Happy Hosting: It's All About The Details

As any "hostess with the mostest" knows, it's all about the details when hosting a party. Now that your invites are out, it's time to get party prepared. 

HERE:  13 Party Perfect Picks

Extra Large Ice Bucket

"Classy on the outside. Cool on the inside." This pretty piece will add a touch of glam to your Holiday parties and all events beyond.

Food52

Tina Frey Designs

Craft a cocktail and serve it with style.

Barneys New York

Gold Confetti Crackers

A good Christmas Cracker adds festive fun to the table. Inside these mini crackers find 1 wine glass charm, 1 party hat, 1 joke, and confetti. 

Paper Source

Doma Serving Set

As with a good outfit, accessories are key for the table top, too. This five piece set is sleek, modern and super shiny!

Anthropologie

Fringe Firecracker Party Picks

Add a pop of pizazz to your party platters and drinks.

Food52

Crackle Glassware

When entertaining a crowd, you just cannot have too many champagne glasses. Available in Gold, Teal, Smoke, or Purple, these glasses are priced to buy in bulk.

Pier One

Handmade Tamales

When planning a cocktail party, it is important to vary your food offerings and to make them memorable. A tamale will get them talking. I have personally had these and can say they are just fab and really fun! 

Neiman Marcus

Code HOLIDAY will save you $$$ Click above for details.

LED Light Up Rings

Set the tone for your party without saying a word. Aren't these fabulous?

West Elm

New Years Photo Booth Props

With or without the booth, these playful props will add just the right pop to any party selfie!

Big Dot Of Happiness At Etsy

Kate Spade Larabee Dots Stemware

Sold in sets for your party of four. No one does whimsy better than Kate!

Macy's

Save 25% With Code: FRIEND. Ends 12/10

Gold Glitter Knife Set

Your cheese plate will sparkle with these super stylish servers. They also make the best gift.

Zhush

Seffra Linen Cocktail Napkins

Paper napkins are fine, and there are some fun ones out there, but nothing beats a lovely linen napkin. You will be surprised by the cost of these sets of six. Choose a color to match your decor and use them for the holidays and beyond.

Neiman Marcus

Bittermilk Mixers

Chances are your party will include a crafted cocktail or two. Stock up on these small batch concoctions to really wow your guests. Think charred grapefruit tonic, smoked honey whiskey sours, and more. 

Dean and DeLuca

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~ And ~

Party Prepared: Host & Hostess Gifts

Insta-Worthy Gifts For Teen Girls

(Via PB Teen)

I'm back after a celebration in NYC for the birthday of "Mr. Shop This." Teen girls are something I know about. They are fun, fabulous, and a bit frustrating. They love their friends, makeup, good hair days, and Instagram.  This Gift Guide covers her list and then some. 



HERE:  15 Terrific Teen Girl Gifts

Fujifilm Instax Share Smart Phone Printer
One of Oprah's favorite things, and it will be hers, too. It's "insta" gratification for every selfie. This little device runs on batteries and provides real time printed pictures on the go. Old school cool!
Amazon

Kate Spade Paparazzo Accessories
She's always taking pics. Now she can look like a pro with pretty little accessories.  Shop the photo below

Camera iPhone Case   Steal The Spotlight Keychain 
Big Picture Photo Album

DIY Molten Lip Gloss
Oh what fun! This is her next sleepover activity.
Uncommon Goods

Under Cover Set
Beauty rest, she can't have too much of it. This little set is a perfect pick for any college coed.
Free People

Plaid It up Tights
I bet she's mad for plaid, but doesn't have these. Talk about a stocking stuffer!
Nasty Gal

Kate Spade New York Phone Case

Anything to make them smile, right? A bejeweled emoticon does the trick, and gives a bit of attitude (as if she doesn't have enough) to this hard shell case.

Nordstrom

The Lock Satchel
A classic and chic carryall has been reimagined with the teen in mind. Add a furry charm and the bag becomes even more fun.
Charming Charlie

Chalk Frame Wall Decal
Her room is her world. These removable and reusable decals will allow her to express herself with positive affirmations. Great for dorm rooms, too.
Amazon

One Of Oprah's Favorite Things
She'll live in these Oprah approved and super cozy sweatshirts. But if she would rather a tee, you can find that too at
Peace Love World

Dry Bar Good Hair To All Set

A bad hair day can ruin a really great selfie! A limited edition that has all of the tools to get the look, the shine, and the healthy hair that she strives for.
Sephora

Ikat Monogram Letters
Boho Chic, bright and just right for her room or locker. 
Anthropologie

