Holiday Fun-Appetizers, Outfits & Movies
Happy Sunday! Today I am joining Mary Ann and Annie for our Sunday favorites. Let’s dive right in to some Holiday Fun-Appetizers, Outfits & Movies to consider.
Holiday Dressing
Thank you so much for your wonderful response to my post How to Create 13 Holiday Outfits from 4 Chic Pieces. I know I am sometimes criticized for using my own closet items over and over. As you know I am a firm believer in utilizing what you own in new and exciting ways, just like your home. I am also a huge fan of Banana Republic right now and what they are doing. Have I had any kind of gifting or sponsoring with them…no. Maybe they think I am too old…They did start following me, perhaps that is a good sign (patience). The post was really fun, and I am glad you appreciated it. They are having their early Black Friday Sale (40% off early access for cardmembers). FYI I purchased this jacket (yes it is in the Mens dept. I purchased a small) while shopping with my friend Wren (she thought I had lost my mind) and every time I wear it someone compliments me. I am not sure what guy would wear it but kudos to anyone who would! I featured it in my post Six Casual Blazers Every Woman Over 50 Needs in case you missed it!!
Our neighborhood is very social. We are also having our own party here the weekend before Xmas. I am sure it varies where you live but here in paso wine country you will find women dressed very chic but casually for the holidays. When I was in Monterey last week I spotted this skirt at Chicos in the window and imagined how I could incorporate it into my own holiday dressing.

This sequin skirt is really great looking in person. I probably wouldn’t have given it a second look online. I paired it with this great lace shirt (also from Chicos on sale), my trusty gentle souls suede booties, , great karl lagerfield bag from Saks off 5th, and bracelet and earrings from Virgins, Saints & Angels

For this casual evening look I added Madewell jeans on sale, and sam edelman booties (they come in wide and mine are on their way)
My obsession with this eggplant/olive combo continues. I know some of you are not fans, that is why I featured alternatives above!

This skirt from Saks Off 5th for a great price, the sweater J Crew (I own and love) combined with this beautiful scarf from All Saints, leopard booties (they come in wide) that I have ordered, Karl Lagerfield bag (from Saks Off 5th), earrings and bracelet from Virgins Saints and Angels.

For this look I switched out the scarf and added this fun echo beauty, and added jeans from Madewell on sale.
Wisconsin Lake Home in Milieu
I have never figured out if it is better to get design magazines online (I like the concept no wasted paper ) or in print. The problem with the digital editions in my experience is they don’t let you know when they publish. I receive Milieu via digital. This Wisconsin home designed by Tommy Clements and photographed by the talented William Abranowicz is a study in living “off the grid” in a collected way.

This kitchen is a master mix of drenched color, texture and a bit of pattern.

This guest room is a warm welcoming mix of neutrals and texture. Love the vintage dog paintings!

This vignette speaks to me with the repurposed bar sink, animal art, and vintage accessories. ..so darn good.
Vitamins & Supplements
I try to steer clear of most supplement gifting unless I am extremely tempted. The Ritual vitamins intrigued me for their traceability and transparency, with high-quality, scientifically-backed ingredients that are clearly labeled. I accepted the gifting and Steve and I are now both taking them. They are expensive but are on super sale right now. The real reason I love them (well all that too) is because they slide down your throat and they have a slight minty flavor that is so much more pleasant than your average vitamin that you can barely choke down and tasted for days! I am taking this one and Steve is taking this one. Try them now at 40% off. I hate to get you addicted, but I am pretty sure you will agree with me. I am not sure about all the other supplements they offer but we are definitely fans of these. FYI in January I will try and muddle through all the skincare/makeup gifting and share my favorites with you. I am grateful for the gifting but it can get overwhelming. After the holidays we will also be taking a deep dive into more health and self care options.
Roasted Baby Bell Peppers & Tomatoes & Buratta
I took this appetizer to a party on Friday night, and it was delicious!

Roasted Baby Pepper & Cherry Tomatoes over Burrata Appetizer
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup, plus 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons roasted pistachios, finely chopped
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons champagne or white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 pinch each kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
- 8 oz pound baby bell peppers
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread, sliced or crackers
- 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature
Instructions
- To make the vinaigrette. Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, the honey, pistachios, lemon juice, vinegar, basil, chives, thyme, garlic, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and chili flakes in a glass jar and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to high.
- In a large bowl, toss the peppers & tomatoes with 2 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper. Place the bread on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil on both sides of each slice, season with salt.
- Place the bread on the grill and grill both for about 2-3 minutes per side or until lightly toasted. Remove from the grill. At the same time, grill the peppers until softened and charred, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and arrange on a serving plate.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the peppers & tomatoes , then break the balls of burrata around the peppers. Let everything sit 5-10 minutes. Serve with vinaigrette and grilled bread.
Vogues 25 Best Thanksgiving Movies to Watch
I am not sure I agree with all the movies on Vogues List but there are some worth checking out!
That’s it from my desk this weekend. Thank you for reading Holiday Fun-Appetizers, Outfits & Movies. What are you up to this weekend? Tuesday we will take a break from all of the Holiday hoopla and talk makeup with a makeup artist that is actually over 60! I am not going to give anything else away, but you will love this post! I will send a quick update on the Black Friday sales to your mailbox on Thursday so you can dig in when you have time! Have a great Sunday.
Now let’s pop over and visit Annie and Mary Ann.

