It’s the holiday season — a time for, above all, gratitude (and delicious appetizers). Give yourself the grace of truly unwinding this year and acknowledging all the hard work you’ve put in over the past twelve months. Surround yourself with loved ones, or, if it’s what’s calling to you, take some much-deserved me time and do your own thing. However you intend to spend the final, most festive weeks of the year, we’ve got suggestions on how to make the most of it.
Cook: Alison Roman’s Latke Recipe (sub Avocado Oil)
We tested these out over Thanksgiving and found them to be a salivating success — these savory, crispy potato latkes from one of our favorite celebrity chefs involve a little bit of elbow grease, but are totally worth it. Roman recommends a whole buffet of toppings, applesauce and sour cream being chief among them. We suggest cooking them in the morning, to enjoy something delicious before embarking upon a big day of cooking for large groups.
Read:Didion and Babitzby Lili Anolik
Journalist Lili Anolik mines the contents of previously-sealed boxes and letters in author Eve Babitz’ home to tell the surprising, twisting story of a fascinating friendship-turned-sour between the aforementioned author and her Los Angeles neighbor, fellow legendary writer Joan Didion, in this dual biography that plays out as a page-turning thriller.
Do: Host dinner parties
Be the one to host the holiday gathering this year in style — we’ve got you covered on coasters, napkins, and placemats (and, of course, avocado and olive oil) via ourApéro Hour Bundle. Need spouts for your oils as you prepare a lovely spread for your guests? The Hosting Bundle solves all those needs and looks chic while doing so.
Listen:A Charlie Brown Christmas by The Vince Guaraldi Trio
Holiday music that celebrates the season simply through its melody and auditory quality, the all-instrumental soundtrack toA Charlie Brown Christmasstands tall as our favorite Christmastime album, perfect for listening as you set up and cook or as the background for your party itself.
Self-care: Bubble Baths with Essence of Lavender
Manhattan-based luxury soap shopSoapology makes an industrial-strength bubble elixir that allows you to bask in a bubbly world for hours — the suds hold together so well you can make little sculptures out of them (our favorite scent is infused with lavender). An easy alternative to this, using the bubble bath you already have, is simply sprinkling some lavender essence before you indulge in a soothing bath.
Try: Fruit Butter on Pancakes
If you’re in need of some breakfast staples for a cozy holiday morning by the fire, might we suggestThe Regenerative Holiday Box, which includes delicious Strawberry Chili Butter from The Ecology Center, Regenerative Cover Crop Pancake and Waffle Mix, and coffee beans from Café Telegrama x Canyon Coffee?
Community: Project Gather
We’re so moved byProject Gather, an organization seeking to bring people together over food, to help solve the loneliness epidemic in the United States (which is currently affecting one out of every two people in the nation) by encouraging community meal-sharing, offering resources and tools to help people build meaningful connection while sharing a bite to eat.
Active:Intro to Popstar Dance Class
Rising choreographer Alec Cohen is offering life-affirming dance classes for beginners to unlock their inner superstar across the country, with recent classes in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Provincetown.