Merry Everything

I love this festive goop clip featuring Gwyneth Paltrow & Michael Kors. Sure, it’s contrived, but there’s a cute outtake at the end… And Paltrow is just so chic, as is her gorgeous, aspirational kitchen.

Eat, drink & be merry!

A

P.S. Kors says his favorite pasta dish is Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. Justin and I have seen him dining at (perhaps) his favorite Italian restaurant (and our secret date spot) I Sodi.

Wrappers Delight

As discussed here and here I love paper goods. But one particular paper I often forgo: wrapping paper. It seems like such a hassle, when you can just wrap your present in some tissue paper and place it in a gift bag. However, this holiday season I’m really appreciating good old-fashioned wrapping paper. And I really like the particular look of brown paper with a hint of greenery or a pop of pink. See below for some Pinspiration I found on, where else, Pinterest. 

Plus, you really can't beat the tangible excitement of ripping open a beautifully wrapped gift. And although I don't technically celebrate Christmas, something tells me it wouldn't be quite as special with a bunch of gift bags beneath the tree. 

If you’re wrapping some goodies on the night before X-mas, check out this link to complimentary gift tags, courtesy of Social Assembly via Daily Candy.

A

{Images via Pinterest & Social Assembly/Daily Candy}

Wedding Gifts

My friend Danny recently asked me and Justin for wedding gift ideas. Danny was brainstorming a gift for his brother and new sister-in-law, and he was stumped. He said our ideas, based on some awesome gifts we were fortunate enough to receive and also feedback from other married friends, were helpful. Below are some favorites:

Coravin

Before my brother Todd called to ask if we would want a Coravin, Justin and I had never heard of it. (Todd is always ahead of the curve when it comes to tech, gadgets, wine, etc.) I was skeptical at first. The Coravin is an instrument that removes a small amount of wine from a wine bottle, without having to uncork the bottle. It’s mind-blowing. It’s revolutionary. I don’t get it. But Todd assured me it would work, and it does. And it’s perfect when you want just a glass of wine, but don’t want to open a good bottle.

Faux Fur Throw

As discussed here, our new faux fur throw is awesome.

Personalized Map Print

My sister and brother-in-law got us a thoughtful piece of wall art. It’s a cutout of a United States map with delicate hearts placed in Wisconsin (where Justin and I met at college and became close friends), New York (where we currently reside) and California (where we got married). The print lists our wedding date below the map image. It’s a wonderful addition to our embarrassingly mostly bare walls.

Ketubah (Obviously for Jewish couples only)

Justin and I picked out and purchased our own Ketubah, but my bestie Rachel has a beautiful tradition among her siblings: They give each other Ketubahs as wedding presents. What makes a wedding contract more special than it already is? If it’s a gift from family (or friends). And Ketubahs can be pretty pricey, so if people pitch in it can make a really great gift.

Anything off a Wedding Registry

While towels may not turn you on, a couple registers for what they want (and need). My brother Todd said he didn’t want to get us anything remotely domestic (in his eyes, lame), and I’m happy he didn’t. (I’m currently sipping on a Coravin-ed glass of wine.) But in general couples are thrilled to receive items off their registries.

Anything off a Honeymoon Registry

Justin and I didn’t do a honeymoon registry, but some recently marrieds recommend it. Friends and family can order the happy couple anything from a romantic dinner to a snorkel trip, and the bride & groom end up getting the funds to use as they see fit.

A

P.S.  Read about engagement gifts here. 

[Photo via Jose Villa/Style Me Pretty]

Puzzled

Jigsaw puzzles remind me of my sweet Grandpa Riis. When he was a little more ‘with it’ but not quite mobile he would spend lots of time putting together puzzle pieces. Until recently I wouldn’t have thought to buy a puzzle for myself. I don’t have too much free time outside of work, blogging and Breaking Bad J But I happened to see an especially cool puzzle at Crate & Barrel. C & B is randomly and awesomely having the coolest items this holiday season. And cool puzzles can definitely make for unique gifts. I gave myself (and my husband) the gift of this particular Paris map puzzle, as ‘research’ for a Paris trip I hope to plan at some point soon.

I was home sick recently and without my better half, so I couldn’t give into my current addiction of Breaking Bad. (Have I mentioned we’re watching Breaking Bad?) So I broke out the Paris puzzle. It took about two hours to turn the 1,000 pieces right side up. It’s going to be a little more challenging, not to mention time-consuming, than I had anticipated. But I’m up for the challenge. And I’m feeling extra motivated to start researching our next move, so we’ll have a big enough table to accommodate the 19” x 27” completed map of The City of Light.

