Gifts For The Hostess

Our calendars tend to fill up fast over the holidays with casual family dinners, intimate parties with our closest friends, and large lavish soirees.  No matter the size of the gathering you will attend this holiday season, it is always a good idea to have a hostess gift on hand.

1. West Elm Diffuser

2. Animal Wine Stoppers

3. Monogram Wine Stopper

4. Mark and GrahamWine Tote

5. Coaster Set

6. Anthropologie Cheese Board

Remember, your hostess put a lot of time and energy into creating a memorable evening.  

Spoil her (or him) a little and you're sure to be the first wine glass topped off! ;) 

Cheers! 

Play Santa with Gifts Under $50

Who’s ready to play Santa again?!  Last week we gave you a collection of amazing gifts under $30 and this week we have rounded up some colorful and fun gifts all under $50 and just right for those on your Christmas list this year.

Shop the Look

S’well Bottles

Ok, these are amazing! CEO & Founder Sarah Kauss launched the company back in 2010 with hopes of ridding the world of plastic water bottle.  Bonus! With each bottle purchased you are giving back to those in need!  These more than fashionable bottles keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12!  Did I mention they come in 3 sizes and the largest holds a full bottle of WINE?!   

Turkish T  BasicBlanket

I haven’t purchased the sleek Turkish T blanket or towel just yet, however  when I do stubble across one I have a total moment!  They are one of the most simple and sophisticated blankets you will ever meet! The Basic Blanket is perfect for your next picnic, a day at the beach, or even a table cloth.  How will you use yours? 

Kate Spade

Stripe and Winking Eyes Umbrella

Even in the rain you will still shine!  The perfect gift for the fashionista in your life.

Rebecca Minkoff 

Initial Bag Charm- Because who wanted want this hanging from their Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody?! 

Voluspa 

Prosecco Rose Candle- Voluspa candles are my all-time fave! The absolute worst is buying a candle that smells amazing in the jar, but when you get it home and light it up you have to stand within like 2 feet to even smell.  I can light just one of my Voluspa candles at our home and within 15-30 minutes I can smell the greatness through the majority of the our home!  This is a gift that will not disappoint!

 

Teavana Teapot Set 

I love a hot cup of tea every once in a while to break up the monotony of my coffee addiction.  Maybe it’s the British high tea influence, but I truly believe if you are going to sip hot tea it must be done in with the style.

 

Quote of the Week {Weekend Wrap Up}

Happy Monday!! 
Did you enjoy the beautiful weekend?! 

Friday night Scott and I  decided to have a date night since we had a busy 

weekend ahead.  "Money Bags" as they call them at Simply Thai

are one of my faves and it's been way too long since I've had them.  

Total night maker! 

 

Saturday was so much fun!

Scott's neighbors in Iceland and great family friends were in town for a visit.

We all piled in the car and headed straight for my favorite winery, Childress Vineyards!

After we had an amazing lunch and lots of tasty vino we were off to my mother-in-laws 

favorite spot, the Bob Timberlake Gallery! 

On Friday night when Scott and I stopped by to see Sweet Mama before our date, I had told her 

how I had been craving fried green tomatoes.  So in true Mama fashion, 

she calls when we arrive home Saturday and says, come open the door, I'm about to pull in.  Here she comes with a huge helping of right off the skillet delicious fried green maters!  

Yall, when I say she is the best, I really mean she is the BEST!!

Sunday, was a day of rest and more amazing 
food with family.  Little Oliver even built the cutest little giraffe out of Lego's! 

It was an awesome weekend and we made lots of memories!
We are headed into a busy week and celebrating Tina's 31st Birthday and 
the man who hung the moon, Daddy's, 73rd birthday on July 4th!

Here's to wrapping up June and welcoming my favorite month, July! 
I just love this weeks quote! 

Place Setting 101

No matter the occasion or the guest count, a properly set table is a simple statement that shows detail and care has gone into the planning of your soiree.  BUT, if you are anything like me, you might second guess how to properly set your table.  So, I decided to put our wedding china to use for a crash course in basic place setting of your table.

Today I am showing how to set your table for a semi-formal dinner.

 

Semi-Formal Setting 

 

To adjust this setting to a more casual placement simply remove the bevy of glasses (sorry, I turned into a slight slush for the moment) and only place your water and white wine glass.  You would also remove your salad fork, soup spoon, and cup and saucer.

And, there you have it! Quick and simple and your guest will be more than impressed!

DIY Fun {New Years Eve}

This New Years Eve there's no need to break the bank.

Here's a simple DIY  from Gatherings to impress your guests! 

Let's Go For A Cruise

Every year about this time my need to pack up and move to the beach (preferably Wrightsville Beach...since Fiji is out currently out of the question) goes into overload. 

I am determined to make the move one day!

The first thing I will pick up when I get into town...a beach cruiser!  My obsession with this adorable mode of transportation has always been a tad ridiculous!

images via

I will also be adding a basket and wine holder to my oh so super cool cruiser!

Do you have a cruiser? 

What color is yours?  How do you accessories your "ride"?

Shear Genius...

Wine bottle holder for your bike...GENIUS

This is absolutely perfect for summertime at the beach!!

I can see me now beach cruiser in the wind, wine bottle strapped down tight, off to a cookout with fab friends!!

Stop by Design*Sponge for details on where to pick one up for yourself!!