Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2025 i Palm Beach Illustrated

On a recent date night with my husband, we went to a special occasion restaurant, just because. When the server asked us if we were celebrating something special, we said, “Just the day.” She must have appreciated the answer because she put a candle on our key lime pie, signaling to the rest of the restaurant that cheers were in order. December heralds the festive season, but the truth is that all days, even the most challenging ones, hold at least one reason to celebrate—even if that reason is Tuesday. I was reminded of this when ordering a holiday pie through Pie it Forward, which allows Meals on Wheels to deliver love and sustenance to homebound or low-income seniors. Knowing a fellow human benefited from your small act? Big reason…

1916 SOCIETY SAILS INTO SEASON WHO: Pure Skin Palm Beach WHAT: 1916 Society Yacht Party WHERE: Serenity, Town of Palm Beach Marina HIGHLIGHTS: Guests toasted to glamour, gratitude, and community during the evening celebration, which honored the Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s exclusive 1916 Society and kicked off the new Palm Beach season. FOCUS ON FOOD FOR THOUGHT WHO: West Palm Beach Library Foundation WHAT: Food for Thought Cocktail Reception WHERE: Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach HIGHLIGHTS: Held on the library’s Fourth Floor, sponsors and table hosts mixed and mingled during an exclusive cocktail reception as a prelude to the annual Food for Thought fundraising dinner. CARDINAL NEWMAN GALA KICKOFF WHO: Cardinal Newman High School WHAT: Newman Night 2026: La Dolce Vita Kickoff WHERE: Café L’Europe, Palm Beach…

Since its launch in 2022, Palm Beach’s amfAR gala has become a top fundraiser for the American Foundation for AIDS Research, generating nearly $16 million for the nonprofit, which is dedicated to advancing AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment, education, and advocacy. “The support from the Palm Beach community has been extraordinary, united by the common goal of curing HIV while addressing other infectious disease threats,” says T. Ryan Greenawalt, who co-chairs the annual event with Kevin McClatchy. “When the world reopened after the pandemic, bringing amfAR to Palm Beach was a top priority—and we hit the ground running with a spectacular first event that raised $5 million.” PBI sat down with Greenawalt and McClatchy to learn more. (amfar.org) PBI: What inspired you to organize the Palm Beach gala? McClatchy: Ryan…

The holidays are about tradition, warmth, and celebrating with those we love. They also present a rare opportunity to dust off your best china and crystal, iron some linens, and polish the silver. Whether you are reaching for family heirlooms or shopping for new memories, it can’t hurt to know how to handle these special pieces that only come out a few times a year. Buying and caring for porcelain dinner services doesn’t have to be daunting. Before you start, know that the terms “china” and “porcelain” are mostly interchangeable. Both are a ceramic made from refined clay fired at high heat. The term “bone china” is used to describe a stronger, more translucent type created by adding bone ash; as a result, bone china looks much more vibrant and…

What inspired you to work with vintage Bakelite? I launched my line in Manhattan in 1999 making contemporary fine jewelry—gold and platinum with diamonds and colored stones. Then 9/11 happened, the luxury market froze, and my buyer from Bergdorf Goodman asked me to create pieces that were “larger but less expensive.” Gold and physics objected, so I went materials shopping. Wood, acrylic, ceramic—all interesting—but vintage Bakelite had beauty, history, and backbone. I started with diamond-punctuated bangles. As we mastered the material, we moved into marquetry, bigger stones, and full collections. Now I’m known for fine jewels that give vintage Bakelite a very glamorous second act, and we produce a full range of earrings, pendants, rings, and necklaces. Today, vintage Bakelite is still my favorite co-conspirator. I coax it to behave…

THE LISTINGS The Palm Beach County dining scene has something for everyone, from funky burger bars and gastropubs to the glam style of iconic Palm Beach lounges. Here, find a listing of area standouts, organized by cuisine type, with descriptions, contact information, and price details for each. What the icons mean: $ Most entrées under $25 $$ Most entrées $25-$40 $$$ Most entrées $40 or more While not all-inclusive due to space limitations, our dining listings may vary every month and are constantly updated to showcase the culinary diversity of the area. Find more information on local dining options on palmbeachillustrated.com. NOTICE TO RESTAURATEURS: The establishments listed and their descriptions are printed at the discretion of the editors of Palm Beach Illustrated. They are not a form of advertisement, nor…