A

(Paris illustration by Stephannie Barba illustration + stationery/Couture Maps)

The Nutcracker

In addition to this awesome Hanukah gift, my husband gave me (us) tickets to see The Nutcracker this year. It wasn’t out of the blue; I’d been saying for the past few years how much I loved The Nutcracker as a kid. I remembered the show as a magical, heart-warming ballet. And my memory served correct. We went this past Friday and the production was nothing short of fantastic. A little girl sitting near us couldn’t help but comment throughout the show, and she got especially excited about the snow floating onto to the stage: “How do they do that?! It must be magic… It’s real magic!” she quite audibly whispered, much to the delight of all the adults around her. She unabashedly said what we were all thinking. Pure magic.

A

P.S. More on magic here.

Photo Booth in a Box

My prediction (and oh-so-subtle hint) proved true and my hubby gave me this awesome throwback camera for Hanukah. We brought the Polaroid-esque piece to our Second Annual Holiday Dinner with Justin’s high school friends and their better halves aka some of my best girlfriends and the instant camera was an instant hit. And what sweetened the experience was a surprise “x-mas booth” in a box I brought to the party. I had seen the fun accessories set while checking out at Crate & Barrel last week and I deemed it perfect for upcoming holiday festivities. We had the best time passing around the silly props and snapping pics with the instax. The x-mas booth box reads, “Add a touch of ho! ho! ho! to your parties,” and it certainly does. See below for a few of our ho! ho! ho! instant camera pics.

Happy Holidays!

A

2013 Gift Guide

Still planning your Secret Santa or Hanukah Harry party? Here are a few fun gift ideas, just in time for gift-exchange gatherings.

  

Cards Against Humanity

As discussed here, Cards Against Humanity is a seriously fun party game. I feel really old and kind of lame promoting a card game as weekend entertainment, but these days I’m much more interested in attending a dinner party than a crowded club. I’d rather spend quality time with close friends than have awkward conversations with strangers looking to get lucky. That being said, I’m totally up for the awkward conversations initiated by this non-PC but fun for everyone card game.

L.L. Bean Tote

I recently bought myself this particular version of the L.L. Bean classic tote. I’d had my eye on this bag for years, ever since I saw a chic boss with it. It’s great as a gym bag (or yoga studio tote!) or even as a weekend carryall. Plus, the fatigue print goes with everything and is somehow still on trend. I’m betting this bag will be on trend for years to come.

[The Bag, With L.L. Bean's Suggested Contents]

Instant Camera

I love a good old-fashioned camera. In fact lately I’m the only person at parties sporting a digital camera. Everyone is of course using his/her iPhone to snap selfies. And not too long ago I was the only one snapping pics on a disposable camera. My friend Jae recently brought her Fujifilm instax 210 to the office and my colleagues and I had a blast taking funny photos and watching them develop. I gushed about the instant camera to my hubby and I have a feeling we’ll have a new cool camera to break out at upcoming holiday celebrations.

J. Crew Waffle-Stich Infinity Scarf

Infinity scarves are totally in right now. My mother-in-law, who is much more fashion-forward than I, confirmed it recently. And I’m seeing these scarves everywhere. But before they were uber cool my friend Sweet Melissa (as I call her) was sporting a grey infinity scarf from the Gap, and also a burgundy one knitted by her sweet grandmother. Melissa’s scarves always looked so cozy and warm. I finally invested in this one this season.

There’s currently a 25% off promotion on J. Crew; just enter promo code “GETGIFTING.”

The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert

I inherited a love of wine from my dad. I did not, however, inherit his discerning palette or easy ability to describe a wine’s flavor let alone vintage. My husband is in the same boat. We did a blind tasting with my father and our fam, and Justin guessed “red grapes” for each wine he tried. This book would be a fun addition to our coffee table collection, and could teach us a thing or two about how to actually describe our drink of choice.

The Martha Beck Collection: Essays for Creating Your Right Life, Volume One

“Have you been hoarding Martha’s O, The Oprah Magazine column clippings for years like we have?” Reads the marthabeck.com “Books & Products” page. And my answer is a resounding, “YES, YES I have!” I may be the only person I know who would embrace this gift with wide-open arms, or maybe I’m just the only one not too embarrassed to admit it. Regardless, Beck is my life coach via her columns, books, blogs and daily inspiration emails. I’ll take all the advice I can get :)

Happy gifting!

A

P.S. Don’t forget about these tremendously helpful tools!