It! Inspiration: Set a wintry holiday table

Whether you're in Palm Beach or Kennebunkport, a wintry holiday table channeling the beauty of aspen groves and evergreens sets the mood for a cozy holiday feast with friends and family.

Santa table decor from Pottery Barn; Christmas tree place cards from Martha Stewart; lollipops from Maxwell House of Design; Rosemary tree centerpieces from Interior Design

It! Inspiration: Giving Thanks in Style

The Thanksgiving holiday reminds us to pause and recount all of the good things in life, to give thanks for these blessings and all of the special people who're special to us.

It's also a great time to set the kind of table that will keep your family (even your mother-in-law!) gabbing about your great taste throughout the holiday season! After all, who wouldn't be thankful for a few well-placed compliments? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Gobble gobble.

xoxo
The It! Girls

Organic centerpieces from Bear Flag Farm; Cornucopia inspired centerpiece with sunflowers, gourds, and other fall vegetables from Better Homes and Gardens; "Flocking Together" Thanksgiving table setting from Martha Stewart; Autumn Harvest centerpiece with a variety of small gourds, squash, cones, and pods from Country Living; A healthy side dish of dried fruit and toasted nut stuffing from Whole Living

Save the Date: Dec. 3, Festival of Trees Gala Opening!

One of our favorite Palm Beach events each year is the Festival of Trees to benefit Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. With more than 30 designer Christmas trees, Christmas carolers, a holiday boutique and more, it is just what we need to get us in the holiday spirit here in balmy South Florida — the delicious noshes and open bar during the Gala Opening doesn't hurt, either!

Festival of Trees kicks off with its annual Gala Opening on Friday, Dec. 3, and benefits the garden's Community Enrichment Program, designed to provide cultural opportunities to all populations through innovative programming incorporating the visual arts, environmental awareness and interpretive history of Ann Weaver Norton.

Chaired by Karyn Lamb and Mieke Van Waveren, Decorator Chair Joseph Pubillones and Honorary Chair David Miller, committee members include Robin Azqueta, Diana Bell, Jeff Blakely, Jonathan Cameron-Hayes, ,Joanne Colt, Chrissy Colton, Millie Dayton, Aime Dunstan, Jenny Garrigues, Amy Guerrieri, Austin Hancock, Margaret Horgan, Karyn Janssen, Kelly Kirkpatrick, Brian Kirkpatrick, Dana Krentschmar, Heléné Lorentzen, Denise McCann, David Miller, Tara Nicoletti, Eileen and John Otto, Joseph Pubillones, Analisa Ramos-Estaban, Chad Renfro, Jennifer Rodriguez, True Rodriguez, Ashley and Michael Ramos, Denise Silverman, Sandy Singer, Tracy Smith, Linda Soper, Diana Speight, Tricia Taylor and Emmy Wolbach.

The Gala Opening will Feature GREY GOOSE Vodka by Bacardi U.S.A. Inc. and fine foods by Rock Star Catering Company, Marky Caviar, The Breakers Palm Beach, Whole Food Markets, Sushi Jo and Opici Wines Company of Florida. Other sponsors include Gentlemen of the Garden, KOOL 105.5 FM, Palm Beach Illustrated, The Palm Beach Post, Imishmailmerritt Photography, Tree Towne Christmas Trees and House of Lavande.

West Boca Raton High School Choir, Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Stringendo School For Strings, BAK Middle School of the Arts Chorus, the Florida Classical Ballet Theatre and Palm Beach Atlantic University’s “Brass 5” are set to perform.

Family and friends of all ages are invited to the gala, with tickets available for $200 for adults (ANSG members $125) and $25 per child. Gentlemen of the Garden will present Community Days with $15 admission (children $5) Dec. 4 and 5 and Dec. 8-12.

For more information on Festival of Trees or the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, call (561) 832-5328 or email annnorton@ansg.org. To view the latest schedule of events at the garden, please visit www.ansg.org.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)3 operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The gardens are conveniently located at 253 Barcelona Road, at the corner of Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, FL. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday-Sunday. 11- 4 p.m.