By Michele Rosenthal

There is a chill in the air, a few leaves left on the trees, and the cozy scent of wood burning fireplaces that fills the air. Feeling both at peace, yet knowing this is the calm before the Holiday rush begins. We kick it off with Thanksgiving and seem to run on overdrive until we take a breath around January 1st (if we are lucky and can relax for a few moments)! I encourage you to do as much as you can in advance. Order/design those holiday cards, buy postage stamps, put together shopping lists, order the turkey, book your holiday photoshoot with Santa, plan your table decor, polish silver, freeze pie crusts, purchase gifts, wrap a little each day while sipping hot cider or a glass or red wine. Doing what you can in advance makes for a less stressful and much more enjoyable holiday. The years go by so fast, make memories with your loved and be present in the moment.

I also use this time to getaway on a relaxing road trip with my family and friends. One of two places we traveled to this November was Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz in the Shawangunk ridge just beyond the southern border of The Catskill Mountains. The second, Bridgehampton, New York by the gorgeous ocean in The Hamptons. Both are lovely getaways, just a short drive from NYC. I love how quaint both towns are, one offering up amazing views of a pristine beach and the other majestic mountain views. It is a wonderful time to explore these towns after the Summer crowds have left.

We have also added a delicious recipe for homemade pumpkin pie and some of our lovely Thanksgiving table settings that we hope may inspire you along with some of our Flower Girl arrangements.

Mohonk Mountain House

Located in the Hudson Valley, surrounded by 40,000 acres of scenic forests, and only 90 miles north of New York City, Mohonk Mountain House offers an array of activities.

From Hiking up to Sky Top Tower for unsurpassed views, stopping along the way at adorable gazebos, or our favorite, the more challenging rock scramble through the famous labyrinth. In the winter you can ice skate up at the pavilion and warm up with a hot chocolate by the outdoor bonfire. In the summer, take out a canoe, kayak, or paddle-board and glide across the lake surrounded by massive rock formations. Enjoy teatime at 4pm, tour beautiful gardens, relax at the spa, have lunch with a view of the Catskill Mountains, or toast signature cocktails in the Carriage restaurant. There is always something to do year round. For more information on room rates, hotel accommodations, and events visit mohonk.com

The Hamptons

(Bridgehampton, Sagaponack, Sag Harbor)

Bridgehampton is located about two hours outside of New York City in the town of Southampton. The quaint hamlet with other charming towns is located on the South Fork, Long Island. Bridgehampton was settled in 1640 and filled with cedar shake homes, complete with giant hedgerows and the salty ocean breeze. We love going off season when the crowds have dispersed and you can easily get a table at the best restaurants. Grab lunch at the famed Loaves and Fishes, founded by Anna Pump 40 years ago after she arrived with her husband and young children from Germany. Or take it to go on the beach for an afternoon picnic followed by a relaxing walk while the waves crash to the shoreline. Have cocktails at The Bridgehampton Inn and ice cream at the nostalgic Candy Kitchen, frozen in time in the best possible ways. If you are a fan of Ina Garten of the Barefoot Contessa, you probably know Michael from the Bridgehampton Florist. As a florist myself, I absolutely loved passing by this shop. If you are an art lover, you must stop at the Dia Dan Flavin Art Institute. We were told he personally installed this gallery and if you like Dia Beacon you will not want to miss this gallery. We met the founder of Dia and friend of Dan’s (until his passing in 1996). He summed up the experience beautifully, “Present and that is something that we can all benefit from”.

We stayed at The Bridgehampton Inn, an iconic cedar shake inn with a cook shop on site and a lovely garden courtyard out back. we enjoyed everything about it. First, the inn is so charming and meticulously maintained. The beds are so comfortable and the pillows are guaranteed to help you have the most restful night filled with sweet dreams. But before bed, you will want to head to the bar for a complimentary glass of wine at 5pm. You can also enjoy a fabulous dinner there or head across the street to Bobby Vans (the calamari with peanut dipping sauce is incredible). The next morning, enjoy breakfast at the inn. We all had THE most delicious french toast made from brioche soaked in a mixture of egg, vanilla, orange juice (they substitute milk with orange juice and it is absolutely brilliant). It came with the most incredible side of whipped cream and maple syrup. Can you tell how much we LOVE food and cooking!! Then after exploring the pristine beach in Sagaponack, we stopped by Wöllfer Estate Vineyard for a tasting of hard cider and wine. The views are gorgeous and the staff is very kind and knowledgeable. One of my favorite things we ordered was the flatbread topped with sweet tomato jam, manchego cheese, and a thin slice of crispy chorizo. This is super easy to recreate at home, served all season long. Keep these four ingredients in your fridge and pantry and you can make these easy Hor d’oeuvres for impromptu entertaining.

We hope you are enjoying our travel series. For more, please explore our website and blog and visit us on Instagram @theparishouse. If there is anything you would like to see more of please message us and we will try our best! You can place your Thanksgiving orders online and view our upcoming class schedule.

We will be teaching all season long and hosting a class with Dorothy of Flower Power in New York City. We will be also giving a talk on navigating social media and women in business after the age of 40. You can see our photoshoots featured in a variety of magazines. We are a full service event and lifestyle business.
diaart.org
wollfer.com
bridgehamptoninn.com
landffoodstore.com

Hoping you and your loved ones have a wonderful blessed Holiday season!

XO,
Michele