Gifts

Tea Forte cocktail infusions

Tea Forte, well-known for its delicious assortment of tea flavors, is now branching out into the world of mixology. They offer several different infusion flavors that quickly turn a regular cocktail into something fresh and creative. Simply pour alcohol over the infuser, wait for it to steep, and get ready for a delicious beverage.

Their Mixology Set, with two infusion chambers, eight infusers, and a recipe booklet would make a great holiday gift.

Advent Calendar

I am not usually a fan of seeing holiday decor before Halloween, but sometimes it makes sense to do a little advance planning for the holiday season. For instance, it takes time to order things like this fabulous advent calendar from Land of Nod. The fabric calendar is so fun and festive and is a great way to count down the days until Christmas. You could have a lot of fun stuffing the pockets with some really clever surprises. Kids will love it — and grown up kids alike!

Advent calendar from Land of Nod

His & Hers Wedding Favors

At a recent wedding, the bride offered different favors for the men, women, and children in attendance. I thought it was a nice way to personalize the experience for guests. You could have a lot of fun selecting unique gifts for everyone. Guys could get baseballs if the groom was a sports-lover; women could get chocolate or pashminas; and kids could get small, fun games. Often, general favors don’t fit for everyone so this is a thoughtful to way to make guests feel special.

The summer wedding below featured custom spice rub for the fellas, hand fans for the ladies, and bubbles for the young’uns. Clever!

Stylish Groomsman Gift

Grooms, are you looking for a special gift to get your groomsmen? If you want to splurge, a monogrammed Montblanc pen could be the perfect thing. Handsome, practical, and personalized — all make it a special gift idea.  There are several different ways you can have the pen monogrammed, including a selection of different fonts. My favorite is initials on the clip of the pen.

Leontine Linen Monogrammed Cosmetics Case

This refined cosmetics case made by Leontine Linens — purveyor of beautiful linens for the home — would make a perfect gift for a mom, sister, or bridesmaid. I love the linen and poplin combination and — even better — you can customize the case with your own color selection.

A good way to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping, perhaps?!

Leontine Linens Makeup Case

Homemade Dog Biscuits

Our puppy had to be rushed to the emergency vet a few days ago. She is OK now, but it was very scary in the moment. We feel so bad for her that she is sick — which makes us want to spoil her even more than usual. She is on a very bland diet now, but I think when she is up for it, I might make her these homemade dog biscuits (which, as an aside, could make a great gift for fellow dog lovers).

Get well soon, Fletcher!

Baking Dish and Trivet in One

It seems the only time I need trivets is when guests are over. And, unfortunately, my motley collection of trivets does not match and it makes the dining table look a shade of ridiculous. These bakers from Crate & Barrel may be the answer. They come with their own custom cork trivet and look so sleek and modern. For other platters, you could simply custom cut pieces of cork (easily found at hardware stores or online) to keep the look uniform.

White Cork Bakers from Crate & Barrel

A Sweet Little Cookbook

By now you likely know of my deep love and affection for my Breville Individual Pie Maker. I have taken to making pies multiple times a week — not good for the waist line, but so deliciously rewarding! I was frustrated, though, that the instructions that came with the Pie Maker only listed a few each of sweet and savory recipes. But then, I found this. The “Mini Pies” cookbook available at Williams-Sonoma. If you have the Pie Maker, you MUST buy this book. It opens up a whole new world of pies, like s’mores pies and one of the best pumpkin pies I have ever had. If you don’t have the Pie Maker, run, don’t walk, to Williams-Sonoma to buy one.

Williams-Sonoma "Mini Pies" cookbook

Williams-Sonoma "Mini Pies" cookbook

Sucker for Seersucker

Everywhere I look I see seersucker — a fabric that epitomizes summertime. Aprons, tablecloths, napkins… it’s everywhere and I love it!

 

Dransfield & Ross seersucker napkins

Southern Living tablescape

India Rose seersucker apron

India Rose Seersucker Bag