The Paris House Designs Special Holiday Entertaining Issue
Holiday Fashion Chic Table Designs Tasty Treats Children始s Crafts And More...
EFFORTLESS ENTERTAINING DURING THE HOLIDAYS www.theparishouse.com
The Paris House Bio The Paris House is located in Michele’s 200 year old stone and clapboard home in beautiful Long Valley, NJ, which won an impressive Historical Preservation award Type to enter text in 2001. It is there that she combines all of her creativity with her favorite finds she gathers while traveling the world to give her an endless array of inspiration to help her clients have the most beautifully designed rooms and most unforgettable events and parties that The Paris House is known for. Michele has also designed a gorgeous high-end ring, “The Earth Mother Ring”, where mothers can custom design their ring to coordinate with their children’s birthstones, it is a stunning piece of jewelry and there are more pieces to come. Michele has finished two children’s books and is currently at work on a design and entertaining book, a cooking card game and hopes to start working on a home fragrance collection of candles, incense, and home fragrance sprays that are non toxic and based on fragrances from around the world. Read more at end
A Simple Old 驶Spring House始 Dressed for the Holidays.
The Holidays are upon us once again, another year has passed, many resolutions hopefully have been met and goals achieved. For some the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year and for others the most stressful. If you wish to replace your 'Bah Humbug' sentiments and personality with the magical memories of childhood holidays you need to do a little planning and a lot of laughing. Hey even us seasoned 'Party Planners' have had our fare share of mishaps and guess what? No one even notices when things go wrong! My point is, don't worry so much, do a little advance planning and a lot of enjoying! It saddens me to hear that the mere thought of the holidays can cause the most calm and collected person to become a Grinch. First of all, we should stop and reflect on what this time of year really means to us on an individual personal level. For many it is a Holy time of year celebrating the birth of Christ. For others it may evoke Childhood memories of being together with family and friends, baking Christmas cookies together and singing Christmas carols. Perhaps you recall spinning the Dradel as child while a beloved Grandparent looked on with pride and joy. Lets try together this year to get organized ahead of time, lets have a plan, a budget and some simple goals this Holiday season. Lets have fun and make memories. Start now by jotting down some simple notes either in a lovely festive holiday binder or in a folder on your computer where you can keep everything organized. Each year your binder will grow with more and more time saving tips, recipes, ideas and inspiration.
A FESTIVE BINDER KEEPS YOU ORGANIZED AND CREATIVE
After I pull out my over-stuffed Christmas binder each holiday season and start flipping through it I immediately begin to feel inspired. I go to my 'Budget Page' first, it is here that I decide how much I plan to spend on the holidays. I factor in that we are an interfaith marriage and celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah which adds to the expenses as well as the enjoyment. I plan a budget and I try very hard to stick to it. I do not wish to be paying off this holiday's bills next holiday, that is a stress I don't want to worry about for the next 12 months.
Think about getting your holiday cards together early and out the way, perhaps each evening you can address a few at a time. Buy your holiday postage stamps on line, you can even custom design them with your child's picture or beloved family pet on them. Just think how happy your family members will be when they see these special touches arrive in their mailbox, especially when we now receive so much via email. However, if that makes you happy by all means go ahead and email your Holiday cards. This is your Holiday do what works for you. These are some of the things that can be done well in advance unlike cooking and much of the baking that you will do closer to the actual holiday. I have a few beautiful small boxes that I have collected on our travels over the years and it is where I love to store my holiday cards, postage stamps, pens and other goodies that I will need to address my envelopes. I can grab my box and go anywhere in my home and work on my cards.
