My Holiday Party
Yesterday’s blog was all about my holiday décor and, as promised, today’s blog is all about my holiday party. This will also stay up for Wednesday. It was a huge success! The party was from two until six-pm and so many people came. This year, I decided to have the party in three different buildings with a different theme in each space. Once again, Chef Pierre Schaedelin prepared a fabulous feast, which was served in my main house, known as the Winter House. The kitchen was quite crowded, as guests flocked there to relish Pierre’s creations. With appetites sated, one could then wander to the Summer House for fancy desserts, eggnog, and live carolers. The other building, open for the party, was the little Tenant House, which was decorated with a bear theme. The Tenant House had lots of great candy and trays of yummy cookies. Enjoy!
1 It was quite cold, but fortunately, the weather held out for my holiday party.
2 Preparation was all hands on deck. This is Carlos, my driver, who juiced lemons and oranges for the citrus punch.
3 Even Daisy, my makeup artist, helped Thomas, who did all of the baking, by making the lime glaze for the pound cake. This is the baking kitchen/flower room.
4 The lime-glazed pound cake
5 Thomas Joseph, from the television kitchen, baked hundreds of cookies.
6 The carolers arrived just before the guests - JJ Hudson, Samantha Guevrekian, Andrew Fuchs, Jamie Bernstein, Risa Renae Harman, and Tim Long, my nephew and a fabulous musician.
7 All of the serious food was prepared and served in the Winter House by Chef Pierre. The Winter House is my main residence.
8 Paul Scordino helped Pierre prepare the food.
9 Pierre found gorgeous shrimp for.....
10 A most elegant shrimp cocktail.
11 Sarah Mastracco, from television, also helped Pierre in the kitchen.
12 There were stuffed cabbage leaves with rice, sauteed vegetables, and currants.
13 Blini with creme fraiche and red caviar
14 Roasted turkey breast
15 A really great ham
16 Pierre slicing the ham just before guests started to arrive
17 Serving tip - Cut into the ham crosswise in a couple of places before slicing. This way, smaller pieces will fall off for easier serving.
18 There were tender and juicy lamb chops cooked to perfection.
19 Creamy scalloped potatoes
20 Amazing smoked fish from Russ & Daughters http://russanddaughters.com/
21 And wonderful pâtés
22 Tiny cheesy herbed stuffed potatoes
23 Pierre filling individual ramekins with his superb cheese souffle - The souffles only took about 12 minutes in the oven and were very, very popular.
24 Yum!!!
25 Cornichon, pickled vegetables, and peppadew peppers
26 Biscuits, toasts, and bread
27 The buffet
28 A giant loaf from Balthazar Bakery http://www.balthazarbakery.com/
29 Stacks of FireKing plates
30 Flatware for the buffet
31 Flaky cheese straws
32 Toasted bread for the French onion soup
33 Paul at the stove making potato pancakes, which were served with sour cream and pink applesauce.
34 One of the nice things about this type of party is that Pierre could interact with the guests.
35 With my friend Judy Steinhardt
36 Being served a French onion soup by Pierre
37 Pierre's onion soup is so rich and delicious and he tops it with a combination of cheddar and gruyere.
38 My friend, Jim Klinko, from Furniture on Consignment in Westport, CT was thrilled to be at the party. http://www.fine2consign.com/
39 Dr. Harvey Sloane and Kathy Sloane
40 I received so many lovely gifts.
41 Dan Slater and my niece, Sophie Herbert
42 Nikki Elkins' 8-month-old daughter, Lucy, and her husband Kent Motland
43 Susan Magrino and her sister, Allyn
44 Ralph Lauren and Andrea Raisfeld
45 Pilar Guzman, Editor-in-Chief of Living
46 Richard Gere was crazy about the stuffed potatoes.
47 The kitchen was the place to be.
48 People kept eating and eating.
49 Pierre slicing foie gras
50 Three different white wines were poured.
51 The servery
52 Fancy desserts - The partridge in the pear tree was made by culinary artist Dani Fiori. www.sweetdanib.com
53 Festive chocolate creations
54 Brittle and candied nuts
55 The green parlor
56 Virginia Diner peanuts and pistachios
57 More cookie creations
58 Fancy candy
59 The brown room was warm and inviting.
60 The fire was blazing.
61 Guests loved that there were so many different Christmas trees.
62 This is Jess Alexander and Reika of EN Japanese Brasserie. http://enjb.com/
63 Posing with Reika, who wore a traditional Japanese kimono. She looked so lovely.
64 The amazing wait staff came from M&J Events - Brad Swanick, Bryan Dewitt, me, Matt Perella, Corrinne Crewe, Travis Wolfe - Their sweaters were courtesy of J C Penney.
