Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Mondays with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  Now that the holidays are over, table settings will take a decidedly boring turn. Where there once were garlands, poinsettias, ornaments, pine cones, and pumpkins, there are now plain plates and salt and pepper shakers (if you’re lucky). To up your tablescape ante, you don’t have to go out and purchase a whole new set-up. My favorite trick is to embrace the white plates, crystal wine glasses, and standard silverware - with the addition of a colored water glass. You’ll be surprised by the difference a small part of your table setup can make to transform the mundane into something striking. The best part is that it can be any color your heart desires, from shocking neon pink to classic cobalt blue.

II.  Art in your entry way sets the tone for your entire home. And you don’t have to have an Art Basel budget to make a luxe statement. My advice for friends who aren’t in a place to begin collecting (or at least collecting larger pieces) is to figure out a style of art that speaks to you and make something of your own. Though it likely won’t launch your career as the next Cy Twombly, it will allow you to lend an air of sophistication to your place that will far exceed that old Breakfast at Tiffany poster from college. Find a plethora of canvases at your local art supply store, pick out colors that speak to you, and let your creativity run wild.

III.  My favorite color is black. Light black, dark black, soft black, sheer black - any black. This means that I have to differentiate my sartorial aesthetic via accessories. My latest crush is Three Jane - a jewelry designer who specializes in pieces that look vintage with a modern twist. When I received the yellow Blythe earrings as a gift this Christmas, it was love at first sight. I’ll be pairing the perfect baubles with everything from my faded black Metallica tee to my D&G LBD this month.

IV.  Though turkey season has come and gone, it doesn’t mean that cold-weather cravings are any less present. For a ridiculously easy, yet outrageously delicious, dinner that you can either serve friends or save and eat solo all week, try this Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. Ingredients: pork tenderloin, half a cup each of fresh rosemary and thyme, three garlic cloves cut in half, package of prosciutto, olive oil, salt and pepper (optional - three apples cut in half and cored). Instructions: pre-heat oven to 425, cut the tenderloin in half and drizzle olive oil, then stuff with the fresh herbs and garlic, close the tenderloin, salt and pepper the outside, layer the prosciutto over the top curling the ends underneath the tenderloin. Place in a large oven-proof skillet, dutch oven, or roasting pan. Arrange apples around the tenderloin and drizzle again with olive oil. Roast for 25 minutes, then let it rest under tin foil for ten minutes. If you’re skipping the apples, serve with apple sauce or whatever sweet chutney you prefer.

V.  The Dorian is shaping up to be the best new bar in the Marina. Between the decadent decor, delicious menu (including a crab-topped truffle burger), and a disproportionately high number of attractive men compared to the rest of the city, it’s quickly becoming my neighborhood go-to. The bar is launching a series of events the first Wednesday of every month, beginning this week with a Japanese Whiskey Tasting from 7-8:30PM for $20. I hope to see you there!

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt