Oldie, but goodie.

Forgive me for rehashing old content, but nothing beats Gourmet's 2008 holiday issue for sheer holiday inspiration. Luxe, lovely and delicious.

I'm only including a couple of photos here, but you can check out this 2009 Queenie post for the full shebang.

Gift Guide Number Three: (Mostly) cookbooks.

Darlings. My apologies for the lateness of this post. I fully accept that by posting the final chapter of my gift guide on December 15th, I am catering to procrastinators like myself (Amazon's Super Saver Shipping will still arrive by December 24th, people!), along with those shopping for January birthdays. So sue me.

For those of you who still seek inspiration - or are perhaps in the market for a gift to your fabulous selves - here goes. Queenie's suggestions for books - mostly cook-, some not - to give this holiday season.

1. Tartine Bread
Any of you who've been lucky enough to visit Tartine in San Francisco know that their wares are as gorgeous as they are tasty. This hefty new book (a companion to their earlier, pastry-focused tome) is no exception. Perfect for the carb-loving aesthete in your life.

2. The Gourmet Cookie Book
Gourmet was famous for their December issues, which always featured a series of delectable cookie recipes. The best of those are collected in this book, which is also a beautiful example of photography married with food styling joined with graphic design.

3. The Zuni Café Cookbook
This isn't a new book, but it's one I just received as a (very thoughtful) hostess gift this fall, and I am in love. It reads like a primer on good, soulful cooking, and has some insanely beautiful photographs to boot.

4. The Essential New York Times Cookbook
Edited by the indefatigable Amanda Hesser (co-founder, with Merrill Stubbs, of Food52), this collection of classic recipes is a must-have for anyone addicted to Craig Claiborne's original.

5. The Inn at Lake Devine
Okay, so this isn't a cookbook. Not even close. But it's one of my all-time favorite novels, and the main character is a chef. It's set mostly in the 1970s, and is pretty much the best translation of the Austenian spirit into contemporary fiction that I can think of. Food plays a central role in the novel's WASP/American Jewish culture clash plot (think Yankee pot roast vs. roast capon and blintzes), and I think you'll love it. A perfect stocking stuffer (or, um, late Hanukkah gift).

6. The Blackberry Farm Cookbook
It's gorgeous, it's full of good recipes, and it looks great on a coffee table. What more do you need?

7. The Frankies Spuntino Kitchen Companion and Cooking Manual
You know of my obesession with Frankies. Therefore, you cannot be surprised that their cookbook, published earlier this year, has made the list. Go forth and make lots of tomato and avocado salad, plus some cavatelli with browned butter and hot sausage. You're welcome.

8. As Always, Julia
A collection of Julia Child's correspondence with her close friend Avis Devoto, this is one of my must-reads for the year. It may not be a cookbook, but if Julia's perseverance and dedication (which always shine through when she's doing the talking/writing) don't make you get up and do something, then nothing will.

Gift Guide Number Two: Palm Beach-y.

There's a good-sized part of me that can't turn down anything from Kate Spade or Jonathan Adler. That's the part of me that made this gift guide. Enjoy the preppy brightness and gilded goodness!

One: Crystal Confection Necklace by Kate Spade. Two: Midas Collection at Design Within Reach. Three: Louis The Third print by Jessica Snow. Four: Herringbone Rug by Jonathan Adler. Five: Polka Dot Coasters by Kate Spade. Six: Ideal Bookshelf 101 by Jane Mount.

Seven: Color Theory T-Shirt. Eight: Forget-Me-Not Ring by Kiel Mead. Nine: Borgelo Needlepoint Pillow at Shop Ten25. Ten: Sugarcoat print by Michelle Hinebrook. Eleven: Ticker Tape Mugs by Kate Spade. Twelve: All Over Now necklace by Elva Fields.

See what I mean? How can this stuff not make you happy? So get to it and make someone very happy with something bright, shiny and preppy today!

Gift Guide Number One: Woodsy.

Loads of girlie goodness to satisfy your need for woodland creatures. Especially recommended for those who don't get out of the city often enough.

One: Rifle Paper Print. Two: Flora Grubb Terrarium Ornaments. Three: Gold Rush Ring by dollybird design. Four: Coralie Bickford-Smith's Penguin Hardcover Classics. Five: Gold Pecan Necklace.

Six: Owl Watercolor by United Thread. Seven: Kirie03 Clock by decoylab. Eight: Champagne and Roses Ring by Barbara Michelle Jacobs. Nine: Gold Dipped Bar Bracelet by Ayofemi Jewelry. Ten: Snow Forest Basket by PrintParty. Eleven: Vintage Brass Doe from AMradio.

Coming soon: my Palm Beach/preppy modern/kinda glam gift guide!

It's frying time!

Happy Thanksgiving, folks!

While my hands are occupied with pie and brussels sprouts, my mind is already thinking about the next holiday on the horizon - Hanukkah, which starts next week! And since it's my day for posting over at You + ME* Equals, you'll have to clickety on over there to see my recipes for potato and zucchini latkes with apple chutney and gremolata, respectively.

Enjoy the recipes, enjoy the holiday, and we'll talk soon!