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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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

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 

Stop Collaborate & Listen - West Elm x Lulu Frost

West Elm has dominated the collaboration game time and time again, remember - Kate Spade Saturday, Feed & Baggu to just name a few. Well they are at it again with quite possibly two of my favorite brands joining forces to create truly beautiful pieces for your home. West Elm x Lulu Frost has combined modern, clean lined jewelry displays and boxes with gorgeous jewelry like closures, pulls and design that boasts the truly unique signature style of Lulu Frost. To say I am obsessed with the end result is a strong understatement. I absolutely adore the deco design of the entire line and plan on picking it all up to have in a future home where I have space to properly display my favorite jewelry. Take a look for yourself at the stunning sets below. Which is your favorite?

jewelry case // lulu frost clutch // trays // lulu frost box

What goes better then those beautiful bauble displays besides some new jewelry? A few of my Lulu Frost favorites to adorn yourself with - some are even on major sale right now at J.Crew with code SPRINGSALE. 

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 

Stop Collaborate & Listen - Kate Spade Saturday x West Elm

images via west elm blog

I love a good collaboration don't you? Especially when it is one in home decor! So when I saw that Kate Spade's hip younger sister brand Kate Spade Saturday brought their cheeky designs to the modern home decor store of West Elm, I was instantly intrigued to check it out! It's cheery, colorful and really just brings some fun into your home with playful prints, bold art, along with interesting shapes and textures from everything to hold your jewelry to some cozy bedding. Take a look for yourself, a few of my favorites are below. 

shop the entire collection here

Holiday Gift Guide - Under $50

Let's face it the holidays can be stressful. I personally get overwhelmed thinking of the perfect gift to give to all my loved ones and putting together these gift guides definitely helps me narrow it down. When you are buying for a lot of people it's important to not break the bank so I put together a little round up fabulous gifts that are well under $50. They are perfect for stockings, friends and family or just a little treat for yourself. Happy Shopping!



one - This geometric black & white frame would look so cute filled with a black and white photo.
two - SO in love with this chic compact mirror, who wouldn't want to do touch ups with that.
three - This spike & stud ring is perfect for the gal who wants to add a subtle edge to her look.
four - Darling Magazine is not only beautiful to browse but the message of empowering woman as they are is an added bonus.
five - These crystal earrings are the perfect accessory for the holiday & beyond.
six - It's all about me me me me - love this "me" trinket box to hold your little treasures.
seven - I love playing cards with friends, especially when wine is involved.
eight - This beautiful mercury glass candle has been burning in our living room in the "volcano" scent and I can't get enough.
nine - I love everything wishbone & this jewelry holder is no exception.
ten & eleven - I love having a set of gift cards for personal notes to friends & family. I also adore the special added touch of closing them with a monogrammed wax seal.
twelve - Bring on the confetti & decorate your phone for the holidays with this cute tech case.
thirteen - These suede pouches are perfect for use as a clutch or throwing in your purse to keep things organized. I am especially loving the monogram option too!
fourteen - Sometimes the little decor items can be the finishing touch on a space & these little spikey urchins are a perfect pair for a shelf, desk or coffee table.
fifteen - My husband insists on a key chain that doesn't make noise next to the keys & this leather tassel key chain fits the bill perfectly & available in a slew of colors.
sixteen - This striped wine bag is too cute for use over & over again. I would fill it with a nice bottle of vino & you have a great gift under $50. Really excellent for a host or hostess too!
seventeen - The prettiest calendar in all the land.
eighteen - Perfect for the artsy type, this painters palette is fun for serving cheese.
nineteen - These gold cheese knives get a ton of use in my house & are the perfect accompaniment to the above cheese board.

Check out more gift ideas here!

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. 

Feed

When philanthropy and fashion come together you truly get something that you can feel good about treating yourself to. Good's that do good has been a topic on this blog several times with items that support all different causes. Today I thought as the holiday season quickly approaches, sharing the beautiful campaign for the Feed Project would be appropriate. Created in 2007 by Lauren Bush Lauren, the companies mission is to provide meals through the sales of products that are made with fair labor regulations, by artisans and natural fabrics. Each item sports a number on the design letting you know how many meals your purchase provided for someone less fortunate. They recently launched their holiday products and a very beautiful campaign called "come together" featuring very beautiful photos of celebrities modeling the products. Take a look below and give a gift this year that gives back! Also check out the very stylish collaboration that they did with West Elm that feeds hungry families here in the USA.



all items in the above round up can be found here

***Please note - any sales made through this post & the West Elm collaboration will be donated to the Feed Project***

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 

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Ladies

Putting together a list for the ladies wasn't as easy as I had originally thought. There was such an incredible selection of goodies out there this year that I really had trouble narrowing it down to my favorites. I could of have easily added another ten products but tried to keep it to a sensible amount of accessories, clothing & decor. Happy Gift Giving! 


one - Leopard is a staple in every woman's wardrobe. I personally love the grey colors in this fabulous infinity scarf.

two - A goes with everything black clutch will be in heavy rotation year round.

three - Sparkle doesn't have to cost a fortune. These dazzlers are gorgeous and only $50!

four - Floral arranging is a breeze with this vase that has compartments for each stem.

five - A sensational statement necklace for getting dolled up. 

six - Slippers in a variety of patterns for keeping her piggies warm.

seven - Every gal needs a stylish go to everyday tote, this one can also be personalized!

eight - Keep your lady cozy & warm in this gorgeous plaid blanket.

nine - The chic sunglasses that look good on every female.

ten - A crystal crusted compact is perfection for last minute touch ups.

eleven - Protect her iPhone with a fun wallet/case combo.

twelve - Classic pajamas in a traditional gingham print are great for lounging and sleeping.

thirteen - Velvet flats are comfy and cute - double win.

fourteen - A bright colored leather case is perfect combo gift alongside a new mini iPad for a super luxurious gift.

fifteen - A classic cape for simple yet stylish dressing.

sixteen - Benefit Cosmetics are a favorite brand of most females & their gift sets are perfect for trying new products.

seventeen - Keeping warm never looked so good with these leather & knit gloves.

eighteen - Chic art doesn't have to cost a fortune. This lovely piece is a steal at $50!

nineteen - A pretty place to store all her pretty baubles.

