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Classic Gift Ideas–My top 15 + one

Beyond the holiday season, summer is a major gift giving time for my family.  There are always a number of wedding gifts that need to be purchased, as well as graduation gifts, summer party hostess gifts and birthday gifts.

When it comes to gift giving, I try to be creative and select a gift that is both practical and unique.  And, I hardly ever give a gift listed on a gift registry, not because I’m insensitive to the recipients wants, but because I want my gift to be different and special. 

Here’s are a few of my all-time classic gift ideas, perfect for just about any gift-giving occasion!

  • A great hostess gift or housewarming gift–Fleur De Lys Pitcher–Anthropologie $28. I’d fill it with fresh flowers it I were taking it as a hostess gift.
  • The perfect gift for a newly married couple. Chenille Throw–Restoration Hardware–$79
  •  The Melamine Salad Servers from French Bull make a great bridal shower gift or hostess gift.  And at $15 you can’t beat the price.
  • If you’re looking for a family gift or a gift for a man, this Personalized Acrylic Ice Bucket from Dabney Lee is the item. Available in lots of patterns and personalization options –$60.

  • An outdoor party gift calls for Melamine Platters from-French Bull.  Platters are available in round or rectangular shape and come in many fun patterns. Prices range from $18 to $25.
  • I love giving (and getting) candles and one of my favorite to give is the Kula Candles  from Anthropologie.  I love the stylish tin containers and the $20 pricepoint.
  • I purchased a set of these notepads for myself years ago and have been a fan eve since.  These Personalized Notepad Sets with Holder make a great wedding, graduation or new job gift. Pick yours up from Horchow for $32.

  • Who can’t use a great set of Glass Pillar Candleholders.  These chunky ones are from Pottery Barn and will work with any decor style.  Prices range from $19.50 to $39.50.  They are also great with decorative ribbon added to them for the holiday season.
  • Personalized Address Labels are one of my go-to wedding gifts, and they are always a hit. Available from Neiman Marcus–$16 to $21.
  • If you’re looking for a unique graduation or anniversary gift, think about a clock.  When I give a clock, I add a note about how the clock symbolizes the ” future” and “good times ahead”.  Tabletop Clocks from Pottery Barn. Prices range from $29 to $59.
  • The perfect gift for a special girl friend is the book entitled The Gospel According to Coco Chanel.  Full of life wisdom and style advice every girl can use.  Anthropologie–$19.95.

 

  • Useful and stylish, these Monogrammed Leather Coasters from Saks Fifth Avenue are a great hostess, birthday or graduation gift.  $48
  • Everyone knows I love a good inspirational quote, especially ones that can be use as part of your decor.  This box quote sign from Primitives by Kathy is one of many available.  Inspirational Saying Plaque $46.
  • When it comes to a gift for a more formal occasions, Monogrammed Linen Guest Towels are what I often choose.  I love these from Pottery Barn.  $19 for set of 2
  • Silver Plated Picture Frames are such a versatile gift, one they everyone can use and appreciate.  Available from Pottery Barn, from $14 to $34.

Wine always makes a great gift for birthday parties, anniversary events, bridal showers and as a hostess gift.  But when I’m looking to make the gift of wine even more special, I  add a Personalized Wine Bottle Label. 

 Myownlabels.com can make a label for just about any occasion and with just about any message or image.  And, the custom labels can be used on food gifts, beer or even a gift baskets.  This is such a great way to make your gift unique and special.

 

So there’s my list of top gift items… I’d love to know if you have a go to gift that you can always count on!

Party Like It’s 1986!

One of my dear friends, Shannan, recently contacted me and asked if I had any inexpensive, yet festive table decor ideas for her upcoming 25th class reunion.  

When it comes to decor for class reunions, I think it should be a mix of  classic decor with a touch of frivolous festivity.  

 Here are a few ideas I came up with for Shannan’s big event…

Three ideas using glassware:

  1. Decorative glass containers wrapped with assorted patterns and colors or ribbon would make a simple but impactful centerpiece.  I’ like the idea of using different styles and shapes of containers to give the tables a bit of whimsy.  Visit you local thrift stores to pick up glass containers for as little as $.50 cents.
  2. Another great idea is to invert martini glasses, water goblets and dessert compotes on the table, with a silk flower head placed under each glass.  Add a glass votive candle on top to finish it off.  Again, all shapes and sizes of stemware can be found at your local thrift shop.
  3. Simply wrap a decorative feather boa around the base of  a glass candle hurricane.  The boa is fun and will bring a lot of texture to the tabletop.  Use a different color boa on each table to give your event a punch of color.  Check Save-On-Crafts for valued priced boas!
images via: country living, the knot, weddingbycolor

Paper Decor…

Paper decor can be inexpensive and stylish as the same time.    I love the idea of a collection paper pinwheels as a centerpiece.  Using a variety of paper patterns, (maybe in your class colors) will make this a really festive centerpiece. 

