holiday 2010

Hot Holiday Cocktails from Hornitos Tequila

You may not think of tequila as a traditional holiday tipple, but in fact more of it is consumed over the holidays than at any other time of the year. It certainly fits the bill when you're looking for a party crowd-pleaser, for one thing. Hornitos Premium Tequila, the 100% puro agave tequila from Beam Global Spirits & Wine, named after the small agave ovens which played a central part in the great Don Francisco Javier Sauza's revolution of the tequila industry 50 years ago, has created some unexpected holiday drinks designed to "instigate a night of endless celebratory possibilities" using their acclaimed Plata, Reposado and Anejo expressions. They've also come up with an extra-special concoction for New Year's Eve which will be served at the Official Times Square New Year's Eve Party at the Hard Rock Cafe, while debuting a cool new commercial (above) set to run from December 27th – January 2 tied to the occasion. Read on for recipes and bottoms up.

Hornitos Holiday Smash

1 ½ parts Hornitos™ Añejo Tequila
2 slices fresh pear
1 wedge of fresh lemon
1 half moon slice of orange
½ part simple syrup
3 whole cloves

In a sturdy double Old Fashioned glass muddle the cloves. Add to the glass the orange, lemon, and pear and muddle with simple syrup. Fill glass with ice, add Hornitos and stir. Serves One. [cont'd]

Tags: cocktail, cocktail recipe, cocktails, Holiday 2010, holidays, Hornitos, New Years Eve, Sauza, spirits, tequila

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The Classicist: Celebrating the Season in Style with Range Rover at Wheatleigh

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spirits, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wine, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist

Click above for high-res image gallery. Photos exclusive to Luxist.

Winter can be a long, cold interlude verging on a test of endurance in the Northeast, and it's all too easy to get bogged down by the doldrums. Plenty of people either hibernate by their hearths or hit the beach until the mercury makes its ascent, but there are myriad ways to keep warm with style, verve and panache. We recently gathered some of our favorite accessories of the season at Wheatleigh, the majestic mansion-turned-luxury hotel in the heart of the Berkshires' winter wonderland. Getting us there in style and comfort through anything the weather cared to concoct was the 2011 Range Rover Sport, a luxurious way to see the landscape safe in the knowledge that the elements have met their match. The pedigreed SUV's smooth, refined, performance and rugged good looks mark it as a thoroughbred in all respects, a suitably stylish conveyance for arriving at a desirable destination like Wheatleigh. And we had the great new Olympus PEN E-PL1 compact, versatile digital camera on hand to record it all for your vicarious enjoyment.

Wheatleigh, located in Lenox, Mass. next door to Edith Wharton's famed country manor The Mount, is a grand estate based on a 16th century Florentine palazzo built in 1893 by New York financier Henry H. Cook for his daughter who married a Spanish count. Many of the materials and over 150 artisans were brought from Italy to produce intricate carvings and design flourishes for the grand interiors and facades. Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York, was responsible for creating "Wheatleigh Park" on the land surrounding the palazzo. Following a four year multimillion dollar renovation it was transformed into one of the most unique luxurious small hotels in the world. The nineteen suites, guest rooms and baths artfully combine antiques and custom furnishings with original museum quality contemporary art. The baths are finished with English limestone, marble and hand-blown glass fixtures, and most rooms feature fireplaces and Bang & Olufsen TVs. Check out the gallery to see the perfect accoutrements for a stylish seasonal sojourn – from books to watches, champagne to cashmere sweaters, and boots to bags – no matter where your journey takes you.

Gallery: Range Rover at Wheatleigh Dec. 2010

Graf & Lantz wool felt Boat Bag, personalized Tumi Alpha wheeled case.

Tumi Alpha case; Dom Perignon Tribute to Andy Warhol edition; Private Stock jeans; Graf & Lantz Quiver wine carrier w/ Robert Mo

Tags: Bang Olufsen, Berkshires, Brooks Brothers, Central Park, champagne, Dom Perignon, Edith Wharton, estates, Frederick Law Olmsted, gardens, Holiday 2010, L.L. Bean, Lenox, luggage, luxury hote, mansion, Massachusetts, mens style, New England, Olympus, Olympus PEN E-PL1, palazzo, Persol, Ralph Lauren, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, spirits, stolichnaya, sunglasses, SUV, teNeues, The Mount, Tumi, vodka, Wheatleigh, winter

Ltd. Edition Glenfiddich Decanter by Steuben

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Spirits

In search of the ideal present for the Scotch lover on your list? Famed single malt distillery Glenfiddich has partnered with renowned luxury glassmaker Steuben to create an exclusive hand crafted whisky decanter (above) in a limited edition. Priced at $690 and available exclusively at the Steuben flagship store in New York, the bespoke decanter is a collaboration between Steuben's master craftsmen and Glenfiddich master distiller Brian Kinsman, representing more than a century's worth of artisanship, tradition and expertise. The Steuben hallmarks of flawless design and attention to detail are combined with filigreed decorative elements inspired by some of the rarest and most precious Glenfiddich expressions.

