Holiday Gift Guide - For the Host & Hostess

I know it's hard to think about gift guides before Thanksgiving has graced us but the truth is the holiday season is upon us. As we start receiving invitations to festive parties you will quickly realize how nice it is to have something on hand to gift the host or hostess. The best part is that everything is under $60! So instead of gifting the usual bottle of wine {ideas below on how to even jazz that up} why not give something a little extra to the person who so thoughtfully put together an evening to create special memories. 

oven mitt set // planner // pens // cake stand // candle // plaid throw // puzzle // monogrammed mug // candy stirrers // pancake molds // pancake mix // syrup & holder // celebrate everything book // cutting boards // coasters // wine bottle labels // wine tote

Kate Spade is undoubtedly the queen of quirkiness and her holiday line of goods for the kitchen is so adorable. I love this trio of oven mitts and this apron and recipe book also are great additions. 

Sugar Paper killed it again with their line with Target. I absolutely love this planner and pen set for helping keeping a busy host/hostess organized. 

Bringing a dessert to a party this year? Why not bring it on a beautiful cake stand for pretty displaying. Love this red Le Creuset but also love these other options too. 

A candle is a trusty gift for any occasion. I love giving them in a festive scent that matches the time of year we are in. There is also a great selection of seasonal scents here. 

Wrap a pretty ribbon around this plaid throw and your gift is ready to give. 

Who doesn't love a puzzle, a fun gift for the family to do together especially one that when completed turns into something pretty. 

Have a host/hostess who loves to cook. I adore gifts that are sets. Why not give them the gift of breakfast with the most adorable pancake molds, mix, and delicious syrup and petite pitcher. 

Something monogrammed had to make the list. Adore these gilded mugs and the candy stirrers are the perfect partner to gift a pretty duo. 

Some of my favorite housewarming gifts have been books to enjoy. I think this celebrate everything would be a big hit for anyone who likes to host. I personally enjoyed this one & this one too. 

Dying over these marble cutting boards & coasters. They are so gorgeous & feminine. Who wouldn't want them?!

Finally embellish you wine gift with a fun holiday label or wine tote to make your gift little extra special. 

shop the post & more with the links below 

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Dining Dilemmas

As we are halfway into our second year in our new home I still can't believe how I haven't made my mind up on so much of the decorating. One item that has been on my to do list was finding new dining chairs. Since we spend most of our time in the open concept main room where the kitchen, the living rom and dining room are all in, it seems sensible to have those pieces be first priority. Since we want to stay here as long as possible while we search for a forever home to purchase I still want the decor to reflect our personal style. So I am turning to you all for your insight and help in selecting a new chair for our main room dining. Our dilemma lies with all the varieties of wood in one room which has me leaning towards an upholstered chair to break up the off white kitchen, the dark mahogany built in's and coordinate it to the color of the table top. Which one of the six is your favorite??? 

   

one // two // three // four // five // six // table

 all kitchen items can be found here

Naturally Beautiful

When it comes to decorative objects for the home I keep finding myself drawn to natural elements that make the most beautiful accent pieces. Whether it be a geode, crystal, piece of agate, marble and so on, there are oh so many clever and stylish ways to incorporate items found in nature into your home. I have become particularly fond of the geode and it's many layers of raw edges and natural colors. I have the above piece on our fireplace mantle thanks to a holiday present from my mom and in our guest room I have stacked piles of books on nightstands with more petite geodes in different colors that match our accent pillow. I also love this gifted piece for entertaining and these coasters on our coffee table are also a favorite aesthetically and for functionality. I pinned a bunch of other ideas for decorating with natural objects here to help get your inspiration going.

antler // candle // pink quartz available in store {white here} // matches old {similar here} // box // books //  nightstand

jewelry box & tray {old west elm, similar here} // books // amethyst // nightstand

coffee table // coasters // candle // game // shagreen tray

shop all of the above & more with the links below

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Host/Hostess

I know it feels way to early to be thinking about your holiday shopping lists but I couldn't resist sharing my first holiday gift guide with you all to help get prepped for all the festivities that are surely filling up your calendar for next month. We have been so fortunate in our new home to have hosted a few dinner parties and our guests have seriously spoiled us with the most generous gifts. So I wanted to kick off the gift guides with some inspiration for giving to the host/hostess that show know how to throw a party. Some are items I have personally received and loved and some are on my list to give to friends and family this holiday season. 

