We’ve been receiving panicked reports from friends and families in the Midwest and Northeast–of 6-foot snow piles, buried cars, closed roads and freezing temperatures.  While we sympathize with everyone hassled by this record-breaking blizzard, we didn’t want to miss an opportunity to share a fitting martini recipe:

Sparkly white.

Snow Storm Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 1 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
• 1 oz. White creme de cacao
• Crushed ice

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice, stir to chill and strain into a martini glass filled with crushed ice. Enjoy!

It’s no surprise that the dirty martini, a symbol of refined revelry and exceptional taste, is also Gibson Design Management’s chosen symbol for a reward of member excellence. Each month, the Dirty Martini award is presented to one of our members, honoring the innovative, devoted and impressive achievements of the people we are so fortunate to work with.  And what better way is there to applaud a job well done than by unwinding with a cocktail?

This month, we’d like to congratulate Ciao Interiors from Kalispell, Montana for their award-winning participation in the 2010 Flathead Parade of Homes! This year’s Parade of Homes featured 14 homes –  two remodels and twelve newly-built structures – all exemplifying the finest architecture and design in the Flathead Valley area. Ciao Interiors had the opportunity to design, project manage and furnish a new home for the event – emphasizing detailed craftsmanship (by hand) and locally-produced stone and materials.

With enthusiasm and excitement, Ciao designer Les Bernabi and his wife Linda kept fans (including the GDM team) clued in on the construction progress with updates on everything from art selection to lighting locations. As the “Stunning Lakeside Club Retreat” took shape, we became more and more impressed with the home’s rustic integrity and seamless placement amidst Kalispell’s picturesque beauty. We find Ciao Interiors’ dedication to such an enormous task praiseworthy to begin with, but we are even more thrilled to announce that Ciao won the top three awards for their home – Judge’s Choice (overall best home on the tour), Best Architecture and Best Craftsmanship. Ciao’s Lakeside Club Retreat also had the most foot traffic and was incredibly popular with visitors who toured the properties.

The "Judges' Choice" banner proudly displayed in front of Ciao's masterpiece.

We’re proud and impressed with Ciao Interiors’ finished project, and in total agreement with all the praise they’ve received for their beautiful work. After many months of managing, planning and preparing for the event, we hope Les and Linda of Ciao Interiors have an opportunity to sit back, relax and take pride in this accomplishment – while enjoying a refreshing martini, of course!  Congratulations again to Ciao Interiors, and cheers!

[P.S. If you'd like to see more detailed photos of the home, make sure you check out the Facebook album!]

Selecting the oh-so-classic Manhattan as July’s martini recipe was an easy choice– especially with Alexandra and Amanda traveling to New York City this weekend to attend some great events (more details to follow!).  With its sophisticated status, frequent cameos in AMC series Mad Men, and overall tough urban appeal, the Manhattan is a standby cocktail, even if you’re not in a New York State of Mind.

Ingredients:

• 6 Parts Rye Whiskey
• 2 Parts Sweet Vermouth
• 1 Dash Angostura Bitters
• Maraschino Cherry

Preparation:

1. Combine whiskey, vermouth and bitters in an icy cocktail shaker
2. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass
3. Garnish with a maraschino cherry
4. Enjoy!

For comprehensive directions and tips from a cocktail master, watch the video below:

It’s no surprise that the dirty martini, a symbol of refined revelry and exceptional taste, is also Gibson Design Management’s chosen symbol for a reward of member excellence. Each month, the Dirty Martini award is presented to one of our members, honoring the innovative, devoted and impressive achievements of the people we are so fortunate to work with.  What better way is there to applaud a job well done than by unwinding with a cocktail?

This month, we’d like to congratulate Lane Elisabeth Oliver of LEO Interior Design for her recent media recognition, which praised her skilled design sense and innovative approach when it comes to transforming an interior.  Although Lane’s work has been featured in many publications, last month’s Denver Life Magazine highlighted an LEO Interior Design project in a lengthy spread (“Tidy Transformation”)– describing Lane’s ability to “add life” to an outdated home interior by combining traditional elements with light colors, bold patterns and some impressive faux finishes.  (To read the full article and see pictures of the final interior, visit the LEO Interior Design website and download a PDF version.)

After a job well done, we think Lane deserves to put her feet up and enjoy a refreshing martini.  Congratulations again to Lane Elisabeth Oliver of LEO Interior Design–cheers!

This martini was featured in our November e-newsletter, The Gibson.  If you don’t receive The Gibson, click here to sign up!

Before Thanksgiving dinner I made these martinis for our party.  Let me just say that I am not an amateur drinker and these are POTENT (yet outrageously delicious).  You might want to limit yourself to one unless you plan on being “that guy/girl” with your underwear on your head at the family reunion.

Ingredients:

• 1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger vanilla flavored vodka
• 1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger Irish cream liqueur
• 1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger pumpkin flavored liqueur
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 cinnamon stick for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the vanilla flavored vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and pumpkin flavored liqueur into a cocktail shaker over ice.
2. Cover, and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick to serve.
4. Enjoy!