Entertaining

The holidays are here and that means cuddling by a fire and warming up from the inside out with something hot to drink. We're used to the mulled wines, hot apple ciders, and classic hot toddys, but for the hostess who wants to really impress her holiday party guests, this is the season to try a more adventurous hot cocktail.  For a simple upgrade, add an extra kick to your egg nog by adding 1.5 oz of the spirit of your choice and garnishing with a dusting of nutmeg and some orange zest, says Spike TV's Bar Rescue expert Mia Mastroianni. And to perfectly spike your homemade apple cider (2 quarts of cider, 3 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, an orange sliced into thin wheels, and optional small piece of ginger simmered in a saucepan on low heat), she suggests adding 1.5 oz of spiced rum or bourbon to your seasonal mug. "One of my favorite things to do is keep a pot of cider mulling on the stovetop—it makes the house smell wonderful, and it's incredibly easy to prep." But if you're looking to go for something more novel and dazzling, check out our favorite hot cocktail recipes below, from a ginger hot toddy to lavender-spiked hot cocoa—plus what to add to your shopping list so you're always ready to pour.  

Holiday season is upon us and for couples getting hitched this time of the year, the cheer in the air can be the perfect wedding decor inspiration, guaranteed to please your guests. Why? Well, because we are yet to meet someone who doesn't like that warm and fuzzy feeling we all get around the holidays.  But just like with any other design approach, there's a fine line between "a little holiday cheer" and a full-on Christmas party feel, starring a Santa appearance, which we assume is not what you want. (But hey, you do you.) So how do you not cross that line? For wedding planning pros like Erica Trombetti of Infinite Events, the answer is in the details—as in, let your theme guide small but impactful details, without becoming the central focus of your decor. Think a small rustic "Let It Snow" sign or seating cards in the shape of snowflakes. "Incorporate little jingle bells tied to your napkin or menu at each place settings ... ring them and the couple will kiss," Trombetti suggests. Read on to see what other wedding professionals told us about incorporating the holiday spirit to your big day. RELATED: 14 Whimsical Ideas to Inspire the Winter Wedding of Your Dreams