Clare V. is always a stop for me during my holiday shopping lists. Her clutches are seriously stylish so I naturally adored her market tote. 

Who doesn't love a sassy gift here or there. These naughty & nice glasses are adorable and hilarious. If you want to be a little more sophisticated there are a ton more to choose from. 

Giving gifts to men always seems to be a challenge for me. I always thinking picking up their favorite six pack with a nice bottle opener fits the bill for the male host. 

Who doesn't love to receive a good bottle of vino?! Make the gift a little extra special with a this wine tote, or these adorable wine brown bags. 

A throw may seem like an odd thing to gift for hostessing a party but I couldn't resist the adorable pom pom trim on this one. 

 A special memory can be gifted in a beautiful geometric shaped frame. 

A soft scented candle and coordinating matches are always a solid go to gift. 

We always see flasks for men that are super cute, but this one is perfect for ladies...I love how it looks like a bracelet and comes in fun colors. 

Game night in is always a welcome gift for a family. Love these colorful cards & this artistic puzzle. 

I was gifted this salt cellar & fresh sea salt last year & it's so functional and pretty on our countertops. 

A chic desk calendar to keep a stylish friend up to date. 

Monogrammed gifts always let the receiver know you thought ahead, these shield style boards are so perfect for the entertaining at the holidays. 

A chic paper weight let's your gift recipient know they are a good egg. 

A great gift for the gardener/cook who loves their own fresh herbs at an arms reach. Or flowers in this darling vase. 

This entire set of blue & gold ceramics is stunning but I am partial to the pedestal bowl filled with a holiday snack of course. 

What kitchen or bathroom doesn't need a pretty soap/lotion duo?

all of the above and a few added extras can all be shopped below!

Decorate Your Shelves

When we moved this past June we pretty much sold everything we had from the old apartment as our current home has more of a traditional New England style and our old place was all mid-century modern. Since we also expanded our square footage that meant we had a lot of decorating to do. Something that is new territory to me. The process has been a lot of fun but also a bit overwhelming. Apparently I am indecisive and I pretty much can't make my mind up about anything which has meant that filling the empty spaces in our home has been taking much longer then I thought it would. I always hear advice from designers to "fill things in over time", "buy what you love, not just something to fill a space". I however have to tell you, staring at empty shelves is getting old real fast. So with my bare built in's looking pretty sad I put together a little round up of some objects to decorate your shelves with. What do you have as decor in your living room? 

you can shop all the above with the links below

Color Crush - Hot Pink & Navy Blue

My niece recently asked me for some help putting together a look for her new bedroom. She sent me a few inspiration photos of things she liked and from there I put together a little round up of a girly room that this pre-teen can grow with and not feel like a little kid anymore. I love the bright pairing of navy blue and hot pink together. It makes for such a cheery ambience and fits this preppy kids overall look. I hope you like it Reeve, love you!



Bed - flamingo wall art // "be you" wall art // headboard // bedding // nightstand // monogram trinket dish // flowers // tassel pillow // throw pillows // pouf {not shown}

Desk - chair // desk // desk lamp // agenda // bulletin // trash bin // tissue box

The Vodka Cleanse

Morning friends! I am back & hope you will forgive me for my very long absence from the blogosphere. I plan on doing a full "life lately" post later this week but I wanted to pop in today and share a fun little product I came across this past weekend on Shelter Island when I was home celebrating father's day with my family. 

