Party Theme/Idea: Progressive Holiday Party. This whirlwind party is a grand way to entertain a gregarious, intergenerational group during the holiday season. Ask three couples to host the party. Start out at one house with appetizers and drinks, then on to the next house for soups and salads. End at the final house for the entrée and dessert. Everyone has their house decorated for the holidays already, so this party is easy.

Favorite Recipe: Oyster Stew from Gabrielle

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup diced tasso
1 cup diced onions
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups sliced green onions (white part)
1 gallon oyster juice
1 tablespoon ground fennel
2 quarts milk
4 tablespoons cracker meal
1 cup diced fried potatoes
3 dozen oysters
2 cups sliced green onions (green part)

Preparation:
In a 4-quart pot, add the olive oil, 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter, and the tasso; brown thoroughly.  Next, add the onions and cook them until they are clear. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour, then the green onion whites, and then the oyster juice.  Reduce this mixture by half. Next add the fennel to the reduced mixture followed by the milk.  Add the cracker meal to thicken and then the potatoes.  Bring to a boil and add the oysters and green onion tops. Serve immediately. Serves 8-10.

Favorite Flower: Carnations and roses

How-to Idea: Ring of roses and pillar candle

– Soak a 10-12 inch oasis ring in water for a few minutes. 
– Add roses and carnations to the ring, alternating the flowers to achieve the desired affect. 
– Place the ring on a dish and add candle and hurricane globe to the center.
– Water ring often to keep flowers fresh.