Pinwheels are really easy to make.  Wendy, who writes the fantastic blog, Wendy’s Hat, has a great tutorial on making paper pinwheels.  Check it out here.  Or download a free pinwheel template from Heather over at her blog, HeatherBailey.

images via:  crossroadscottage on Etsy

 

I Love Pom Poms…

So can everyone say obsessed? Yes, I’m obsessed with paper pom poms.  I am seeing them used in all sorts of decorative applications, from nursery decor to creative wall hangings in a craft or art studio.  Pom Poms are so “happy” and a great way to decorate a party. 

I love the idea of creating an oversized pom pom and using it as a table centerpiece or hanging small pom poms from branches placed in a vase.  Low cost with Large Impact. 

If you really want to save some money, make your own pom poms……how-to instructions here!

 

images via:  PartyPoms on Etsy

 

Pops of Color…

Party decor, especially for a class reunion should encompass bright, bold colors to make the party environment lively and energetic. 

Paper Lanterns come in lots of shapes and sizes and can be hung overhead or used as tabletop centerpieces.  A grouping of paper lanterns on the table, surrounded by votive candles is a quick and easy way to decorate.  Or, how about lanterns used as flower holders (glass vases sits inside the lantern).  Check out Beau-Coup.com for a great selection of paper lanterns.  Hobby Lobby also carries sets of 3 for $7.99.

And, finally, balloons are a classic party decor item that doesn’t cost a lot of money.  I love the idea of creating unique shaped arrangement with balloons and floating them above each party table. 

images via:  wedding dish, country living, balloons–unknown 

 

Whether you’re having a class reunion or are throwing a summer party, I hope these decorating ideas inspired you!

 

 

A Party: Inspired By Lemonade

Happy Monday!

A little sunny yellow inspiration to start the week off … 

 

 

 May your week be filled with lots of bright moments!

 
Product source: 
Refreshing Lemonade Urn–Anthropologie, Meyer Meringue Dress–Anthropologie
Daisy Napkin Ring–Crate and Barrel, Lemonade Invite–Tiny Prints
Golden Adirondack Chair–Cost Plus, Yellow Sunglasses–Forever 21, Marimekko Pieni Unikko Flower Tray–Crate and Barrel, Flamingo Yellow Stool–Crate and Barrel
other images:  Daisy Cake–Martha Stewart, Bubble bottle via happyhourmom, flowers via pinoyrose, party via theknot, paper lanterns/flowers via rosalindgracedesigns

Summer Entertaining Ideas

 We’ll it seems that the summer party season is in full swing. 

When it comes to decorating for an outdoor event I love to go a bit over the top and incorporate unique, creative and bold elements into my decor or tablescape.  Here are a few of my favorite party ideas to inspire your summer festivities.  Enjoy!

 

via elizabethannedesigns
Bicycles are an icon of summer and can serve as a dynamic decorating element for an outdoor event. Just tie or wire a basket onto the front of the bike, add flowers are you’re set.  This is a great look to set out at the front of the house to welcome guest or at the edge of the backyard to your guest to stroll the property.
via country living
Fans are a true Southern touch at any outdoor event. 
You can purchase inexpensive paper or straw fans from Oriental Trading Co. or make your own following the instructions here.
via country living
I love to have a small gift for my guest and during the summer, a flower packet it the perfect item.  Inexpensive, festive and colorful.  Write the guests’ name at the top of the packet and use them as placecard markers.

via country living
If you’re looking for a cheap, but colorful table runner, try stitching a few bandanas together.  Available at most craft stores for $0.99 or less.
via house beautiful
And to make an even bigger impact with bandanas, use them as napkins.
via country living
Free and Easy.  Spray paint a few leftover veggie or soup cans and use them as silverware caddie.  They also make  perfect flower vases too!

via delight by design
If you are at all crafty, make a paper pennant banner and string it above your party table.  Inexpensive scrapbook paper, ribbon and double side tape is all it takes.  I’ll be making a few of these for our upcoming 4th of July family reunion.
via country living
Paper lanterns aren’t just for hanging in the air.  Place a glass vase inside one and use it as a festive flower container.  Try pairing different sizes together down the center of the table.

 
via Martha Stewart
Wrap votive candles with beautiful pleated paper shades.  How-to instructions here.

via Martha Stewart.com
Decorative Paper Lanterns, in colors to coordinate with your decor are bold and beautiful!For complete how-to instructions go here.

via buss buss
Pom Poms are a great way to add color, texture and style to your summer party.  A wonderful array of colors and sizes is available at the Etsy shop, Pomtastic, here!