65 Lisa Gersh, our COO and her daughter Maddy
66 Members of the Lauren family - Dylan, Ricky, Ralph, Lauren Bush Lauren, David, Paul Arrouet, and Vivaldi the cat
67 My friend, Mike Comisac, donated the live outdoor trees. G.K. didn't mind the cold one bit.
68 We had my large iron cauldron blazing away between buildings.
69 The Summer House, which rarely gets seen on this blog, had caroling and silver tray desserts & eggnog.
70 A nice shot of me with Susan Magrino, my publicist
71 With my friends and neighbors Michael Citro and Laura Blau - Laura, by the way, loves my blog and reads it every day.
72 Shortbread rounds topped with lemon curd and meringue
73 Kouign-Amann, or Breton cake - layers of flaky pastry with caramelized sugar
74 Mini brownies with ganache icing
75 Pistachio nougat
76 Little bear cookies cut from a ricotta cake
77 Chocolate pots de creme
78 A buche de noel
79 Sour lemon cake - a lemon pound cake topped with candied citrus slices.
80 Christmas stollen
81 Stollen was my mother's favorite holiday dessert and she made a fabulous one!
82 Little tiramisu
83 Panettone
84 The carolers, all professional singers, sounded so amazing.
85 Emily Borgeest, my intern, helped serve the eggnog. This bowl was the non-alcohol version.
86 As opposed to the potent potable
87 This eggnog is made with bourbon, rum, and cognac with plenty of eggs and heavy cream.
88 Michael Steinhardt being served a cup of eggnog
89 This eggnog is unbelievably decadent and potent.
90 Each cut of eggnog received a fresh grating of nutmeg.
91 Sharing a laugh with Bruce Corbett
92 The desserts were served on the marble-topped bookshelves.
93 Muffin Dowdle and her friend, Lorna
94 I was so happy that David Rockefeller, Sr. could make it to the party. He loved the eggnog.
95 Singing with the carolers
96 Jim Klinko speaking with Ralph Robbins
97 Jim and Muffin laughed a lot.
98 One parlor
99 And the other
100 The Tenant House was decorated with a stuffed bear theme. I can't show you any photos of the decor, because it will appear in Living as a story.
101 Mulled apple cider
102 A citrusy punch
103 Maryann Vanderventer's son, Hayden Daleck, 7 years old, thought the candy was 'out of the park.'
104 Nikki Elkin, from the television kitchen, came with her family. Her 2-year-old son, Will Motland, liked the warm cider.
105 Nikki Elkins
106 Chocolate truffle cookies
107 Hazelnut linzer cookies and chocolate chip cookies
108 Molasses cookies
109 Lemon sugar and chocolate-chocolate chip cookies
110 Little gingerbread men
111 Donkey cutouts made by from culinary artist Dani Fiori, who showed how to make a Nativity arrangement on my TV show. www.sweetdanib.com
112 And Dani also made these adorable little lambs.
113 Iced bears
114 Francesca and Sharkey looked so festive in their PetSmart sweaters.
OH! My! Word!!!! Martha, so much food, so much beauty, and so many people!
I got so hungry just looking, I had to make myself a sandwich of toasted wheat bread, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. It's good, but I'd like some of your sweets to go with it, and a slice of ham, please.
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | December 20th, 2011 at 12:55 am
Martha,
Thanks for sharing these photographs! The food and day looked beautiful. Thank you for this personal album!
Posted by: Joseph Patz | December 20th, 2011 at 1:10 am
Oh Martha,
You have done it again, what a fabulous menu and party.
I loved the decor, so much hard work, well done, every year I always look forward to what you have dreamed up.
Merry Christmas to you and your and many blessings.
Posted by: Aussie gal | December 20th, 2011 at 1:42 am
It was so beautiful watching these shots, that it almost felt I was there. Congrats Martha!
Posted by: Chris | December 20th, 2011 at 4:18 am
Thank you for inviting us all to share in your party.Photos of food and guests are beyond
remarkable and happy that this will stay up for two days. Merry Christmas
Posted by: ann | December 20th, 2011 at 4:26 am
Martha, You've really outdone yourself with this party! Has there ever been a state dinner with anywhere near this level of hospitality? I think not. I counted over 55 different dishes, desserts, and beverages- and all for such a warm and intimate gathering. So many mouthwatering photos of everything imaginable from the savory to the sweet, I wouldn't know where to begin... All delectable and perfectly presented. I wish that your Mom could have been there to see it all. Thanks so much for letting us 'attend'.
