Hostess with the Mostess

There's still a couple of weeks left before the holiday season is in full swing and party invitations begin to arrive. Of course I can count on my family members to get together for the traditional celebrations, but I can never predict which of my friends (or acquaintances) will host a gathering - making early shopping for unique host(ess) gifts difficult. Here are a few gift ideas to keep on hand for a holiday host or hostess.

Do your part to protect the coffee table by bringing J.Crew's holiday Hostess Coasters ($24.50). Use the reversible coasters to identify drink orders - shaken or stirred?

A bottle of wine is a welcome addition to any gathering. Create a standout gift by tying on a Doorknob Wine Stopper ($10) from Pottery Barn.

I get nervous about attending a party where I only know one or two people. TableTopics Conversation Cards ($29) can help break the ice.

Your hostess has spent hours prepping food and drinks for the party. Treat her to a box of French macaroons ($14 - $23) from Sucre - and don't allow her to share.

If your friend is a seasoned party-thrower, she'll find inspiration in Kate Spade's book Occasions ($15.60) for future gatherings.

What's your favorite hostess gift to give or receive?

Wish List Wednesday: Juicy Couture

When Juicy Couture first came into popularity, I swore that I would never buy anything from a brand that splashed its name across the tushes of American college girls. (I normally don't have such a mightier-than-thou approach to fashion, but this trend irked me.) I've noticed positive changes in Juicy's line over the last few seasons and I'm relieved to see even more lust-worthy items.

Michelle Wool-Blend Coat, $400

Sequined Silk-Chiffon Dress, $350

Sequin Drama Bib Necklace, $228

Queen Anne Watch, $295


Pavé Crystal Stud Earrings, $48

Is there a brand you previously shunned, but are now starting to warm up to?

Oh, Deer!

Starting renovations on my boyfriend's place just makes me prematurely excited to decorate - which is going to be a bit of a battle. We have such different aesthetics; I'm a city girl with an affinity for graphic patterns, cream couches and textured layers. He's a country boy with a rural home and a dead animal or two on the walls. We're making small strides by agreeing on subtle paint hues and a deep slate-colored tile for the kitchen. But if he really expects me to move in eventually, the hunting "prizes" have go into storage.

I'm willing to embrace the wild in a more refined way, however. I'm quite taken with regal stag items like these:

Stag's Head Bookends, $128

Wild Kingdom Deer Hook, $20

Leather Stag Silhouette, $16

King of the Forest Print, $12

Stag Wine Stopper, $12

Deer & Stag Heads with Antlers, £75.00

Inspiration Board: Cordial Cherries

photo via Peter Brooke Chocolatier

Cordial cherries are a perennial favorite of mine - even though I limit my indulgence to the holiday season. I blame it on tradition. For as long as I can remember, my dad has received a box of chocolate-covered cherries for Christmas. And every year, my mom and I covertly tear back the cellophane wrapper, forcing my dad to share.

I picked up a box this weekend to kick off the holiday season, but there are other sweetly indulgent ways to enjoy this flavor combination throughout the year:

Cherry Bomb Sundae

Cherry Cordial Macaroons

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Martini

The color combination is much too perfect to leave hidden away in a candy box. Warm hues of chocolate and burgundy are beautiful for holiday dressing.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Delia's, Janie Crochet Cardigan, $44.50
Kenneth Cole, Drop Stone Pendant Necklace, $40
J.Crew, Silk Taffeta Bow Monde Dress, $225
Kate Spade, Knightsbridge Remy, $225
Nina, Electra Platform Pump, $73.26
Talbots, Beaded Bracelet, $29.99
J.Crew, Cotton Cady Lydia Dress, $195
Bounkit, Ruby and Smokey Topaz Earrings, $320

Sartorial Weakness

Emily's post today at Cupcakes and Cashmere inspired me to share my accessories weakness: vintage jewelry. I've already pilfered costume jewels from my grandmother's jewelry box. And I can't visit an estate sale, flea market or antique mall without coming home with at least one new-to-me bauble like the starburst brooch above - my latest find.

Do you share a love for vintage jewels?

Happy Weekend!

photo via domino

In case you missed it:

• I bet your family tree never looked this good.
• The happiest place on earth for any girl.
• Were your parents this awesome in their heyday?
• Enter to win a pair of smokey quartz faceted earrings.

This weekend, my time will probably be split equally between Menards and Home Depot. My boyfriend and I are ready to begin remodeling his house. To say his place is "in need of a woman's touch" is putting it lightly. But with some elbow grease (and new fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, ...), it should be a lovely little home. I'll keep you posted on the process - complete with photos.

What are your weekend plans?

Ice Queen

I had never seriously considered shopping at Swarovski before. I always felt my money was better spent on real jewels or that I could find similar costume jewelry for less. It seems I may have been a little hasty in my assumptions. After carefully scouring their Web site for the first time, I discovered many breathtaking statement pieces.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Glamour Mocca Necklace, $650
Fantasy Large Necklace, $180
Hyacinth Ring, $240
Highlight Bangle, $425
Ginseng Ebony Bangle, $425
Forever Jet Hematite Ring, $340
Highlight Pierced Earrings, $140
Stonehenge Black Diamond Pierced Earrings, $95