Go Crackers with some Petit Fours

There are a few things that are a must for me during Christmas.

To be honest, I have never really counted how many, so we will leave it at a few.

One treasured thing is having lunch in the Zodiac Room at the original, and flagship, Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas.

Each year they have a buffet which defines the word (and buffets are not something I am typically drawn to). Reservations must be made in advance, the escalator must be ridden to the sixth floor location of the Z because you should not miss the fabulous decorations on each ascending floor.

Step off the escalator and into the divine service that, for decades (no matter the ownership) has elevated Neiman Marcus to the higher echelon of retailers.

The tables are covered and set and the meal begins with their famous popovers and broth. Tables upon tables are heaping (in beautiful presentations, of course) with a vast variety of food. You must end the meal with a selection of delectable desserts and coffee. This Christmas feast, with shopping afterwards, is a step into food bliss.

Yes, it is a must on my list.

But, wait.

Christmas in North Palm Beach means...the Zodiac buffet soiree will go on...without my presence.

Well, never one to dwell (too much) on disappointment, I am bringing a little bit of Neiman Marcus holiday spirit home in the form of...wait for it...their delicious (and easily shipped for free) Petit Fours.

I shall eat these tiny cakes while engaging in another of my favorite Christmas things: Popping the lively and fun, British Crackers. They are little bundles of trinkets, and funny sayings swaddled in beautiful paper.

The best part? The Crackers also contain colorful paper crowns.

Yes, I will not be at the famed Zodiac Room, but I will proudly wear a crown while scarfing down those Neiman Marcus squares of cake and frosting.

Stanley Marcus would approve. Probably. -- Pam