Today is the start of February and despite some unseasonably warm weather here in the DC area, we are in the thick of winter when toes get cold and its easy to get chilled to the bone. Combat the chills with these luxurious, cashmere hot water bottles. The one from Orvis comes with matching sleeping socks and Jonathan Adler’s version showcases a peace sign.
Orvis hot water bottle
Jonathan Adler's cashmere hot water bottle
J-O-Y cookies via $5 Dinners
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Alphabet cookie cutters + sugar cookie dough + tissue paper + cute box = JOYful gift!
colored spoons by Creatively Christy
Here is a roundup of free gift tag printables that will dress up your holiday gifts this year! Click on the pictures below to view websites with links to the templates. Enjoy!
Typographic Gift Tags by Eat Drink Chic
Holiday Gift Tags by Jones Design Company
Rustic Wood Type Holiday Gift Tags by Ellinee
Holiday Gift Tags by Whisker Graphics
Holiday Gift Tags by PaperSeed
Holiday Gift Tags by Domestifluff
Holiday Gift Tags by Paper Crave
Instead of bringing the standard bottle of wine to holiday parties this year, try some of these unique hostess gift ideas that will surely brighten up the season!
Holiday Spreaders from Williams-Sonoma
Holiday Banner Cookie-Bar Pan by Crate & Barrel
Four Seasons Dishtowel Set by Terrain
Antique Soap Dishes by Pottery Barn
Moroccan Lantern Candle Holder by Paper Source
Vintage Silverware Magnets by Ballard Designs
Wine Thermometer by Sur la Table
Knit Cozy Mugs by Leif - perfect when paired with hot chocolate mix!
Want to add some festive flair to your holiday gifts this year? Here are some creative packaging ideas from Martha Stewart that promise to do just that!
For packaging holiday cookies and other baked goods, try making these easy envelopes and tins using the clip-art templates provided (click pictures below to open links).
Cookie Envelopes
Doily Tins
Recycle last year’s holiday cards by transforming them into colorful gift box toppers.
Cheerful Gift Boxes
Instead of ribbon, try embellishing gifts with decorative tape made from traditional Japanese washi paper that comes in a variety of fun graphic designs. Tape can be purchased online from happytape.
Decorative Holiday Tape
Personalize gift cards with these fabric-covered envelopes and onament-shaped holders.
Gift Card Holders
I saw a lovely post on one of my favorite blogs, How About Orange, on how to make fabric bookmarks. I tried it out tonight and made five bookmarks in less than ten minutes. She wasn’t lying when she said it was easy! I used fabric glue instead of rubber cement, but I’d like to try the rubber cement just to compare. This is a great way to use up extra fabric — and I think they would make nice stocking stuffers!
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.
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
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.
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.