A Gentleman Entertains

A Gentleman Entertains

    When thinking of the upcoming holidays it's hard for me not to think of some of the awful dinner parties that bachelors will be throwing this year!   Turn off the sports boys and show some class.  It's not hard to be stylish if you have an advisor and most women dig the opportunity to meet real gentleman who know the art of gentlemanly etiquette.  It's a lost art on most.  However, there is help out there for the etiquette impaired.  In today's holiday entertaining article we are focusing on how real men entertain.

It's really not rocket science guys.  It just takes a little bit of thought and effort. Most of you already cook and also have you're own drink of choice.  Now you just need to set the table correctly in order to impress your friends and show them what you are really made of.

Martini Glasses by Artel Glass. Chartreuse Faceted Vase
by Artel Glass, Re-used chocolate Christmas Tree boxes, and
Table Cloth by Raulph Lauren. Tabletop design by j. thomas cahill

For this piece I've decorated the table quite simply with just enough decoration to make the atmosphere festive.  Martinis are the drink of choice at this table and each guest will be drinking out of a unique Martini Glass by Artel Glass. 

Paul Smith Handkerchief and Thomas Pink Bulldog Cufflinks as Party Favors

Every place setting has been carefully tailored to meet the interest of each and every guest including bespoke party favors.  For those with less etiquette and a need for upgrading themselves into a more mature adult I've offered ties and a gentleman's etiquette book by Brooks Brothers , as well as, a single tie to add or begin their collection of the mature man's essential wardrobe piece.  At place settings where more refined gentleman will be sitting, I've chosen cufflinks and handkerchiefs from different menswear designers such as Thomas Pink, Paul Smith, and Kenzo.       

In many ways, one just has to put a bit of thought into the type of atmosphere they want to create.  I have many ideas on Gentleman Entertaining ideas and can be a great resource for choosing and procuring party favors with class on most budgets.   Take a look for yourself at the photos in this article to gain more ideas and insight on how to create the perfect table for your holiday soiree!  

j.thomas cahill is available to help you with any of your holiday party or decorating ideas throughout the year and can be contacted at shopintheknow@gmail.com

                                                            

Can you Shop for Charity?

YES, YOU CAN!!!

If luxury shopping is your bag and you are a New York or Tri-State resident or even a tourist then Americana Manhasset is your place of choice.  Skip Fifth Avenue, skip Soho, and get yourself to the Manhasset/Munsey Park area of Long Island, New York.  It's here you'll find among the neighborhoods filled with residents such as LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez, and countless other celebrities, an oasis of shopping which is literally a mimic of any high street in the world, but it's better!  Basically, its an intensely elegant strip mall with ample parking and staff in every store that's helpful, friendly, and very well educated on the products they offer.  Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Oscar de la Renta and Hermes are just a few of the well named brands you'll find here along with flagship locations such as Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, and even lululemon and a seriously enormous Apple Shop.

When shopping at Americana Manhasset one is privileged to be treated like a real client instead of just a tourist passing through on Fifth Avenue, New Bond Street,  or say the Champs-Elysee. Americana Manhasset  keeps attracting designer's on a daily basis.  While there make sure to check out the new Tory Burch shop.

Not only does Americana Manhasset provide an exceptional shopping experience away from the tourist insanity of Fifth Avenue, but also it provides charity events and gives back to the community in which it prospers from, the citizens of long island who are in need or state parks and wetlands.  There are several of these events throughout the year, but at Christmas they have an event called Champions for Charity.  I was privileged enough to attend this event about two years ago when in town for my cousin's wedding in early December giving me ample time to "Shop for Charity" while getting my much needed gift list moving along.  Remember folks, shopping is a feeling and when you have the opportunity to shop and give back to the community at the same time, it must be said, it's a great feeling.  They make it easy too.  

How it works from Champions for Charity 

Participating tenants of Americana Manhasset and Wheatley Plaza donate a percentage of designated pre-tax purchases to the participating organization of the customer's choice. Simply register for a CHAMPION CARD which is the quick and efficient way to participate in Champions for Charity^® and designate 25% of your purchases to the charity of your choice.   

Americana Manhasset is located at 2060 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset, NY , you won't drive away disappointed.

Photo Credits:  Americana Manhasset