The photo of the brown room #59 literally took my breath away (it should be a magazine cover) as did that luscious whipped egg nog #87. Your ornate tray in #77 is stunning;so incredible, it could have come from the Biltmore estate. Most of all, I love the charm and the coziness of your summer house parlor with all of the wonderful bookshelves. I will enjoy these photos many times over during the holidays. Many thanks.
Posted by: Roger | December 20th, 2011 at 6:44 am
Summer house, winter house, tenant house, stable, corncrib, greenhouse, equipment barn...oh how those of us who admire your endless Bedford experiment in design and food and gardens and animals and crafts and most of all, your respect for the environment would enjoy a comprehensive layout of the farm. You inspire millions of people everyday. Thanks, Martha. You deserve all good things!
Posted by: Chas. Jos. Taylor | December 20th, 2011 at 8:07 am
Om my goodness I've never seen so much food served at one party - you must have has stacks of left overs.
Posted by: Phoebe | December 20th, 2011 at 8:20 am
Well done Martha!!! The food looks delicious and the houses are so beautifully decorated and everyone looks like they had a fantastic time.
Posted by: Karen Tracy | December 20th, 2011 at 8:33 am
Martha, thank you for sharing your great Christmas get together! All the food looked absolutely wonderful! The creative details in the main food and desserts brought forth all the beauty of the season. My commpliments to the Chef!
Posted by: Syl | December 20th, 2011 at 8:34 am
Wow, outstanding, I did'nt get a tree this year so seeing yours is wonderful. Happy Holidays to all.
Posted by: Mairead Doria | December 20th, 2011 at 8:54 am
How lovely all that was need was a sprinkling of snow. How does one get on the guest list???
Posted by: barbara | December 20th, 2011 at 8:55 am
most excellent. thanks.
Posted by: chris | December 20th, 2011 at 9:05 am
Beautiful, what a treat to see everything,thanks for sharing.Merry Christmas Martha.
Posted by: Debbie Norton | December 20th, 2011 at 9:51 am
I would have gorged myself silly at your party! Endless delicious food! But my favorite picture was Ralph Lauren holding Vivaldi. I always want to play with the family pet at parties, too!
Posted by: B Heinbaugh | December 20th, 2011 at 10:17 am
Hi Martha, Thank you so much for sharing this most spectacular, beautiful, wonderful blog about your delightful Christmas party at your Bedford farm home! It took me awhile to view all of these stunning photos, but I love every one of them and will view them again! Fantastic Pierre is the greatest chef and I would love to be there and taste each of his delicious foods! He sure had some great help with Carlos, Daisy, Thomas, Paul, and Sarah M. helping fabulously! Lots of memories are in many photos-Russ&Daughters smoked fish, Balthazar Bakery bread, those green FireKing plates, and that delicious stollen that your wonderful Mom used to make on your TV Show! The Winter House, Summer House, and Tenant House were gorgeous party places! Fun to see Vivaldi and G.K., also! Your guests were such happy friends who had a delightful time at your party-wish I was there! Love this tour the most and you look so gorgeous and happy, too! Off to see The Daily Wag where F&S made you a beautiful Holiday Greetings Card! Have another great day! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 20th, 2011 at 10:28 am
Three words: O.M.G. Between the decor, the food and the guest list (Ralph Lauren is my idol!) I could barely sit still in my chair as I was browsing through these photos. What a gorgeous and generous display of hospitality and warmth, Martha. SO lovely! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | December 20th, 2011 at 10:46 am
Martha,
WOW, your party looked like so much fun! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!
Posted by: KLBrown | December 20th, 2011 at 10:49 am
Martha, what a spread!!! Such a delightful party and elegant setting. Your homes are magnificent. They'll be writing about you in food and entertainment books for decades. Just wondering when I'm invited
Posted by: tommyboy | December 20th, 2011 at 11:03 am
I would have had a difficult time deciding which desserts to have!
Posted by: homer | December 20th, 2011 at 11:08 am
Martha,
Just beautiful!!, I'm actually writing to let you know that we purchased the new Cat Cave as I call it for our cat named Tuff!. He is extremely stubborn and we have bought numerous cat beds and blankets for him for the last 16 yrs. and he has never ever gone to one as he went straight to yours. I saw your episode on your new pet line and I thought if I where a cat I would love to have that dwelling to keep warm and safe. I also purchased the cat nip you showed, low and behold I brought it all home and put it in front of the fire place and Tuff went immediately to it and laid down!!!. He has been enjoying that bed for the last 2 months and we are still amazed. We wanted to say a big thank you and a Merry Xmas and the most fabulous New Year!.
