The last two weeks have been some of the most emotionally taxing weeks in recent memory.  So last night, I was unnaturally excited to settle in for a three day weekend of doing nothing, seeing no one and probably not leaving my apartment.  But don’t be like me, go out and have fun.  It is the holiday season after all.

I may need to recharge my batteries (you did know that I’m a cyborg, right?), but if you have a hot party on the horizon, I recommend holiday red.  Showstopper red.  Pop-that-bottle-and-dance-on-a-table red.

Okay, maybe not that last part, unless you’re at home and you’re sure the table can support your weight.  As your mother would say, “You could put your eye out.”

David Meister Strapless Bow Dress ($251, limited sizes)

This dress is a bombshell.  I love the origami details on the bow, the cinched waist and the bold color.  Do not wear this dress unless you are prepared to be noticed, for noticed you shall be.

If this dress is not available in your size, you are in luck! I found a shockingly similar frock at ShopRuche for just $55.  And, ladies, it comes in plus sizes.

If holiday red is your thing but strapless isn’t, have a look at this sleeveless Alice + Olivia or this flirty Ted Baker number.  This drape front BCBG has a one shoulder and similar look to the pleated bow on the Meister dress above. Or if you must stay under-$100, try this BB Dakota strapless dress or this ladylike bodycon dress from Dorothy Perkins (no that is not an oxy moron).

I’ve been obsessed with Maraschino cherries since I was small enough to fit my entire hand into the teeny-tiny jar and scoop them out by the fistful.  My Mother used to hide them in the vegetable drawer because a 5-year-old high on cherry juice (sugar water and red dye 40) is like a Tasmanian Devil on Red Bull.  Despite her efforts, more than one Oshkosh B’gosh jumper was ruined by splashes of treacly cherry juice.

When I saw the recipe for the Whiskey Smash from How Sweet It Is, I knew I had to try it immediately.  If only because it gave me an excuse to put candied cherries on my grocery list.  But the concoction of amaretto, brandy, cherry cola and Maraschino was just as delightful as I imagined it would be.  

I would have made another one tonight, but I’m slightly embarassed to say, I already ate all the cherries.