Next I go into the Gift Section in my binder and jot down some special gift ideas I have for family and friends as well as my children's wish list for 'Santa', keeping my budget in mind. Next I am off to the gift wrapping section. I love to wrap elaborate gifts and I will be the first one to admit it takes time, a lot of time. But this matters enough to me that I make time for it, I really enjoy it and find it a relaxing annual ritual. I can put on the TV and watch Christmas shows with my boys while I wrap away. Before I head out to the stores I check my craft room to see what wrapping supplies I have left over from last year. I always shop for my holiday gift wrap when it is on sale after the holidays are over, then I have it the next year and all I typically need to buy is more scotch tape, plus it saves a lot of money. If you create a warm cozy atmosphere with some fragrant holiday candles, a cup of spice mulled cider, some festive fresh flowers, lovely holiday music that you can have on your iPod ready to go and a roaring fire these projects will become relaxing and enjoyable. If this is something you would rather not do then have your local shop gift wrap for you to save time for other projects you enjoy more.
“This butterfly ornament was my Great Grandmotherʼs, Collect, Cherish and Display family Heirlooms to Keep the Memories Alive at the Holidays”
She始s Crafty
Next I am off to the Craft section in my binder, each year I make something with my kids. We make a gingerbread house each year, you can go as elaborate as you wish or purchase an easy pre -made kit and give the kids a couple cans of icing and a variety of candies and let them have a great time decorated their very own gingerbread house. We also try and do an easy little fun craft projects together during their Christmas school vacation. One year I simply cut out Christmas Tree and Christmas Ball shapes from inexpensive red and green felt and punched a little hole at the top. My sons put a little glue on and sprinkled with glitter, I wrote each of their names on the back and we hang them on our Christmas tree each year. This took hardly any time at all and cost next to nothing to make. So many wonderful ideas can be found on line and in our 'She's Crafty' section on our blog you can see how to make Macaroni Glittered Christmas trees with your children it is easy, inexpensive and so much fun. I also love to look through the Christmas Decorating section in my binder to get inspired. It is here that I think about how I would like to decorate and if there is anything new I would like to add to make it a bit fresher and unique each year.
She始s Crafty Making Holiday Glitter Trinket Boxes
Although these containers resemble snowballs, they're not for throwing, but for packaging small presents.
Snowball Box How-To Start with wooden globe boxes from crafts stores. With pinking shears, cut a circle of card stock for the base. Make leaves using felt (see Napkin Holder How-To). Working over a paper plate and in sections, paint ball halves with craft glue; sprinkle with clear glass glitter. Apply glue and glitter to base and leaves. Glue base to ball. String a jingle bell onto a ribbon; tie a bow. Glue leaves and bow to snowball. Fill with loose tinsel to support gift.
From Martha Stewart Living, December 2006 | Send a Free Preview Issue!
Read more at Marthastewart.com: Snowball Box and more creative crafts projects, templates, tips, clip-art, patterns, and ideas on marthastewart.com
RECIPE
Homemade Gifts Boozy Concord Grapes
Boozy Concord Grapes Time: 5 minutes, plus at least one month to macerate. Concord grapes and brandy.
1 quart (about 1 1/4 pounds) Concord grapes, washed, stems removed and deseeded (optional) 1 cup sugar 2 to 3 cups brandy.
1. Place grapes inside a large jar and, using a wooden spoon, break the skins. Stir in the sugar. 2. Pour brandy over the grapes to cover by an inch. Cover and store in a dark, cool place (but not the refrigerator) for at least one month. Yield: 1 quart.
Glittered Macaroni Christmas Trees Holiday Crafting with the Kids Visit your Local Craft Store or Home Craft Room for the Following Supplies: *Cone Shape Styrofoam in the shape of a Tree *Spray paint in Silver Glitter, Green and Gold Glitter *A variety of macaroni noodles such as the ones we used on our trees *Decorative tree toppers, such a silver/gold balls, stars etc. *A Hot Glue Gun and lots of glue sticks ( Please use caution and assist young children while using hot glue guns) 1st. You will need to spray paint the cones and let the dry 2nd. You will start applying/gluing your shells onto the cone to form a covered tree. 3rd. You will then spray paint each 驶tree始 in either silver, gold or green glitter spray paint ( you can also sprinkle a sparkle dust over the wet paint to give it extra sparkle) Then top the tree with an 驶ornament始 Finally- Pick a spot in your home to place your new hand crafted Christmas Decorations and enjoy for many years to come! Happy Holidays
She's Crafty Click here to see my favorite articles, slideshows and video´s on crafts.