Faux Fur Collarless Jacket
Faux but fabulous, and oh so affordable.
ASOS

Friends X Headphone Sets
If she loves a little "Hotline" bling, she'll love these sparkly haute headphones which come as a set with matching earrings. 
Bauble Bar

UGG'S
She probably already has a pair in the classic chestnut color, and lives in them! This year gift her with a pair to match her colorful personality. 
UGG Australia

Rifle Paper Co. Notebook Set

This gift will make her take note of your excellent taste. A stylish set perfect for class notes or shopping lists

Shoptiques





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Foodie Friday: Holiday Baking & Gifts For Bakers

The Holidays are here, and I have baking on my mind. The month of December takes me back to my childhood when my Mother had those wonderful tins filled with cookies like above The rum balls (we call them truffles now) seven layer bars, and every sinful treat you could think of were the magic of Christmas! My mind also goes to my two loves, "Mr. and Ms. Shop This," who both have December birthdays. So there are two special cakes to be made in my future. Time to get baking! Enjoy these yummy recipes and great gifts for bakers.

Grapefruit And Coconut Cream Cheese Cake
{Gluten Free and Refined Sugar Free}
What a beautiful cake, and so different, too! Miss Shop This, what do you think, birthday worthy?
Tasse D'amour

Beautiful Briny Sea Sugar
Any baker worth their salt would just love experimenting with these special sugars. Choose from three fabulous flavors. An online exclusive at
Anthropologie

Colorful 3 D Christmas Tree Cookies
Oh Christmas Tree! What a fun project for the entire family. It isn't as hard as it looks. made from a perfect sugar cookie recipe. 
She Knows

Marble Pastry Board & Rolling Pin
The cool surface of the marble, keeps dough from sticking. Both pieces make beautiful bakers gifts alone or paired together.
Sur La Table

Lemon Coconut Cake
Ahhh, memories! My Mom made coconut cake twice a year, at Christmas and at Easter. They were my favorites, and this cake looks so much like hers. It's a simple classic cake that is so delicious.
Southern Living

Vegan Coconut Truffles
Said to be "insanely delicious," these candies are as pretty as can be. What a beautiful bite to have at the end of a meal or with your afternoon tea.
Heather Christo

Copper, Brass, and Enamel Louise Bowls
The baker will love whipping egg whites in these beautiful bowls. In fact they are so good looking, they most likely never put them away. 
Food52

Caramel Pecan Bars
One of my favorite things is pecan pie, so these bars are right up my alley. What a nice treat.
Food and Wine

Walnut Cake Stand
I loved the sleek and classic look of this handcrafted walnut and corian stand. It is sturdy enough to hold as many layers as the baker wants to bake.
Food52

Mocha Coconut Fudge
I make fudge as gifts every Christmas. Mine is delish, if I say so myself, but I plan on changing things up this year and try this recipe.
How Sweet Eats

KitchenAid Artisan Series
The gold  (well, copper) standard in stand mixers! It is a dream gift for any baker. Now on Sale at
Macy's

Save an Extra 10% With Code: FRIEND During Macy's Friends & Family Sale

Eggnog Scented Sugar Cookies With Vanilla Icing
Aren't these so fun? Christmas cookies are suppose to look like this. The recipe had me with the words "eggnog scented." Yum!
Half Baked Harvest

Nordic Heirloom Cookie Stamp Set
These are just beautiful! A cookie baker must have.
Sur La Table

 Espresso Marshmallows
Oh My!  All we need is a roaring fire, a sheepskin rug, some brandy and these marshmallows! Well, maybe some hot cocoa, too.
Gourmet Traveller

Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Cake
What a stunning addition to any dessert table. This recipe takes the cake! The peppermint decorations are meringue kisses. Sweet.
The Kitchen McCabe

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies
This recipe is said to be very easy, so do get the kiddies involved in smooshing the centers with their thumbprints.
Foodie Crush

MacKenzie-Childs Cookie Jar
Treats will keep fresh and look fabulous in this glass jar with a hand-painted lid. Nicely priced!
Neiman Marcus

Layered Peppermint Cheesecake
 Sour Cream Cake Layers, Peppermint Cheesecake and White Chocolate Mousse Frosting: pure decadence! 
My Recipes

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
A blissful combination of chocolate and mint with a little ganache thrown in for marvelous measure.
My Baking Addiction

Baking Basics Set
Food is love. That's my motto, and this gift is for the baker who loves to prepare baked goods. It's a collection of fun finds, that anyone would love.
Dean and DeLuca

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