Hello! Happy Friday and Merry Christmas (eve) to all who celebrate. We’re a multi-celebration household around here so we’ve been feeling the holiday joy all month long. Well, in reality it’s been a wild month (year) and omg I could use some rest, but overall everything is good! I’m just ready for a Christmas break. :)

Today I present to you the final Flavor Buffet of 2021! Wow. How did that happen already?! I’m taking a brief respite next week as I prepare for the new year, a new job, and hopefully a lot of goodness to come in 2022. I hope you’re also able to slow down, relax, enjoy the little things, and take a minute to appreciate and reflect on this past year. While there have been a lot of ups and downs, I’m closing out 2021 feeling strong, positive, and excited for the future.

So, as always, thank you for being here, thank you for reading, and I wish you the best for a happy holiday and a joyful, healthy New Year. :)

READ

I love that the (female) President and CEO of Cartier North America mentions her “wonderful” executive assistant in the first sentence of this interview about her day. This role is important and it’s awesome when it’s recognized in a public way. (Full disclosure: I am an EA).

This piece about five words to describe yourself got me thinking!

Who needs a new cocktail shaker? Lots of good information here.

Well, should I have bought everyone digital picture frames? Is it too late?

Seriously folks, please get vaccinated, boosted, and be careful. The restaurant industry is far from out of the woods.

COOK

Creamy Tortellini Soup may need to be on our “vacation week” menu.

Parmesan Arancini sound heavenly delicious and would be fun for a NYE appetizer.

Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies are being added to my holiday cookie list right this minute.

Short Rib Onion Soup looks like a decadent dish that would take time, but would be so worth the extra effort.

Panettone Scones would be such a treat for breakfast one of these days…

WATCH

Take some time and watch The Shrink Next Door. I know it’s not everyone’s favorite, but I really enjoyed it!

Emily in Paris is back for season two! It’s low-stress TV and extremely entertaining - even if just for the fancy outfits!

And Just Like That… have you started watching? It’s good enough! Hoping it improves…

Gossip Girl season two has resumed and I feel like I should give it another try. It’s not the original, but it’s…decent?

Elf, Home Alone, The Holiday, Love Actually - four of my favorite holiday season movies. Classics, all around.

SHOP

While I’d hope your shopping is done by now, there are always a few folks racing around on Christmas Eve. I have been one of them! So if you find yourself running to the shops today, might I suggest these ideas for last-minute gifts that are easy to buy, but are thoughtful as ever which is why we give gifts anyway. Be thoughtful, be kind, and give well.

A gift card to their favorite coffee shop/wine store/tea outpost that will cover multiple visits for their favorite beverages. Extra? Include a beautiful mug, pair of wine glasses, or unique glassware to enjoy the drinks at home.

A donation in their name to a favorite charity of theirs (or yours). Giving season is year-round, but making donations this time of year always feels extra-meaningful. Extra? Suggest participating together in an event next year that’s run by the same charity.

If they love to cook/bake, pair one of the year’s hottest cookbooks with a new set of kitchen tools or a special baking pan. Extra? Add in a fancy apron!

A gift card to a favorite restaurant as well as a gift card to one of their favorite spots for takeout. You’re giving them two nights “out!”

A sample set, or two, of luxury hair care, or skincare, so that they could try a selection of new-to-them products. Extra? Include a gift card to the same shop so that they can purchase more once they’ve picked their favorites.

A gift card to a local frame shop, or to Framebridge, where they can frame some favorite photos from the year. Extra? Print out a few options to go with the gift!

Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

Mollie