Gift Guide for the Hostess

Are you attending a Christmas party or visiting family or friends for the holidays and want to bring your hostess a gift?  We have you covered!  Here are our a few of our top gifts for the hostess-- and not a single one is a bottle of wine or candle!  Push past the expected and give a warm "thank you" with some of our favorites. 

ONE | WREATH  In lieu of the typical flowers, honor your hostess with a fresh wreath for the holiday season.  Chances are if you she's hosting you, she'll be welcoming others to her home as well, and this wreath will be another lovely touch to making her home holiday ready.  And don't fret if she already has one on her front door--she could place this one on a cabinet, window, mirror, etc.!

TWO | MERCURY GLASS TREE  If a wreath seems too grand, opt for a smaller, holiday decor item like this mercury glass Christmas tree.  We love the marble base and timeless look that could be used for years to come.

THREE | COCKTAIL NAPKINS  What better way to help a hostess out than with some cocktail napkins adorned with their initials?  A beautiful and practical gift!

FOUR | STATIONERY  For another thoughtful, monogrammed gift (we are in the South), we love these black and white stationery sets.  This classic design would look lovely as a thank you note for all of her hostess gifts too, right?

FIVE | HAND SOAP  Winter and the holidays bring lots of hand washing, so you might as well make it with some delicious smelling soap like this festive one from Williams Sonoma.

SIX | CHAMBRAY HAND TOWEL  A twist on the typical blue chambray, we love this black chambray hand towel.  Pair it with the soap above to make a cute gift set!

SEVEN | THROW BLANKET  Your hostess can cozy up with this adorable pom blanket all winter long and think of you every time she does.

EIGHT | HOT CHOCOLATE SET
This hot chocolate set is a useful and delicious treat!  Your hostess can serve it to guests or enjoy it with family.  And the vanilla marshmallows are the holiday version of "the cherry on top."

NINE | COFFEE TABLE BOOK  Vogue Living's Country, City, Coast is a beautiful book, perfect for the design lover and is sure to look great on any coffee table.

TEN | BRACELET Give your hostess a little holiday sparkle that she can wear to all this season's events.  A piece of jewelry like this bracelet from J. Crew Factory is a simple and inexpensive gift that is sure to be unexpected.

ELEVEN | CHEESE BOARD AND KNIFE SET A cheese board and knife set is one of my go-to gifts because who doesn't love cheese? Also, great for those who like to entertain. This set from Crate and Barrel has a unique shape and pretty copper accents.

Company Spotlight: Land of Nod Gift Guide

With Christmas right around the corner, many parents are already hunting down the perfect gifts for their children.  While toy choices are certainly not limited these days, I think that some options far outweigh others.  In a time when digital toys are the all of the rage, it's nice to see products that offer function, fun and durability.  And when the toys can add a little design to your child's space, that doesn't hurt either.   

Land of Nod has captured this corner of the market quite well if you ask me.  They offer toys that serve a purpose for both child and parent while clinging to the idea that imagination should still be the at the forefront of childhood wonder.  When both purpose and play meet, you have a wonderful holiday gift.  

Below are a few of my favorite Land of Nod gift offerings for children this Christmas.  Enjoy!

1. What child doesn't love to bake up an amazing dish?  The pieces in this adult-like Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mini Cooking Set ($24.95) will help them do just that!  

2.   This Little Piggy Rocker ($129) puts the standard rocking horse to shame with its spunky design that will make a statement in any child's room.

3. This Rainbow Stacker ($49) has a vintage feel and sturdy wooden construction that will last for generations to come.

4. Who wouldn't want to play grocery store with a real looking Metal Shopping Cart ($69) ?

5. A Tee Pee to Call Your Own ($159, also available in stripes) is a great way to give your child a year-round fort that will conjure up hours of imagination and play.   

6. If a tee pee isn't your thing, maybe a Home Sweet Play Home Canopy is.  This item offers up just as much fun while sacrificing less square footage. 

7. Oliver Elephant by Wee Wonderfuls ($24.95) doesn't necessarily offer much in the form of function, but he is incredibly cute and a welcomed and unique departure from the mass-produced stuffed animals of today.  

8. Some of my fondest memories from childhood involve sleepovers and slumber parties.  This Candy Bow Stripe Sleeping Bag ($89) will help make those memories even sweeter...and it can be monogrammed with your child's name.

9. While I do have a soft spot for dachshunds, this wooden Dog Pull Toy ($69), would be a great for any little one...and his tail wags as you pull him!  What could be cuter?

10. Last but not least, what little girl could have Christmas without a doll?  The Knit Crowd Dolls ($29 each) make great companions for any little girl.  And since they come in different styles, you can find one to best suit your little one's taste.   

Happy shopping!