Happy Thanksgivukkah

“Pass the cranberry sauce, I need some on my latkes”

This year American Jews are celebrating the very first Thanksgivukkah – the extremely rare convergence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah – which won’t happen again for another 79,000 years (79,043 to be exact – but whose counting?). The last time these two holidays landed on the same day was way back in 1861 - except President Abraham Lincoln didn’t declare it a national holiday till 1868, so I guess that just doesn’t count.

Typically it’s Christmas and Hanukkah that seem to coincide, and with both revolving around family time and gift-giving they seem to be a pretty good match thematically, but Hanukkah and Thanksgiving are an even more perfect fit. Not only due to the fact that they both celebrate religious liberty, but also that both Holidays are extremely food centric. 

Leading us onto the next major issue – food. Sweet potato latkes? Challah stuffed Turkey? The bizarre combinations continue with Zucker Bakery in East Village creating a rather special turkey-stuffed doughnut for this once a life-time occurrence.

Dana Gitell is credited with creating the Thanksgivukkah social hype, including a large Facebook and Twitter following. Since last Fall when people began to realize that this cultural phenomenon would come about, the holiday memorabilia has exploded, offering everything from apparel, original songs and even a Youtube video of a rap battle between a turkey and a dreidle (yeah this you need to see click here).

So we face the question of what gifts to buy on this most unusual of holidays, especially with the added pressure of it not occurring again for another 79,043 years. Here are a couple of absolute must haves that no Thanksgivukkah table should be without.

1.The Menurkey

Created by 9-year old Asher Weintraub of New York this is a fail safe gift, guaranteed to put a smile on even the hardest to impress Bubbe's. Well who wouldn't love a turkey shaped menorah?

2. Thankshivukkah Greetings Card

And of course there is the once in a lifetime opportunity to actually send/receive a Thanksgivukkah greetings card. These Americana-themed note cards are a great way to share the holiday cheer. 

3. He’Brew Beers 

So it’s inevitable that most of us watch the game post dinner and have a drink or two. Forget your traditional largers, this should be on the top of your list for the holiday. Plus get a load of that name, how could you resist?

4. Thanksgivukkah Apron

For the chef inside of us all, this special day should be matched with an extra special apron.

5. Mini Donut Maker

Donuts have always been a big player in the Hanukkah desert set-up, have them with your Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie and Apple Pie for the perfect buffet addition.

As a British Jew spending the holidays in New York this year I am super excited to celebrate two of the most delicious holidays in one and even see a giant spinning dreidel float in this years Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Here’s to giving thanks to this unusual, yet perfect convergence.  

Happy Thanksgivukkah!

How To: Wear Sequins This Holiday Season Without Looking Like A Christmas Tree Decoration

Over the holiday season, we’re all attracted to a bit of sparkle; glitter ornaments, rhinestone accessories and of course sequins. But it’s often tricky to don an adorned dress without looking like something that hangs off your mantelpiece. This time of year truly tests your sartorial versatility and although wearing an all in one sequined maxi dress might be for some, we believe it’s the subtle addition to a look that really shows off your holiday style. So worry no more, were here to help you master suburb holiday style and will walk you through how to avoid looking like a tree ornament this season.

1. Sequin Midi Skirt

Wearing a midi skirt can be a bit of a challenge from time to time. Am I too short, and I the wrong shape, what shoes do I wear with it? This little festive look is the perfect answer. Rather than wearing boots choose a pair which reach the ankle or a pair of cute pumps, either way the small bit of your pins on show will seem elongated and elegant. This sequin midi also has patterned effect which smooths out any lumps and bumps giving you the perfectly chic holiday look that Mrs Claus would be proud of.

2. Bauble sweater

You ask, how on earth can I wear an all over sequined sweater without looking like a tree bauble? Well team it with some super chic accessories - that's how, and you're bound to be the envy of all fashionista's this holiday season. Markus Lupfer always gets it so right, and this season he has not failed to disappoint. This cashmere navy number with large mirror disk sequins is the perfect addition to your holiday wardrobe and will carry you all the way through to Spring.

3. Sparkly skater dress

When wearing an all over sequined dress its better to keep it in a more neutral colour. This forest green skater dress from French Connection is just what were talking about, and in such a flattering fit and flare designer to suit all body shapes. Team it with some edgy accessories and you're bound to the the prettiest Elf at the party.

4. Sequin colour block blazer

So a fully sequined blazer  might be a tad too much, buts that's why we adore this black and silver number from Topshop. Oversized boyfriend bit with a touch of added glam. Keeping the colour palette neutral is the safest way to go, but whilst keeping the textures super interesting. Sequins silk, jacquard and leather - yummy!

5. Gold Mini Skirt

With the temperatures plummeting well bellow freezing around this time of year mini skirts can be some what of a no go area. But not to worry. Sass & Bide have got you covered with their sheer split maxi which is sexy and practical well sort of at the same time. Teamed with more black chiffon and bold accessories to complement the pops of colour on the skirt this is one sure way to look super chic over the holiday season. 

Be sure to follow me on Polyvore (click here) and check out more of my sets for some serious outfit inspo. 

The Blonde Salad for Snapette #digitalfete

Getting thrown in the deep end. On my first day. Well that's the understatement of the century. But let's face it, I just wouldn't have had wanted it any other way. Working for Snapette over the last few months in London has been great; social media, graphics, editors pics...all whilst trying to balance a million other things in the meantime, but now being in the office, this is when it gets real. 

Finally being here in the big apple and working with such a fantastic team, in a super create environment - it couldn't be any better. 

Hold on. I've back tracked. Let's talk about my absolutely hectic yet utterly brilliant first day. Tossing and turning all night due to the inevitable jet lag - and heading out for a run before the sun had even woken up - I did worry that I would not be able to last till the evening. But knowing I was going to meet Chiara Ferragani of The Blonde Salad at our #digitalfete event certainly kept me going. 

Finishing the tasks in the office - at my very own desk may I add - I headed off to Curve Boutique in Soho to help prepare for our little fashion party. Curve is in my opinion one of New York's greatest high end boutiques. Run by fashion hero and absolute darling Nevena Borissova, who started building her little empire at the age of 22 over in LA, and carrying some of my absolute favourite brands including Christopher Kane, Balmain & Valentino (just to name a few), I was drawling at all of the gorgeous merchandise whilst setting up for the evenings entertainment. 

The #digitalfete event, sponsored by Google, saw Nexus phones being handed to the night's top 50 Snappers on the Snapette App as well as a $1000 Curve gift card to the user with the most loves at the event. The Moet & Belevede flowed nicely throughout the evening with music by Harley Viera Newton and live graffiti by Jona Cerwinske. Top bloggers, journalists and fashion folk alike all rubbed shoulders all evening and my little old British accent seemed to work an absolute treat when it came to networking.

A fantastic night and what a brilliant first day. Despite running on only coffee and adrenaline, my Cheshire cat like grin did not leave my face all evening. What a great welcome back to this fantastic city. 

Pictures by Salvatore Spaltro