It's throwback Thursday and as we cruise to another wonderful Christmas I thought I would repost this from a couple of years back. So many of you always tell me how much you love the meal pics so here goes....
My favorite Christmas decoration. A winter swan I found from a museum going out of business.
My sister gave everyone a cinnamon bun tray with all the additions ready for our Christmas breakfast....great idea!
This picture shows how the rustic serving pieces and all special serving pieces make your meal look more robust and important. My sister grabbed a hotel silver pitcher to serve her breadsticks wrapped with prosciutto shown behind my old cutting board.
The fried calamari looked perfect on this antique porcelain platter.
The taste was also perfection! 
My sister was supposed to bring a small antipasti to my house for Christmas dinner. She assured me 3 times she didn't go overboard...you be the judge!
She made 2 kinds of stuffed mushrooms one with sausage and and one without. Also homemade cheese straws.
I love my sister's coffee station on the antique silver tray.
LOVE this cheese server.....paper thin curls with fig spread.
After the LIGHT hors d'oeuvres, snort, cocktail hour we had dinner
Menu
Truffle risotto with piglet mushrooms
Roasted kabocha squash with pomegranite seeds, above,
Standing rib roast with carmelized cipollini onion reduction
Spinach gratin
Whipped potatoes with lemon
Mixed green salad
In my family the doneness of the meat is a major topic before the big day AND a big stress! I am sure all of you who like rare meat can relate to this. The pressure mounts for the hostess (especially this non meat eating hostess) as family member after family member asks question after question...
"Where did you get the meat?"
"Why did you buy 2 roasts and not one?"
"What temperature did you start it at?"
" What pan are you using?" "Cover it!!" Or "Don't cover it!"
"You should put it on a higher rack !" "We should have used the cooler" "don't open the oven! " where's the thermometer?" " stick it in here not there!!"
It's TRULY hysterical!! And the BIG stress is if my father chimes in with concern about the meat because, of course, you DO NOT WANT TO DISAPPOINT THE ITALIAN PAPA !!
So I did what any great chef du village would do.....asked my husband to be in charge of the meat!!! He can obsess about qtips so you can imagine him the week before Christmas. He bought 2 new thermometers! I was completely confident as I went about all the other tasks of the meal. It became a reason for male bonding pictured above. He put a post it on the oven warning everyone NOT to open the oven because that's another thing this family of cooks does....walks through the kitchen and opens pots and ovens.
Let's just say my Thermidor oven is very unreliable. I suspect the temperature did not reach the necessary 500 degrees
With the parade through the kitchen I didn't say one thing until he took it out and decided it was done because of the temperature. It was a gross grey on the outside and I said
"I'm not serving it like that!"
Without missing a beat, he went down to his workroom and came up with a blow torch and crusted that roast to perfection! And I announced as I often do
"And THAT'S why I married him!!"
He really is Macgyver!
I don't have a finished platter picture because all hell breaks loose carving and getting it to tableside hot and not overcooked! As you probably can tell we all do well under stress, HA! and you feel as though you finished a great marathon when it's reported how delicious it is. And don't think it would be sugar coated with polite comments of deliciousness. Two years ago it was overcooked and as soon as the platters were brought to the table "the people" let us know. I don't know why people don't like the holidays.....it's always so exciting!
I realize when your kids get older their participation in the planning and cooking of the meal replaces the excitement of the gift giving Christmas morning and it's really fun.
Love silver trays...
I always have one favorite Christmas pic, above. The fact I got my granddaughter to nap on Christmas Eve I considered a major score!
I am hosting Christmas Again this year which will only bring more great comments and memories. Wishing you holidays of warmth and laughter and wonderful things in 2017.
Love and hugs,
Bonny
Please note delivery and shipping is available on all items
GreatHouse Bonny Neiman
p.908-522-8900
12 Beechwood Road | Summit, NJ
HOLIDAY HOURS
Christmas Eve 9:30-12:30 Christmas Day closed New Year's Eve 10:30-3 New Year's Day closed |
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Throwback Christmas!
Sunday, December 18, 2016
A Christmas idea and easy treat!
One more week! I don't know about you, but today was my day to get really organized and make lists for all those last minute details. Yesterday, after a busy day at the store, we met my sisters family in the city for a stroll through Bryant Park and then dinner and dessert. On our way back to NJ we swung through the food store as they were closing so I could start today cooking and baking before we head to St. Anne's in Fair Lawn to hear Matt sing in the choir tonight.