The elegant piece also features subtle design cues that reflect the storied history of the Glenfiddich distillery, est. 1876, including the famous stag head design and the signature of its founder William Grant. "Both Glenfiddich and Steuben share a dedication to craftsmanship that stretches back more than a hundred years," notes David Bitran, Glenfiddich Senior Brand Manager. "In that time, while the successes of both our companies have grown, the dedication to craftsmanship and quality has endured." "Much like Glenfiddich, this beautiful decanter is the result of hard work, the best materials and the finest craftsmanship," adds Robert Nachman, Vice President of Design and Marketing for Steuben.

Tags: bar, barware, decanter, distillery, gifts, glass, Glenfiddich, Holiday 2010, Scotch, Scotland, spirits, Steuben, whisky

The $1.5 Million Macallan Ultimate Single Malt Experience

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

If you missed out on the world's most expensive bottle of whisky – the 64-year-old Macallan in Lalique Cire Perdue which was just auctioned off at Sotheby's for a record breaking $460,000 – not to worry: for $1.5 million you can make that look like a mere bagatelle. Glossy chronicle of the filthy rich Robb Report is offering the ultimate single malt experience in conjunction with The Macallan as part of this year's Ultimate Gifts offerings, featuring a journey to the the Macallan estate in Scotland to select eight extremely rare single malt Macallan whiskies barreled during each of the last eight decades for your personal collection. The experience begins with a first-class flight to Paris and a two-night stay in the Presidential Suite at the ultra-luxe Four Seasons George V, during which you'll take a chauffeured Bentley to meet with the crystal artisans at Lalique to create the custom decanters that will house the whiskies.

A private jet and helicopter will then take you to the Macallan estate for a two-day consultation to select the whiskies from barrels dating back to the 1930s. Once the decanters are completed they'll be filled with the precious elixir and delivered in a bespoke cabinet from royal furniture maker Viscount David Linley. David Cox, Macallan's director of fine and rare whiskies, calls it nothing short of "a liquid history of Macallan," noting, "You'll be drinking whiskies distilled by The Macallan before the Second World War, each with quite a distinctive style."

Tags: Bentley, David Linley, Four Seasons George V, gifts, Holiday 2010, Lalique, Macallan, Paris, private jet, Robb Report, Scotland, single malt, The Macallan, whisky

A High Octane Holiday Gift from Mercedes-Benz

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Looking for a high octane holiday gift idea? If you buy a very lucky someone a new Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicle for Christmas, they'll now get a free pass to the amazing AMG Driving Academy that we wrote about last year. If that's out of your price range you might still be able to afford them an adrenaline rush with a gift certificate to the thrilling course. In three skill levels, AMG Driving Academy provides race-tested instructors who teach drivers to train and use their reflexes for maximum driving excitement and performance on closed-off circuits. Drivers can bring their own cars, use the standard school cars or upgrade to the gull-wing SLS AMG supercar (above).

To purchase a gift certificate, visit www.AMGacademy.com/drive, select the Basic or Pro Class at the desired venue, and register the recipient. Pricing starts at $1,595. For 2011 the Academy is also adding Lime Rock Park in Connecticut as the third track in its impressive U.S. stable; the other two venues are Laguna Seca and Road Atlana. As an added bonus if you register before Jan. 15 you'll get a 20% discount.

Tags: AMG, Connecticut, driving school, driving tour, gifts, Holiday 2010, Laguna Seca, Lime Rock, Lime Rock Park, Mercedes-Benz, racing, SLS AMG

$44 Million Yacht Tops Robb Report's 'Ultimate Gifts'

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Yachts & Sailing, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings, Holiday Guides, Wealth

It seems that Robb Report, the glossy chronicle of the filthy rich, has come back down to Earth a bit after last year's offering of the world's most expensive Christmas present, a matching custom private jet and megayacht set costing $500 million. Each year the profligate publication features an Ultimate Gift Guide, a seasonal offering of over-the-top exclusives. This year's sybaritic selections top out at a measly $44 million, which gets the recipient Aquos Yachts' 164-ft. expedition superyacht Star Fish to be delivered in 2012 and a luxurious three-week, 10-person charter trip aboard her sister ship, the 148-ft. Big Fish, while you're waiting. Among the other big ticket items for the price-is-no-object set:

