Happy Friday, gang! And Merry Christmas! I’m certain everyone is in overdrive, like me, pulling the last-minute details together for the big day! I’m 90% ready for our White Elephant gift exchange on Christmas Eve. For the past thirty years, I’ve served charcuterie boards for Christmas Eve, then switched gears for Christmas Brunch with our favorite casseroles from Skiers French Toast, Sausage Egg Casserole, and a Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake. Oh, and I can’t forget lox and bagel, along with a Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar, where guests can serve themselves. Read that post here. Nothing fancy, just family favorites year after year. I’m hoping my White Elephant gift will be a hit and stolen at least twice, if not thrice! Today we have Christmas Outfits and a Holiday Appetizer.
Today we are wearing fun Christmas outfits
Our outfits are shoppable via text and image widgets
Plus, find a recipe for a holiday appetizer and a winter Aperol Spritz
(Talbots)
Kelly and I are feeling festive in our plaid pants. One of my readers on YouTube recently questioned the longevity of plaid pants, which made me stop and think. But I’ve had at least one pair of plaid pants hanging in my closet for years and years. Obviously, they’re the perfect choice for the holiday season, but I wear mine well before and long after Christmas has come and gone. I guess you’d say I’m mad for Plaid! This pair of plaid pants came along with me to Europe with a gray sweater and white sneakers. Today, I chose a yellow cashmere crewneck and white shirt to add a casual chic flair. And y’all know what I think about red shoes. Every woman should own at least one pair! I love these red velvet shoes from Frances Valentine that I wear every chance I get all through fall and winter. Honestly, they go with so many outfits and add that little extra something!
Beth’s Outfit: White Shirt | Cashmere Crewneck | Plaid Pants | Red Velvet Shoes | Blue Caviar Hoop Earrings | Caviar Stretch Bracelet | Bangle | Caviar Watchband
Kelly’s Outfit: Similar Tartan Pants (Talbots) | Mockneck Crop Sweater | Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane | Sam Edelman Jene Mary Jane
Beth’s Outfit: White Shirt | Cashmere Crewneck | Plaid Pants | Red Velvet Shoes | Blue Caviar Hoop Earrings | Caviar Stretch Bracelet | Bangle | Caviar Watchband
Kelly’s Outfit: Similar Tartan Pants (Talbots) | Mockneck Crop Sweater | Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane | Sam Edelman Jene Mary Jane
(Talbots)
These festive tartan pants are from J.Crew, last year. But, at Christmastime, there is no shortage of tartan pants! Talbots has a great version with their Celebrating Plaid Pants. With such eye-catching pants, a simple white Mockneck Crop Sweater works very well to not overwhelm the outfit.
Beth’s Outfit: White Shirt | Cashmere Crewneck | Plaid Pants | Red Velvet Shoes | Blue Caviar Hoop Earrings | Caviar Stretch Bracelet | Bangle | Caviar Watchband
Kelly’s Outfit: Similar Tartan Pants (Talbots) | Mockneck Crop Sweater | Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane | Sam Edelman Jene Mary Jane
I am wearing the Sam Edelman Jene Mary Jane, which is from last year, so the availability is limited. For this year, Sam Edelman has the Michaela Mary Jane. You can visit the Sam Edelman store on Amazon for a wider range of colors of the Michaela Mary Jane.
With the addition of cranberry juice, we gave our favorite summertime Aperol spritz a holiday makeover. Garnish with a rosemary sprig for an extra festive touch.
Makes 2 Cocktails
6 oz. Aperol
6 oz. Prosecco
2 oz. Cranberry Juice
4 oz. Club Soda
2 Orange Wedges
2 Orange Zest Twists
2 Sprigs of Rosemary
Combine the Aperol, Prosecco, and cranberry juice in a glass with ice. Top with club soda. Add in an orange wedge and a twist. Garnish with rosemary sprig and orange twist.
So simple and so flavorful! These sweet and spicy meatballs are a perfect holiday appetizer.
2 lb. 85 /15 Lean Ground Beef
2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup Dry Breadcrumbs
2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp. Kosher Salt, divided
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper, divided
2 (13-oz.) Jars Red Pepper Jelly (such as Stonewall Kitchen)
1/2 cup Bottled Chili Sauce (such as Heinz)
1/2 cup Bottled Barbecue Sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped Peppadew Peppers (from 5 peppers) or Sweet Cherry Peppers
1/4 cup finely chopped Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil. Lightly coat an 8-quart slow cooker with cooking spray; set aside.
In a large bowl, stir together ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. Mix thoroughly. Shape into 34 meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each). Arrange on prepared baking sheets.
Bake in preheated oven until a thermometer inserted in center registers 160°F, about 14 minutes. Remove from oven; transfer meatballs to prepared slow cooker, discarding any liquid from baking sheets.
Whisk together red pepper jelly, chili sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, cayenne, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl. Pour mixture over meatballs in slow cooker; toss to coat. Cover and cook on LOW, stirring halfway through cook time, until sauce thickens, 3 to 4 hours. Transfer meatballs to a platter; top with Peppadew peppers, parsley, and any remaining sauce.
From my house to yours, Kelly, Oscar, Ollie, and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Beth’s Outfit: White Shirt | Cashmere Crewneck | Plaid Pants | Red Velvet Shoes | Blue Caviar Hoop Earrings | Caviar Stretch Bracelet | Bangle | Caviar Watchband
Kelly’s Outfit: Similar Tartan Pants (Talbots) | Mockneck Crop Sweater | Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane | Sam Edelman Jene Mary Jane
Beth’s Outfit: White Shirt | Cashmere Crewneck | Plaid Pants | Red Velvet Shoes | Blue Caviar Hoop Earrings | Caviar Stretch Bracelet | Bangle | Caviar Watchband
Kelly’s Outfit: Similar Tartan Pants (Talbots) | Mockneck Crop Sweater | Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane | Sam Edelman Jene Mary Jane
Yesterday, I shared essentials for traveling in comfort and style. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Love your plaids. You both look festive today but comfortable. Happy Holidays to you and yours. I enjoy your blog. Pats to Oscar and cat.
Happy Christmas, Rory! You know plaid pants are just so much fun! Thank you for stopping by today, xo Kelly
The meatball recipe sound perfect for our NYE soiree. I think I’ll give it a go!
It will be a hit, Donna! So easy and mostly hands-off, it’s a great holiday appetizer. Enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! xo Kelly
So festive! Merry Christmas to you and your Family!
Very pretty the bright yellow with the stripe pants.
I am glad I finally can make a comment I can not on the other one.
Kelly is very cute with that hair cut!!
Mary Christmas for you and all of your family
Hi, Kelly! You and Beth make plaid look so good! Taking opportunity to personally wish you a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year. Greeted Beth yesterday. After many failed attempts to leave comments since last summer, finally get to say, “Am still here, and loving your work!” You eased into this new career beautifully. Very proud of you! Hugs`
Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays to Beth and Kelly! Thank you for putting forth a positive image of women at all ages and sharing bits of your lives with us.
Just saw this! I love your plaid pants and I wish you happy holidays (Go, Oscar)!