a year for resolutions.

i'm not one to make new year's resolutions very often. but this year feels different, and i think maybe that's because i expect it to be a year  f u l l  of change. it'll be (even after almost 8 years of dating and 5 years of living together) my first year with abe as a married couple. (married!). it may also be because i expect that there will be a move from the Big Apple to the bay area (i capitalize the Big Apple because, in my mind, it really has become an untouchable city worthy of worship, addictive and perfect in its imperfection). but change is a good thing.  and san francisco claims good weather. it may also be because i think there is some room for adding creativity back into my life. and mad + vine is a first step towards that. (thank you, libby).

so, whether or not the mayans were right about 2012 being apocalyptic, i do predict that it's going to be a big year.  

and, you may be wondering, what exactly are my resolutions? i have really only one. at least only one that I've said aloud to myself or anyone else (my husband). and here it is, in all its oddity.  

i would like to host more parties. 
that's right, 
i'd like to become a better hostess!

you may now also be asking yourself, is that really a fair resolution?  or rather, is that a resolution at all?  the thing is, i get nervous about having people over. i have always (always) had two fears. first, fear of being the center of attention. and second, fear of not being able to entertain flawlessly.  entertaining, of course, embodies the first (a good hostess must be comfortable as the center of attention). 

but as an adult, and as a married person even more, i'd like to be that person who can host friends for dinner and drinks. and have fun while doing it. apparently gwyneth paltrow is a great hostess. so. this is the year to make that happen. practice makes perfect.

and all this brings me to these amazing pictures by sara remington. they encompass everything about food and entertaining that i love. they are simple, beautiful, scrumptious, easy (or at least easy looking). hopefully i can update you soon on a successful evening of deliciousness. done with a sense of confidence and ease. until then, here are just a few to whet your appetite.

all photos property of sara remington. for more of her musings, click here.