Then it is off to the Recipe section where I keep all of my special Holiday recipes and notes on the cookbooks I like to use at the holidays. I also have Recipe folders on my computer organized with all my Holiday recipes and cocktails that I refer to each year. This helps me plan out my menus for Christmas Eve, Christmas and our Holiday Cocktail party we host at our home. You can make a couple things, ask friends to bring things, host a cookie swap, cater everything or cook and bake up a storm. If you chose to bake great, if not remember to gather all caterers and bakers phone numbers and place your orders now, it is a very busy time of the year and they book up fast. You need to do what makes you happy. Your friends and family want to see you and have fun I'm betting they would rather have a fun rested hostess who serves them pizza then a cranky exhausted hostess who was up for days cooking and baking.
Festive Holiday Recipes Mexican Dip in Chic Martini Glasses
Pepperoni Pinwheels
1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed mix 1t. oregano 1t. garlic powder dash of red pepper flakes a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper , mix together and add
2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 teaspoon of good balsamic dressing using a pastry brush , brush over your rolled out puff pastry to coat surface. top with shredded mozzarella cheese, I didn’t measure, but I used a lot. top cheese with thin slices of pepperoni and top that with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese brush edges with egg wash starting at one end (long side) roll up jelly roll style put in fridge for 1/2 hour until firm and chilled slice into 1/4 inch or so slices and place on a parchment lined baking sheet in a pre heated 375 degree oven for 20-30 minutes until golden, puffed and bubbly, just check on them without opening the oven so they puff up, but be careful not to burn, all ovens are different.
Sausage Balls Shrimp Crostini Seafood Gratin Fillet Mignon
STEAK AU POIVRE-from Susan Branch’s Love Cookbook This recipe is adapted from Susan Branch’s cookbook “Love” I usually double the ingredients in the sauce because I love it and want a lot of it on our steaks I also crumble in some gorgonzola cheese and occasionally add sautéed wild mushrooms as well. You can be creative and make it however you and your Sweetheart like!
Serves two 1 – 1 ! Tbsp. cracked black pepper
2 Tbsp cognac
2 Tenderloin steaks
2 Tbsp red wine
2 Tbsp butter
" C. beef broth
1 Tbsp. shallots, finely minced
2 Tbsp. heavy cream
Press the cracked pepper into your fillets, heat the butter in a heavy bottom skilled and sear steaks over medium high heat on both sides. Turning once. Reduce heat to medium and cook until desired doneness. Remove and keep warm. Add shallots to pan, you may need to add a bit more butter, and saut茅 then deglaze your pan with your cognac and wine scraping up all the brown bits. Cook on med/high heat add your beef broth cook another couple of minutes and then add your heavy cream season with salt and pepper as needed and I also like to add a little fresh herbs, such as a bit of thyme, or fresh parsley.
Easy Holiday Treat to make for Your Children始s Holiday School Bake Sale. M&M Christmas Tree Brownies
Candied Oranges Dipped in Chocolate Citronge Cocktails
Which leads me to the Party Planning section, it is here that I pick a date and theme and invite friends over for Cocktails and Holiday Cheer at our home. If we are traveling over the holidays I will plan on having a get together after The New Year, everyone can make it then as their busy schedules have slowed down. We are still decorated so that keeps things looking festive and I don't have to stress about travel and entertaining. Plus it continues the holiday cheer for an extra few days.
Fa La La La La La La La La Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Now is the time to bring out the glitter, sparkle and Holiday Accoutrements! Deck your Halls from top to bottom or go simple and chic, its all up to you, your personal style....Get Creative, The Sky is the Limit
Mrs Bunnyʼs Holiday Cheer
“Cocktails Get The Party Started, I always serve a special drink at all of my parties!!”
I can’t let you go without something delicious to kick off the Christmas and Holiday season with. The Paris House Candy Cane Dreamtini. 3 ounces vanilla vodka 2 ounces Godiva white chocolate liqueur 1 ounce peppermint schnapps 1 candy cane stick crushed candy cane Mix vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur and peppermint schnapps in a cocktail shaker. and stir for 15 seconds. Pour contents into chilled martini glass. Garnish with candy cane stick on the side and sprinkle of crushed candy cane on rim.