I ordered the Chico’s sequin skirt and it arrived the day before Thanksgiving. I paired it with a light beige oversized Anine Bing sweater and light beige suede boots. I received so many compliments at the Thanksgiving dinner ( we eat Thanksgiving out at a historic restaurant every year). Women came up to me telling me how much they liked this skirt. You were right…it looks much better in person.
Hi Lisa
I am so happy to hear that! I love combining the high and low just as you did. It takes confidence and knowing your own style, which you obviously do. That skirt looked like a million dollars when I spotted it in the Monterey store (which is pathetic by the way…it needs an update!!). The other day I spotted a very unique bespoke coat on eBay and guess where it came from Chicos! Never underestimate any brand…know your style…and rock it!!
Before I forget, your TJ’s charcuterie post was inspiring. Using your guide & TJ’s for our Thanksgiving apps. Thanks again. Love your holiday outfits. I think that lace shirt needs to go in my bag right now! Also a shopping trip to Madewell is being gifted to our granddaughter for Christmas. 😀
Thank you for your inspiration and all the work you do to make it happen. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I am grateful for you.
Hi Susan
I am very thankful for you and all that you contribute here on the blog as well!!
Love the olive and eggplant – on someone else!! 🤣
I also love those Sam Edelman booties!!
And I ALSO love that you repurpose clothing again and again…I am over sites that do nothing but shop for clothes for readers. It encourages so much buying. At this point, your life style doesn’t produce a need to tons of clothes.
I have pieces that are 20 years old – if they’re good, they’re good!
Hi Gray
HappyThanksgiving!! Couldn’t agree more!
This post was FUN. Love the Milieu magazine article.
I was to make that appetizer tonight at Alie’s house.
Cindy, I feel the need to defend myself! Although I may have wondered how you would style the jacket, I never doubt your creativity and I’m sure I felt confident you would find a way to put it to use. As you did, you clever friend!
Ha Ha!
No need to defend yourself at all! I get that often with some of my crazy concepts.
Count me on team olive & plum too! So many colors look fabulous on you with your hair color that unfortunately wouldn’t work for me. Cindy, your style like your design, is 100% authentic and I give you kudos for featuring the same items on repeat rather than always encouraging us to buy buy buy and I appreciate you showing us how to wear things in different ways. Thumbs down to anyone who criticizes you for using what you have!
Hi Barbara
Thank you for your support FYI that did not come from Wren she is a loyal outfit repeater as well. I sometimes hear about it on Instagram. I take it with a grain of salt. That is the beauty of being my age!!
Cindy! Your buratta appetizer looks delish. I saw that sequined skirt in the store window and can confirm it’s a beauty. Plus it’s festive and fun. Just put it in my cart. xo
Hi Cindy,
The Iris cashmere J Crew Iris sweater is a gorgeous color. What size do you have?
I’m a 34C and I like somewhat of a slouchy fit but not too much if that makes sense, waist is expanding to a 28” no more 24.”
Thx for your feedback.
HI, Cindy. I love the olive and eggplant — sounds like hors d’oeuvres — and also would love the sweater link.
Happy Thanksgiving.
https://go.shopmy.us/p-32406077
Here you go!!
This appetizer looks so good. There seems to be a few vinaigrette ingredients missing
I for one LOVE your pairings of plum and olive! I have a number of items in each color and have usually paired them with neutrals or lighter versions of the same color. Need to go a step bolder by pairing them!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Hi Sheila
I am so glad there are at least two of us ha ha!!
Hi Camille
So sorry I fixed it!!
Good morning Cindy. The appetizer may be the inspiration I need. I love the eggplant sweater but can’t find a link on the post.
The jeans and sweater look is pretty popular here. We are going to several Christmas affairs like the Rotary Crab feed where dressing up or at least looking festive is encouraged. Though I always pick a washable top for the crab feed, there will be melted butter this year. 🙂
This appetizer looks so good. There seems to be a few vinaigrette ingredients missing
Hi Cristi
Let me check the recipe…Oh boy! I definitely did a poor job of cutting and pasting…fixed!!
Hi Cristi
I added the link so sorry!! I was burning the midnight oil to get this one done!
Hi Cindy—Do you have a link for the sweater? Love that color—just wondering if it would be too long for a petite?
Hi Cindy—Do you have a link for the sweater ?Love that color—
Hi Karen
https://go.shopmy.us/p-32406077
so sorry will post
Hi Rose
It will not be too long at all. It is shorter for sure! I own it and love it, and it will be fine for a petite.