The Gift Closet

While shopping in Boston's hip South End neighborhood one day, one of my dear friends mom mentioned an idea of a gift closet in a home where you could keep a few trinkets on hand to gift to friends and family as small special occasions took place. Don't get me wrong, I love to shop for a gift that is perfect for each individual recipient but I thought this was a genius idea for small gestures and was so excited to put together a little round up of some ideas I had. All the items below are under $25 and suit all different tiny celebrations in life or just a simple sign of kindness to someone who may need a pick me up. To make the gift a bit more personal to the receiver just add a thoughtful card {my favorite part of a gift} and some chic gift wrap {which is always excellent to have on hand as well}.

one - Is there anything that smells better then fresh basil on a home cooked meal? I absolutely love it in everything from cocktails to savory dishes and beyond. This seed kit {also available in mint & rosemary} is such a great gift for the home chef or gardener. It also perfectly pairs with this petite vintage planter or these colorful mini vases that are $8!

two - Candles are always a great go to gift for new homes or just because your thinking of them. I love giving them with a cute pack of matches {this scent is my favorite & always burning in our home}.

three - Bringing flowers to a party just from the market also brings work to the recipient. Add an affordable vase that only needs a few buds to make a great gift. Also love this trio of a similar style.

four - The packaging along on this gift is reason to give to someone a little bit of luxury for $20.

five - A new home gift can be something small & budget friendly. These adorable mason jar salt & pepper shakers are under $10. I also love the mini oil & vinegar set too, crazy for $3! 

six - Newly engaged gal? This pretty pink dish is a great place to store her new sparkler when she isn't wearing it. Also available in a square shape.

seven - A set of coasters tied in simple ribbon are always nice to bring when someone is hosting you for dinner and we all know it goes great with wine! A wine tote and or trivet also is a great option.

eight - Terrariums are my kinda plant, low maintenance & look great. These work in so many rooms to an outdoor deck for a little living decor. 

nine - Someone have a new home or new car? How about a chic key chain to hang those new keys on!

Pouf

A pouf is such a versatile accessory for your home. Not only is it decorative with it's pop of color and patterns, it can be used in almost every room in the house. It works perfectly as some extra seating in a family room, top it with a stylish tray and you have a make shift coffee table or it can simply be used as an ottoman to rest your pretty piggies on. I love that they add a texture, color and scale to any room and can easily be swapped out with fabrics just like you would use as pillows for a quick refresh to your interior decorating.  A few favorites are below along with some inspiration on how to use them in your home.


one // two {lots more styles & colors avail} // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine

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Rainbow Bright

One thing our home is missing {besides square footage} is a cheerful burst of color. I am not really quite sure why I shy away from color in my house {and wardrobe}, maybe I am intimidated about making it too trendy or perhaps I am just not that bold with design. I however have a feeling in our next home I will be adding lots of color in our accessories to fill bookshelves, tabletops and especially in art with the help of my friend Amelia of Colour-bloc.

art // chair // trays // color wheel image // fabric letters // bedding // pillow // latte bowl // book // box // cocktail napkins // coasters // spoons // frame // tea towels // throw 

Put A Ring On It

image via Lisa Rigby Photography

At our wedding I purchased a very petite sea urchin that doubled as a ring dish to hold my "something blue". Since our big day it has been used to hold my husbands wedding band when he walks in the door. To be honest, I very rarely take off my jewelry at night. I am an absolutely crazy person and think that if there is ever a fire in the building I want my favorite and sentimental things already on me. Whether it be the earrings I got from my dad when I was sixteen {and still wear everyday} or my engagement ring I am very rarely without them. However despite my crazy, I can't help adoring little dishes to hold your favorite sparklers. I may just have to change my ways and purchase one of the little lovelies below so my favorite pieces have a proper place to sleep at night.

one {love this one & this one too} // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine

Home Office Inspiration

From last weeks peak into our bedroom you can see that I am having a major grey and white moment. Our entire apartment is pretty much decorated in varying shades of these two colors. Some may feel that these hues can be a bit too cold and uninviting but I adore their ability to blend with so many other colors as well as keep our cozy space feeling large and airy when it's definitely petite by square footage numbers. While I do most of my blogging from the couch, I dream of an office or office nook one day to have a proper work area to get the creative juices going. I imagine it would be contemporary and compact as remaining in the city is our ultimate goal. While city living usually means sacrificing space it certainly doesn't mean you have to give up style. Below is a look at a few of my favorite decorate your work items that I would adore in a serene office area. 

CB2 Wall Clock // CB2 Desk Light // Horne Clock // Aha Life Recycled Leather Containers // Nate Berkus for Target Marble Print Trays // Whistle Why You Work Pencils // DWR Celine Desk // West Elm Saddle Office Chair // Ikea Faux Fur Throw {$10!} // Furbish Studio Watercolor Binder // Blu Dot Coat Rack {more colors available}

thirsty thursday - Iced Breakfast Beverages & A Donut Party

I know I am the odd woman out here when I say that I am not a coffee drinker. While I have always preferred tea my husband is big time coffee enthusiast. Pretty much any candy, ice cream or drink that is coffee flavored is something he would enjoy. So I decided to take a break from the usual boozy beverages I usually share on this weekly post and thought I would share two refreshing morning beverages perfect for a steamy summers day with a coordinating snack. After-all who doesn't like donuts??? I used this recipe from my favorite cooking show for the donuts but you could also purchase a similar mix pre-made. Have a great day everyone!

Vanilla Iced Espresso

2 pods Nespresso Livanto
1 teaspoon sugar 
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon good vanilla extract 

French Vanilla Iced Tea

2 Bigelow French Vanilla Tea bags brewed
1/2 cup of ice
1 teaspoon sweetener 
1/4 cup milk

Brew your tea & coffee add your sweetener & dairy to taste, pour over ice & enjoy!

I made a chocolate version for my husband using this pre-made mix & it was delicious!

Want to have your own donut party??? Below is everything you need to host your own morning get together in style. Perfect for brunch, hosting a wedding/baby shower or just a gathering of friends after a dinner party.

Seletti Coffee Cup, Saucer & Spoot Set // Crate & Barrel Creamer & Sugar Set // Tie Tea Mug // Cow Creamer // Target Threshold Cake Stand // CB2 Glass Creamer // Donut Baking Pan //  Crate & Barrel Dusting Sugar Set // Target Threshold Appetizer Plate // Anthropologie Cartan Napkin Set