We’re ready to celebrate the season with shimmer and shine. In the first of a three-part video series, Flower Style Editor Amanda Smith Fowler shows us how she sets up a festive holiday bar using pieces from our partner Replacements, Ltd. We also learn how to mix a pair of classic cocktails—a Vodka Martini and Brandy Milk Punch—with a little help from Gates Shaw, husband to Flower’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief Margot Shaw.
Visit replacements.com to learn more about the items seen in this video. Find highlights, recipes, and links to more videos in this series below.
Cloved Oranges & Roasted Cashews
The pedestal centerpiece features pomanders, or oranges studded with cloves. Amanda made them extra special by carving a design into the surface and tying them with ribbon. Below, a bowl of Rosemary Sugar & Spice Cashews makes the perfect holiday bar snack.
Rosemary Sugar & Spice Cashews
These nuts are delicious and highly addictive … always the first things to go when entertaining.
- 2 1/2 (9-ounce) cans roasted whole cashews
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 | Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2 | Spread the cashews in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet, and heat in the oven for 5 minutes.
3 | Melt the butter and brown sugar in a large pan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the rosemary, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the cashews to the pan, and toss to coat.
4 | Spread the cashews in a single layer on the baking sheet, and roast for 6 to 8 minutes, or until light brown, stirring occasionally.
Essential Cocktails
Vodka Martini
A classic cocktail whether shaken or stirred.
- 2 oz vodka
- Squeeze of lime
- Lime peel (for rimming and serving)
Fill a martini shaker with ice. Next, add the vodka and lime. Shake, shake, shake until very cold. Rim a glass with the lime peel, then add to the glass. Strain the martini into the glass. Enjoy!
Brandy Milk Punch
A Christmas morning tradition—these are perfect for brunch or dessert. They can be mixed without ice in advance and chilled until ready to serve, so no need for a holiday bartender.
- 2 parts whole milk
- 2 parts heavy cream
- 1-2 parts brandy
- 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Splash of vanilla extract
- Freshly grated nutmeg (for serving)
In a small pitcher filled with ice, mix together whole milk, heavy cream, brandy, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well. Pour into a glass filled with ice, and garnish with nutmeg.
For a nonalcoholic milk punch that all ages can enjoy, simply omit the brandy in the recipe above. “My daughter has always loved her own version of milk punch. These are delicious and just as festive as the original,” Amanda says. In her house, they call this drink the Feeney Fowler, named after her daughter.
Recipes by Amanda Smith Fowler (cocktails) and Elizabeth Bearden (roasted cashews).
This post is sponsored by Replacements, Ltd. Featured items are available at replacements.com