*** All Gift Guides Can Be Found Here***

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}

Bedroom Mini Makeover

Finding space in our historic neighborhood doesn't come cheap so as we search for our dream home we have decided to stay in our petite apartment till we find the "one". Since we renewed our lease I have been making small changes here and there to give our cozy home a refresh. I have avoided any big furniture purchases as we don't know what we will need down the road in our permanent home but rather spending our money on small accessories to help me feel like the space is new and updated. Bedding was my first project as the luxurious bedding we were gifted at our wedding was for a king sized bed that is also on hold for our next place. Finding a duvet that coordinated with our modern tufted butter colored leather headboard was a bit of a challenge for me, as you can see from the images below, I went through a few looks and was doing quite a bit of buying and returning. We ultimately wound up with a solid white bedding but with a soft texture to stay extra cozy during New England's long winter. I of course indulged in lots of new pillows as my love affair with them never seems to subside. While it's not a drastic change from the before looks of our bedroom, the little edits have made me fall in love with our apartment all over again and that is worth every penny.

Since my nightstand doesn't have any drawers & I wasn't willing to temporarily invest another, I purchased some baskets to hold my keepsakes like cards, photos and books. I am thinking of spray painting them either gold or gray but I am not quite sure yet. Thoughts?

The two versions that didn't cut it lay below. I was trying too hard to match the headboard's color and in the end it was all TOO much pattern and mixing of prints and textures. My husband gave a BIG thumbs down to both looks and I am so relieved he did as I wasn't digging myself but knew I wanted something new and had to ultimately try everything on the bed before to see if it worked.

left bedding // right bedding 

shop what we wound up with

duvet & shams // pillows // frayed sheet set // throws // studded velvet pillow

candle // mug

Shanna Murray for West Elm

Fall is officially here and with the cooler weather comes the preparation for the holiday season. Yes, can you believe I am mentioning the holidays! I first shared my complete admiration for Shanna Murray when I became obsessed with her decorative decals and again when I just saw her most recent collaboration with West Elm. Just take a gander at the sweet statements and recipes artfully painted on the platters, tea towels, coasters and plates. Such a thoughtful gift for a house warming or just because.

Platter

Plates

Coasters

Pie Dish

Towel

Gold Rush

I have long been a fan of metallic accents in the home but as of late I am more and more attracted to everything gold. Whether it's an item for entertaining or everyday decor to pretty up a shelf or coffee table there are so many fabulous gold items available for decorating your space.  A few of my favorite gilded items are listed below. The best part, they are all under $100!

Urban Outfitters Lamp // Furbish Studio Turtle Shell Paperweight // Zara Home Baskets // Jayson Home Throw // C.Wonder Piggy Bank // Jonathan Adler Muse Candle // H&M Linen Pillow // Crate & Barrel Runner // C.Wonder Foiled Napkin // Furbish Studio Gold Silverware // West Elm Dinnerware // Etsy Flamingo Print // Zara Home Gold Tray // BCBG Spiked Apple Jewelry Holder

Gifted - Bridesmaid Edition

Weddings are a time of celebrating. I love the idea of gifting your besties with some fun entertaining goodies. A great bottle of bubbly in a fun tote, patterned coasters and gilded glasses create a well curated gift for the ladies who will be standing by your side when you say I do. 

Monogramming and bridesmaids gifts go hand in hand. One trend that looks like it's here to stay is fabulous custom jewelry. I love the many different options available to gift to each gal according to their personal taste and all are available at BaubleBar for one stop shopping. Just remember these take a few weeks to make, so order early!

Almost everyone these days has a smart phone. While I already shared this fabulous charging wristlet here, I thought a perfect gift would be to pair it with a well coordinated stylish tech accessory for use long after the big day.

A classic clutch that can go from the wedding day to everyday use. Clare Vivier offers a plethora of options to coordinate with your big day's color palette and I have yet to meet a female who doesn't love a great clutch for nights out on the town. 

Wedding season usually falls through the warmer months, why not gift your ladies with a fabulous set of canvas tote bags for bringing to the beach or for the weekend getaway. Iomoi is behind this stylish trio making monograms super unique and always stylish. You can take your gift one step further and fill the totes with their favorite beach accessories.

iomoi tote // sun bum sunscreen // evian spritzer // pinch provision mini emergency kit // striped beach towel // hair ties // coola lip balm // sole society aviators 

check out more gift ideas over here on Pinterest!

Gifted - Part Two

Last week I featured a fun and simple DIY for gifting something small for the kitchen. This week is along the same lines but without any doing it yourself involved. I love pretty much anything monogrammed and thought I would present another fun idea for a unique gift for a housewarming, showering a bride to be or just for the hostess with the mostess. This time the rolling pin already has it's dipped painted edges saving the efforts of having to paint yourself but giving a plain old rolling pin wouldn't do. Wrapping in a monogram towel with beautiful grossgrain ribbon & a coordinating marble slab...yes that would be just fine...Check out all the pretty details below!

rolling pin // marble board // monogram tea towel