What to do when you move and have half the wall space?! Salon it!!

Inspired by your piece on how to spruce up your mantle and the room it is in, I took to some mantlescaping this weekend. My results featured in the attached photos. I decided to go for an English manor / gentleman's quarters theme and scaped with antique books, candlesticks, and globes. I gave it a bit of a modern contrast with BW photos (my living person element) and various other elements that fit the color scheme of silver, red and gold. The most fun was simply tweaking it to its final state - if there ever will be a final state and choosing the right scented candle to fit the theme. Can't wait for next season's scape!

Our favorite everyone-pleasing, party-proper, glamorous sig cocktail for all times and places is the Flying. And yes, it's just "Flying" (for what will become an obvious reason). A bartender at our neighborhood basement bar in D.C. introduced it to us more than a decade ago, and we've kept up with it ever since--but we've never found another bartender, anywhere, who has any idea how to make it. Here's the approximate recipe (lemon juice, especially, to taste): In a decent champagne flute (or like vessel) pour a shaken: 1/2 oz triple sec 1 oz gin 1 oz lemon juice 1 teaspoon powdered (note, powdered) sugar ...and then fill with champagne (The general ratios are 1:2:2:5 for triple sec:gin:lemon juice:champagne) Enjoy!

LULU'S APPLE MOONSHINE PUNCH

2 12 oz. cans of frozen Limeade
2 cans of dark rum
2 cans of prosecco or champagne
2 cans of Simply apple
2 cans club soda
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice

Use your empty limeade can as your measuring cup. Mix all ingredients together.

I came up with this drink for my cooking club, which I'm in with Sally. Make it in batches and store for impromptu gatherings. Being on the west coast fall is one of the seasons I miss the most, this drink transports me right back to the east coast. I like to garnish it with a slice of orange or apple. I used my custom made Lulu Powers stickers and tags to label my finished product. You can find my stickers and tags at Lulu’s Store. I’m so excited to have my own personalized stickers and tags. I’ve been labeling everything in my pantry! I love them…check them out!