Party Prepared: Host & Hostess Gifts

I'm trying to resist bringing you a Holiday Gift Guide before Thanksgiving. Shop This is brimming with ideas, but after discussions with friends and shoppers, each of them want to eat turkey before they start shopping. However, those Holiday parties are being planned as I type. We have several gracious invites for Thanksgiving and beyond already. So it's time to stock the gift closet and be prepared to thank your host or hostess with style.

HERE:  14 Fab Finds That Will Get You Invited Back

I-Coffee Porcelain Mug Set
Pick a color, any color or pair together. These cups sets are just the best modern mix.
Burke Decor

Ralph Lauren Coffee
There is a brand new brew in town. Here it is, your Navy Blazer of Coffee. The perfect preppy present for the coffee connoisseur. I bet no one else brings this!
Ralph Lauren

Fridge Carafe
Milk bottle inspired, this chic carafe surely is not something they already have. It fits neatly in the fridge door, and keeps cold beverages cold from fridge to desk to couch to bedside. Now on sale for 30% off. Love it in holiday red!
Shop Horn

Bittermilk Old Fashioned Drink Mix Collection
Chic cocktail parties begin with these. Raise their spirits with Bittermilk's small batch mixers. Think Charred Grapefruit, Smoked Honey Whiskey Sours,  Licorice and Spicy Old Fashions and more. Buy the bottles as a set or individually.
Dean and DeLuca

The Governor Limited Edition Extra Virgin Olive Oil
"Made in Corfu, Greece, and bottled under the provisions set forth by PGI. The packaging is done entirely by hand." Now that's quite a story. Any cook would just love this beautiful bottle.
AHAlife

Mercury Tealight Holder Set
Light up their life with a little vintage appeal. Handsome hues of orchid, blue and ivory are kissed with gold and copper. I would love these! 
Calypso St. Barth

Clustered Bell Cocktail Shaker
What a standout selection for a host or hostess. Talk about cocktail chic!
Anthropologie

Talking Tables

Dinner Distractions Party Trivia Box
Up your host's dinner game with this good looking party in a box. Includes 3 packs of 40 trivia cards. Fun!
Nordstrom

Backgammon Game Set
What to bring to game night? A shiny lacquer Backgammon Set! It's a winning selection.
 Charming Charlie's

Lunares Wishbone Ornament
Make a wish come true. This is what you bring for Thanksgiving Dinner!
Zhush

Gold Leather Coasters
Cocktails anyone? No matter where they live, uptown, downtown, or on the gold coast, luxe leather accessories are always in good taste. 
Food52

Archipelago 
Cognac Boxed Room Diffuser
Instead of a bottle, bring this. With notes of aged bourbon, amber and deep woods, this scented works well for bachelor pads and family homes. Get it now while it is half price at
Neiman Marcus Last Call

L'Objet
Snake Gold-Plated Magnifying Glass
Clearly chic. Who couldn't use a little bit of magnification (7X that is)? A lovely gift that they will never put away. 
Neiman Marcus

Personalized Slate Cheese Board
A personalized gift is always an appreciated one.  If you already know you are going to their party, order this less than $40 gift now.
Swoozies

Save 20% with Code: THANKFUL20
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Thanksgiving Dinner Part Two: No Ordinary Bird ~ Turkey Recipes & Cooks Tools

(Via Inslee Designs)

This is the 2nd post in a 3 week Thanksgiving series.  Last Friday, sensational sides were featured. After years of making the same turkey and cream gravy recipes, aren't you ready to be a little adventurous? Being a creative cook, recipes really bore me. What I do instead, and welcome you to do the same, is to find 3 or 4 recipes that sound good. Then I fuse what I think are the "best of" all the ingredients into my own turkey.  So here's a roundup of unique recipes and terrific tools that are anything but ordinary!

Pomegranate and Molasses Glazed Turkey

A picture perfect platter of turkey! Pomegranate makes everything better during the holidays!