OLD FASHIONED RIBBON CANDY ALWAYS DELIGHTS YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND BRINGS BACK CHILDHOOD MEMORIES!
Christmas Crackers Are a Fun Table Accessory
Change it up each year. This year I am going for very simple tables with lots of fresh fruit, greens and nuts. Set Fun Tables For the kids to Enjoy
How To Be Prepared For Spur-Of-The-Moment-Guests: *Prepare some cookie dough and put it in the freezer, you can whip up homemade cookies in no time. * Have Vanilla Ice Cream in the Freezer and pour some Hot Coffee over it in a bowl and you have the Italian Dessert: Affagato! Garnish the top with an Italian biscotti or crumbled Chocolate Espresso Beans. *
Put a few appetizers in the freezer that can easily go into your oven and be done in minutes.
* Have Olives, nuts and good crackers in your pantry and a variety of cheeses in your refrigerator. *** *Have the number of your local pizza shop on hand and have a pizza and some salads delivered to your door!
Let Your Room Guide you in your Holiday Color Selections! And don始t forget to bring nature indoors. You can make affordable arrangements just by taking a walk in the woods.
What Child Wouldn始t Love a Table Inspired by Fairy Tales, and Candy?!! Little Snowman Stirrers fill each Mug that will be filled with Hot Chocolate and topped with Whipped Cream
Beauty and Fashion is my next stop in my binder. A couple years ago my friend
and I filmed a Recessionista Fashionista video that you can watch on our blog and visit our Living section for great beauty, bargain and fashion ideas. There are so many wonderful stores such as Target, Macy's, Kohl's and more that offer gorgeous festive Holiday attire at great prices. Visit your local pharmacy to purchase an affordable relaxing spa kit that you can do at home while you wrap gifts. Slather on a luxurious face mask while you wrap gifts, when you are finished you will have silky soft skin. Don't forget to eat well and get sleep so you can stay healthy and have energy during this very busy time. If you can squeeze in an hour or two at your local salon that would be a great time for you to relax and get some gorgeous highlights in your hair or beauty treatment of your choice. You can have a moment to yourself to recharge your battery.
Being organized helps me to be calm and prepared. I don't know about you but the sheer magic I feel while I am gazing at the Twinkling lights on the Christmas tree with all my loved ones around enjoying good food and merriment will always make this time of the year magical. Visit our 'Cheers' Section' for our Citronage garnished Holiday Cocktails. Make European style Candy Oranges Here in our 'She's Crafty' Get our tutorial for making Macaroni Glitter Christmas trees Here. Also see how to make Glittered Snow Ball boxes here. Happy Holidays
Entertaining can be easy and fun even during the hectic holidays. This time is a chance for us to share our homes (our beautifully decorated homes) with our loved ones. Don’t let your fears get in the way of a wonderful chance to visit with dear friends and family and make lasting memories. Put together a folder to keep recipes, invitations, and inspirations for your party organized and handy. You can do this online or in a pretty holiday binder or folder. I do this for every party I plan, trip I take, room I decorate and garden I plant. It always helps keep me organized. As soon as you think of the theme of your party and date of your party start working on your party invitations. You can either design them yourself using your computer, or with the help of a graphic artist or printer. If you are on a budget look for old postcards that may work with your theme and create your own “custom” invitations for next to nothing. Plan your menu. If you don’t cook start looking into your catering options. Especially during the holidays, caters book up quickly. If you are planning to give out party favors shop now and gift wrap them in paper to coordinate with your decorations. Put them away until it is time for your party and then place them in a basket near your door so your guests can take one on the way out. During the holidays, a Christmas ornament is always a thoughtful gift that will become a keepsake and reminder of your party and friendship for years to come. Pick out your music and download any new songs you like to a Holiday Party Playlist on your iPod/MP3 player or purchase any new cd’s you may
need for your party. During the Holidays it is not the time for steel drums, always coordinate your music to your event. Polish silver, set table, arrange flowers, set up bar area day before ( make sure you have plenty of ice on hand) - it is much easier to be creative when you are not stressing out that your guests are about to arrive any minute. Cook anything you can in advance and freeze appetizers that can easily be baked off the day of your party. Try and select menu items that can be made 1 or 2 days ahead so you can enjoy your party and your guests can enjoy you. Put out your outfit the night before make sure it is wrinkle free and ready to go. And of course it must compliment your theme party! If the holidays are too busy for you to entertain and you can’t seem to fit it in but you really would like to show off your beautifully decorated home then try to entertain the week after New Years. It’s more relaxed and it is a great way to extend that wonderful holiday cheer a little bit longer!