The Boca Raton stands on the brink of a historic milestone: its centennial. For nearly 100 years, it has been a sanctuary of luxury, a place where elegance meets innovation. As 2026 approaches, the resort prepares to celebrate a century of hospitality that has defined its reputation worldwide. This landmark anniversary will unite guests, locals, and visitors in a series of grand events designed to honor the past and inspire the future. It’s a moment to reflect on a legacy built on excellence—and to toast to what’s to come. To mark this special occasion, the resort will unveil exclusive experiences and signature cocktails that embody its timeless sophistication. Among these, the Grand Century shines as a toast to a hundred years of grandeur. Crafted with tequila and Grand Marnier Cuvée…

Worn by some of the most iconic women in history, including Coco Chanel and Marilyn Monroe, red lipstick is unique in its ability to instantly convey power, rebellion, glamour, and sensuality. As it turns out, the impact of red lipstick doesn’t end there. According to the “red lip theory”—a philosophy gaining traction on social media and among makeup artists—wearing a bold red shade with an otherwise bare (or minimal) face can make skin appear more even. “There is truth in the idea that wearing the right red lipstick will distract from minor imperfections such as discoloration or blemishes,” says Palm Beach–based makeup artist Deborah Koepper of Deborah Koepper Beauty. “The eye is drawn to the mouth and away from imperfections, creating the illusion that they are gone and your complexion…

The salmon on the menu at ReSpa Palm Beach isn’t served on a plate but rather in the form of a cell-rejuvenating facial. One of the med spa’s most popular treatments is the Polynucleotide Facial, which is powered by salmon DNA, a bioactive compound known for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, notes ReSpa’s founder, Renata Bauer-Saville. “Using purified DNA molecules derived from salmon, the treatment activates fibroblast and collagen production, improving skin’s texture, elasticity, and hydration,” says Bauer-Saville. “We describe it as a ‘skin reset,’ an elegant way to rejuvenate naturally, without aggressive lasers or extended downtime.” She adds that the treatment is ideal for anyone experiencing dullness, dryness, or loss of elasticity or who simply wants to enhance their skin’s vitality. “It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive…

What is Fibermaxxing? While “fibermaxxing” is not an official medical term, its philosophy is rooted in science. It is essentially boosting your daily fiber intake to meet or even exceed the recommended daily intake, which is typically between 25 and 38 grams for adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most American adults only get half of these recommended amounts. This shortfall is particularly concerning as consuming more dietary fiber has been shown to have a positive impact on digestive health, weight management, heart health, and blood sugar. Fiber consumption has also been linked to a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer. If you are interested in fibermaxxing, start by taking stock of your current fiber intake and then gradually increase that over several…

PALM BEACH EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Support GLAZER HALL as a sponsor, donor, or member and enjoy privileges such as early access, special events, and other exciting benefits. GLAZERHALL.ORG • (561) 576-7860 • THE ROYAL POINCIANA PLAZA PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFTS…

DECEMBER MARKS THE RETURN OF THE SOCIETY OF THE FOUR ARTS’ SANDA AND JEREMIAH LAM-BERT CONCERT SE-RIES, BRINGING AN ARRAY OF PERFOR-MANCES TO PALM BEACH. THE SERIES KICKS OFF WITH CANADIAN BRASS’ “MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT” DECEMBER 3, THE CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER’S “BRANDENBURG CONCERTOS” DE-CEMBER 7, AND THE PALM BEACH AT-LANTIC UNIVERSITY CHAMBER CHOIR’S “CAROLS ON THE LAWN” DECEMBER 14. (FOURARTS.ORG) MORSELIFE HEALTH SYSTEM WILL TOAST TO ITS FORTY-SECOND BIRTHDAY AT THE BREAKERS ON PALM BEACH DECEMBER 12. THE EVENING WILL FEA-TURE DINNER AND DANCING, PLUS A PERFORMANCE BY GRAMMY-AND TONY AWARD–WINNING BROADWAY PHENOM AUDRA MCDONALD. TICKETS ARE $1,250. (MORSELIFE.ORG)…

Dear Liz, Is there a way to wear sequins in Palm Beach without feeling overdressed? Absolutely! In Palm Beach, sequins count as a neutral (I’m only half joking). The trick is how you pair them. A sequined skirt with a crisp white shirt feels effortless. A sparkly top with jeans? Chic and not at all “I’m going to the Oscars.” I like sequins best when they’re a little irreverent—in daylight, with flats, at cocktails by the pool. Just promise me you won’t wait until New Year’s Eve to wear them. Life’s too short to save your sparkle. XO, LL Dear Liz, How do you balance high fashion with Palm Beach’s casual vibe? I always say: mix the fabulous with the familiar. Pair your statement Valentino skirt with a T-shirt. Wear…

