Sea Glass at Anthropologie
I am a big fan of Anthropologie. I rarely walk in without finding at least a couple treasures I would like to take home. I also think beach glass – or sea glass as it’s sometimes called is enchanting. I enjoy collecting the tiny pieces of tumbled glass when I am lucky enough to find it at the beach. When I saw this gorgeous hanging chandelier made entirely of beach glass at Anthropologie, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Most of the glass on this hanging piece is clear so the colored pieces in shades of amber, green and blue stand out. Of course it basically needs a room of its own to hang in. What a fun piece!
New Years Traditions Around the World
Around the world, the New Year is filled with many symbolic traditions.
Here in the United States, the most famous tradition is the dropping of the ball in Times Square. Each year at 11:59 P.M. thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter.
In Japan, people thoroughly clean their homes on New Years Eve in case the New Year’s God pays them a visit. Buddhist Temples in Japan strike gongs 108 times to expel the 108 types of human weakness.
The Dutch make bonfires from their Christmas trees to expel the old and welcome the new.
First-footing is an ancient European New Year’s custom that continues into the present in many areas. The first person to enter a home after midnight on the first day of the year should be a male, preferably with dark hair. Blondes may have been associated with Vikings – visitors who never brought good luck. The first-footer should carry a gift, such as a coin for prosperity, bread for food, salt for flavor, or whiskey to represent good cheer. The first-footer can be a resident of the house, but must not be inside during the hour leading up to midnight.
Austria has one of the most glamorous New Year’s celebrations. At the Imperial Ball, a tradition of the Hapsburg dynasty that has continued for hundreds of years, dancers wear white gowns and black jackets. At midnight, “The Blue Danube,”is played. The Strauss operetta, “Die Fledermaus, is performed each New Year’s Day
Noisemaking and fireworks began in ancient times as a way to dispel evil spirits. Of course, this tradition continues around the world to this day.
Many of the world’s most interesting New Year’s traditions revolve around eating. The food represents wealth, prosperity, forward motion, long life and happiness.
The Spanish and Portuguese eat twelve grapes – one grape each time the clock chimes. This symbolizes the twelve months of the new year.
People around the world consider pork to be the luckiest food to eat on New Year’s Day. Pigs are rotund, which represents prosperity. They also “root forward” with their noses, which is supposed to symbolize progress. Yes, bacon counts!
In Greece, a pomegranate is smashed on the floor in front of the door to break it open. The seeds represent prosperity and good fortune. The more seeds, the more luck you will have in the months ahead.
In Japan Soba noodles are eaten. These long buckwheat noodles symbolize long life, and are therefore lucky – but only if you eat them without chewing or breaking them.
The Greek bake a special lemon-flavored cake called a Vasilopita or St Basil’s Cake. It’s baked with a silver or gold coin inside. Whoever finds the coin gets a year of good luck.
In the Southern United States, it’s traditional to eat black-eyed peas or cowpeas in a dish called Hoppin’ John. There are even those who believe in eating one pea for every day in the new year. This traces back to the legend that during the Civil War, the town of Vicksburg, Mississippi, ran out of food while under attack. The residents fortunately discovered black-eyed peas and the legume was thereafter considered lucky.
Traditional wisdom warns that it’s best to avoid certain food. Lobster, for instance, is a bad idea because they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks. Chicken is discouraged because the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past. Another theory warns against eating any winged fowl because good luck could fly away.
Whether you follow any of these traditions or have a few of your own – all of us at Pryor Events wish you a happy, healthy and memorable 2012.
Wonderful Holiday Gifts at Anthropologie
Beautifully detailed plates are unique gifts.
Whimsical Cookie jars are fun to give and receive – especially filled with your favorite cookies.
Anthropologie is a great source for clothes – colorful party dresses, warm sweaters, lace-up boots, fantastic coats.Anthropologie is also a perfect place to find Holiday Gifts. A few of my favorites – unique books on interesting subjects, hand blown glass ornaments, cozy scarves & gloves and wonderful kitchen items. They even feature garden tools from Austria. It is always a treat to select gifts from Anthropologie as I know the recipient will be truly excited. Pryor Events are fans of Anthropologie.
The Butter End is busy baking for the Holidays
The Butter End Cakery in Santa Monica produces absolutely gorgeous and delicious cake and other sweet delicacies.
The Butter End’s enchanting holiday dessert display. From French macarons to handmade caramel corn to pear galette and farmer’s market apple pie…
These delectable treats and so much more are available to order for the holidays. You can even take in your favorite baking dish and Kimberly will bake a perfect apple pie to pick up.
Aren’t these little elves adorable! The fact that they are chocolate, bourbon and coconut means they will taste as amazing as they look.
