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I was just chatting with a friend who is hosting a baby shower this weekend and she asked me for ideas for favors. I am not always a huge fan of favors in the traditional sense – where they are forced or expected – truly, what am I supposed to do with this one tiny frame? I’d rather the host spent more on bubbly.
But there is a whole ‘nother type of favor that I really like. Something thoughtful and unexpected – and useful. Say scones and advil after a late dinner party, or cookies after a luncheon. When I have a fun activity during the day, I tend to think that means fun for the rest of the afternoon, so knowing that a chocolate-chip surprise is hanging out in my purse come 4 o’clock seems just about perfect.
Another trick I love is to have cellophane bags and some twine on hand and let people take home the flowers from the centerpieces. Chances are the vases are yours (or need to be returned), but this way everyone can enjoy the flowers a bit longer. Plus it is green and budget friendly – two items for the price of one!
You can have a little note by the arrangement with the bags, saying something along the lines of “please take a few blooms, but kindly leave the vases” or for a smaller soiree, just spread the word. If you are feeling extra snazzy, you can put some pretty labels on the bags or even have them pre-printed.
You can purchase cellophane bags in bulk online from many spots (I have bought them from here a few times and was always happy with the product – they even have ones that are compostable!) or in a hurry, Michael’s, Target and Sur la Table generally have them on site. Just make sure you buy food-safe ones, incase you want to use the extras for those cookies.
This trick works great with simple arrangements – a big bunch of tulips, daffodils, ranunculus – perfect flowers for these spring showers.
Would you enjoy having a few flowers to take home?
Images, clockwaise from top: The tulips on my table right now; Martha Stewart; Elena of inspiration + photography via LanalouStyle
This weekend was full of those little surprises that I just love. It started on Saturday morning with Color & Candlelight with Eddie Ross. The event was held at Gracious Home in Chelsea and sponsored by Creative Candles – so it was no surprise that the bulk of the chat centered colored candles.
Eddie gave great tips for updating so many looks with such a simple and inexpensive trick.
Colored candles are a great way to make your rooms, parties, you name it look magazine ready in no time. All with the simple swap from a white taper (or votive or pillar) to colored. They are cheaper than new pillows and can last longer than fresh flowers.
I particularly loved his idea of placing a big group of candles of differing heights on a coffee table or even just a single – a bit of instant drama, and a way to show off more candlesticks that are likely hiding in a hutch.
And a quick way to modernize antique candlesticks? Add a fun colored candle, and then set them inside a straight-sided hurricane (like this pic from Martha Stewart).
Being someone who is not necessarily color-shy, but seriously in love with neutrals, it’s a great trick. A quick pink taper on any candlestick (brass perhaps), and voila – instant spice!
With the colored candles (as seen on the table here), they really do help your eye continue to move up, in a way that white candles wouldn’t.
And so even though there may be a bit more color on the table than I would use at home (change the patterned overlay to maybe a smaller runner – I would want the food to shine through a bit too), I can’t wait to get more color in such a simple way. (And did you notice the candlesticks on Eddie’s table are brass? It’s popping up everywhere!)
We have more tips from Eddie coming up, but in the meantime, I thought a GIVEAWAY is in order.
I snagged some of these great candles, and thought that maybe you should have some too!!
Just leave a comment about how you would use colored candles and what color you like best (options below) and I will pick a winner at random. The winner of a pair of 7/8″ x 18″ tapers will be picked May 1, so all entries must be in by then.
Good luck and I can’t wait to hear everyone’s favorite color!
Right now I am heading to California for a few days for work (and then play) and I decided to actually do something I think about doing whenever I travel.
I made B dinner for a few of the nights I will be gone. This is something I have wanted to do before, but as we all know, there is usually more on your list before a trip than can get done, and this one usually ends up getting cut.
Backing up, it not like B can’t feed himself and so I must provide dinner, I just always thought it would be a nice fun little gesture. Plus, to be honest, this way I know that at least a few meals weren’t delivered or poured from a cereal box.
I decided on lasagna, figuring it is something he can easily heat up and tastes good after more than one day. And thankfully (and unlike me), B doesn’t bore of the same flavors after a day or two, although I’m really hoping he doesn’t finish the pan. Maybe I should have rethought this idea.
