Holiday Gift Guide - For the Host/Hostess

Morning friends...I have been busy pinning away tons of fun gift ideas over here but wanted to start off the holiday season with my annual gift guide series. This time of year is for hosting parties and dinners with your nearest and dearest. So even though Thanksgiving isn't even upon us yet, saving the dates for the slew of holiday festivities is, which means you need to get your gifting game on. Whether the soiree thrower is a guy or a gal, any of the gifts below would be sure to make the recipient feel super appreciated!

one - I love games, especially ones that keep my family or guests around the dinner table longer. So I adore this idea of bringing elegant little glass vials that read a fortune to each guest.

two - I'll toast to any drink made in this glam shaker.

three - Who wouldn't fancy another on this playful tray?

four - Crack open another brewsky with this adorable pretzel bottle opener.

five - This is my kinda plant, succulent sculptures that are painted and gilded in the cutest geometric planters.

six - Pop, fizz & clink cocktail napkins are a welcomed place to put your drink on.

seven - Tis the season for all things peppermint and this cookie collection is no exception. Instead of bringing a typical store bought dessert, bring along some pretty and tasty cookies that boast the taste of the holidays.

eight - Who knew salt & pepper shakers could be so chic? Love these danish designed grinders available in a bunch of well coordinated colors.

nine - A bottle of vino rarely isn't finished in our home, but if we had leftovers, I would love to top them off with these gold geo bottle stoppers.

ten - I nearly died when I read this little pebble dish was replicated from a stone picked on my beloved Shelter Island {love when our little community is getting noticed}. I love that it can be used for food or trinkets & I adore the ability to mix the metal finishes together.

eleven - Is there anything better then olive oil and bread, I think not. Especially served in this cute little serving set and coordinating dishes.

twelve - I am seriously smitten with these festive bubbly bottles. I may need to order a case & gift to every house party I attend.

thirteen - J.Crew has added some very cool home items and this star cutting board is definitely one of them.

fourteen - Sometimes you just need your drink to go and it doesn't get cuter then this "break the ice" Kate Spade tumbler.

fifteen - Give your guests a stylish holiday guest towel set  for display in their home.

sixteen - Who doesn't love a candle burning during the holiday season? Gift them with some chic matches and you have yourself a stellar gift. 

Thirsty Thursday - Rock Lobster

If you were a fan of the show Friends like me then you likely remember "she's your lobster" episode. When I saw this last week on our Nantucket vacation, I was inspired to have a lobster cookout, something that certainly isn't easily executed in the city. A traditional boiled lobster is definitely one of those meals I have always enjoyed eating at home allowing myself to get as messy as I wish. However this little luxury of a meal can also be very stylish when entertaining. Just check out all the chic lobster goodies you can put together to host a fabulous lobster bake in your home. So in light of my usual cocktail concoctions I usually share, I thought I would keep it simple with a simple glass of chilled champagne for an inspired lobster dinner.

Whether you are on the water or not this nautical champagne is the perfect accompaniment to a seaside dining experience and a little lobster cocktail adornment never hurt anybody. A fun "how to eat a lobster" print adds some fun decor. A lobster pot is a necessity for cooking numerous lobsters at a time, while a roll of kraft paper is easy clean up for the messy meal. Bowls for the discarded shells and butter are a must as well is a tray for serving the lobsters. Seafood tools like a cracker for the shell, a long fork to help get out the hard to reach bits and a bib help make the meal more fun and of course you will need lots of lemon to clean off the smell of the sea and chic napkins for drying your hands.

Check out more nautical inspired dining like the images below here.