Kimberly Bailey calls herself the owner, baker, artist and dishwasher at her cake boutique – The Butter End. I call her incredible. You will find Kimberly baking to her heart’s content at her boutique cakery – tucked in an alley off of Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica. As soon as you enter you realize you are in for a wonderful experience. Kimberly truly listens to her customer’s needs and desires. She enjoys being creative and she is always up for a challenge. In addition to using rolled chocolate instead of the standard fondant, Kimberly uses only the purest and most natural ingredients. You can taste the difference in every heavenly bite! Pryor Events are fans of The Butter End. View their site at www.thebutterend.com or give Kimberly a call at (310) 943-9241
Carolina Herrera Gowns
Carolina Herrera on Melrose Place is having their “Secret Sample Sale” –
Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 to 6:00.
Their gorgeous wedding gowns are going to be 50% to 70% off. Veils, shoes and evening wear will be marked down heavily as well. This is a rare opportunity.
Call Caitlin to make an appointment (323) 782-9090
White House Subs – The Best
Whether you call them submarines, subs, hoagies or heros – there is only one place to enjoy this tastiest of all sandwiches.
The White House in Atlantic City, N.J. is home to the world’s best subs.
One of the reasons the subs are far superior to anyplace else is that the bread is incredibly fresh. Large bags brimming with just baked bread are delivered to The White House twelve times a day.
This “regular” sub is in production.
Their cheese steak is the best I have ever eaten.
Whenever I am on the east coast I try my best to pay a visit to The White House.
The White House has been making these delicious sandwiches since 1946. The quality of their products is amazing. Some of the employees have worked there over 40 years and they take great pride in assembling each creation.
The White House has been making these delicious sandwiches since 1946. The quality of their products is amazing. Some of the employees have worked there over 40 years and they take great pride in assembling each creation.
The decision is never easy – the regular sub that’s filled with tasty Italian meat and cheese or the cheese steak which has hot, tender sliced steak, melted cheese and grilled onions. The chicken steak made with sliced breast of chicken is also very popular. Make sure to ask for their signature hot peppers that add the perfect amount of zing. Whichever sub I choose, I am never disappointed. Pryor Events are big fans of The White House.
If your travels take you to Pennsylvania or New Jersey – do yourself a favor and visit The White House.
Lawrys at Thanksgiving
Lawry’s serves their traditional meal on Thanksgiving. You can order prime rib, turkey or a combination. I was happy with my choice – the combination.
This year my family had Thanksgiving at a restaurant for the very first time in my life. The dinner was quite delicious. Our round table was very comfortable and everyone was able to talk and actually hear.
Our meal began with Lawry’s signature spinning salad with lettuce, watercress, egg, beets, homemade sourdough croutons and their wonderful dressing. Our main course was accompanied by mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries and Yorkshire pudding. Lawry’s creamed spinach or corn was offered as well. In addition to the holiday menu, their complete menu was available as well as vegetarian options.
The PROS
The food was delicious
There were no dishes to wash
The atmosphere was festive
The CONS
We waited over an hour for our table
I will miss the turkey sandwiches the next day
Vera Wang – Wonderful Sale
Vera Wang on Melrose Avenue is having a huge sale on Friday – the day after Thanksgiving. Their fall and pre-fall ready to wear will be hard to resist as clothing and shoes are 40% off and accessories will be 20% off. Vera’s clothes are super flattering – perfect for all of the holiday parties coming up. Pryor Events are big fans of Vera Wang.
The Presidential Suite at Hotel Bel-Air
The living room of The Presidential Suite at Hotel Bel-Air.
Hotel Bel-Air has always been one of my most favorite hotels. I was a bit concerned when the hotel closed several years ago for a complete remodel. Only the hotel’s signature swans remained during the construction.
I am very happy to say that the original charm of the hotel is intact. There are many changes from the sophisticated lobby to the delicious Wolfgang Puck restaurant to the new guest rooms. The changes enhance the beauty of the hotel without detracting from it. Each area is quite wonderful.
I had the pleasure of visiting The Presidential Suite with the lovely Lynn Racusin. I work with Lynn on booking rooms for my clients who are planning events at both Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel.
The colors in the suite are eclectic and yet calm and soothing at the same time.
My favorite part of the suite – a full sized swimming pool and lovely patio.
Another wonderful outdoor space – a tranquil patio with its own jacuzzi.All of the new suites are gorgeous. Each has its own personality. Several are even built into the hillside and have amazing views.
The Presidential features 2,260 square feet of indoor space. There are two fireplaces, a wonderful kitchen and a formal dining room. The floor is made from limestone and there are natural wood ceilings. The outdoor areas are completely private and beautifully landscaped. The hotel is extraordinary so it is only fitting that
their Presidential Suite is truly spectacular. Pryor Events are fans of Hotel Bel-Air.
The Presidential features 2,260 square feet of indoor space. There are two fireplaces, a wonderful kitchen and a formal dining room. The floor is made from limestone and there are natural wood ceilings. The outdoor areas are completely private and beautifully landscaped. The hotel is extraordinary so it is only fitting that
their Presidential Suite is truly spectacular. Pryor Events are fans of Hotel Bel-Air.
