The Perfect Hostess Gift For Those Holiday Parties

This is the biggest season of the year to host and be invited to parties. So much fun to be had!

If you have been invited to a holiday party, whether small and casual or big and grand, you should bring a thoughtful thank you gift.  Choose something that is functional and memorable.  The hostess is sure to love it and you will definitely get an invite next year!

___________________________________________________________________________

Important 'DOs' when picking out a hostess gift:

Include a kind note.  

Never give a gift without letting the hostess know who it is from.  Add a good one liner like "thank you for inviting me to such a lovely party" or other sweet thank you words.  Chances are your gift will not be opened until after the party and you want to make sure the hostess knows the gift is from you..... even if its a bottle of wine!

Put time into packaging your gift. 

Be thoughtful in how you present your gift to the hostess.   Show how much you care by making an effort.  If buying store bought cookies, take them out of the store packaging and repackage them on lovely platter.  Even a bottle of wine can be presented with a nice velvet bow!  

__________________________________________________________________________

Important 'DON'Ts' when picking out a hostess gift:

Don't ask your hostess to open your gift at the party.  This is a good rule of thumb to follow especially if it is a large get together.  The hostess will need to spend time circulating the party and will truly enjoy your gift when she/he has time after.

Don't bring cut flowers.  Your hostess may have put a lot of work into the style of the decor and your flowers may not go with that.  ALSO if your bouquet needs a vase, the hostess will have to hunt for one during the party.

Don't bring food that you expect to be displayed and eaten at the party unless asked by the hostess.  The menu may be set and carefully curated.  But food the hostess can enjoy after the party is a treat!

Don't insist that your wine, if you brought it as a hostess gift, to be opened during the party.  I address this in more detail below under 'Wine Gift'.  She/he may have chosen a wine that works with the flavors of the food being served.  Instead choose a wine you know the hostess enjoys so it can be opened at a later date. 

___________________________________________________________________________

Try Making These Hostess Gift Baskets That Were Seen On TV Today

*Please note that any of the looks or ingredients below can be changed out according to your budget, accessibility, and preference. Its the thought that counts the most!

Wine Gift.  "Dress it up!"

A bottle of wine is probably the most popular gift to bring to a party.  If you can find out the hostess favorite kind, that is best.  Do not get emotionally attached to the wine you bring.  It may not be opened at the party.  By purchasing a bottle the host likes, you are sure to make them happy when they do pop that cork!

Present your wine to the hostess in a gift bag,  or even just a big bow.  The host will appreciate the gesture.  Add a wine stopper as shown above.  Monogrammed pieces are always nice to give as gifts.  

And make sure you add a gift tag so they know who it is from.  

Ingredients to the hostess gift shown above:

Pier 1 Faux Fur Wine Bag (link)

Pier 1 Monogram Initial Bottle Stoppers (link)

*Make the gift tag out of gold glitter paper from craft store

Breakfast Basket.  

"So thoughtful"

How thoughtful of you to think about the morning meal for the hostess after the party! He and/or she will truly enjoy some simple edibles that you so cleverly gave them.  Simply buy a basket, add two cloth napkins and fill the basket with a few morning goodies!

Ingredients to the hostess gift shown above:

Pier 1 Farmhouse White Wire Basket (link)

Target Pie Server (link)

Target cloth napkins (link)

Box of tea (grocery store)

Assortment of jellies (grocery store)

Honey Spoons (grocery store)

Lemon (grocery store)

Babka (grocery store)

Basket For A ‘Foodie’.  

If the hostess enjoys cooking, give a gift they will truly enjoy.  Fill a colander with a fun dish towel and load it up with vinegars, cooking oils and spices!  Also include a cooking utensil you like.  In the note to the hostess you can write 'I know you love to cook so please enjoy some fresh necessities, as well as this kitchen utensil I find very handy!'  Most of the ingredients for this basket are from the grocery store!  And the colander and dish towel was very affordable!  They will think of you each time they use it. 

I was inspired to create this basket by my good friend Melinda who recently gifted me a rosemary herb plant.  The tag said it represented our friendship.  I thought 'what a fantastic gift!'  It smells so good and I have been adding fresh rosemary to meals for the last week!  

Ingredients to the hostess gift shown above:

Target Colander (link)

Target Radish Kitchen Dish towel (link)

Target Herb Sheers (link)

Vinegar, kosher salt, mint leaf plant (grocery store)

Game Night Basket. 

If you are headed to someones home for an overnight or weekend trip try bringing a game (dice or cards are easy to pack and travel any where).  I love this basket because you can get so creative.  Also because if there are kids they can drop the electronics and get back to some old fashioned fun!

Ingredients to the hostess gift shown above:

Crate&Barrel Popcorn Bowl (link)

Target Uno, playing cards, Mad Libs

Target Store disposable popcorn holders

Popcorn packs (grocery store)

How to make the sign: Cut thick white paper and write on it.  Tape the back to two red and white paper straws (flatten the end of one of the straws to push it into the other so it is longer.

Mixologist Mini Bar Basket.  