Food Network

BBQ Turkey With Blackberry Jalapeno Sauce

Heather has taken a turkey breast, barbecued it, and added the most delicious sauce. The addition of the smokey turkey, spicy pepper and sweet blackberries just sounds over the top to me!
Heather Christo

American Maple Carving Board with Handles
A beautiful board "designed and crafted in Boston by Boston HandyWorks, a program which assists men and women who have been homeless and are working to rebuild their lives."
Food52

Beer Can Turkey

Why stop at Beer Can Chicken? It is good to know that roasting or Grilling a turkey vertically helps keep the breast moist. This recipes produces the best looking mahogany colored turkey!

Serious Eats

Fishs Eddy Gilded Serving Platter
Inspired by place settings of old hotels, West Elm collaborated with NYC'S iconic home store, Fishs Eddy, to create this stylish serving platter. I think it will mix with many dinnerware patterns. It's on sale at
West Elm

Bacon Wrapped Turkey
Several years ago I tried a bacon wrapped turkey, and though it tasted good, it certainly didn't look like this! In fact, the turkey skin itself didn't brown very well. Here's a great video that shows you how to do it.
Huffington Post

Langholm Carving Set
If carving at the table, you need this set! It is presented in a wonderful wooden box. Lovely!
Anthropologie

Mario Batali’s Stuffed Turkey 
Have your butcher help you with the de-boning and butterflying.  I have stuffed many a turkey breast with great success. They make a very good looking dish. This one is stuffed with so many good things!
Parade's Community Table

Pumpkin Glazed Turkey Legs
I would have to be pretty darn hungry to eat the dark meat of turkey or any fowl. That being said, this recipe does tempt!
Bakeaholic Mama

Bouchon Bistro Roast Turkey
Now this is different! The turkey has been cut into pieces to maximize flavor and texture.  The presentation is just genius!
Saveur

Dual Sensing Probe Thermometer
This terrific thermometer is so cool, it's hot! It measures both the temperature of the oven and the temperature of the food being cooked. Genius!
Food52

Soy Sauce and Honey Glazed Turkey
This turkey is marinated and basted with soy, sesame, honey and ginger, giving it superb flavor and a beautiful mahogany color.
Food and Wine

Cider Glazed Turkey
A buttery cider glaze sounds more interesting than your typical flour gravy. A glaze also always gives your bird the best coloring. Yum!
Epicurious

Roast Turkey With Madeira Truffle Butter
This recipe had me at Truffle! With that one single ingredient, let alone the wine, this recipe instantly elevates a turkey. I know that rubbing the butter under the skin works, as this is how I do my own bird.
Saveur

 Black Truffle Paste
If you are making the above Turkey recipe from Saveur, and can't get your hands on a black truffle, this paste will do. Use in your antipasto, sauces, pasta, risotto, vegetables, and to finish meats. Have you ever had truffle mashed potatoes? To die for!
Dean & Deluca

Roast Citrus Turkey
Orange, lemons, fresh sage and brown sugar. How could this not be delicious?
Williams-Sonoma

Flavor Injector
Play doctor with your turkey. I have always wanted one of these. Save 20% with Code: FRIENDS Only at...
Williams-Sonoma

Bourbon Glazed Turkey

A Southern spin on the traditional recipe. It's rubbed with  chili, garlic, onion, and mustard butter, then basted continually with a bourbon, apple cider, and brown sugar. I think this recipe must be tried. Family?

Pop Sugar

Green Chile Butternut Squash and Turkey Enchiladas with Crispy Sage
And this is what you do with the leftover turkey!
Half Baked Harvest

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~ Helpful Tips ~

Everything You Need To Know About Turkey Brining

Food52

Choosing The Right Size Turkey

Martha Stewart

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking a Turkey
The Kitchn

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Picture Perfect: Holiday Looks For The Kiddos

Today's inspiration comes from the Childrensalon darling children's clothing blog, Tiny Times.  They had a cute behind the scenes post about their Christmas Holiday Shoot. This made me think back to my own family Holiday photo cards, and all of those special outfits that "Ms. Shop This" wore. Today, In this edit, find the both the card and a special outfit.