Posted by: Kim B. | December 20th, 2011 at 11:24 am
Hi Martha,
As I've said before, you sure know how to throw a great party! Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 20th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
All I can say is "wow, you know how to throw a party!." Wonderful pictures -thanks for sharing.
Joan
Hilton New York
Posted by: joan vogt | December 20th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Just lovely!
Merry Christmas, Martha.
Posted by: susie | December 20th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
One of your carolers, Risa Rae Harmon, spends her summer teaching and performing at Bay View in Petoskey, MI. We never miss a performance by Risa -- how fortunate that she was able to carol for your guests -- her voice is absolutely magnificent -- and, she is gorgeous to boot! Out of sight party and food. You are to be commended for sharing with your many friends and fans. Thank you.
Posted by: LORETTA KNIGHT | December 20th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Thank you for giving my grandson, Andrew Fuchs, an opportunity to sing at this lovely event. It is an experience that will, undoubtedly, outshine all the others.
Posted by: Jackie Fuchs | December 20th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Hi Martha, Thank you for your generosity in sharing your home throughout the holidays...and all of the year. What a beautiful day you had, and all of your guests looked so happy...really enjoying themselves! Of course, the decor and all of the food looked so fabulous. What a feast...and so gorgeously presented! Well, looking through all the photos, I was vicariously experiencing being one of the revelers...eating and drinking, and the clinking of glasses. Thank you, again, and have a very Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Posted by: Judy | December 20th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Dearest Martha, thankyou so much for sharing the absolutely wonderful pictures! I loved every picture of your party. The food looked so wonderful! This makes me want to cook up a storm which I will be doing all week. I had to go back and look at your pictures a few times because it was all was so beautiful! Looks like a really great time! Good food and friends make a great party!
Posted by: Frances | December 20th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Amazing Martha!
Maybe next year invite a few fans to join in the frolic! (hint hint)
gail
Posted by: gail pierson | December 20th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Martha,
What a lovely party, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: susan | December 20th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Hi, Martha,
How enjoyable! You brought together such a wonderful variety of friends for an incredible holiday open house. I can just imagine the fascinating responses to: "And how do YOU know Martha?" Captains of industry, small business entrepreneurs, actors, singers, and so many more. I have two entertaining questions: one about a source and one about logistics. First, would you please suggest a source for the beautiful cream flatware? I can't find the quality I'm looking for. Second, how did you handle coat logistics? Everyone seemed to be wearing just the right layers and scarves for your progressive party between buildings. Did you include language in your invitation so they would dress accordingly or are they just very smart guests?
Thank you!
Posted by: Bobbie | December 20th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
wow..what a party..thanks for sharing..we had a party here at the ranch/farm..Ralph Lauren showed up in the form of a purse..where was your daughter and grandbaby?
Posted by: Lucinda | December 20th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Wow amazing! Everything looks outstanding. I want to wish you A Merry Christmas Marhta xo
Posted by: Rowaida Fl | December 20th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
What a wonderful holiday party! The hostess did a great job and the guests looked like they were truly enjoying themselves.
Posted by: Jan | December 20th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Darling,
You have done a beautiful thing again. Food, decor, people, and inspirations are amazing. I hope you get what you want for Christmas. May the new year bring you the best of everything.
Cheers, Thomas
Posted by: Thomas Burger | December 20th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
Thank you so much for sharing those personal pictures of your dear friends, staff and relatives...it was beautiful...I love the decorations and food...I want to visit your show sometime...lol...just a dream...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all...Take Care...
Posted by: Nina Valdez | December 20th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Wish I could have been there.
Posted by: Gen | December 20th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
What a great party! Thanks for sharing the pics. One of my favorite parts of looking at your photos is to pretend they're from my life.
It looks good on your side of the fence.
Posted by: Pam Sarver | December 20th, 2011 at 11:19 pm
amazing!!!
perfect holiday party... lots of great design, rooms full of friends and family... comfortably enjoying each other's company.
what does one have to do to get an invitation next year?
Posted by: resito | December 20th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
I want to grow up to be just like you Martha.
