What Went Into Choosing Oprah's Favorite Things 2014

Photo: Donna Alberico
It was a major undertaking to get through all the food, gadgets, housewares, beauty products and tequila to find this year's Favorite Things. (Okay, it wasn't so hard to get through the tequila.) But after 97 days, 6 run-throughs and 2 meetings with Oprah, O creative director Adam Glassman and his team declared their mission accomplished.
Left: Adam shows Oprah some body butter options.
Left: Adam shows Oprah some body butter options.

Photo: Donna Alberico
Cozy Corner
"This is fantastic for $84!" says Oprah, who wrapped herself in the Pine Cone Hill robe.

Photo: Donna Alberico
Taste Test
Gayle has never met a triple-cream cheese she didn't like.
"Aren't you glad you skipped lunch?"—Gayle
"Aren't you glad you skipped lunch?"—Gayle

Photo: Donna Alberico
Biker Chick
Deputy editor Deborah Way takes an Electra bike for a spin.

Photo: Donna Alberico
Chaos Theory
Style assistant Manouska Jeantus (left) and style intern Taylor Willis attempt to keep the style closet under control.

Photo: Donna Alberico
Balancing Act
Style intern Meredith Jayme hauls Favorite Things hopefuls (she didn't drop one!).

Photo: Donna Alberico
Catchers of the Rye
Adam and Gayle marvel at the size of the Eli Zabar loaf.

Photo: Donna Alberico
Hats Incredible
Fashion editor Jenny Capitain, contributing style editor Rae Ann Herman and Adam try on some understated hats from Garnet Hill.

Photo: Donna Alberico
Tequila Time!
Oprah couldn't get enough of the White Dragon and Pink Panther Casa Dragones cocktails whipped up by Jeff Bell of New York City's PDT.

Photo: Donna Alberico
"Oh, God, this is delicious. White Dragons for everybody!"—Oprah

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Gayle considers the Canvas Home mugs.

Photo: Donna Alberico
Selfie Love
The gang tests the Samsung NX Mini.

Photo: Donna Alberico
Manouska pulls fresh Bantam Bagels out of the oven.

Photo: Donna Alberico
"Even if I didn't write it, this book would still be one of my Favorite Things. I love how it fits right in your hand." —Oprah

Photo: Donna Alberico
Dancing Queen
Gayle busts a move when she hears a Beyoncé song through Beats by Dre headphones. "Hey, Mrs. Carter! Can you guys hear it, or is it just me?" she asks. "It's just you," says Adam.
Published 10/04/2014