The holidays are upon us and this week and continuing throughout the season, family and friends will be getting together for good company and celebratory feasts. The thought of these gatherings inspired us to showcase some of the most extraordinary dining rooms featured on LuxuryPortfolio.com.

From a city retreat in Manhattan to an exotic Hawaiian feel, you may draw some inspiration from these luxury dining rooms while prepping your holiday meal and décor. Check out the below slideshow for a few of our favorites – for more information on the featured properties, search the Web ID from the Luxury Portfolio homepage.

The latest edition of the LuxeTrends^® newsletter embraces the spirit of the season and provides a variety of gift ideas for holiday shoppers. Our favorite choices balance sophistication with value, including selections for Apple device lovers, travelers, foodies, hosts, and much more.

Take a look at the 2010 holiday gift guide to see all of our suggestions and get inspired to complete your shopping list.

The new LuxeTrends® newsletter provides some suggestions on how to get the most of your outdoor living and entertaining spaces. Ideas include an amazing grill endorsed by celebrity chefs, unique lighting options, outdoor furniture, and the incorporation of natural elements through “waterscaping” and items like stylish wind chimes and hummingbird feeders.

See the latest version and subscribe to the LuxeTrends® e-newsletter here.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and many of us are searching for gift ideas for that special someone. There certainly isn’t a shortage of options - the conventional flowers and fine chocolate, sparkling jewelry, relaxing spa trips, romantic dinners, thoughtful homemade gifts, et cetera.

One unique idea is something delectable from Diamond Organics, a California-based company committed to organic farming practices and the freshness of their products. Their Lover’s Gift Basket includes hand-selected fruit, artisan cheese, organic wine (or juice), body lotion, organic European chocolate truffles and more. Overnight delivery to most areas is available, so you still have time.

Known for fine jewelry and accessories, Cartier is a name synonymous with luxury. The celebrated brand now has another creation worthy of its reputation - a distinct luxury poker set. Two sets of playing cards, 360 chips in five colors with Cartier logos, and five dice are housed in an elegant red and black wood chest with gold-plated hardware.

With a price of just over $10,000, you may need to win more than few hands using your current poker set before getting this ultimate upgrade. Cartier.com

Still looking for some inspiration for your holiday gift purchases? Check out the most recent edition of the LuxeTrends newsletter, which may help spark some ideas. Suggestions in the guide range from one-of-a-kind events, including an unmatched experience at the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, to luxurious items at various price points ranging from electronics to fine delicacies.

You have a little time yet to get motivated for those final purchases…see the guide here.

Wine Spectator recently released its list of top wines for the past year - what they call the most “exciting” wines of 2009. Value was a major factor as they compiled their annual list this year, and the average price per bottle of the Top 100 is $40, which seems pretty reasonable. #1 on their list is the Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Reserve 2005 from Columbia Crest (only $27 a bottle).

Serving a top-rated wine to your guests, or giving one as a gift to a party host this holiday season would be a sure way to impress. Read more on the Top 100.

I’ve always been a fan of burning candles in my home; they can help create the atmosphere any time of year – from light, airy scents that refresh to the pine and cranberry scents common during the holiday season.

A great place online to find the perfect candle that fits your personal style is Laguna Candles - where you can order fashionable, eco-friendly candles that complement any luxury home décor and individual taste. Headquartered in Laguna Beach, California, the company offers designer soy and natural beeswax candles that add ambiance to your home while remaining environmentally conscious. Check out the selection of products at LagunaCandles.com.

Also noteworthy is the company’s “Light the Way to a Cure” campaign, committed to promoting awareness and donating proceeds to cancer research. Read more.

For a select few, Moët & Chandon is offering a surefire way to impress at holiday get-togethers this season. The Moët Celebration Set features a bottle of fine Imperial Magnum and eight Champagne flutes – each glass with imperial golden bubbles, individually marked with Swarovski crystal colors.

Created in collaboration with Parisian jeweler and engraver La Maison Arthus-Bertrand, the Celebration Set adds elegance to any gathering. The astute host will have to act fast to assure the luxurious set is a part of their event, however, as it is only available in a limited edition of 500 units. Moët.com.

Green entertaining is becoming the norm among elite hosts. Utilizing sustainable standards can delight guests, while also contributing to the good of the planet.

It all starts with the invites. Checkerboard, a family owned company whose clients have included Bill Gates and Bob Hope, creates invitations of unrivaled artistry and design that are also sensitive to our environment. From summer parties to winter celebrations, the company offers an array of colors and styles that help set the perfect tone for your get-together.

This product and write-up were featured in a recent issue of Luxury Portfolio’s LuxeTrends® newsletter that focused on eco-friendly entertaining. LuxeTrends® is a monthly eNewsletter that covers luxury real estate trends, home design, luxury gifts and more. The current issue, posted today, identifies a new “it” color utilized in luxury design. View and subscribe to the newsletter here.