Enjoy!
Bonus Section Our Thanksgiving Workshop
THANKSGIVING DINNER THE PARIS HOUSE DESIGNS
Menu: A variety of appetizers Pumpkin Cheese Ball, Artisanal Crackers Homemade Parmesan Crackers Cocktails Brandy Alexander’s Wine, Brouilly Chateau de La Chaize Sparkling Domestic Wine Spiced Apple Wine from Chaddsford Winery in PA, delicious heated Sparkling Water, Variety of Tea and CoffeeMain Course Butternut Squash Soup with Maple Mascarpone cream Turkey with wine herb butter Madeira wine gravy Parmesan Whipped Potatoes Sweet Potatoes perfect for Les Enfants Corn Pudding with corn bread and Vermont Maple Syrup Drizzle Homemade Cranberry Sauce Green Beans with caramelized shallots and crispy pancetta Sausage Stuffing filled Mushrooms soaked in wine Dessert Heaven on Earth Pecan Tart Chocolate Mousse Pie Spiked Coffees Brandy Alexander’s
1 1⁄2 oz Brandy 1 oz crème de cacao 1 oz heavy cream 1 scoop of crushed ice Mix in a cocktail shaker and strain into chilled cocktail glasses {A Bunny tip, just go ahead and make a big pitcher of these, put them in the fridge and then you have them on hand}
Getting Organized for the Big Day 1) Start a folder and keep good notes 2) Plan your budget and stick to it 3) Plan your menu 4) Write out a guest list and start thinking about invitations. I am not a fan of evite (at least, not yet). For Thanksgiving I personally call my guests to invite them. If you want to send out invitations and don’t want to spend a fortune, make them on your computer. 5) Check your pantry and spices in advance, make sure you have everything your recipes call for 10) 11) 13) 6) Make as much in advance as possible 7) If someone wants to bring something, let them 8) I always set my table at least two days in advance 9) Plan your floral arrangements if using them. Choose your music selection. Good music can make a good party GREAT.
Plan your outfit and get it ready, cleaned and ironed before your guests are walking in the door. 12)! Light your candles and avoid harsh lighting Chill all appropriate wines and beverages. I like to set up little bar and conversation areas in various rooms in my home. 14)! Try and enjoy your party, yes it may be work, in fact a lot of work, but there are many people in this world who would love to be blessed to spend the holidays in the comfort of a lovely home with family and friends.
Please visit my party planning sections on my website for a lot of my shortcut and budget suggestions that I incorporate for both my personal life and professional party planning services
THANKSGIVING IS ABOUT GOING HOME. BUT HOME IS ALWAYS CHANGING. “ No other holiday is grounded in the home like Thanksgiving. That’s why so many people travel this weekend to get there. But home is always changing. At the very least, everyone is a year older, hopefully a year wiser. Our families constantly change. The baby has learned to eat with a fork. Grandma needs help with some of her food. Children go off on their own, taking Thanksgiving in someone else’s home. There are always changing seats at the table. Someone is added- a baby, a friend, a fiancée. Someone is subtracted. Divorce, and death. Friends come and go. Partings that are sad and some that aren’t so sad. Home survives in one form or another. It moves along the time line, shifting locations, passing from one generation to the next. Even the best memories only survive a generation or two; that’s why we have traditions like Thanksgiving. It is a memory preservative. So we gather. We bow our heads, give thanks, and remember home the way we always want it to be”.