 

via country living
Create unique individual servings by placing salads or fruit in small glass containers or paper pockets (below).
via Martha Stewart

Whatever your party plans are this summer, make them festive and have fun!

Cheers!

 

 

A Party Inspired by Red, White & Blue

 

Wishing everyone a weekend full of rest, relaxation and Remembrance !

 

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me. -Lee Greenwood

PARTY PLANNING 101

 When it comes to party planning, there are some basic rules of thumb:

Location, Invitations, Decor, Food & Beverages and Atmosphere.

But, how you interpret these “rules of thumb” is what gives your party style and panache. 
 Here are a few tips to make your next party a fabulous & stylish one!

THE LOCATION…

When choosing a location, pick a spot that will reinforce the “mood” you want to create for the event. 
For an outdoor party, incorporate some indoor decorative elements to give a warm, home-like feel.

via verandah

THE INVITE…

The invitation you select to communicate your party will set the tone for the event. 
I say go with something spectacular! 
 
One of my favorite, and I mean favorite stationery/invitation companies is Ceci New York.  Lisa “Ceci”  Johnson is the founder and creative director of this magnificent line of paper goods.  Her designs are classic yet sophisticated, and the colors, textures and details she applies makes each invitation a work of art. And, if her invitations weren’t enough to make you faint,  Ceci worked with the USPS to develop a custom line of postage stamps, showcasing her beautiful designs. What could be better than gorgeous invitations and a postage stamp to complete the look. You can check out her full line of stamps at Cecizazzle.com.
 

 

 Ceci New York Proud Peacock Collection

   

CeCi  New York Custom Designed Postage Stamps.  How cute are these!

 Ceci New York has a faithful following of customers, including many celebrities. 
The invitation above was custom designed for Sean “P Diddy” Combs’ annual White Party. 
 

THE DECOR…

Once the invitations are in the mail, it’s time to focus on the decor.  Layering is the key for creating a stunning visual statement.   
Layer your linens on the table; Create layers with your dinnerware; Incorporate layers of fresh flowers as the centerpiece.  Give the eyes lots to look at!
Whatever elements you use, creating layers of texture, color, pattern and dimension will give your table that wow factor.
 

 via carolyn roehm

 FOOD & DRINK…

When it comes to your food and beverage selections, do something that will have your signature touch on it: 
Mix-and-match your stemware to create an eclectic and colorful statment. 
Create a signature cocktail that reflects the theme or occasion you are celebrating. 
And, finish the evening with a dessert that stands out.

via carolyn roehm

via southern living 

THE ATMOSPHERE…

I don’t think any party is good unless there is a bit of mood music to infuse the atmosphere. 
 Whether you choose Jazz, Swing, or a little R & B, make sure to have music playing in the back ground.  Here are a few of my favorite party cd’s, available from Brisa.

 image via Brisa

So the next time you get ready to plan a big soiree, make a statement–a unique and personal one! 

Photo source:  Veranda, Ceci New York, Carolyn Roehm, Southern Living, Brisa

THE DRINKS ARE ON ME

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend.  I took 4 days off and spent the weekend with by husband, at his family reunion in Alabama.  It was a jam-packed weekend full of socializing, eating, singing, talent shows and drinking. 

  After spending 4 days shuffling through ice chunks, in a plastic cooler,  to find a “cold one”, I returned to Atlanta thinking about the beauty of a classic bar cart and how they can elevate the style of any drink…bottled or canned. 

via Camille Styles

Bar Carts are a very popular furniture piece being used in homes today, not only because of their function but also because of their beauty.  Bar Carts come in all shapes, sizes, material and colors.  Here are a few of my favorite designs…

via erin valencich

via everything fabulous

I adore the classic, modern feel of this black and white bar table.  Not only does it make a stylish bar, but I’d love to use a pair in the bedroom as night stands.

via restoration hardware

via everything fabulous

The majority of bar carts available now have wheels, which makes it easy to move the party from one room to another.

via 1st Dibs

 I love the industrial feel of this bar cart.  What a great look for a rustic lake house or beach front cottage.

eddie ross via domino magazine 

 Eddie Ross found this bar cart at the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market and has set it up with vintage decanters and barware.

 via restoration hardware

via southern accents

via southern accents via 1st Dibs

The vintage bar cart above is so chic!.  I love the lines and the etched glass detail.

 So, the next time you’re planning a party, roll out your bar cart, dress it up with pretty decanters, liquor bottles and stemware and let the party begin!

Cheers!

 

 

Photo Source:  Erinn Valencich, Flickr, Everything Fabulous, Beau Gustafson, 1st Dibs, Eddie Ross, Restoration Hardware, Southern Accents

LADY LIBERTY

 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

 

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

           

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