If you have stopped on this page and started reading this note, we have something in common. The simple act of reading is something that most of us take for granted. We struggle early on. Then we learn how to sound out the words and find consistency among the sentence structure, allowing the meaning to flow freely. I was a precocious reader, starting around age 4 or so. I vividly remember lying on my bedroom floor of our first home in Naugatuck, Connecticut, reading The Lion and the Deer by Annie DeCaprio. Published in 1965, it was the first book I could read by myself. I’ve never stopped reading—books, cereal boxes, newspapers, the occasional owner’s manual, comics, and of course, magazines. Thousands and thousands of magazines. I discovered the newspaper…

Feel-Good Find Her 2nd Chance, a Boca Raton–based social enterprise nonprofit focused on women in recovery from substance use disorder, recently partnered with a Florida-founded jewelry brand called State of Gratitude to provide jobs hand-crafting bracelets. Each nylon-threaded Intention Wrap sports nearly 1,000 glass seed beads on a single unbroken strand and is intended to be paired with an intention upon wearing—and to never be taken off. The bracelets are available on the State of Gratitude website, and Her 2nd Chance also sells other gifts on their own site. (her2ndchance.org, stateofgratitude.com) Befriend For the kids in your life, consider a life lesson packaged as entertainment. In her latest book, The Bully Needs a Buddy Too—co-authored with her teenage son, Matthew Sroda—local neurodivergent author Loverly Sheridan aims to demonstrate how…

When Jennifer Quent danced with one of the world’s great ballet companies, she pushed through pain, hunger, and exhaustion for the opportunity to glide across stages like a beautiful dream. Today, she credits her four years with the American Ballet Theatre for her success as an“executive fixer” for wellto-do families in Palm Beach County, where she does the seemingly impossible with balletic grace. Quent coordinates a 27-person concierge team for Miami-based accounting firm Kaufman Rossin, providing rapid-response lifestyle management to families with hectic schedules. On any given day (or night), the Wellington resident may be managing household staff on three continents, securing a last-minute superyacht, or untangling a sticky real estate transaction. When an 80-something widow needed help writing her first check, Quent showed her how. “My superpower is I…

HOW DO DINOSAURS SAY HAPPY CHANUKAH? By Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague “This is a festive and playful holiday book that introduces the traditions of Hanukkah through the fun antics of dinosaurs. I love the way author Jane Yolen combines humor and holiday spirit to teach kids about lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel, and celebrating family. The whole How Do Dinosaurs? series is perfect for young readers aged 3 to 5 and teaches important life lessons through lighthearted tales.” —Mandy Fulop, head of children’s services, Delray Beach Public Library THE TRUTH ABOUT MRS. CLAUS By Meena Harris, illustrated by Keisha Morris “I love how this story celebrates creativity, confidence, and the courage to follow your own path—even when it looks different from what’s expected. It connects deeply to…

ELEPHANTS NEVER FORGET Trunk of Remembrance ornament ($93), Christopher Radko, christopherradko.com From Christopher Radko’s 2025 charity collection, this handmade ornament serves as a holiday keepsake with a deeper meaning. A percentage from each sale will benefit a charity that raises awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. —Gaylene Salomons, contributing editor CODE RED Vespa Primavera Elettrica 70 Red ($8,300), Vespa, vespa.com To honor World AIDS Day December 1, I’m eyeing this red-hot electric Vespa and feeling good that $100 of my purchase will benefit the nonprofit (RED) and its Global Fund, which works to combat worldwide health crises—including AIDS/HIV—in vulnerable communities. —Jane E. Enos, contributing editor A SYMBOL OF HOPE Abaca Pinangabol Ikat clutch ($225), Zink, zinkcollection.com Female artisans in the Philippines have been supporting their families with their craft for generations. Weaving with abaca fibers…

As the founder of Lance Consulting and the Young Friends of Cleveland Clinic Florida, as well as a board member of both the Bascom Palmer Women’s Board and U.S. Board of the Irish Georgian Society, longtime Palm Beach resident Kipper Lance Hendrick spins many plates. When she needs things to slow down, she sets her sights on a place where her roots run deep: her ancestral home of County Mayo, Ireland. “County Mayo offers the best of Ireland—stunning landscapes, welcoming people, and a strong sense of history,” she says. “For me, it’s both a personal journey and a cultural one, filled with heritage, warmth, and unforgettable beauty.” 1. BEST SPOT FOR A PHOTO OP Downpatrick Head near Ballycastle, with the dramatic Dún Briste sea stack, holy wells, World War II…