~SHE’S CRAFTY~ Make these adorable little Pilgrim ‘place setting’ hats with your kids. I found this craft years ago in the now no longer “Child” magazine. I use to love that magazine so much. How to: Paint a cup black Cut out the rim from black construction paper Assemble Decorate Personalize
SHE’S CRAFTY PART TWO: I found this craft on Martha Stewart a few years ago. You can print the template out on her website. Fill them with little candies and nuts and send them home with your guests as a sweet goodie bag. www.marthastewart.com
Sources Books I like are anything by Susan Branch, especially her autumn book. William Sonoma Thanksgiving Food Network website The Barefoot Contessa Martha Stewart Child Magazine, back issues have wonderful craft recipes The Paris House Designs Happy Thanksgiving to my Family, Friends and to all my Friends in the Blogging community that I just adore.
***A few more ‘Bunny Tips’*** Each year I like to add something new and different to my Thanksgiving repertoire, however I have an entire year to experiment and dazzle my guests with new and interesting recipes. I along with many others feel Thanksgiving is a tradition and Holiday deeply rooted in our memories often from our childhood and this is a time were comfortable food that brings back memories is often the most delicious and special. ~My something new this year is stuffing mushrooms with a very traditional sausage stuffing~ Some Suggestions and Tips from The William Sonoma Thanksgiving Handbook: They suggest approx.. 1 lb. of turkey meat per person They also recommend cooking a turkey that has been at room temperature for about an hour. And never over an hour and half. Suggest cooking 13-15 minutes per pound and adding 30 minutes to total cooking time if stuffed. And up to 60 minutes for a larger turkey that has been stuffed. They also recommend roasting the turkey breast side down in a 425 degree F. oven for the first 30 minutes, then turning it breast-side up, reducing the heat to 325 degrees and roasting until done. Use this chart
only as a guide and ask your butcher or local grocery store for their suggestions. 10 lb. Turkey – Approximate Time- 2 hours 16 lb. Turkey- Approximate Time – 3 1⁄2 hours 20 lb. turkey – approximate Time- 4 1⁄2 hours Don’t not rely on a pop up thermometer but use an instant read and check the breast, it should be about 160 – 165 degrees and the thigh should be 180 degrees, do not touch the bone with the thermometer. Remove your Turkey from the oven and place on a cutting board and cover with foil to keep it warm and keep the juices in the turkey and not running all over the board. Now is the perfect time to make your gravy. I prefer to de-glaze my pan with some type of wine or liqueur. ~ I must admit that one year I didn’t even realize that I was cooking the Turkey upside down and it was the best Turkey I ever made, I realized it about the 30 minute mark and flipped it.. The Turkey was fabulous~
Sources: Russelandhazel.com for a great selection of office supplies, gorgeous binders, folders and more theparishouse.com an online website and blog for Lifestyle ideas and Creative Inspiration Target great source for Holiday Fashion marthastewart.com michaelscrafts.com
Welcome to BUNNYLAND The House of Style and Fun!! My Blog is A BUNNY’S TALE ON MARRIAGE MOTHERHOOD AND DOMESTIC BLISS. I live on a little farm in the country in our 200 year old historic stone and clapboard home. I spend my days creating a blissful life for my husband, three sons, pets, family and friends. I also own a party planning and design business. I write for various food related sites and have recently published my first children’s book. I also design jewelry and have designed my “Earth Mother” ring for several Hollywood starlets!! I love to travel, read, garden, cook, bake, create fabulous table settings, do yoga, workout daily, paint, sketch, work on our farmhouse, laugh so hard I can’t catch my breath, drink delicious cocktails, engage in silly pranks, and spend every minute with my loved ones. ( oh, and I pray daily and always remember my loved ones that have passed) For the past 20 years Michele Rosenthal!, the owner of The Paris House Designs has been busy creating beautiful home interiors as well as some of the most unique and unforgettable events and parties imaginable. The designer travels the world, bringing back one of a kind pieces, and unique ideas and inspiration that are used in her interiors and special events. Prior to opening her own business she was in charge of special events and community relations where she helped launch a multi-million dollar healthcare organization. (Her education consists of a degree in business marketing and a degree in interior design. She has also studied French in Paris, France where she fell in love with antiques and all aspects of art and design.)
