VB Hacks
Cocktail Hour
Don't forget the ice! A little sparkle goes a long away. Opt for an on-trend collar necklace or a pair of chandelier earrings—they'll frame your face and deliver a warm, flattering glow in a low-lit party atmosphere.
Love a smoky eye? Prefer a natural lip? Or do you need a quickie skin refresh after a late night out? Then head on over here to read celebrity makeup artist Christy Coleman's holiday beauty tips.
No one does glamour quite like the Old Hollywood crew—so channel your inner Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner and Lauren Bacall for inspiration. First step? Slip on a great pair of gloves to tap onto their chic retro allure. Step two…
Here's another elegant throwback: the return of the turban. We're partial to this accessory because… it's the perfect hack when you're having a bad hair day. Plus, when it's chilly outside, it's much more cocktail-attire appropriate than a beanie.
You didn't think we'd forget the "cocktail" in Cocktail Hour, did you? If you're hosting your own party, here's a recipe for a libation full of cheer, the Charles Dickens Punch, which is named after, of course, the man who gave us that great holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. For more fun recipes like this, check out Megan Krigbaum's The Essential Cocktail Book.
CHARLES DICKENS PUNCH RECIPE
Serves 10
Ingredients
3/4 cup sugar, preferably Demerara
3 lemons, peeled and juice reserved
2 cups rum, preferably Smith & Cross
1 1/4 cups Cognac, preferably Courvoisier VSOP
5 cups black tea (or hot water)
Lemon and orange slices
Freshly grated nutmeg
Directions
To an enameled cast-iron pot or heatproof bowl, add sugar and lemon peels. Muddle peels and sugar together to release citrus oils.
Add rum and Cognac to the sugar. Light a match and, using a heatproof spoon, pick up a spoonful of the spirit mix. Carefully bring the match to the spoon to light, then bring the lit spoon back to the bowl. Let the spirits burn for about 3 minutes. The fire will melt the sugar and extract the oil from the lemon peels.
Extinguish the fire by covering it with a heatproof pan. Skim off lemon peels. Squeeze in the lemon juice, then add hot tea.
Ladle into glasses over ice. Garnish with citrus slices and grated nutmeg.

Veronica Beard Cocktail Hour Giveaway
1. VB Pari sandals, in leopard
2. Beautycounter's Glow & Go Mini Oils, Starlight Eyeshadow Palette and Transforming Duo
3. Crystal necklace by Ben Amun
4. Embellished turban by MaryJane Claverol
5. Leather gloves by Carolina Amato
6. The Essential Cocktail Book by Megan Krigbaum
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