For buying information, turn to page 216.…

If you like to dine out in Palm Beach County, chances are you’ve savored a cup of Oceana Coffee. Since 2009, owners Amy and Scott Angelo have roasted fair-trade and organic coffees for local businesses and connoisseurs—originally working with a converted popcorn maker they purchased from eBay, with operations based at their Oceana Coffee Roasting House and Café in Tequesta. Earlier this year, the Angelos expanded their footprint in Palm Beach County with the opening of Culinary Crossroads in Lake Park. In addition to housing a new Oceana Café and the brand’s first drive-through, Culinary Crossroads boasts Oceana’s roasting facilities (complete with a new roasting machine that increases production tenfold) as well as Florida Canning Company and a membership-based kitchen and event venue known as the Culinary Studio. Every facet…

The car door shuts with a soft click. I exhale into the quiet, heels dangling in my hand while holiday music hums between my ears. The night sparkled with festivity, yet I return home feeling flat. I think my shimmer stayed behind with the Champagne flutes and Christmas cookies. Beneath the holiday cheer runs a glittery current of overstimulation: disrupted routines, sugar highs, and emotions bubbling like a glass of Veuve. December races by until we land in that strange limbo between Christmas and New Year. No wonder the “most wonderful time of the year” often leaves us feeling drained. Our hormones, adrenals, and blood sugar quietly bear the strain. But when we prioritize our health, we reclaim December with our own kind of holiday cheer—one that radiates from within.…

PAGE 118 On her: Sleeveless shirt dress ($1,990), Michael Kors Collection, michaelkors.com; braided raffia handbag ($5,700), braided raffia micro bag ($5,000), Chanel, Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, The Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens, chanel.com; Jacks leather flat sandals ($138), Jack Rogers, jackrogersusa.com; Monogram silhouette square scarf ($505), Louis Vuitton, Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, The Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens, Town Center at Boca Raton, us.louisvuitton.com; DNA sunglasses ($410), Dolce & Gabbana, The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach, dolcegabbana.com; circa-1960s vintage bracelet with diamonds set in 18-karat gold ($24,500), Provident Jewelry, Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, providentjewelry.com. On him: Cotton pique polo shirt ($795), cotton gabardine cargo trousers ($895), split calfskin shoes ($795), Dolce & Gabbana, The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach, dolcegabbana.com PAGE 119 Black-and-white polka dot dress ($4,600),…

She may be only 9 years old, but Lake Worth Beach’s Availa Johnson already knows that making a difference in the world at large starts small. This summer, Johnson was one of 15 young activists (aged 8 to 16) from around the world to receive an International Young Eco-Hero Award from Action for Nature, a San Francisco–based nonprofit that encourages young people to get involved in solutions for environmental change. Johnson received an honorable mention for her EcoCreators Design Club, a 30-member-strong space for young people like her to transform plastics and recyclables into creative fashion designs like dresses, keychains, and jewelry. She places collection boxes at local schools, libraries, and parks where single-use plastics can be deposited for reuse in projects and crafts. Born of her love for the…

Deck the hulls—it’s boat parade season. On December 6, the thirty-first annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade will illuminate the Intracoastal with brightly festooned boats, a traveling fireworks display by Zambelli, and holiday cheer, concluding in a luminous finale at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Benefiting Toys for Tots and Little Smiles, the festive flotilla begins at 6 p.m. in North Palm Beach. Here’s where to drop anchor for the best view. (marinepbc.org/boat-parade) CHARLIE & JOE’S AT LOVE STREET While Love Street is a happening spot to see and be seen on any given night, during the holiday boat parade, the viewing party at Lucky Shuck is the epicenter of the action. From 6 to 10 p.m., attendees will be treated to all-you-can-eat buffets and drinks for $150 per person…

STYLE NOTES SHERBERT SHADES: Opt for sequins in unexpected colors for a fresh take on the trend. BALANCING ACT: Pick one standout piece and keep the rest of your look minimal. SHINE BRIGHT: Reserve overly embellished accents for the evening.…

Radiate like the holiday season thanks to your little helper: vitamin C. This antioxidant multitasker diminishes the appearance of fine lines, reduces uneven pigmentation, protects against free radicals, and more. Get glowing with these potent picks: Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum, a gentle elixir with three forms of vitamin C ($160, drsturm.com); Deborah Koepper Vitamin C Serum, a lightweight, radianceboosting treatment ($100, deborahkoepper.com); Lines The Facial Serum, a multi-benefit powerhouse that firms, plumps, and more ($185, linesmeetlines.com); Lino All-in-One Serum with SPF 50, plus vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract ($64, linocosmetics.com); Yon-Ka Serum Vitamine C, a 20-percent serum for targeting dark spots ($178, us.yonka.com); Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum, formulated to reduce fine lines within weeks ($79, kiehls.com); SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic…

