Counter Chic

{ Via: Elle Decor }

There are two types of cooks: The cook who likes all of their tools at hand and on the counter. Then there is the cook like me, who likes to keep it chic and sleek. It doesn't take much to elevate your counters. Just a few key pieces will give your room a whole new look. Many of these finds will make a great host gift, too.

Pink Himalayan Salt & Black Peppercorn Tall Mills

These acrylic mills are clearly chic, and exclusive to W & S. They come packed with the Sea Salt and Peppercorns. By the way the Himalayan salt is amazingly healthy and tastier than ionized salt. Love this set as a fab host gift.

Williams Sonoma

Bento Square Appetizer Plates

Chic, contemporary, and very affordable! If you entertain in your kitchen, you need an appetizer plate. A set of 8 is under $15.

CB2

Tuscan White Marble Bowl
A pretty piece for salt or any other spice. It's aslso available in black marble. Under $20.

Amazon

Set of Black Handmade Ceramic Bowls

Aren't these fabulous? They come in sizes from dip bowls ( or pinch bowls while you are cooking) to serving bowls, and a few sizes in between. Perfect for pasta, chili, soup, cereal, or serving. I would love to see these on my own island. 

Etsy

Set of 3  Wabi-Sabi Plates
From the same Etsy shop above. Made from recyclesd clay, (how unusual ) Fabulous to display food on any counter.

Etsy

Stainless Steele Pedestal Serving Bowl

At over 9 inches tall, this shiny server will look with get noticed with fruit, candles, and even pirouette cookies. (remember those?)

CB2

Kitchen Tea Towel

If you believe, like I do, that every detail matters, take another look at your dish towels.  Perhaps something new is in order.  These aren't precious, just adorable.

Etsy

Smoky White Marble Serving Board

If you like to serve in the kitchen, this board features both style and function. Very lovely.

Shop Terrain

Frantoio Muraglia

Intense Extra Virgin Olive Oil

As I have said, I don't keep utensils or food out unless I am using them, but these beautiful bottles would be different. They have been a frequent host gift on my part. The oil is delicious, and when you are out,  the bottles can be repurposed.

Bloomingdale's

Marble & Brass Dip Bowls

Are you getting the idea that i like marble? I do, and think it will never go out of style. These bowl are perfetc for dip, nuts, sauces, and more.

West Elm

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Host Gifts For Labor Day & Beyond

Host Gifts For Labor Day & Beyond

{ Via: Terrain }

Have you received your invites yet? Labor Day weekend is such a terrific time to gather friends and family. If you have RSVP'd already, it's time to pick up something special for your hosts. Your gift doesn't have to be extravagant, just thoughtful. This edit features gifts starting at $13. Any one of them will get you invited back. 

Stainless Steel & Walnut Double Jigger

You simply can't find a better looking host gift for this price than this. It's very Instagram worthy! $12.95

CB2

French Bloom Le Scarf And Le Rosé 

Have you noticed that more and more people are not drinking these days? This is for them. A limited edition collaboration that is brilliant! The scarf is 100% silk satin, and the Rosé is 100% delicious and non-alcoholic. $79.

The Webster

Guest Book
If they entertain regularly, this is a gorgeous gift. It's presented in the prettiest way, and makes a chic coffee table book. On sale for $17.49 Normally $35.

The Container Store

French Lavender

Treat them to the scents of rolling lavender fields in France. Your hosts won't have to stop and arrange these in water. They are simply beautiful as they are....dried.  I can imagine the bouquet in the powder room or guest bedroom. $34

Shop Terrain

 

Olive Wood Box Grater
I have always wanted one. It's perfect for the chef and entertainer. $40

Revolve

A4 Notebook
Give them a little joy and a lot of happiness with this tres chic cloth bound notebook. $40

Sezane Paris

Joanna Buchanan Lucky Charm Cocktail Straws

For fancy hosts. I always like to drink my cocktails with a straw. These are just "charming." $128

Joanna Buchanan or Neiman Marcus

on sale at Horchow { $96 }

The Essentials Seafood Tools

I need these! If they like to entertain big, do lowcountry boils, clambakes and more, this is the gift! Love the fun packaging. $65

Revolve

Sword Martini Pick Set

For those hosts who like their cocktails "shaken, not stirred." There are 4 brass picks included. $34

Tuckernuck

Printworks Cheese Tools
It's hard to go to a party that isn't featuring cheese or charcuterie. This set is apropos for any event. It's on major sale now for $27.49. $55 everywhere else.

The Container Store

Happy Days Photo Album
A thoughtful gift that doubles as a photo album and coffee table book. It's cloth-bound. On sale for $21 Regularly $30

The Container Store

Velvet Oven Mitts
For fancy foodies and chic chefs. I own a pair. They are pretty enough to leave out. $23

CB2

Geometric Shaped Candles

A favorite gift of mine. Priced from $23 -$28. You can choose scented or unscented. it's a winning gift either way.

Etsy

Lucite Pop Tray With Handles
Cheers to cocktails with friends. A perfect gift for the host with a good sense of humor. Designed by artist and photographer, Joanie Landau. $120

Joanie Landau Designs

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14 Host Gifts For Memorial Day & Beyond

Weekends At The Lake

 If you are lucky, you have friends or relatives that have a lake house. Many weekends of my past were filled with lake invitations. I miss those days.  An invite to someone's lake house means, cozy campfires, lazy days on the water,  cookouts, and laid back fun. This edit features what a girl and guy needs for the weekend, and gifts for your hosts. 

