Party season is upon us and this year I vow to be more prepared. In an attempt to avoid the almost obligatory holiday anxiety, I’ve created a checklist to tick off over the next two weeks. There are always surprises when it comes to the holidays, but perhaps this list can take a little bit of the guesswork out of it.
1. Stock up on Hostess Gifts
It is the worst feeling when you’re about to head out the door for a party and realize you have nothing to bring with you! Buy at least 5-7 small tokens of your gratitude right now to avoid that guilt. I love giving something both pretty and useful.
Notepads:
Pretty notepads from Scriptura and Alexa Pulitzer look lovely atop a festive kitchen counter. And of course, help keep your holiday lists (there will be plenty) going strong.
Place Cards:
Place cards are often overlooked when there are a million things going on. Gifting them to friends will help them stay one step ahead of the game. I like this fun-for-all-seasons place card at Betty Hunley Designs or this festive version at Sparkle & Swag.
Bar Accoutrements:
For the cocktail enthusiast, the vermouth olives, bourbon cocktail cherries, and “12 Bottle Bar Book” at Nola Boards are a fun little treat. Even these little bites from Sparkle & Swag or jingle bell bottle opener from Anthroplogie are fun to have around the bar.
Gift Wrap:
Who doesn’t adore pretty wrapping paper? It seems cliché and slightly early, but I love to give gift wrap accessories for the upcoming holiday season. People hesitate to buy these for themselves but will use them liberally when received as a gift. The green marble or magnolia options at Lionheart Prints are modern designs with a classic feel. This toile Hanukkah toile paper is so cute too!
Scented Delights:
The familiar smell of the holidays is as important as the décor. Give a friend a festive scent that will waft through their home like a holiday tune. The holiday scented Wax Melts from The Collective Shop or these incense sticks from Sotre will do the job. Don’t forget fresh herbs can run double duty providing both smell and seasoning. While doing your own garden shopping, grab a Rosemary Cone or throw some fresh mint in a small pot from Perino’s.
2. Invest in Festive/Useful Entertaining Supplies for Your Home
Sure, it would be nice if someone else gave you that Christmas cake plate you’ve been eyeing, but that could take a while. So, be proactive and just grab one for yourself before it’s too late. All you ever really need are a couple of on-theme serving pieces or kitchen décor to conjure the holiday spirit. It’s those little details you’ll remember year after year.
Go casual classic with the Berry and Thread North Pole Collection at Friend & Co or the Southern Living Christmas Tree Plates at Dillard’s. If you host a slightly more formal occasion, the porcelain plates by Ginori 1735 collection are a lovely winter green and can be used for non-holiday gatherings. The Annie Glass oval platter or crystal cake plate (both at Adler’s) add luxury to any holiday table.
3. Make Your Wrap Game Strong
Hopefully you have leftover wrap from last year, but if not you’ll want something pretty when the time comes. Gift stickers are a quick and easy way to leave your mark. I like this classic gift sticker at Betty Hunley Designs but there are plenty to choose from to fit your personal style. Another option for labeling is a holiday gift tag. These Nutcracker gift tags,at Judy or these Hannukah gift tags at Saks work for whichever holiday you are celebrating.
Don’t forget the ribbon! Both the pretty velvet ribbons at Lionheart Prints or this sustainable, plastic free ribbon at Vintage Green Review fit the bill.
Sale & Event Picks:
Nov. 3: 20% off at Audubon Dermatology (Buy gift cards in $100 increments and an extra 20% is added), Audubon Dermatology
Nov. 2-3: J. Landa Jewelry Pop Up, Em’s Boutique
Nov. 3-7: Iris Setlakwe Trunk Show at Ballin’s (Dante Street)
Pheasant Cocktail Napkins, Alexa Pulitzer
Bourbon Cocktail Cherries, Nola Boards
“12 Bottle Bar Book”, Nola Boards
Cocktail Bites for Sparkling Wine, Sparkle & Swag
Festival of Lights Candle, Saks
Serving Tray, Adler’s
Hanukkah Gift Tags, Saks
Marble Wrapping Paper, Lionheart Prints
Le Creuset Mini Cocotte, Saks
Star Dinner Candles, Saks
Ginori 1735 Oval Platter, Saks
Dreidel Paper Napkins, Hazelnut
Nutcracker Hand Towel, Miss Smarty Pants
Velvet Ribbon on Wood Spool, Lionheart Prints
Champagne Flutes, Moda Operandi
Juliska Tree Tray, Friend & Co
Jingle Bell Bottle Opener, Anthroplogie
Coasters, Hilltop Shoppe
