. . . last night, while caught up in a sea of sequins, kraft paper and white grosgrain ribbon, fell in love all over again with the twinkling lights and softly falling snow, and later, after much laughter and fond conversation over the most delicious and casually elegant shrimp & crab dish and strawberry früli at a late dinner, was reminded of the reasons why it really is the most wonderful time . . .

{p.s.} how are things? has been forever since the last bit of site news and a flurry of wondrous activity for the past few weeks now, which means missed weekend wishes late last week as well as links, and so:

{a few lovely links:}

* at home: a beautiful lake retreat
* recipe: hot chocolate
* art in fashion: silk scarves like the sky{via twitter}
* design: fruit topped yogurt
* moody & atmospheric: winter wonderland
* holiday hair: first there was this, now this
* pretty pretty: tea & all aglitter & glittering snow & fairy lights
* tabletop inspiration: fun & festive mirror balls
* just in time for the holidays: afternoon tea & opera
* in the kitchen: gold stars sarah on facebook}

{as always, a few things you may have missed:}

* a new week & happy december
* gift guide: warm winter white
* at home: perfect scandinavian style
* travel: an australian christmas
* style: pale & pretty neutrals
* fashion: topknots & dusky coral
* holiday décor: silver & gold

{new & exciting:}
* a brand new feature: a glimpse inside my closet

{recently:}
* delighted to be included in the current issue of utterly engaged

{& one last thing:} if you’ve only just arrived, still time to enter this week’s holiday give-away: a glittering crystal necklace