Wood Tray Set Of 2

An invitation for a Lake Weekend calls for a special host gift. These trays are a bit rustic, but still fabulous at $88

Tuckernuck

Varley Gabriella Sweatshirt

Leave your fancies at home. This washable sweatshirt with gold zippers is perfect for sitting by the firepit.  You look dressed for the event without being over dressed.  I love the length of the top. $128

Varley   Or   Anthropologie

Wesson Sweatshirt

A comfy look for guys that would take him almost anywhere around the lake. And I bet he doesn't have anything this color. It's made from soft organic cotton with sizes up to XXXL. $145

Sezane Paris

Solid & Striped Ruched One Piece

Swimsuit yes, but nothing too sexy, kids will likely be around. You also might be jet skiing, water skiing, boating or jumping off the pier. A suit with straps will work well. This suit is all of that and fun, too.

Anthropologie  Or    Solid & Striped

Darren Travel Bag

A wonderful travel bag. It's the perfect size for weekends at the lake. 

Sezane Paris

Super Goop Sunscreen

You need sunscreen! Bring your own. This collection is 20% off through tonight.

Shopbop

Flamingo Estates Tablemates Set

All the major players, Vogue, Food & Wine and more have written about this beautiful brand. If your hosts are cooks, they will appreciate the fabulous balsamic vinegar and olive oil. $98

Bloomingdale's

Turkish Beach Towels

I own these in grey. They are so soft, lightweight, and super stylish. Be a good guest, and bring your own beach towels. These pack very flat in a suitcase. They are so affordable, you might want to bring your hosts a few. $16

Etsy

Sailing Swim Trunks

If his swimwear could use an upgrade, these are apropos for the lake. Nicely reduced from $148 to $70

Brooks Brothers

Cheston Relaxed Knit Midi Dress

If you do have a night that you go out to dinner. This chic cotton knit will take you anywhere, dressy or casual. I just love it. Easy to pack, too.

Varley

Portable Bean Bag Toss

Hosts are always thinking of ways to entertain their guests. Everyone loves this game. Extra points for personalizing it ($15) Otherwise on sale for $188 - $199. A fun family gift!

Mark & Graham

Splendid X Ceila Jane Caftan

This is what you wear down to breakfast. It's a comfy chic look in a cotton blend. The best thing about it is the price! It was $148 and now $59.

Splendid LA

 

Statement Needlepoint Pillows

The perfect gift for the host with a sense of humor.  They will have fun moving it around their guest rooms. $98

Furbish Studio

Lake Life Tote

Carry this good looking bag for yourself, or bring it to your hostess. The choice is yours. This chic carry all is made of cotton canvas with leather handles. A great buy at $38.

Amazon

Tuckernuck X Studio McGee

Gingham Shorts and Shirt

100% cotton and cute as can be. Wear this for a quick wine run into town, or out for ice cream. It's comfy and easy.

Tuckernuck

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Game On! Summer Sport Styles

The Scents Of Summer

Every summer has its' own story, but all summers share the same scents. There's the essence of sun kissed skin, beachside escapes and breezy warm weather. Add in the scents of fresh mown grass, coconut suncare, and sea breeze. This edit features a little bit of all of this for you, your home, and your environment. This post is aromatherapy for your soul.

Santa Barbara Strawberry

This fragrance set goes wherever summer leads you. It's travel friendly, too. Wearing this fruity fragrance is like strolling through the Santa Barbara strawberry fields. It also features notes of dewy pink peonies and solar musk

Nest New York

Homecourt Mandarin Basile

Hand Wash

I love beautiful bottles near my sinks. It just feels and looks luxe. I have a basil herb garden, so I can just imagine how good this hand wash smells. It's very fresh.

Homecourt

Bobbi Brown Beach

I love this scent. Haven't had it in a while,  but

 it certainly is summer in a bottle. Here's how the brand describes it: " sea spray, and mandarin, this fragrance is wearable anytime, anywhere."It's really lovely.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics       Sephora

Josie Maran Topless Tangerine Hair & Body Mist

If you feel that fragrance is too heavy for summer's warm temps, try this mist. It's made with 100% natural scents, and it is clean beauty. Not to mention the name is adorable.

Sephora

Flamingo Estate Barbecue Sauce

One of my fave scents of summer comes from the grill. This Juicy Strawberry, Spicy Key Lime Barbecue  Sauce  sounds divine. The ingredients are organic and elevated from what you might find at the store.

Flamingo Estate

Flamingo Estate Heirloom Tomato Candle

This candle smells so good, you will want to eat it.  The scent is true, and that of a freshly picked imperfect heirloom tomato. It's been handpoured of 100% vegetable wax.  It's the perfect summer host gift. Ships for free from...

Bergdorf Goodman

Summer Grace

Celebrate summer with refreshing scents. This new limited edition Summer Grace Solar Daydream eau de toilette will remind you of sun-filled daydreams by the poolside. it features notes of saltwater, solar jasmine, and coconut milk.

Philosophy

Poolside Candle
If you love the scent of a pool (think chlorine and coppertone) like I do, this candle is for you. Think Grapefruit, Mandarin, Bergamot, sunscreen and more. The perfect host gift for anyone with a pool.

Nordstrom

Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc Eau de Toilette
Head for the sun! This fragrance follows summer's light from the sun with notes of citrus and fragrant florals. Sounds divine!

Neiman Marcus

Beekman 1802 Sunshine Lemon  Wipes

These wipes were made for the face but can be used to refresh any part of the body. They are made with goats milk and essential oils. Fabulous for taking makeup off! In the summer they are wonderful for cooling off in the heat. Golfers love having a pack in their bag. Many scents, but Sunshine Lemon is my fave. You will find the best prices with free shipping at...

HSN

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