I have tried lots of cleanses and usually quit within the first twenty four hours. Life without actual solid food is nothing this gal wants to be a part of. Hangry is a severe understatement of how I am when I am starving myself. So when I popped in one of my favorite Shelter Island markets this weekend and they were giving out samples for a new juice cleanse, I was all like "ugh, another juice cleanse Ill want to try, spend a fortune on and fail miserably at" then I saw the words vodka, tequila and party...my curiosity was peaked and I was suddenly sitting front row like a star pupil to learn all about this "cleanse". The company Clean Drinking is only in NY for right now but I am hoping with time they will be expanding, otherwise I will be silly bothering my family & friends back home to be overnighting me coolers of this magic elixir. Each juice is cold pressed, under 40 calories and is all natural. Some of the drinks are meant for mixing with your favorite alcohol to create a cocktail that is tasty treat without the caloric guilt that so many mixed drinks have. While the others are to help you feel revitalized on their own as a refreshing and hydrating drink, there is even one for the kiddos! I went to pick up some yesterday to bring back to Boston and they were sold out {insert sad face}, I fully plan on stocking up next time I am home. Oh and just for fun I put together a little round up of some cheery summer entertaining accoutrement to help make your next get together a little extra festive. 

Float On

With Memorial Day quickly approaching I have nothing but summer on my mind. I can't wait for days by the beach, cookouts with friends and family, boat rides and long days of sunshine all make for the perfect warm weather days. Since we spend a lot of time out on Shelter Island where the beaches are quite rocky we often find ourselves lounging poolside. To amp up the fun in the water I put together a few of my favorite floats that will be most definitely be fun for any member of the family. I just can't decide which one to pack in my suitcase for the long weekend!

pool party pong // donut // flip flop // warheads // rubber ducky // beach ball // citrus slices // ice cream sandwich // tootsie roll & smarties // flamingo // pizza slice 

shop the above & more summer goodness below 

Puppy Love

If you have seen my instagram it's pretty evident that I am puppy obsessed. Always have been, yet haven't had the opportunity to add one into our family. I am hoping that is all going to change with our new apartment this fall. I grew up with three dogs, my parents have two, my sister has two, and my brother has one. I mention this as we will be bringing the sixth dog into our family and need a breed that is easy to travel with since we are often on the go, needs to play well with others because  we have a big mix of breeds in our family and most importantly good with kids because we have four beautiful nieces who will be around the pup. The King Charles Cavalier is a front runner for its size and temperament but I would love any advice/insight you all have with other breeds! I have only had English Springer Spaniels my entire life and while I love them SO much, I think we need a smaller size for our city living and travel lifestyle. Next up...the fun task of a name!



bowls // grooming brush // travel bed // water canteen // dog bed // shark toy // toy rope // bone chew toy // leather leash {also love this one} // collar // dog gift bag // biscuit jar // dog tag // bag holder // toy bin 

Entry

I so don't want to wish away summer, especially since it's still so cold here in Boston but to say I am excited to move into our new home would be a severe understatement. I am working on each little area of the apartment to find the perfect pieces to make it really feel like ours even if it's just a rental while we continue to search for our forever home. Since I already shared the kitchen, I thought I would share the little area that will be our entry. A place to store our shoes, keys, mail and so on. I know, I know...more white...I just want to keep the space clutter free and airy. I am totally obsessed with the faceted mirror for last minute make up checks while heading out the door. The decorative box will be perfect for storing keys and miscellaneous objects while the tray will hold the mail and fresh blooms are always a must in my home. Have a great day everyone!

mirror // console // flowers  {likely will do a trio of vases like this} // umbrella stand // decorative box {love this duo for a pop of color} // mail tray // key chain 

Punch Of Pineapple

Sorry for the lack of a post yesterday. Ever have a day when everything goes wrong??? Well yesterday was definitely one of those days which included a flat tire, some plumbing issues and a slew of comical errors throughout the afternoon. Luckily by the evening everything had fallen into place and all was well once again.  While I was on the hunt for a gift for my Valentine I was noticing that the pineapple is having a major moment right now. I know, I know the pineapple has been pretty popular for some time now but I have seen a serious amount of stylish items from fashions to home decor that I am loving. I am personally digging the little pineapple photo below that you can pick your own custom framing and size, such an inexpensive way to add art into your home. So let's take a tip from our neighbors down South where the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality and welcome this tropical print into our homes and wardrobes. Oh & if you want a delicious pineapple cocktail check out my recipe here.



shop the above & more pineapple favorties below!

