Oh my gosh, I have so much to share with you I don’t know where to start!

I am in New York for the first-ever Women on Fire Mother-Daughter Tea Party.  That is a whole story and inspiration in itself and I will share more about it and pictures over the next couple of days.

First though, so many of you are getting ready for the holidays.  And, I wanted you to meet a dear friend of mine who is my go-to person for great, creative ideas.  For this week, I’ve interviewed media personality, entrepreneur and Oprah’s personal gift and party planner Debi Lilly about her tips and ideas for the holidays.

Debi Lilly — one of Chicago’s most successful wedding and party planners

Debi was brilliant!  Of course, I thought we’d talk for 30 minutes or so but nooooo.  She had so many terrific ideas and suggestions that we talked for an hour.

Here are just a few of the fun and exciting things you’ll learn:

* The secret behind Oprah’s gift giving style
* How to develop your own unique holiday decor color palette
* Delicious and easy recipes for holiday parties
* A special way to connect with your kids, reduce your own stress and even start a new tradition
* Plus, her #1 secret for hosting a fabulous party … and more!

You can listen to us in this unedited, audio interview by clicking on the play button below:

PLUS!

In the spirit of giving, we are partnering with Debi Lilly and her company A Perfect Event to offer a fun holiday contest. Share your favorite family holiday tradition in my blog comment box and you could win A Perfect Event’s Ultimate Home for the Holidays Hostess with the Mostess Kit!

To participate just write your favorite holiday tradition in the comment box below and Debi Lilly will choose her favorite story. The winning entry will be published on Debi’s blog, too!

The Hostess with the Mostess Kit includes a monogrammed hatbox filled with monogrammed cocktail napkins, a holiday CD collection, letterpress thank you notes, vintage inspired glittered holiday ornaments, soy candles, and so much more.  What an incredible and beautiful gift!

And, if you haven’t yet visited Debi Lilly’s blog I encourage you to hop on over to see a library of inspiration.

Also, check out this photo and link to this amazing recipe for Pear Holiday Bites.  I’m going to make them for my family for Christmas!

Don’t forget! All you have to do is share your favorite family holiday tradition in the comment box below and you could win A Perfect Event’s Ultimate Home for the Holidays Hostess with the Mostess Kit.

Happy Holidays!