Posted by: Amy | December 21st, 2011 at 12:34 am
Wow, this looks like a fabulous party!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Posted by: Lisa McGuire | December 21st, 2011 at 1:01 am
Mixed stemware, FABULOUS! I was always always striving for uniform matching stemware for everything, however the way you've displayed them here celebrates the uniqueness of each piece. You've given me a license to relax and have fun with my collection! Thank you! Party looks amazing BTW! -Joanne
Posted by: Joanne Madams | December 21st, 2011 at 2:36 am
You are the Queen and rightly so. Loved all your silver trays and servery!
Posted by: Jeanette Schnell | December 21st, 2011 at 4:07 am
Wow!!! FAB
Posted by: Sandra Phinney | December 21st, 2011 at 8:08 am
Martha wonderful pics,I missed seeing
some of Baby Jude.On my bucket list is
a visit and tour with my sister of the farm at Bedford.Merry Christmas to
you and yours.
Posted by: Barbara Bulmahn | December 21st, 2011 at 8:47 am
My favorites were the shrimp cocktail, loved the presentation, the little lamb cookies, adorable, and the idea of using fresh nutmeg. And thank you for sharing the tip on how to slice ham, this way is so much easier. Have a wonderful holiday Martha and to your entire staff at Living. Can't wait till the next issue.
Posted by: Laura | December 21st, 2011 at 9:43 am
Lovely photos and looks like an excellent party. I am curious about how you handle shoes and coats for such a large group, especially with different locations for the party. I know you typically have a 'no shoes' policy in your house but it looks like you are wearing boots in photo 63. I am just curious. Growing up my parents used to host large holiday parties and my mother would prepare shopping bags on hangers so guests could put their outdoor shoes/boots in a shopping bag and hang it on the hanger with their coat. No looking for footwear when you are ready to leave. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us through your blog!
Posted by: Carla | December 21st, 2011 at 11:06 am
Where can I find the recipe for your eggnog? It looks heavenly! Thanks Martha!
Posted by: Lynne Tischler | December 21st, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Cheers to your many elves. We love the simple, yet decadent party pics. Thanks! On a different note: http://keepingplacewithkate.blogspot.com/ my recent post about laughing at the not-so-perfect.
Posted by: Kate Deeks | December 21st, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your party photo's. I have looked at every detail about 20 times already. I check on your blog daily, and enjoy it so very much. One question I have is this...I always thought the handle of the fork should be for guests to reach, but I noticed you had the handles at the bottom of the clear containers. I am curious which way is correct.
Posted by: sandy Lair | December 22nd, 2011 at 12:14 am
Martha, thank you for sharing your holiday photos. I have scrolled through them several times and enjoyed them so much.
Can you please tell me where the Green Leaf candy is from in picture #58 of your "My Holiday Party" photos. I would love to order some.
Posted by: Rhonda M | December 22nd, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Ooooohhhhhh! I just love the way you are living and doing so wonderfully!!!
Thank you so very much for your sharing all of this and giving us so much inspiration all year long! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Marcy Hammerstein
Posted by: Marcy Hammerstein | December 22nd, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Looks like fun!! I like the physical aspect of walking between buildings! At first I wondered why the guests were eating with their coats on....got it!
Posted by: Jane | December 23rd, 2011 at 8:51 am
Martha you have just done it again! Simply divine and totally inspiring.
Posted by: Theodore | December 23rd, 2011 at 1:26 pm
What a wonderful party. gorgeous food and happy guests! I can't help but comment that Michael Citro looks a lot like Commander William Riker on Star Trek The Next Generation, played by Jonathan Frakes!
Posted by: Penny | December 23rd, 2011 at 8:52 pm
Your style is beautiful, Martha. Thank you so much for sharing.
Where might I find the recipe for the tiny cheesy herbed stuffed potatoes? Thank you in advance. Karen
Posted by: kmac59@comcast.net | December 26th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Amazing...Absolutely Amazing.
God Bless You Martha and Happy New Year from a very longtime admirer and devoted fan...Hope 2012 is "out of the park" for you!!
Becky
Posted by: Becky | December 27th, 2011 at 1:28 am
Dear Marta,
I was reading n your magazine you schedule/calendar for January. I have to say how disappointed I was....Jan 2nd the Christmas tree is coming down???
What happened with the 12 day of Christmas Marta?
Best wishes to you
Andrea
Posted by: andrea popovics | January 2nd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
where can we find these holiday recipes??
Posted by: Mary Willis | January 6th, 2012 at 10:31 pm
I miss your catalogue u had reproduction fire king is there any website I could order it.
Thank u, Kate Rodriguez
Posted by: Kate Rodriguez | January 9th, 2012 at 9:04 pm