Such a funny coincidence is, although I met Matt only 2 years ago, he sings and performs at my elementary school Church which was my family's parish for years. This year my sisters and I are taking my Mom back to our Church to hear his choir and it will be nostalgic visiting together.
Today my granddaughter and I spent some time making these super simple cookie pops and I thought you may want to know the details if you are trying to squeeze in baking with a little one.
Just buy the sugar cookie batter that comes in a tube and roll small balls.
Roll each cookie ball in sprinkles of your choice....
 
Place skewers or popsicle sticks in each center.
Bake on parchment paper in 350 degree oven for a few minutes until brown.
And presto, simple, easy and fun!
I also wanted to share with you something I started years ago to add to our holiday fun. The week before Christmas (didn't do it yet) I email everyone coming to dinner with "THE CHRISTMAS QUESTION!" Everyone emails me their response...some are long, some are one or 2 words. I print them all without the names and each person gets a copy of the answers when we are all together and they have to guess who answered each one....it's more fun than it sounds and the winner gets bragging rights for a year! One year I asked "Hollywood has lost all the holiday movie archives and had to remake them...which role would you play in a Christmas movie?"
We had answers of "I would be Marv from Home Alone because I look like him when I haven't had a haircut in a while" and someone else answered "Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol because I like having the last word!" Another year was "you are one of the 3 kings, what gift would you bring to the newborn child?" Answers included "what would I bring to the King of Kings?? Stewed meat, of course, because I love stewed meat!" Another was "I would bring him a snuggie to keep him warm in the cold manger and those swaddling clothes don't keep out the scratchy hay" someone also said "a Swiss Army knife because everyone needs one". My family loves games and this is an easy one to do for all ages. Do you have any traditions that create some laughs?
From all of us at GreatHouse we wish you a joyful holiday with family and friends and a year of peace and joy! Happy Holidays!
We will be open Christmas Eve until 2 pm, closed Christmas and regular hours December 26th.
Love and hugs,
Bonny
Please note delivery and shipping is available on all items
GreatHouse Bonny Neiman
p.908-522-8900
12 Beechwood Road | Summit, NJ
Monday-Saturday 10:30-5:30
|
Thursday, December 15, 2016
This Friday Night!
There's still time to join us for our "Let's Create" event this Friday at 7pm! Laura Clare from LauraClare Designs, Hoboken, Bernardsville and now in Summit will share her expertise as she takes us through the steps to create a fantastic mossy, twiggy and berry wreath to call your own. Come join a fun group! Call to reserve your spot....$55 pp includes supplies, sips and snacks!
We'll be open late to share in the holiday fun as Beechwood Road is the setting for free horse and carriage rides from 7-9pm! Take a step back and enjoy with us, have a hot chocolate at Boxwood Coffee and after some shopping try one of our great restaurants!
Thank you to our tireless Summit Downtown Organization who continues to support our local businesses. We are so fortunate to have your dedication and friendship.
Back in stock are our popular lanterns some, marine coated,
for the harshest weather!
And you asked and they got it done for you....
FREE PARKING!!! YAAAAAYYY!
We will be open late Friday December December 16th till 9 and on Sunday, December 18th from 11-4. Also if you are pressed for time we will be happy to offer curbside service ...just call us to purchase 908-522-8900 and we will bring your packages right out to the car.
Don't forget to go easy on yourself this season.....I really don't know how my mother made Christmas to the level she did , but in the end my best childhood memories were when there was laughter in the house no matter what didn't get done! Happy Holidays!
Love and hugs,
Bonny
Please note delivery and shipping is available on all items
GreatHouse Bonny Neiman
p.908-522-8900
12 Beechwood Road | Summit, NJ
Monday-Saturday 10:30-5:30
|
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Yaay!! The GreatHouse Gift Guide!
We've been spreading the cheer at GreatHouse and last Friday the Snowflake Stroll was a huge success. A BIG thank you to the Summit Downtown Inc. for putting together an incredible night. Also thank you to Regal Bank right on our street for underwriting the great giveaways! It was such a nice crowd and the shop was full of a warm holiday spirit!
Everyday feels like a holiday party at GreatHouse with many of you bringing friends to experience the displays and special items we have been searching for all year. I have put together some of the many gifts here for those of you who can't get to us this season.....please call us for more details or shipping.
For the Dog Lover....