Tags: Bahamas, Bugatti, Bugatti Veyron, diamonds, fighter jet, gifts, Holiday 2010, magazines, Parmigiani, private jet, Robb Report, safari, submersible, supercar, superyacht, theme park, wealth, yacht

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How to Buy Hot Holiday Gifts for Her from Agent Provocateur

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Luxe British lingerie brand Agent Provocateur has come out with a Gentleman's Buying Guide to help fellows who want to buy their ladies something especially sexy this holiday season. From luxurious lingerie and nightwear to pampering beauty products, the label offers something for every woman. Here are some of their lingerie buying tips:

• Colors That Complement: Whilst red lingerie may be the tradition, classic pink and black is guaranteed to please. But if you want to surprise her, take a look in her wardrobe to see her favorite colors.

• Know Her Style: Whether she's daring or coquettish, find the perfect lingerie and nightwear to suit her style or mood.

• Get Her Size Right: Achieving the perfect fit can sometimes be tricky but playful babydolls, kimonos and dressing gowns suit every shape.

• Finishing Touches: No Christmas treat is complete without the finishing touches. Adding the matching suspender belt will make her feel like a true seductress, whilst silky stockings and high heels add an extra touch of glamour.

Gallery: Agent Provocateur Holiday 2010

Tags: Agent Provocateur, gifts, Holiday 2010, lingerie, UK

The Classicist: Bergdorf Goodman Unveils High-Tech Holiday Windows [video]

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Travel & Hotels, The Classicist, Video, Architecture & Design, Luxury Shopping

Legendary luxe New York department store Bergdorf Goodman, founded in 1901, is famous for its amazing, elaborate holiday windows which dazzle shoppers and passersby alike. This year is no exception, with the added attraction of some high-tech features debuting for the very first time. The 2010 windows, entitled "Wish You Were Here," take their inspiration from fantasy travel to far-flung places involving some rather unusual ways of getting there. The displays feature an array of "wild mash-ups of unexpected arrivals and departures", each with visual influences as diverse as Roman mythology, 1940s Hollywood musicals, the city's original Penn Station, and the very first science fiction film.

This year, for the first time, QR codes on several of the windows enable people to view an online Bergdorf Holiday Gift Finder and a video depicting the making of the holiday displays (above) simply by scanning the codes with their smartphone or handheld digital device. Produced entirely in-house by Bergdorf, the video features the song "Follow Me" by 17-year old emerging Sony artist Audrianna Cole. "We are in the surprise business," notes David Hoey, Bergdorf Goodman's Senior Director of Visual Presentation and Window Design. "This job is part architect and part cake decorator." Each of the landmark store's five main Fifth Avenue windows represents a different destination and a special method of conveyance:

Gallery: Bergdorf Goodman 2010 Holiday Windows

Tags: Bergdorf Goodman, Christmas shopping, department store, Fifth Avenue, holiday, Holiday 2010, holidays, Naeem Khan, New York, Oscar de la Renta, Polyvore.com, store, travel

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$10,000 Skull Cufflinks & More from Ralph Lauren for the Holidays

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style

Ralph Lauren is offering a number of exclusive, ultra-luxurious gifts this holiday season, starring an eye-popping pair of skull cufflinks for $10,995. The luxe links, with a skull in a top hat motif, are finished in white gold with diamond eyes. The designer's new Holiday Collection encompasses chic decorative accents, entertaining accoutrements and luxurious travel accessories. Iconic tartans, a signature palette of cashmere cable-knits and rich velvets have a classic appeal, while items like the cufflinks and crystal barware appeal to a more modern sense of sophistication.

The skull motif also appears on a velvet throw pillow for $195 and even a cashmere dog sweater at $115. Other items of note include tartan leather bags and accessories for both men and women, including a men's Cooper Bag at $3,995; a women's Tiffin Bag in black alligator for $16,995; retro style sunglasses finished in red tartan for $375; and exclusive timepieces priced from $17,500 – $32,000. In addition, RalphLauren.com will be offering multiple programs under the RL Custom Boutique for the ultimate in personalization, while the designer's Gift Vault site features a collection of rare and one-of-a-kind pieces ranging from $650 - $55,000.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Holiday 2010

Tags: cashmere, cufflinks, diamond, gifts, gold, Holiday 2010, holiday gifts, holiday shopping, holidays, mens style, Ralph Lauren, sunglasses, timepieces

Remy Martin Unveils VSOP Hot Holiday Bottle

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

The famed French cognac house of Rémy Martin, founded back in 1724, has been part of countless holiday celebrations over the centuries. This season the venerable fine champagne cognac's VSOP expression, the best-selling VSOP cognac in the United States, is getting a glowing makeover for the holidays. The new limited edition Rémy Martin VSOP Hot Holiday bottle (above) is appropriately dressed in red for the festivities. The colorful cladding also recalls the fact that Rémy Martin VSOP has been a symbol of style and sophistication since its introduction in the exuberant Paris cabaret scene in 1927. The cognac itself is amber in color with rich flavor and a refined aroma. Smooth and easy-to-drink with appealing notes of vanilla, violet, apricot, peach and licorice, it's silky and warm on the palate with a well-balanced taste and long finish. Perfect on its own or over ice, we also enjoy it with soda and lemon or in a Sidecar.

