Christmas in Boston

Every year the day after Thanksgiving I helped my mom decorate our home for the Christmas holiday. She always wanted the house decked as soon as possible which is a trait that was most definitely passed down to me. Since the weekend after Thanksgiving meant the egg retrieval for my second round of IVF, I enlisted the help of Boston Pollen for the garland, centerpiece and wreath as well as Winston's for our tree. It was the perfect pick me up to have the house looking festive when I got home. I put together a few of my favorite corners of the apartment that I added a touch of holiday decor. It honestly makes me never want to leave the house, it feels so cozy inside. Oh & our holiday card at the bottom that we shot while on Nantucket for the Christmas Stroll. 

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Spa Day In A Box

When it comes to gift giving, I always like to shop for others with things I personally like to use. So when it came time to put together a gift for a friend this holiday season that was going through a stressful time I knew I wanted to go for a relaxation theme and gift items that would allow a spa day at home. Delicious smelling products in a dreamy salt air scent, bath salts for sore body, an aromatic candle for ambience and some cozy pajamas to get comfy in post bath. I just adore gifting a themed gift box, whether it be happy hour in a box, a date night in or breakfast in bed...it's easy to put together something special for someone to indulge in at home.  Short on time?! Check out these gift box services who will wrap them up pretty for you here, here & here. 

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lotion // body wash // soap // bath salts // candle // matches // pants // top 

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Littles

One of my favorite gift guides to compose is that for the kiddos in our life. I have always enjoyed shopping for my nieces and even though they aren't so little anymore I still hope to through in an element of surprise with their gifts. There literally is something for everyone here, from babies to toddlers to big kids. Happy Shopping!

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Holiday pajamas are a big gift in our house. I love these ones for boys and these for girls.

Got a little in the big apple? How cute is this coffee cup toy? I also love this NYC block {other cities available here}.

This would have been right up my ally as a kid, a jewelry kit filled with beads to get creative with.

These adorable animal speakers are so cute for a kids room. I think the panda is my favorite.

Who doesn't love a great big coloring book? Especially with scented markers. This colored pencil set is also adorable.

This colorful dome tent is the perfect kid hangout. I am pretty sure I would have hid in there all day with all my toys when I was younger.

I had to include a drone. This one is perfect for the littles to get used to a flying object.

I wish this sweatshirt came in my size. Definitely need.

This ride on scooter converts to a kick scooter as your little grows.

This jacket & doll combo is sweet beyond words.

I am obsessed with these superhero capes for kiddos. Good god they are adorable. Check them all out here. 

These Jellycat plush dolls are soft & stylish. The ostrich is my favorite but really they are all cute.

Star Wars bedding for the science fiction addicts.

A bright microscope for the kiddos interested in science. {cheaper version here}

Saw that this dragon was on the hot toy list so scoop it up before its gone!

Got a reader on your hands? This set of the classics is a great way to start a library.

This mouse in a matchbox is too cute for words. Don't get me started on the cigar box set with the mom & dad.

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Etsy Love - Christmas Gift Wrap

Last year I chose to wrap my gifts above with the beautiful calligraphy paper from The Hive Studio, a lovely little calligraphy shop on Etsy. While I am still totally enamored with the above look and plan on using up all the extra paper we have again this year, I have been on the hunt for some additional gift wrap option from Etsy sellers. A few of my favorites are below. 

I am absolutely obsessed with this colorful chinoiserie paper that literally covers your packages with beautiful art. 

more of the beautiful Hive Studio work 

simple typography paper is modern and clean 

skip the traditional colors and opt for this ho ho ho paper

What is black, white & red all over? A Newspaper! haha. For some reason that joke from childhood has stayed far too long in my memory & when I saw this cute paper with holiday doodles and words of the season I knew it was one to share. 

dancing deer with a pretty vintage quality on the prettiest palette

shop all the above & more with the links below

Holiday Housewarming

Earlier this month my husband and I entertained my old college roommates and a few city friends for a holiday housewarming party. It was our first time entertaining a large group in our home and since it is my favorite time of year I was very excited to decorate our home with lots of holiday cheer. Since college we have all moved to different parts of New England, some have families and some are just busy with life making it difficult for us to see each other as often as we would like. It was so nice to have new friends meet old and celebrate the Christmas season together. I will never forget this special night of having some of my favorite people all in one place. A few details of our little get together are pictured below. I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season with your friends & family! 

party invitations {address blocked out, white banner not on actual invite} // polka dot tape 

cheers letters 

shagreen octagon tray // candle // coasters // coffee table 

candy dish is vintage {similar here} // stockings // candle sticks // glass trees // candle 

menus // stands 

drink menu {other work can be seen here} // napkins // cups // stirrers // straws // bottle opener 

christmas carolers singing their hearts out 

catering by the fabulous sisters of Twin Tastes - everything was so delicious & only required a bit of heating on my end which saved me lots of time & stress

decorated our vintage bust "Francesca" with a sparkly necklace 

a simple festive wreath for our front door

even the guest room got a touch of greenery with this adorable holiday lavender tree that I put in a mercury glass vase

Holiday Gift Guide - Last Minute Gifts

Happy Sunday friends, I cannot believe the Christmas holiday is upon us this week. I was so happy to have finished my wrapping up earlier today and cannot wait to gift away all the presents to my family on Christmas Eve.  Since most of my gift guides have long been completed I thought I would add one more for those last minute shoppers that still need some great gift ideas for the ones they love. There are a slew of subscription gifts that are truly amazing & whats better then a gift that gives all year long?! So take a look at my favorite last minute subscription gifts that allow you to choose a monthly membership that suit all sorts of different interests.

Globein curates beautiful artisanal gifts from all over the globe. They arrive in the most beautiful baskets and help provide business to the makers that aren't in the mainstream.
For the flower lover, The Bouqs offer beautiful arrangements weekly, monthly or even quarterly.

For the foodies & beverage connoisseurs Mouth offers a bunch of great gift ideas that will arrive monthly at your recipients door. I personally love the wine & the cocktail hour packages.  

Men are always the most challenging on my list, so I love turning to Trunk Club for a gift. They put together stylish boxes of clothing for men & women where you only pay for what you keep!

For those that love all the pretty paper things, Olive Box is a great membership that gifts beautifully curated packages of paper products to enjoy well past the holiday season. Another similar option is Nicely Noted. 

For the kiddos where a gift every month would surely bring on a smile, means Kiwi Crate is a no brainer for the gift that keeps on giving. 

For the friend with the sweet tooth a monthly gift of fresh baked cookies from Mayflour Confections will fit the bill. A perfect pairing for the caffeine cravers would be to add in some Craft Coffee. 

Whether you are gifting a guy or a gal Birchbox is great for the product lovers in our lives. 

For the accessory maven in your life that likes to amp their look with beautiful baubles. Rocksbox is a great membership with premium brands and a stylist who will always make sure you are sent something that fits your style. 

Finally, give the gift of a personal stylist to your fashionista friend, sister, mom or anyone who loves clothes but has little time to shop. Stitchfix brings the shopping right to your door.