Tory Entertains: Mixed Spiced Nuts

These spiced nuts are a classic around Tory’s house during the holidays. Make a big batch before a party or dinner and then just fill your favorite dishes in the living room, dining room and kitchen (where everyone will congregate anyway).

To Do: Wade Guyton OS at the Whitney

An inkjet printer is probably the unsexiest artist tool out there. Until you see how Wade Guyton used an Epson Stylis Pro 11880 model to create his OS show at the Whitney Museum (through January 13). Wade printed massive abstract works on Epson’s biggest printer, leaving glitches, ink bleeds and all. The result is powerful statement on both a tech-obsessed society and the pillars of art history (Andy Warhol screen-printing and Modernist dots and stripes, among them). As for the OS in the exhibit title, that’s, yes, a nod to (the also unsexy-sounding) operating system software.

Untitled, 2010, by Wade Guyton. Collection of the artist. © Wade Guyton. Photograph by Lamay Photo.

Odette Annable‬ On: Holiday Traditions

How does actress ‪Odette Annable‬ tackle the holidays? With a little roasting and a whole lot of lipstick. We caught up with the House and Brothers & Sisters alum on her favorite traditions.

Expert Guide: Raúl Àvila

Raúl Àvila has created entire walls out of flowers for clients, including Marc Jacobs and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. And yet, his tip for anyone throwing a holiday dinner party is to “keep it small and simple.” Good lighting and a beautiful arrangement will cocoon your guests for the duration. He offered plenty more advice as we head into prime holiday entertaining time.

What’s Your Sign? Sagittarius

Curious about what the fire sign of Sagittarius (November 21st – December 21st) has in store for you? Then keeping reading, because astrology expert Susie Cox reveals all.

Ask Tory: The Thanksgiving Table

Q: What are your Thanksgiving plans?

A: The day revolves around our whole family gathering for a big family meal. It’s the kind of chaos I love — a lot of talking, laughing and eating. We’re at the table for hours, so it has to be something we feel comfortable around. And since I’m not a big cook, I’m happy to take over décor duty. I like a lot of tea lights and use my favorite pieces, like monogrammed linens I’ve had for a while and Imari vases filled with fresh flowers and berries (keeping the arrangement low so we can see each other across the table). I mix up fall oranges and purples with a little hot pink.

Style Tip: The Cashmere Tunic, 3 Ways

It’s the time of the year when every day feels like two squeezed into one, thanks to family celebrations, rsvps and pre-holiday errands. All the more reason to love this flattering-on-all Tory Cashmere Tunic. And as you can see here, this iconic silhouette is also super versatile — equally effortless with skirts, jeans and pjs (and equally comfy).

It’s also very chic under the tree. (Hint, hint.)

Shop the Looks

Spotlight On: Caroline de Maigret

Caroline de Maigret is a magnet for cool. Not only is she a French supermodel and longtime Chanel muse, but she’s also founder of her own record label Bonus Track Records. Plus, she has a pretty kick-ass style — equal parts chic and nonchalant. We interviewed the multi-hyphenate entrepreneur and got her take on all things holiday, music, Paris and, of course, la vie en mode.

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2012: The Michelle Tote

“I was strolling down Madison Avenue, minding my own business, when this metallic pebbled leather bag started calling to me from the Tory Burch store. Guess it was meant to be,” said Oprah Winfrey.

We love our new Michelle Tote, too. Michelle was chosen by Oprah as one of her favorite things to give this holiday. See it in the December issue of O, The Oprah Magazine and on tonight’s OWNtv special, Oprah’s Favorite Things (November 18th), where there will be a top secret giveaway to 30 deserving and unsuspecting people. For airtimes, check your local listings.

Shop all Michelle Totes

Spotlight On: Topaz Page-Green

Brains, beauty and heart — model Topaz Page-Green founded The Lunchbox Fund after seeing that children in her native South Africa were not getting enough to eat. Here, she tells us all about the project, which provides nutritious lunches to students, and what she’s learned so far.

Insider’s Guide: Shea Rose’s Boston

Boston is one of the country’s most storied towns — it’s birthplace to the Kennedys and the American Revolution. We’re proud to open Tory’s newest outpost there at Copley Place. We asked Beantown native Shea Rose — whose music is a unique mix of hip hop, soul, funk and rock — for more insider intel on her hometown, like a cool sneaker store that masquerades as a bodega.

Spotlight On: Scott Henderson Design

Even if you’ve never heard of Scott Henderson, you’ve probably seen his work, whether in museums or…your very own kitchen. This award-winning product designer brilliantly elevates the everyday — teapots, tabletop items, serveware, diaper caddies and clocks — as both consultant to brands such as Skip Hop, OXO and Umbra and co-founder of his own design firm, Mint. We chatted with Scott on good design and his newest project: yachts.