Spring Hostess Gifts

{ Via: A Thing Created at Etsy }

Never arrive at a party empty handed, unless you have sent something before the event. A bottle of wine is always welcome, but why not uncork your creativity, and gift differently? These gift ideas will get you invited back again.



HERE: Ten Terrific Gifts

Himalayan Crystal Salt Pyramid Lamp
A Zen gift that is not for everyone, but it would be perfect for me. It is for those that are aware of the many positive effects of Himalayan Sea Salt. This lamp promotes well being in your home by purifying the air, not to mention the beautiful soft glow it gives 
to any room.
Nordstrom

Bel Air Mini Scoop Vases
I often think that a vase is a better gift than the actual flowers. A hostess rarely has time to stop and arrange fresh flowers. Pre-arrange a small bouquet in one of these clearly chic vessels, and present the flowers and vase as your gift. I always suggest white flowers, if you don't know your hostess's color scheme.
Jonathan Adler

Takenaka Chopstick Set
Anyone would love these fun finds. Buy one for each member of the host's household. There's a color for every mood.
Anthropologie

Vintage-Inspired French Table 
Crumber Set
Crumbs are not chic, but these sets are. Under $50 and they will actually be used. 
I would love a set!
Food52

Alessi's "Big Love" Ice Cream Bowl

A great gift for ice cream lovers. It's meant for sharing and holds over 9 ounces. It's fun and I bet that your host does not have one.

Barney's New York

Dolce & Gabbana Hand Wrapped Pasta

Oh how fun! If your host is also a cook, they will love this fancy pasta. Naturally it's made in Italy. If you are a big spender, buy the set above. Or buy the pasta alone by

 the package.

Neiman Marcus

Marble & Brass Servers

Marble always is a luxe look. The brass makes any of these stylish servers a glam gift. 

Williams Sonoma

Ona Pitchers

The only pitchers you need, and I think owning several of them is ideal. One for juice, one for Sangria, one for water. Less than $20

Crate & Barrel

Call Me Old Fashioned Coasters

Guaranteed to add the glam to any fun fete. Hand illustrated on card stock backed in felt. Perfect for a girls night in. 

A Thing Created At Etsy

Vintage Apothecary Colored Matches
Details matter when it comes to entertaining. These are as pretty as they are practical. Less that $20 each.
Cupcakes And Cashmere




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Bar Cart Chic

Spring Trend: A Change Of Lace

{ Via: Elle Canada } 

Lace is no longer for ladies who lunch. The designers have changed it up a bit. It's pretty but with an unexpected edge. A white lace dress no longer looks bridal when you add a plunging neckline and a bit of black. A basic white tee gets a luxe look with boning and slashes of black lace. Spring's change of lace is still feminine but different. Scroll down to shop the edit.

Rasario Bow Detailed Lace Dress

Loving the unexpected neckline and touch of black. A good look for a special evening out.
Moda Operandi

Nantes Lace Flats

A pretty little shoe that features pearls at the heal and a memory foam foot bed. As shoes go, these are quite
affordable.

Karl Lagerfeld Paris

Alexis Lace Pants & Top
Two of my favorite pieces of the edit. It's hippie chic 2019. And though these pieces are not inexpensive, They are within reason for some. 
Moda Operandi and Farfetch

Paper Dolls Tuxedo Pants & Jacket
A great look for so many of Spring's occasions. Each piece sold separately.  Love it!
ASOS

Embroidered Ruffle Neck Top
The lace embroidery is exquisite on this longer top with statement sleeves. The look gets edgy with leggings and booties.
BCBGMAZAZRIA

Grapevine Lace & Tulle Gown
Oh a girl can dream! This exquisite gown is crafted from black tulle and tonal lace embroidery. Beautiful for the bride who dares to be different, or any formal event.
Oscar de La Renta

Alice + Olivia
Emersyn Lace Sneakers  

It's all about the high sole sneaker this season. And the added lace pattern elevates the style.
Shopbop

Alexander Wang's Lace Tee
Tough luxe. A tee that features corset boning, slashes of delicate lace and super soft texture. I love the way the 
tee drapes.
Nordstrom

Diane Von Furstenberg
Gardenia Lace Skirt

A good midi skirt will take you everywhere. Make it two tone in unexpected colors, and your look has a modern edge. 
Saks  or Shopbop

Ted Baker Lace Top
This top is so unexpected. Simple in style, but elevated with a pairing of lace and 
varsity stripes.
Nordstrom

Michael Kors Collection Jumpsuit
This look is outrageously pretty and expensive, but it sure is fabulous! 

Neiman Marcus

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Seeing Spots For You & Your Home

Saturdays At Shop This: All The Pretty Flowers

{ Via: ZsaZsaBellagio }

There's not a bloom in site in my part of the world. Patience is a virtue every Spring in Chicago. So I say bring on the April showers. I'll be ready for those May flowers. Here are some pretty links to wrap up the week.

