Thanksgiving Hosting Essentials

{ Via: Etsy }

Nothing is more meaningful than gathering together family and friends for a special meal. Are you hosting this year? I am, and my mind is spinning with details already. So today you will find all of the essentials that will make your (and my own ) Thanksgiving memorable and so much easier. 

HERE: 13 Hostess Must Haves

Fabulous Flatware 

A turkey dinner is no place for plastic utensils. Now you can afford to have some stylish silverware when it all starts at just $1.18 each. You must check out the selection at

Pier One

Faux Fallen Leaves Placemat

I have decided to add some color to my table this year. Normally I use a black linen placemat, but after finding these marvelous mats on super clearance, I am changing it up. Isn't it fun? My Versace Medusa dinnerware matches it perfectly. I will anchor the table with a black tablecloth. These are hard to pass up at under $2.00 each. 

Pier One

Chic Candles

An absolute must for a terrific tablescape! MacKenzie-Childs has designed the best tapers that I have seen anywhere. The collection is fabulous and worth a look.

MacKenzie-Childs

Hemstitch Cocktail Napkins

A cloth cocktail napkin elevates the experience. they are ever so much more elegant than a soggy paper one. This set of 12 is now on sale for $15 and change. You just can't beat that price. Stock up for hostess gifts and holiday hosting, too.

Horchow

Metal, Wood, and Leather Bar Cart

Serve Mad Man style. With most family gatherings the cocktails are as essential as the food.  This stylish server will add the pizazz to your party. It's affordable and the perfect size even for small spaces.

Target

Cuisinart Ceramic Coated Knive Set

Turkey and trimmings need good knives. Admittedly, I don't have any knife skills, but I do have this set. They are great! And the price is ever so right. The handles are faux wood, but really upscale looking. Real wood handles do not age well, anyway. I promise that you cant go wrong with these kitchen essentials.

HSN

An Extra Oven

At Thanksgiving, an extra oven is like having another pair of hands. I happen to own this oven. We bought it when my very expensive Italian double ovens broke. It is fabulous! I mean it can do everything, even air fry. If you are worried about your own oven situation, you won't be sorry that you made this purchase. You will use it long after the holidays.

Sur La Table

Wine Savings!

A day or Thanksgiving without wine......well, I can't imagine not offering it. It's pretty essential. Here's help for this year. Take $30 off your first $100 order. Use Code: NOVNEW. This deal ends 11/11 so act fast.

Wine.com

Napkin Folding Ideas

I tend to fluff my napkins in the wine glasses, because of the texture and dimension it adds to the tablescape.  But if you love a folded napkin, click through the link for fun DIY tutorials at 

Amara

Cocktail Picks

I always make sure that I have picks on hand, and I don't mean plain toothpicks. Why do basic when you can have something like these.? This brand has a great collection, and you get 100 for less than $10.

Amazon 

Double Sided Cutting Board

New and I think that I need one. This board had me at that phone stand! How perfect for following along with your recipe while you slice and dice.

Food52

Chalkboard Cheese Table

This is fun. A step by step guide to creating the best cheese board ever. You are sure to pick up an idea or two. And while you are visiting this beautiful website know that you can save 25% on $500 orders or 10% off $300 orders with code: STYLE10

Alchemy Fine Home

Gravy Base

I am a from scratch cook. Mainly because I do not want the carcinogenic chemicals that are in prepared foods.  But several years ago my bud, Mollie, told me about this base. I usually like to serve some kind of wine reduction sauce and a flour gravy with the turkey. But working with flour at the last minute for me is sketchy. I just don't have time for the lumps. This base was everything Mollie said and more. I added pan drippings, sour cream and heavy cream, for a perfect gravy! I have ordered several this week as they are on sale with Free Shipping. I promise, You will love it!

Williams Sonoma

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Wedding Wednesday: Fab Favor Packaging

{ Via: Martha Stewart Weddings }

When giving any kind of present, it is all about presentation. Weddings especially call for a pretty package if you are gifting your guests. Let's be clear, you absolutely do not have to have favors at your wedding. It's a lovely extra, if your budget allows. However, if you have guests traveling in your honor, I do feel that a warm welcome package is appropriate in the hotel room. Other opportunities come to mind for gifts like the bridal brunch, asking your besties to be in your wedding,  bachelor parties and more. One thing is for sure, any gift you give needs a label, a box, or some sort of creative packaging. Time for inspiration.



HERE: 12 Ways To Thank Your Guests 

Oh Happy Day Welcome Bags
A set of ten bags to fill with out of town guest goodies. These are fun with a touch 
of gold glam.
Pressed Cotton

 Bridal Shower Favor Cupcake Boxes
Sweets for the sweet! What girl doesn't love a cupcake? This is a set of 8 clearly chic boxes and everything you see except for the cupcake.
The Favor Box

Butterfly Floral Table Boxes
Pretty in shades of pink and peach, these boxes would be quite lovely on the dining tables with truffles inside.
My Wedding Favors

Favor Inspiration
Here's a favor they will actually use. Pure Organic Castile Olive Oil Soap. This soap is free of chemicals and scent. A favor couldn't be lovelier. The simple packaging is perfect, and easy to do. I would use a sprig of a fresh herb to make it very organic. Get the soap at
Uptown Girl

Out Of Town Guest Boxes

Martha Stewart says all you need is some water and something sweet and salty. I'd add a bottle of wine or some bubbly to that. This box and accompanied personalized labels and ribbon makes one pretty package.

The Favor Box

Wedding Labels

There are so many uses for a personalized sticker or label at your wedding. From candy bags, favor boxes, lollipops and more, these are a fun necessity.

Mod Party

Pineapple Favor Boxes

 Perfect for your tropical themed wedding! These petite pineapples are 3 inches high. Making them just the right size for candies....maybe personalized M & M'S. They will look adorable lined up on a table, as your guests 
exit your reception.
PB Paperie

Fringe Ribbon Garland
There are so many reasons for ribbon at your wedding, from guest gifts, bouquets, programs, goodie bags, and more. I found this shop by accident, and the ribbon choices are just fabulous! This lovely trim is composed of a woven ribbon mixed with fuzzy short fringe. Many color choices, but I really liked the metallic look of this style.
Haber Dashing Shop

Candy Bar Wrappers
Even your basic chocolate bar can become an elegant gift with the right wrapper. These are quite glam!
Mod Party

Wedding Wine Label
Let's drink to love! Talk about serving with style....these are fabulous. Love them for the wine service at your reception, especially if you are doing it DIY. Or simply use them for the wine bottles left in the hotel rooms. Order a few extra to use at your home parties 
after the wedding.
Fancy Labels

Favor Tags

Minted has so many favor tags! I choose the black and white for the modern couple. So good looking. The first photo is self explanatory, and the second photo is an optional idea for the back of the gift tag. I say do both. You will use these to attach to goodie bags, wine 

bottles and more.

Minted

Midnight Munchies To Go Bag
When the clock strikes midnight, send your guests home with a fun bag of sweets. Or if you are having a "candy bar" at the reception, these can be what your guests use to scoop in and store their selections.
Pressed Cotton

   

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Wedding Wednesday: Clearly Chic Details