Tags: brandy, cocktails, cognac, France, holiday 2010, holidays, Remy Martin, spirits

Delamain Cognac's New Holiday Gift Sets

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

The House of Delamain, one of France's oldest and last family-owned cognac producers, is coming out with something special for the holidays. The luxurious offerings from the House of Delamain, which has been in existence since 1759, are exclusively grande champagne. The new Delamain Extra de Grande Champagne Gift Set (above), for $199, features a decanter of Extra, a blend of intense and complex 35-40 year old Grande Champagne Cognacs, along with two deluxe tulip shaped Cognac glasses. Delamain is also offering a new Trio Pack of three 200 ml bottles of Grande Champagne cognacs including the Extra, priced at $99, for those wishing to sample a wider range of the House's eaux-de-vie. The additional Trio Pack offerings are their Pale & Dry XO and Vesper; Pale & Dry is a blend of 20-25 year old spirits with a bright amber color, while Vesper runs from 30-35 years and is fuller, rich and mature.

Tags: cognac, decanter, Delamain, Delamain Cognac, France, gifts, Holiday 2010, House of Delemain, spirits

Knob Creek Warms Up for the Holidays

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Spirits

Knob Creek, the super premium small batch bourbon that's aged for nine years in charred American white oak barrels and bottled at a robust 100 proof, is gearing up for the cooler weather with some recipes for giving both food and drink a Kentucky-style kick in the pants this holiday season. Knob Creek, with its smooth, sweet and rich flavor and signature maple sugar aroma, makes a great accompaniment to many festivities on its own but also works well as an ingredient in everything from hors d'oeuvres to Thanksgiving turkey. Read on for some key recipes:

Knob Creek Bourbon Egg Nog

½ cup Knob Creek Bourbon
6 large egg yolks
¾ cup sugar
2 ½ cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Beat egg yolks and sugar in medium saucepan. Slowly beat in 2 cups of milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring
frequently, until thermometer registers 150°F or mixture coats the back of the metal spoon. Remove from heat.
Strain into pitcher. Stir in remaining milk, Knob Creek Bourbon, vanilla and nutmeg. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.
Sprinkle with additional nutmeg.
Makes 6-8 servings.

Knob Creek Holiday Punch

3 parts Knob Creek Bourbon
3 parts cranberry juice
4 parts lemon-lime soda
1 part fresh lemon or lime juice
dash bitters
6 parts champagne
ice block
orange and lemon slices

Pre-chill ingredients. Pour into a punch bowl over a large piece of ice, adding champagne last.
Decorate with slices of lemon and orange. [continued]

Tags: bourbon, cocktail recipes, cocktails, holiday 2010, holidays, Kentucky, Knob Creek, mixology, spirits, Thanksgiving, whiskey, whisky

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Christmas in July - A Sneak Peek at the Tiffany & Co. Holiday Collection

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Tiffany & Co., our favorite place to have breakfast, has unveiled their Holiday collection for 2010. The launch was a champagne and mini cupcake-fueled affair, and jewels sparkled at every turn, lit by the many flashbulbs and Blackberrys in constant use by the media attendees. It was Christmas (or your holiday of choice) in July at its finest.

The collection, undeniably Tiffanian, was full of geometric florals and art deco-inspired pieces, many of them looking like they could have come straight from the 1920s or 1930s. Colored precious stones glittered in decadent abundance, as did architectural golden wires and, of course, ice-white Tiffany diamonds, often contrasted with deep blues.

One of our top picks was the dazzling necklace above in Tiffany's signature turquoise-blue, designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. The necklace features meticulously selected turquoise and hundreds of glittering diamonds set in 18k yellow gold and platinum, and retails for $125,000.00.

Check out more of our favorites in the gallery below, and be sure and send your picks to your friends and family (so they can start saving up).

Gallery: Christmas in July - Tiffany Holiday 2010 Preview

Tags: diamonds, holiday 2010, tiffany, TiffanyAndCo

holiday 2010

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