A few key items like sample liquors, glass coasters (from Pier 1) and a gold tone cocktail shaker make a fun gift for the hostess who likes to be a mixologist!

Edible gift to be eaten at the party.  

If the host knows you are contributing something edible like baked goods, cheese and hors d'oeuvres that can be served at the party, include a serving tray like a cutting board or platter; also a cheese knife or cake cutter if appropriate.   This will be helpful for your host to display your food right away without hunting for utensils and something to display it on.  Also the hostess will be able to use your serving dish or tray at future get togethers!  

Ingredients to the host gift shown above:

Pier 1 Marble Cheese Board (link)

Pier 1 White Marble Cheese Knife Set (link)

GREAT IDEA: Look for hand made recycled pieces to use as hostess gifts.  It shows you are good to the planet and it will make him or her smile :)

These one of a kind platters are recycled from wine bottles by a local artisan Just beautiful!  Here is the info:

Glass Art by Joe Stained Glass Studio LLC

Check out the facebook page for more info. 

Try Square Back Cushions For Kitchen Built In Benches

 

Its Hip To Be Square

AFTER

I had to share this recent project with you because you may have a similar issue.  My client has an adorable built in bench under a long window in her kitchen.  She has custom plantation wood shutters that complete the look!  Problem is, when you sit back on the bench you tend to hit the shutters and they break.  She has three adorable kids and its frustrating.  

This is not a simple cutesy nook but a functioning place to sit at for all meals in the kitchen.  We needed a solution that worked!

After much evaluation we decided to use square back and side cushions.  We measured carefully.  We also left room for adding side arm rests because of course the shutters wrap around the sides as well! 

BEFORE

 

  

Now it works like a sofa!  Three bottom cushions and three back cushions, and two arm rests!  They stacked neatly right under the shutter allowing your back to relax against the cushion and not the shutter itself.  The square look also allows you to comfortably place your elbow on it!  

*In case you are wondering, we used vinyl in a faux ostrich pattern in popin' lime green color.  Vinyl works great in seating for the kitchen; easy to wipe up spills!

AFTER

Sharing Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas Tomorrow On TV

Fun Hostess Gift For The Foodie Lover

If you are headed to a holiday party and want to make a creative impact on the hostess, or know what type of gifts to stay away from, I will have a few 'Dos and Don'ts' along with sample gifts you can re-create on WFMZ TV 69 News At Sunrise Wednesday at 8:50 am.  Hope you can tune in tomorrow; Its going to be so much FUN!

All the details seen on the show will be on this blog after! :)

Quick Inexpensive Ways To Decorate Your Home For Fall

Decorating your home for the Fall season does not have to take up a lot of time, money or energy.  And once you do it, the decorations can last thru December!  

Use these quick tricks for last minute entertaining, or if you, like me, are a hardworking person who can't seem to find time to add Fall decorating to your list :)

_____________________________________________________________________________

Grocery shop for food and fall decor at the same time.

You can find bags of gourds and pumpkins at super markets.  Grab a bunch before checking out of the store.  See the centerpiece ideas below of how you can display them using items you already own!

THREE ways to display fall decor using items you have!

Create centerpieces using kitchen ware.

Platters, cake plates, mixing bowls, trays, and wood cutting boards, make great containment holders for your fall decor.  Vintage, natural tones, vibrant colors, or glassware can give that Fall presentation to table tops and shelves.  See sample looks above!

Use good ol' mother nature for fall decorating.

Bring in fallen branches, leaves, pine cones, acorns and even, pieces of trees you had removed.  Make sure you brush off any dirt or outdoor critters first.  You can make center pieces with them.  The real stuff gives the most authentic look for fall decorating!  Place them in vases or lanterns.  See the tablescape below and how I used part of a tree I had cut down!

Buy some fake pumpkins and gourds and re-use them year after year.  

I have a number of faux pumpkins I use along with my real pumpkins.  No one is the wiser and not only do I save money doing this, but I can spray paint my 'fakies' any color I want each year.  See how I used them above!

Buy fake pumpkins and spray paint them (I like the chalky finish) to get a pop of color in your Fall decorating!

Create fall artwork on your walls.

Switch out a framed photo with a fallen leaf (or group of leaves) from your backyard.  Simply tape it to a white heavy stock piece of paper and place back in the frame.

Also a large basket, throw blanket and burlap looking pillow (love velvets, faux fur and cotton) add to the cozy feel!

Quick Fall look for small console table.

Give your foyer table or any hallway table top into an instant cozy fall feel! Stack worn books and place a group of pumpkins on top.  Books are great props to create height!

Bookcase Decorating.

Add fall decor like pumpkins, corn and gourds, AS WELL AS wood signs.  You can pick up cute worded signs at craft stores, or make your own!

close up

 Tablescape In A Pinch!

A group of pumpkins and gourds in various sizes make a wonderful tablescape when placed down the center of the table.  Roll out a burlap runner to add a natural touch (pick one up from any craft store).  Use battery operated candles so no need to worry about a dangerous flame! 

