Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Newly Wed-nesday: Something for the Bachelorette

The big day is coming and it's time to treat the bride-to-be to some girl time with her maids and friends. Although the typical gag gift is likely, it seems a waste to give the bachelorette a lot of novelty shop junk. There are other ways to show her with playful and romantic goodies that won't make everyone in the room cringe with awkwardness.
zoeschochocolate.com
Chocolate has long been considered an aphrodisiac. Zoë's Chocolates, which is the exclusive chocolatier of the 2013 Academy Awards, is a company based on love and chocolate. They have creative flavors like, Dionysus Baklava, Black Daphne Chocolate, and Pinot Noir Infused Fleur de Sel Milk Chocolate Caramel, made from natural and locally sourced ingredients. 
tokyo-milk.com
Objects to desire, that's what TokyoMilk calls their unexpected blends. With lip balms like, Dead Sexy, Cherry Bourban and Clove Cigarette, you understand why this collection is called Femme Fatale. "Not for the faint of heart: An unexpected mixture of fragrance & flavor. A remarkable lip elixir for a remarkably uncommon experience."
Sephora.com

For the bride and her honey bee, dip into some of Laura Mercier's Ambre Vanillé Bath & Body Collection featuring the Honey Bath. "The finish is soft, intimate, and absolutely addictive."

boldloft.com
Adorable! His and hers pillow cases featuring stick people in love. They are also available in t-shirt form and in black. Definitely no going to bed mad with these happy reminders.

Etsy.com
Eliminate the old debate of what to do on date night. These handmade dating dice are hand drawn, laser imprinted and burned with suggestions for the newlyweds day or night out. 

Hey, it's usually not a bachelorette party unless someone gets a little crazy. These gifts will be thoughtful reminders to the new bride of her last big single hoo-rah and maybe the only thing anyone ever speaks of again. (My stars!) Ta!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Design Day Friday: Cupid's Tabletop

I'm just going to start off by getting it out there...Valentine's Day can get a little tacky...its true. If not done well, your dinner party can go from romantic and whimsical to gaudy and overdone. As I have said before, I am not a matchy-matchy girl. You can give your table a holiday feel without looking like someone threw up hearts everywhere. Valentine's Day is about setting a mood. I've got some last minute decor items that you can add to your sweetheart table. From a practical side, they are also essentials for year round entertaining, even if only for two. (wink.)
Hearts are, of course, a must for V-day. Much like romance, however, sometimes it is best to be subtle. The  ink print on the napkins is a twist on the typical. The small heart shaped plates are a accent to place atop a large dinner plate or as a side or bread plate, even better if you are serving appetizers.  No meal exudes romance without the glow of candlelight. These lacy candle holders give girly softness and project a cutout diffused light across your tabletop. Red wine goblets add some race-y rouge to your toast of love. Finally, try not to make it too chic-i-fied.  Natural color and fibers add a masculine earthy vibe. The burlap style tablecloth has just enough ruffle. The wood handled flatware are beautiful and the personalized wooden cutting/serving board is a symbol of a long and solid relationship. Finally no festival of the heart is complete without sweets for your sweet like these red velvet whoopie pies. Happy Romance! Ta!

Ikea.com
Worldmarket.com
Etsy.com
Etsy.com
 
Macys.com

Restaurantware.com
Surlatable.com

Crateandbarrel.com

Monday, February 4, 2013

Gifts For Guys: Get Personal With Books

Valentine's Day is around the corner. Let's be honest, there are hundreds of ideas and marketing campaigns targeting women, but finding a unique present for your guy may find you kinda stuck. I think the most impact a gift of any kind has on its receiver is making it truly personal. Valentine's Day is a time to show your fella that you have been paying attention. Ask yourself, what is important or interesting to him? Now, how do you translate that into a gift? The answer is a book. The possibilities are endless. Even better there are gazillion beautiful collectible or "coffee table" books. Not only are they wonderful to explore, they can actually be displayed in your home, in the man cave, or in his office. I checked out a family owned book shop, The Morris Book Shop in Lexington, KY and here are a few suggestions:

The Fender Telecaster: The Life & Times of the Electric Guitar That Changed the World

Star Wars Art: Illustration

Whiskey Opus

The Art of Video Games: From Pac-Man to Mass Effect



Brought to Light: Photography and the Invisible, 1840-1900

Motorcycle: The Definitive Visual History

The Great American Cereal Book: How Breakfast Got Its Crunch

Thats just the tip of the book stack. No matter the topic, I am certain there is a fabulous book out there that is a perfect token of your affection. Shop local, if possible, you will enjoy the experience and they will be happy to help you find exactly what fits. Finally, whenever I give a book I always write a message inside. For years to come, your Valentine will read the inscription and appreciate that you took the time to get-him.  “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ― Winston Churchill. May the love of those closest to you be the biggest gift you receive this Valentine's Day. Ta! THM