Funny coasters, $12.50, vintage handmade Viking glass bookends, $85.00 pair, vintage silver bookends, signed, $ 245.00 pair, Nice Nosing You, humorous doggy book with hysterical photographs, $25.00, white composite French bulldog, $48.00 (more animals available, antique porcelain dog, $ vintage brass bookends, $155.00 pair
They are always working hard at their desk....make it special!
Artisan crafted iron gear bookends, $425.00 pair, vintage brass bull and bear on marble bookends, $395.00 pair, Art Deco iron on marble figurative bookends, $325.00 pair, vintage silverplated horse form bookends, $225.00 pair
For the mid century modern collector....
Vintage 3 tone wooden bookends, $175.00 pair,
vintage brass and teak candlesticks, vintage wood piece vase, $110, all shown on a vintage black lacquer and wood tray, $155.00
Always in the kitchen?.....Vintage mint canisters, $68.00 set, vintage chrome spice rack, $64.00 paddle style wooden cheeseboard, $46.00
For the femme fatale......gold lips tray, $24.00, female silhouette dresser tray,$30.00, ostrich skin wrist bag with hornback crocodile strap, $85.00, vintage marble box, $245.00, alabaster covered box with agate handle, $54.00, sexy eyes tray, $16.00, all shown on a vintage silver plate tray.
So excited to have these artisan glasses at GreatHouse for your special bourbon/whiskey drinker. ....Hand blown with an important heft, $125 a pair. vintage silver plate cocktail shaker, $375.00, vintage Gorham silver plate gadrooned edge rectangular tray, $245.00
Who loves trying a new recipe? ....Bisque porcelain pitcher, $42.00, vintage teak canister set, $110.00 set, porcelain lion handled serving bowls from France, $44.00 ea., trending recipe books with beautiful photographs, $27.50-$ 35.00, antique cheeseboards for creative tablescape from France, $125-$375.00, hand stamped cotton kitchen towels, $22.00
For the tea lover....cozy faux fur throw blankets, from 30 furs in 3 sizes, starting at $329.00, "steep up to the plate" ceramic tea bag rest, $14.00, hard cover tea book, $24.99. Pretty Suzanne....priceless!
Climbing the ladder of success or already there? Unique desk accessories, vintage lucite letter holder with brass deer, $ 285.00, vintage brass obelisks, $295.00 pair, artisan iron ball lamps, $ 475.00 pair, vintage chrome automobile "POWER" plaque, mounted on stand, $265.00, vintage lucite penny obelisk, $65.00, vintage chrome covered box, $225.00
Teachers on your list?....marble eggs, $38.00- $158.00, show your sense of humor with our Circus book, snort!, $28.00 , ceramic notepad cheeseboard, $32.00, tea bag tray, $14.00, gold and white serving tray, $16.00 ea., various games to break the routine, $22.00, vintage hand blown glass Apple.
I am lucky enough to have my sisters curate a unique and fantastic everchanging collection of jewelry. So popular at GreatHouse with diamonds, leather, brass and beautiful semi precious stones at price points for gift giving! You know YOU have a wish list too!
For the Christmas lover who can't get enough red and green or for someone who wants to start a collection..... While they last our popular glitter trees,
2 ft.$58.00 and 3 footers, $85.00, we have many vintage Christmas glass sets from , vintage Santa mugs in minis for place cards, candy or even shot glasses to coffee size for a funny Christmas morning! Moderate pricing varies
Below enjoy the spectacular just 2 wreaths available, hand made with all vintage ornaments! I ordered these in June and they just arrived and are featured in our window display. I was only able to get 2 as the artisan supplies a couple of famous specialty businesses and works all year for them. 
We found it! Stunning magnolia wreaths that will last forever FAUX! 32 inches, $345.00 limited supply.
We will be open late Friday, December 16th until 9 pm when Summit hosts horse and carriage rides right on our street! Nothing like seeing that old fashioned wagon trot by every few minutes to get you in the mood. We hope you stop by to share the season with us. Make a night of it and enjoy our many great restaurants!
We will be open late Friday December December 16th till 9 and on Sunday, December 18th from 11-4. Also if you are pressed for time we will be happy to offer curbside service ...just call us 908-522-8900 and we will bring your packages out to the car.
Don't forget to go easy on yourself this season.....I really don't know how my mother made Christmas to the level she did , but in the end my best childhood memories were when there was laughter in the house no matter what didn't get done! Happy Holidays!