#SpeakSoon

I am a major sucker for good packaging. You could pretty much wrap a muddy twig in something beautiful and I will likely buy it. So when I saw the gorgeous labels of Speak Wines, I was instantly lured in to discover more about the wine behind the artistic bottles. The company was started over what else? A glass of wine. Combine that with their genuine love of sweet sayings and style and you have a fabulous formula for a great product. What I am really loving is that while the packaging sure is easy on the eyes, they really do focus on the wine being stellar and at a friendly price point. I just ordered a case and will happily reporting back my findings. In the meantime I also put together a little round up of my favorite entertaining pieces that go coordinate brilliantly with the beauties above. 

cheese board // brass wine bucket // bottle stoppers // cheese knives // corkscrew {free monogramming} // wine markers // wine bottle coaster // table runner // wine bags // monogram cocktail napkins // wine aerator // wine glasses & carafe set // gilded bar stand

Decorate Your Desk

One of the biggest luxuries {besides the elevator & the glorious garbage shoot} I have had in NYC is having my own desk to work from. Back in Boston I am all too often invading my husbands home office area with miscellaneous crap that I am sure irritates him beyond measure. So I always find myself working from the couch, the bed or the coffee table which doesn't allow for a tidy or an inspiring work day. So as we search for our next home, I am dreaming of a proper desk area for me and my man. While I know my "paper free" guy will avoid andy & all desk accoutrement, I however will quickly fall prey to pretty desk accessories like the gilded beauties below to make for a stylish workspace.


desk planner // desk tackle box // desk lamp // candle // weekday matches // polka dot file // striped file // frame // antique scissors // metallic stapler // letter opener // agate business card holder // crystal pen // bookends // campaign desk // chair 

Room In A Box

Last night after an amazing very late brunch at Rosemary's in the West Village my husband and I strolled around the city and found ourselves at the Christmas Market's in Union Square Park. While the crowds were a bit overwhelming, the holiday spirit NYC this time of year trumps any of those inconveniences. One little shop that caught my eye was Remodo. Not only was the gal working the booth super friendly and helpful, all of their shops contents were seriously stylish {unlike so many of the homemade crafts surrounding them}. I was instantly drawn to their "room in a box" design product which allows you to shop bedroom decor by color and gives you all the essentials of a fashionable room in one easy purchase. Great for a gal going to college, a new home owner or someone who gets stumped with interior design. I personally love that the products aren't all so matchy-matchy and instead offer a variety of mixed prints and textures to give your bedroom a stylish cohesive makeover without any headaches. Only need a few home accessories? Well they got that too, just check out some of my favorites below!


shop all of the above products here

Say It In Lights

 

Morning friends! So sorry for the radio silence last week... I had every intention of getting back on the blogosphere when we returned from California but sometimes life just get's in the way. I hope you all had a fun holiday weekend, we celebrated Halloween in our little Boston neighborhood that goes all out for the occasion. It was so fun to be in the middle of the action at my friends home watching kids big and small dressed in their costumes. The trick or treating on the closed down streets of our little corner of the city was really magical. After the festivities we had a very low key weekend of doing nothing before we are off again...more on that later this week. Today I wanted to share a fun little find in the art world, Bxxlght was created in Stockholm by Daniela Upmark to have a piece of art work that was simple, affordable and made a statement. You can order from their pre-made selection of light boxes or customize your own phrase to display in your home, office or wherever you wish. I personally think this could be amazing in the center of a gallery wall with a personal message that means something to just the people who get to live with it or something inspiring that welcomes a positive energy around you.  It would even be very cool for a sweet proposal with a simple "will you marry me". What would yours say?