For the center piece, I added a part of a tree we had removed this summer (the pieces are still on the side of my house).  A battery operated candle sits on top of it.  Lastly a few branches laid down the length of the table gives a vintage naturalistic look.  Change up what I used with whatever you find outdoors.  Thats the fun of a fall tablescape. Anything natural gives a warm cozy feel!


Have fun with Fall decorating! 

Quick Fall Decorating Ideas Shown On TV This Wednesday

Hi friends!

If you want to decorate for Fall in your home but can't seem to find the time, I will be sharing quick tips and tricks to get that cozy feel.  Also centerpiece ideas for last minute entertaining.  Tune into WFMZ TV 69 News at Sunrise this Wednesday at 8:50 am. :)

Decadently yours,
Shosh

Lighting Trends Shosh Shares With TV Viewers

If you missed the cute and informative TV news segment Shosh shared with viewers of WFMZ TV 69 News At Sunrise with the lovely Eve Tannery, here it is!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Sorry I did not get this up on my blog sooner (and thank you for reminding me!)

Lighting Trends That Are Hot And Affordable

Unique lighting can make a huge impact in any room.  Here is a list of a few on trend ceiling and wall fixtures that are unique and affordable in price.  I have used these in home renovation projects recently!

Hexagon Is the Geometric Goddess

Its been called a honeycomb or hexagon pattern; and it is used everywhere these days in home decor from tile, to fabric and wall art, to lighting.   The bees know a good design!

This particular beautiful light is glamorous with its mix of black and rich gold tones (mixing metals is another hot trend.  Gold is the new platinum and can really dress of a space!  Its here to stay for years.  I have worked on a number of client projects that have brass door hinges and handles.  Changing them out at once can be costly so we have for now, used two tone metals like this light, to update the rooms and still create a connection with the original brass hardware! This light is under $600!  In person its large and a real 'wow' piece!

Fredrick Ramond Felix 

A Love Of Industrial Design Brings Desk Lamps To Walls

Adjustable arm wall lights are now sold just about every where!  Some are plug ins and others are hard wired.  And they are used every where, from kitchens, to libraries, to bedrooms, and even bathrooms.  Some can be very pricey but this one is not!  And it comes in sleek platinum, satin nickel, gold and oil bronze. Many of these can get expensive but this one is under $200!

   

The adjustable Savoy House Dakota

Sleek Lantern Pendants Are Fresh And Timeless

Lantern pendants are used a lot by designers and home owners.  This particular light has a strong, linear silhouette.   I am a huge fan of it because it fits the bill for most kitchen islands!  It takes three bulbs to give off more lighting and no glass to clean!  Also its lines are thin so it doesn't block the view.  The cage shape is timeless and you can get it in a bronze and brushed nickel finish!  They also mix well with various styled chandeliers.  Price is under $200!

Kichler Larkin

I recently took on the fun challenge of creating my own industrial style wall sconce for under $20!  SEE HOW I DID IT HERE!

I love to up-cycle decor and furniture into unique finds!

I wish you luck with your next lighting home project. :) 

How I Recycled A Brass Wall Sconce Into An Industrial Colorful Light

I love this industrial vibe in lighting I see every where!  I have been renovating my own home and recently finished a quick DIY wall sconce project that cost under $20.  

I have been holding on to two shiny brass wall sconces for years just waiting to use them for something.  Like it? 

I dusted them off and sanded them a bit with medium sandpaper grit.  Took 3 steps to get them completed.

FIRST I painted them teal blue,

SECOND I added a metal guard I picked up for under $5 and spray painted it gold.

THIRD I added twine, and

DONE!

They are cute next to my beloved vintage belongings.  I am a true lover of restored and up-cycled finds.  I find it very interesting and has a lot of character.

Plus my hubby was very happy I saved us money!

Fall Decorating Ideas For Your Home (indoors and outdoors)

Fall season begins September 22 at 10:21 am (per The Old Farmers Almanac).  I will miss my flip flop days, but look forward to cozy sweaters and the changing of the leaves.   I have seen pumpkins out on neighbors stoops and I thought I would revisit these fall decorating ideas!

5 Minute DIY Projects To Create A Fall Front Porch

DIY Pumpkin Centerpiece For Fall

Make A Dream Tree For Luck & Beauty

Easy Pine Cone Garland Craft

Are You Having Trouble Home Decorating With Your Other Half?

A while back I did a decorating segment on WFMZ TV 69 News at Sunrise about a very important topic that constantly comes up when designing and decorating your home, Decorating With Your Partner Successfully.  As an Interior Designer, I sit in meetings with couples who have hired me because of this very touchy subject.  I have learned a few things over the years.  I thought I would post bullet points from that TV segment to remind myself (who is going through this now) and anyone else who might find this helpful.  

Don’t run over the other person’s taste and ideas

Compromise by getting something and giving up something

Keep everyone involved even if they say they don’t care; or you think they won’t care

Get approval for large purchases; STOP shopping and regroup if arguing

CLICK HERE to get the full scoop on each of these bullet points.  I wish you all the best of luck!  Feel free to add comments on how you overcame this topic!  We can all use the advice.