Love and hugs,
Bonny
Please note delivery and shipping is available on all items
GreatHouse Bonny Neiman
p.908-522-8900
12 Beechwood Road | Summit, NJ
Monday-Saturday 10:30-5:30
|
Friday, December 2, 2016
December happenings and family Thanksgiving!
Hellloooo December! So much is going on in Summit this month starting tomorrow night when all the stores will be open late some till 9pm! GET THIS!! Find the elves walking around handing out snowflake dollars which can be used as cash in downtown Summit until December 31st and there are even a couple of $100's in their sacks ! Thank you to the Summit Downtown for encouraging shoppers to keep it local!
It's a great night to see all we have been carefully collecting for holiday gifts and to kick off the holiday season with GreatHouse! Matt will be creating small tree cloches available for purchase! After some shopping I know some of you are meeting up with friends at one of Summit's great restaurants. Enjoy free babysitting at the YMCA from 5:30-9:30. There will also be carolers on the street, free hot chocolate, and free gift wrapping at 408 Springfield Avenue. Last year was really fun and a great way to get in the holiday spirit and get some shopping done locally.
Many of you requested family Thanksgiving photos ....
Thanksgiving always starts Wednesday night when the men prep the birds with special rubs, enjoy a bourbon and inject the bird with flavorful herb con goons that they discuss at length the week before Thanksgiving.
Both my son and my nephew Nicky love to cook!
You would never find my Italian father prepping for the holidays, my mother always did it all with my Grandmother but Dad buys the cigars for them to enjoy while frying the birds outside. He was like a kid in a candy shop!
We started Thursday morning getting up at the crack of down and driving into NYC to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Police were everywhere keeping the areas secure....our world is changing, isn't it?
There was still a festive spirit and we thanked the men and women in blue!
Hello Kitty!
My niece, Bergen, on the right was a clown in the parade this year and had a ball dancing and spreading cheer. It's such a great experience .....if you know a Macy's employee you can be in the parade too! I was a balloon handler twice and it was such a fun unique morning!
My sisters and I all live in the same small town in NJ and years ago we started walking from house to house and doing a different course at each home. It's fun to get out and exercise a bit and be outdoors together. My 32 year old son meets with his high school football buddies every year for breakfast and he wears his old jacket all day....who says "you can't go home again" ?
Nicole went Italian Thanksgiving style this year and made lasagna with her noodles from scratch!!! DIVINE!!
The birds were fried at Danielle's and pictured above are my son Ryan, my father, my son Adam and my husband Roger...and, of course, my photo bombing munchkin Madison!
FYI we also roasted a bird but everyone loves the flavor of the fried bird better!
Nicky got to do the honors this year and very SLOWLY
drop the bird in the hot oil. 
"Jim got a tad too close to the bubbling oil" pictured here with my
brother-in-law Tom. 
Jim always plans fun things and this year we played Hammerschlagen!! There is a nail in the wood stump ... you take the hammer, flip it in the air and grab the handle and follow through with a WHACK! Fun!
I hosted the dessert course this year....I made a lemon tart with toasted coconut, pumpkin cheesecake and my niece Hilary made a beautiful apple cranberry pie with a leaf trimmed crust....delicious!
After dinner my sister Denise brought out this crazy game called SPEAK OUT! You are supposed to put these ridiculous looking contraptions in your mouth and then try and read difficult phrases and have your team figure out what you're saying. Well it was easy peasy as both teams didn't even need a second reading....what up?
The game was a bust but was it really?? We laughed until we cried...
I hope you all had a memorable and fun day surrounded by love and good cheer. As we gear up for the next festivities I feel I am ahead of the game as I already thought of this year's....CHRISTMAS QUESTION!!
This is a fun activity....each year I come up with a silly question and I email it to all the guests who email their response back to me....all ages this year from 7-87! Some answers are short, some are lengthy and hysterical! We print out the responses and each Christmas we try and guess who said which one.
Some of the questions have been...
"Which job would you have at the North Pole?"or
"Santa is tired of his suit how would you restyle it?" And one year it was "describe your fantasy Christmas!"
Let me know if you try The Christmas Question this year, it's fun and everyone enjoys it tries to get bragging rights. We don't even care when certain people always resort to cheating....you know who you are!!
Love and hugs,
Bonny
Please note delivery and shipping is available on all items
GreatHouse Bonny Neiman
p.908-522-8900
12 Beechwood Road | Summit, NJ
Monday-Saturday 10:30-5:30
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)