Beyond Proper's Floral Embroidered Denim Jacket is lovely for the price.
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Here's a perfect hostess gift for Spring: Edible Flowers Grow Kit by The Floral Society. or keep it for yourself and serve up a fancy salad.
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Flowers & April Showers: This little Floral Print Translucent Hooded Rain Jacket is really cute. Perfect for walking the dog or running errands on a rainy day.
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Wonderful in White: The Sam Spade Flower Satchel at Kate Spade. Save 30% on this and everything sitewide with code: ONEBIGFAMILY.
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How to Make Your Cut Flowers Last Longer
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Seagrass Market Tote with Linen Liner: This is a terrific tote for all of your Farmer's Market shopping. It's good looking, roomy enough for all of your veggies and flowers,  the luxe linen liner can be washed, and it's less than $50.
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So gorgeous!  The Lela Rose Floral Lace  
Midi Skirt.  Shop it at Modaoperandi.
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Rose Colored Glasses: Dolce & Gabbana's floral Sunglasses now on sale at Neiman Marcus. They are an unexpected look, and I love it.
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The cutest loafers for Spring: JCrew's Liberty Floral Smoking Slippers. The black background appeals to me. Very comfy chic! Shop them at JCrew or Nordstrom or Zappos
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I found this little GIF after the post was written. I guess that Miranda wouldn't approve.  LOL. Have a beautiful weekend, everyone!

XOXOX
Deb
Shop This

Foodie Friday: Let Them (Me) Eat Cake!

{ Via: The Cake Topper Company }

That's right. This April Fool is starting the birthday weekend with cake, but I refuse to be a day over 39. Every year sweet "Mr. Shop This" asks what kind of birthday cake I want. After some hits and misses, I decided a few years ago, to make my own. I mean, I can't lick the spoon with a bakery bought cake. Here's to sweet celebrations for all of us!

Champagne Cake

What a perfect cake for a celebration! It has everything I love, too - Champagne, lots of Buttercream Meringue Frosting, and a
 bit of bling.

Batter & Dough 

Hot Cocoa Layer Cake
This recipe had me at all of that frosting. Oh what fun! It's made with bittersweet chocolate, hot cocoa, buttermilk, heavy cream, and homemade marshmallows. Just Yum!
Bakers Royale

Lemon Lavender Champagne Cake

I told you that I loved champagne! Not only is this pretty, but it's made with lavender extract, champagne and cake box mix! By the way, the Duncan Heinz lemon cake mix is actually very good. A pretty cake for Easter!
Brit & Co.

Key Lime Strawberry Coconut 
Ice Cream Cake
I usually am not a big ice cream cake fan. Something about soggy cake. This cake is different. It is completely no bake and features three homemade no churn ice creams, with a crust of shortbread cookies. And isn't it 
just the prettiest? 
Life Love & Sugar

Coconut Banana Cake 
This recipe is for my sister, Carole. As a child, she had our Mom make a banana cake just for her. Tieghan, the recipe author, states that if we love chocolate, coconut and banana, this is a must make. My favorite part is all of the
 gooey frosting.
Half Baked Harvest

Tres Leches Cake
Normally I am not a sheet cake kind of girl. In my view, I miss the layer of frosting that a layer cake offers. But this dairy infused cake has a tequila spiked caramel sauce. Drop the mic!
Williams Sonoma

Chocolate Cake With 
How pretty is this? I am not sure if my frosting skills are up to the ruffles, but just plain would taste the same. The frosting is actually lavender Swiss Meringue which 
sounds delightful!
 Hummingbird High

Almond Joy Layer Cake
One of My Dad's favorite candy bars. If he was here, I would make this cake for him. Truly an Instagam worthy cake. And I am sure that it tastes as good as it looks.
Sprinklebakes

Toffee Angle Food Cake

A beautiful cake with layers of whipped cream, caramel sauce, and toffee candy. How can that not be good?
Taste Of Home

Flourless Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
{ Naturally Gluten Free }
This recipe may be the winner for my birthday. To me, there is no better duo than chocolate and peanut butter.  It features ganache and peanut butter buttercream. Oh My!!
Yammie Snoshery

Flowerfetti Cake
One of the prettiest cakes I ever saw.  The texture of the cake looks fluffy and that blueberry jam delish. Get the recipe and even more pretty pictures at
Twigg Studio

Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Another one of life's special treats, in my opinion, is chocolate mousse. I adore making it! This recipe features three types of chocolate. Divine.
Life Love & Sugar

Carrot Cake With Pecan Frosting
A cake that looks just like the one my Mother made. It was one of the best cakes ever, and this recipe just might
 match hers.
Taste Of Home

 Champagne Cupcakes With Rose Hibiscus Buttercream
These are celebration-worthy, that's for sure. Just beautiful and I want some of that champagne frosting right now!

The Seaside Baker

Foodie Friday: Let Them (Me) Eat Cake!