hostess with the mostess. No matter if it was one person or ten, with two weeks notice or ten minutes notice,  she always effortlessly made each and every person feel welcome in our home. My mother also taught me never to show up empty handed when I go visit other people, and this time of year you have to get a little creative with hostess gifts as you are either giving more than usual or it has been awhile and your brain is starved for ideas.

Take something you love to share, it is a great way for your host to learn something about you- and ensure there is a snack you like! this year my choice (especially if the host has kids) is Trader Joe's Joe Joe's- think candy cane meets oreos.  Yes a box of cookies sounds silly- but go try them...you can thank me later for the 5 pounds you will gain.

Give a gift that gives back, check out buildanest.com or  globalgoodspartners.org for a home accessory gift, scarf or piece of jewelry that helps support a good cause.

Homemade baked goods are so much better and thoughtful than store bought! I love giving home made bread- it is something different that everyone can enjoy

A rosemary topiary makes a wonderful gift for the host you don't know to well, much better than flowers because it will last long past your visit!

Wine is always a good option (if you can tactfully make sure your host does in fact drink -trust me I have made the mistake of not checking and taking wine to an alcoholic-AWKWARD!) if you are going to give wine, don't show up just bare bottle in hand and remember that you are giving them a gift to save and enjoy later not a BYOB situation... buy something nicer than you would buy for yourself

If you have a specialty that you make like jam, or salad dressing- when you share it with your host make sure you include everything they will need to enjoy it!

If you are going the prefab gift pack route- pick one you would like to receive and pick one that is relevant. If you are staying for a weekend or extended stay- pick a breakfast pack and get up one morning to make it for your hosts! 

Just like the gift baskets, if going the candle route pick a scent you like and would want to receive, or go with a classic holiday scent like the Slatkin collection that has been around for years

Take a bit of local flavor... my family lives near an oyster mecca and score huge points when they show up at my door with a quart of oysters! I have a salad dressing that I am addicted to that is made locally and I love sharing it when I travel. Taking something local not only helps support your local community it is also a great way to share a bit of your world with your host.

Remember not to show up empty handed, but also make sure to put some thought and personalization into your gift- take the time and effort make sure your host knows you thought of them when you picked it out.


photos: Martha Stewart, Slatkin, Stonewall Kitchen, Trader Joe's, Global Goods Partner

I'm not talking about the purple dinosaur...

I love you, you love me...and that is why I am going to continue on my window shopping journey with quite possibly my favorite windows of the holiday season...Barneys! for those of you who default think of the big purple guy I am talking about the gorgeous building residing at 660 Madison Avenue...if you do default to the purple guy maybe you should head up to kids on the 9th floor (or stop in Fred's for a yummy bite! also on 9th).
As usual, I digress...this year Barney's pays homage to one of my favorite subjects- Food! What a splendid combination- fashion and food!

From Barney's holiday gift guide I adore their "alphabet soup ala Jennifer Meyer"

In the spirit of Barneys combining food and fashion a must have gift for this year's list is:

and while your at it pick up these cookbooks too!

And why not bring a some food out of the kitchen and into the rest of your home

 love these cool recycled soup can pendants!

Or just remember to have fun and play with your food!

xoxo

photos: Examiner, Country Living, VegArt, Barneys, food network