ART MIAMI AND CONTEXT ART MIAMI When: December 2-7 Where: One Herald Plaza, Miami Founded by a group of artists and collectors in 1990, Art Miami is the city’s original and longestrunning contemporary art fair. As it has evolved over the past 35 years—from its first fair inside a Miami Beach hotel to its now massive home at One Herald Plaza—Art Miami continues to be recognized as a leading destination for the acquisition of important works from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Its sister show, Context Art Miami, offers next-generation artists a chance to reach a global audience during the most important week for contemporary art in America. (artmiami.com, contextartmiami.com) SCOPE ART SHOW WHEN: December 2-7 WHERE: 801 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach Scope is more than an art fair—it’s a…

Miami-based Pubbelly Sushi recently debuted on downtown West Palm Beach’s Clematis Street, bringing with it an eclectic menu of classic rolls and signature offerings that have garnered the micro-chain a loyal SoFlo following. At Pubbelly (which recently celebrated its fifteenth year in business), Latin flavors accent a playful collection of small dishes. Think: citrusy lobster and crab doughnuts, hamachi ceviche taquitos, and elevated street corn with cotija and truffle crema. Don’t leave without trying the Butter Krab Roll or the Coco Loco dessert. (pubbellyglobal.com) Palm Beach County’s own Lemongrass Hospitality Group has renovated its Ramen Lab Eatery location off Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue into an entirely new concept: Chubby Cat. Inspired by the Japanese izakaya (an informal bar where small bites complement sake and other drinks), Chubby Cat will showcase chef-curated…

We like to tell our customers at West Palm Wine Co. that not all expensive wines are created equal. While price often reflects quality, it doesn’t always tell the whole story. A bottle’s cost can be embellished by brand prestige, scarcity, or reputation—factors that matter little when you’re pouring a glass at dinner or celebrating a milestone. For most casual wine lovers, the decision to splurge comes down to a simple question: is what’s inside the bottle worth the price? This is where the quality-to-price ratio becomes essential. A thoughtfully crafted $150 bottle that delivers exceptional flavor, complexity, and balance will always feel more rewarding than a $500 bottle that disappoints, no matter how prestigious the label. Of course, not everyone buys wine for the same reasons. Serious collectors chase…

Ladies, do you really need a pair of heeled sneakers? The answer is yes. Although-hight-here have been iterations of pumped-up sneakers from shoe designers over the years, none have ever become a proprietary eponym. The luxury hybrid stilettos called Sneex, which came to market last year, are on track to win an entry in our lexicon—and closet. You can thank Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx shapewear, the multibillion-dollar brand and household name. Nine years ago, when Blakely set out to design a comfortable high heel, she was repeatedly told it could not be done. After numerous attempts, she and her team came up with a winning design. They concentrated on making three changes to the centuries-old high heel, including widening the toe box, shrinking the gap between the heel and…

GOINGS ON 1 Bridges as Structural Art book discussion with Miguel Rosales, Dixon Education Building, The Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, $20. (fourarts.org) Pet Photos with Santa, The Mall at Wellington Green, Wellington, also Dec. 8, contact for ticket prices. (shopwellingtongreen.com) Zoo Lights, Palm Beach Zoo, West Palm Beach, to Jan. 4, contact for ticket prices. (palmbeachzoo.org) 2 The City of Delray Beach’s Annual 100-Foot Christmas Tree Lighting and Yuletide Street Festival, Old School Square, Delray Beach, free. (delrayoldschoolsquare.com) 3 “The Birds and the Bees and the Flowers and the Trees: A Discussion of The Sustainable South Florida Garden”with Kim Frisbie and Bruce Helander, Dixon Education Building, The Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, $20. (fourarts.org) “Florida Stories in Film” History Talk with Frank Eberling, Historical Society…

BARTLE BBQ HANG WHO: Hanley Foundation WHAT: Third Annual Bartle BBQ Hang WHERE: National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach GO BLUE AWARDS KICKOFF WHO: Loggerhead Marinelife Center WHAT: Go Blue Awards Kickoff Celebration WHERE: Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach OUT & ABOUT 1. WHO: Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County WHAT: Mayor’s Literacy Initiative Luncheon and Read for the Record Celebration WHERE: Blume Literacy Center, Boynton Beach 2. WHO: Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service WHAT: Jewish High Holiday Celebration WHERE: Temple Beth Tikvah, Greenacres 3. WHO: Palm Beach County Food Bank and Kravis Center WHAT: Pack to Give Back: Day of 200,000 Meals WHERE: Kravis Center, West Palm Beach…