The Holiday Card

I am tin the middle thirties and have yet to ever send out holiday cards, it's embarrassing. Especially when I love getting them so much. Seeing friends and families kiddos grace the cover of the card is so fun that time of year. I could easily go into my arsenal of excuses for reasons that I haven't done them like i.e. collecting the address is too time consuming {easily solved with ink invite}, when we have a child {or a dog} and have something to show people then I will start doing them, I am always past the ordering deadline, or just share the honest truth...I am just too lazy. Well this year thanks to the encouragement of my friend Amelia and my talented photog friend I think I think it's time to bite the bullet and get my butt in gear. So I have been dreaming up a few concepts to do a photo card like the one below - my husband is naturally thrilled {can you feel the sarcasm?}. I personally wish I could think of something hilarious to send out but till the perfect idea comes to mind I am leaning towards a little photo shoot I dreamt up of  having a Christmas picnic at the beach! 

What are you doing for your holiday card this year? 

image via Sugar Paper LA

gift boxes // lanterns // picnic basket // mistletoe // cable-knit pillow // leather thermos // plaid blanket // matches // beach wood fire pit // wood bowl // gilded egg corns & pine cones // faux tree // tree topper // antler roasters // candy canes

Currently Coveting - For The Home

This summer we have been in the midst of refreshing our bedroom out on Shelter Island. I originally was leaning towards a color palette of aqua's and white but of course, I steered away from color and have opted for an all neutral color palette instead. I have already picked up this bedding, pillows, throw, pouf as well as some nightstand accessories from our travels. However the room is far from done...I would like to finish the room with some decorative items like framed photos of my family and pups, a piece of art or a funky wall hanging. Swap out our ceiling fan for a beachy chandelier {why can't I find a ceiling fan that looks nice???} a full length mirror and of course some fresh flowers. Something about a muted color palette seems so calming and serene for us, how do you decorate your bedroom???


picture frames // juju hat // chandelier  {kids version here} // bone box // jute pouf // dresser // floor screen // woven pillow // ring dish // storage bins // vase // turkish rug 

Just Beachy

I always feel fortunate that when we visit Shelter Island that my parents have saved me, my brother and sister all our own private space within their home. Seeing this wasn't the house I grew up in, it's a  real treat to feel right at home in a house that can still feel new to us. When they built the house we were all given the opportunity to decorate the rooms as we wished. I unofrutnately was a bit all over the place and picked a few random things to get it done. Now that I am older and more set on my personal style...I feel our little corner of the home could use a bit of a refresh. Luckily things like the bed and furniture are all still items I love so I am hoping to switch things up with some accessories and have the only big splurge to be some new bedding. Below is a little peak of the color scheme and direction I am thinking. I hope to share some before and after's when it's all complete!

flowers // bedding // frame // pillow // candle {obviously the Shelter Island scent} // wall sculpture // pouf // throw // baskets // art 

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 

Tea For Two

Every year around the holidays I like to indulge in a luxurious Sunday tea and by luxurious I mean it must have some bubbly to start off the festivities. I imagine my love for the tea party started like many little girls playing pretend with their stuffed animals but my admiration for this English pastime has long lasted with me into my thirties. On a trip to London one of our first stops I dragged to was a champagne tea at the nicest place I could find in the city. When I got hitched my bridal shower was an afternoon tea and when my sister found her wedding dress we celebrated Eloise style with tea at the plaza in NYC. While I was researching where to have this years holiday tea in Boston for a girls day out with one of my dearest friends I thought I would put together a little round up of hosting a tea party of your own in your home with some beautiful vintage inspired decor.

Vintage Tea Party Book // Box of Tea Bags // Tea Biscuit Collection // Tea Cup // Teapot // Sugar Bowl // Champagne Flute // Tiered Cake Stand // Tea Towel // Chairs // Tea Table