As you are running around finishing up (or starting) your holiday shopping, you may find that you have some new gifts to give each December. The chilly months tend to be most popular time of year for proposals (last year I had 3 friends who got engaged within a week of each other in December – granted one was me).
It is fun to begin the celebration right away with a little something for the betrothed … I received this book from a friend, and like it so much (the pictures are pretty amazing) that I have returned the favor to others of the newly engaged set.
Of course champagne and champagne glasses are always fun, but there will be plenty of time for those gifts with parties and showers and the wedding too.
This really can be the most wonderful time of the year!
What is your favorite way to celebrate a newly engaged couple?
I love the fact that my friends are all so talented – the doctor/lawyer crew balance nicely with the creatives and the finance folks are great for splitting up a group bill. But its the wine friends who often get my attention. I’m not going to lie – I love the fact that two of my friends are sommeliers … not bad, not bad at all.
And you are getting the benefit too!
I asked E to recommend some wines for you guys for the holidays … ones that taste good enough to have for a special occasion, but with a price that you can buy by the case.
She offered up a red, white and bubbly, with the tasting notes to match. All of these picks can be found here in NYC at September Wines in the Lower East Side, but you can likely find them at your own wine store too.
Regardless, I really recommend finding a wine store – the people working there are always incredibly knowledgeable, and can offer you suggestions to fit any occasion, meal or budget.
Here are the picks:
Sparkling: Francois Montand ‘Blanc de Blancs’ White: Peirano ‘The Other’ Red: Chateau Tire Pé Diem Bordeaux–
For more information, tasting notes and prices…
There are no shortage of gift guides out there – you’d be hard pressed to find a website or blog this month without one. And after a few back-and-forth conversations (in our own head – please don’t start) about whether or not to do one, we decided to kind of go for it…
Basically do a round-up of the best parts of all the ones we liked – from our favorite sites. Some from here, some from there, some from just about everywhere.
Have more great gift ideas? Please share and leave them in the comments!
To get more info on the goodies above and other ideas…
When it comes to wrapping gifts, I generally prefer solids. Glossy white, metallics, definitely brown kraft paper – I think they beat snowmen and reindeer options at the drugstore any day.
Then I usualy add fun ribbons and bows, small ornaments you name it. Not only do I like the look better, but this option works year ’round – saving time, resources and space!
But here are a few options, that either jazz up my plain packages in a new way, or may even make me rethink the solids…
Congrats Emily – you won the mercury glass candlesticks from John Derian!
Thank you all for entering – I am so excited to try all those great stores and your suggestions.
I included the screenshot just so you would know how I did it … a bit ugly, so next time I may omit that – hope you’ll trust me!
More giveaways to come…
With holiday parties getting into full swing, I have had a few requests for drink ideas. I love the combo of whisky and apple, and these flavors work great hot or cold.
While there are of course differences in the taste between rye whisky and bourbon (both seen above), any of your favorites will work here, and will be a nice change from the ubiquitous vodka.
Sorry no pics of the drinks themselves – I am not so great at mixing cameras and cocktails. Someday maybe…
The cold version is inspired by the Whirling Tiger at Death & Co in New York, but while they use fresh fuji apple juice, I work the Simply Apple. The choice is yours.
To add to the “festive-ness” of the drink, these sterling silver straws would be a great touch. But if the Cristofle ones are a bit much, there are a few alternatives, including the silver spoon/straws similar to those at Little Branch (another great place for cocktail ideas). And if you are going to a party, rather than hosting, these double as a fab gift!
But back the scheduled cocktails…
Are you out shopping today, getting a handle on your holiday gifts? Not me, I prefer to bask at home in the comfort of delicous leftovers. This could make get out there, but lines and those stores that open at 4:00 a.m. for today – no thank you!
Instead, how about having a drawing made of yourself or a loved one – such a unique and thoughtful gift, without the fear of being trampled. Richard Haines is offering a limited time special (until December 26) – a black & white portrait for $50. You can email him a photo or visit his studio in Bushwick, if you happen to be in the NYC area.
I love getting things done with a turkey sandwich in hand.
Images by Richard Haines, via his blog (left) and theCut, NY Mag. Thanks Barbara for spotlighting this!