                    
HERE: Picture Perfect Looks & Cards

Hucklebones
This dress was made for twirling with its' tulle lining. So stylish in a delicious duchess satin.
Childrensalon

Ralph Lauren Childrenswear
We can dress the boys up without a suit and tie, although Ralph Lauren has those, too. Find a comfy collection of soft sweaters and stylish shirts that will take him through the season.
Ralph Lauren

Holiday Jammies
Now that's a photo op! Find matching PJ's and long johns for the entire family, from the littlest gnomes to Mom and Dad.
Hanna Andersson

Bright Be Merry
Modern merriment! And there is room for more photos inside and back.
Shutterfly

Enjoy up to 50% off select Cards. Code SENDCHEER Ends 11/15

Lemon Loves Romper
Soft and snuggly pima cotton creates the sassiest little outfit.
Childrensalon

Andy & Evan
Puppy love. A casual and comfy look that is as cute as a button in Christmas colors.
Neiman Marcus

Colorful Letters Joy Card

In living color!

Paper Source

30% Off Paper Source Exclusive Personalized Holiday Cards!

Armani Junior
If I had a boy, I would have been all over this line of chic clothing for boys. You will find over 450 styles at
Childrensalon

Glitter Party Look
Head to toe adorable. Get all of the delicious details to this party perfect outfit.
I Love Gorgeous

Crystal Laser Cuts

I love the mix of silver and gold.

Tiny Prints

Save 25% off all orders or 30% off orders of $149+ Code NOVSW30  Ends Tonight

Ralph Lauren Suit

For dapper dudes ages 4 - 7. 

Neiman Marcus

Simply Put By Ashley Woodman
Simple and chic. Love!
Tiny Prints

Save 25% off all orders or 30% off orders of $149+ Code NOVSW30  Ends Tonight

Casilda & Jimena 

Fancy pants! Oh my, how I love this little number. It has it all going on - fur, alpaca and brocade. 

Neiman Marcus

Splendid Serenity

Pretty in pink. Love the simple expression of joy.

Tiny Prints

Save 25% off all orders or 30% off orders of $149+ Code NOVSW30  Ends Tonight

Kate Spade Tuxedo Pants, Bow Sweatshirt And Pink Party Dress
 The perfect photo shoot props! Not every Holiday occasion needs to be celebrated with red. She will love the tuxedo pants and bowed top for her next birthday party during the season. The pink party dress takes her anywhere. Get the looks at
Bloomingdale's

Velvet Blazer and Newsboy Cap 
Perfect for any stylish soiree. Compared to some styles, this is an affordable option. 
Posh Tots

Stripes Holiday Card

Clean and contemporary, this style compliments a black and white photo perfectly.

Paper Source

30% Off Paper Source Exclusive Personalized Holiday Cards!

The Tiny Universe
She's having her own Kodak moment in this chic and comfy dress. It's a good one to add to her Holiday wardrobe as it is quite affordable. 
Childrensalon

Love Made Love Coat
Made for Winter walks and family outings, this haute hooded coat is just as pretty as a rose. 
Alex and Alexa

Billionaire Black Velvet Blazer
The name of the line is appropriate given the style, quality and price of this handsome jacket! 
Childrensalon

Dsquared Leather Jacket
For the hippest girls with an unlimited budget. In sizes 4 - 16. I want one!
Melijoe 

Gilded Garland

Add your own greeting to this dazzling card.

Shutterfly

Enjoy up to 50% off select Cards. Code SENDCHEER Ends 11/15

Oscar De La Renta Jacket
For the classic child. A jacket that is party perfect all Winter long.
Zappos Couture
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