“I am truly obsessed with the art of creating, designing and living a beautiful life!”
“We only have one life to live it’s important to live it beautifully!” The designer also credits her two grandmothers Margaret and Carmella with exposing her to the craft of cooking and antiques at a very young age. “My grandmother Margaret would spend hours telling me about all the wonderful English and American furniture that she grew up with in her home in rural upstate New York when she was a child. “I was fascinated with antique hoosiers by the time I was 8 and purchased my own in my 20’s.” “My grandmother Carmella cooked and baked the most delicious food her entire life.” “Just seeing how happy she made other people by created meals with her own hands made realize at a very young age that cooking for your loved ones is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.” Michele’s other hobbies and interests include spending time with her husband and three children, cooking, painting. She and her family are avid gardeners, enjoy travel, spending time with their pets and volunteering in their community, they visit a local nursing home where they spend time visiting with all the seniors where just seeing the smiles on their faces and how happy her children make them makes her want to continue and find more ways to give back to the community. Her oldest son Sam, has been asking for donations to St. Jude’s children’s hospital in place of birthday gifts from friends as well as books that he donates to local after school programs for several years now, something that thankfully has inspired other children to do the same. “It is important for us to teach our children at a young age to give back to their community and the world they live in. We all need to make a difference and can make a difference.” Other hobbies include, studying French, fitness and exercise , yoga, tennis, soaring hundreds of feet above the trees in Costa Rica on zip line canopy tours, (when you live with all boys you need to be a real thrill seeker or you’ll be left out!!) reading, going to Yankee games, watching all sports, especially Michele’s favorite sport, boxing , where she prepares a fun
dinner that she and her husband refer to “Fight Night” Where they hang out, drink some beer and eat party type food such as delicious spicy buffalo shrimp, inspired from a recipe she discovered while on vacation at their family vacation home in Florida, she serves this with her homemade blue cheese dip. Fondly called” Bunny’s Blue Cheese dip”. (Her husband and close friends call her Bunny). Michele’s energy and love of life is what drives her to be creative and enjoy everyday to the fullest. Her goals in life are to raise her family surrounded by love and beauty and to teach others that living a beautiful life need not be expensive, difficult or time consuming. She offers shortcut and budget saving tips when time or money is an issue, helping everyone achieve a beautiful life.
“Whether The Paris House designs a room in your home or designs and organizes a party or special event for you – every detail is paid attention to” “I have even helped to coordinate my clients outfit, jewelry, and perfume to go beautifully with their party”. “I love Gardening, cooking, entertaining, design, travel, antiquing and fashion, and I am constantly incorporating the best of all those crafts into my life, my family’s life, and the lives of my clients.” “I am truly obsessed with the art of creating, designing, and living a beautiful life” “We only have one life to live, it is important to live it beautifully.” Things I enjoy: Spending time with my family, friends, and pets Traveling anywhere in the world at any given time The Battenkill River in Arlington , Vermont Annick Goutal’s Rose scented crème Splendide for the body Four inch high heels, usually Jimmy Choo
Sweets, pretty much all kinds of desserts Working out on a daily basis Reading, and reading to my 3 children Throwing theme parties on a regular basis My computer, it is so easy to shop!!!! Jeans My Earth Mother ring, it is beautiful at night having cocktails or in the morning grocery shopping Taking photos with my digital camera My “secret” perfume from Hawaii mixed with my other “secret” perfume from Paris . Oh it is so pretty Antiques, I am a rescuer of the past My beautifully colored swizzle sticks from London My Halloween collections My 200 year old farmhouse in New Jersey Laura Mercier and Jo Malone’s products Fashion Spending time at our family’s condo in Florida Painting and drawing And of course gardening!!! New York City , everything about it