LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS

Need a little last minute inspiration for gifts this season? Technically, it is a little early to say last minute, but as a gal who is usually done before Thanksgiving, I'm feeling a little behind. I did a round up of some of my favorite gift ideas over on HOUZZ.com that are under $150. Simple, easy and awesome! I wouldn't mind getting any one of these goodies...hint, hint. Of course my gift ideas would even work for last minute holiday party ideas to spruce up your home or something to snag while out shopping for after the merriment.  Either way, check out my fun little round up of home decor, because everything in your life is worth celebrating.

Here is a little sneak peek, for the full list and sources check out my ideabook on HOUZZ.

PARTY FAVORITES: SHAUNA OF CONFETTI POP

It's here, it's here the holiday season. Oh wait, you already knew that? It's another post in our PARTY FAVORITES series, now in HOLIDAY form. Break out the tinsel and let's get merry! If you are new around here, Party Favorites is a sneak peek into what is really in everyone's party stash to throw their signature AWESOME bashes. Let's have a bit of fun with the second half of the amazing team over at CONFETTI POP, where DIYs and design come to party, the talented Shauna Younge. It's no wonder that the pictures are so amazing over at Confetti Pop, she's an amazing desserts table stylist and former food columnist. Let's peek into her holiday entertaining secrets, shall we?

Favorite tree: real or fake?  If real: flocked or plain? If fake: white, silver or green? A fake, green, pre-lit tree with pinecones. I know, pretty specific, huh? But that's my current tree. I've always had faux ones when I was growing up, and my husband always had real ones. Every year, we debate finally getting a real one, but the allure of an instant tree is too tempting for me to resist. 

Favorite color palette for Thanksgiving? Plum, magenta, and navy with some white to make it really pop. Even though it's not traditional for Fall, those deep jewel tones always remind me of thick, luxe fabrics that I want to snuggle into and watch a cheesy Lifetime movie marathon.

Favorite color palette for Christmas? Pink and gold. I'm still determined to make this happen some year soon. I finally scooped up the West Elm gold flatware and some gold ornaments. I just need to find the perfect soft pink ornaments to finish the look. I'm starting to think I'll have to DIY some to get the look I want.

Chargers: Yes or no? Are there anti-charger people?!? Who are these Philistines? I love chargers! You can grab an inexpensive all-white plate set from IKEA and dress them up differently for each event with the right charger. They make a great transition piece as your eye travels across the tablescape.  

 Placesettings: matching or mixed dishes? I love the look of mixed place settings, because it breaks of the uniformity of the table and adds a bit of whimsy and unexpectedness. I also think it alleviates the pressure of having a perfectly matched, coordinated set. If you find four fabulous plates on clearance, grab them. Don't worry that you don't have a full set. Mix it with something else you love. 

 Tablecloth or runner? Both! If I had to pick just one, I'd say tablecloth. It's a quick way to totally transform even a crusty old card table with hideous legs into a surface worthy of a fancy dinner. With a runner, you really still need a beautiful table in a palette-friendly hue to make it work for your party. 

 Favorite Christmas song? Without question, This Christmas. Every year, we'd travel to my Grandma's house and I swear every radio station between Illinois and Mississippi would play that song at least twice an hour. Every time I hear it, I'm transported to that time again. I love every version, the Chris Brown one, the Mariah Carey one, the 98 Degrees one. I'm not picky when it comes to that song. One year, I even designed our Christmas cards to feature lyrics of the song. After all, "Loving each other's what makes the season bright."

Thank you so much for coming Shauna! What a wonderful set of tips you have shared with us! Check out Confetti Pop for oodles of cool Christmas crafts for your holiday fete! xo

Don't forget about entering to win a FREE notebook to get organized from our friends over at Martha Stewart! Enter here, the contest ends at noon PST!

Oh, and speaking of entering, did you know we are on DAY 5 of 24 Merry Days? Go check out what kind of amazingness you can enter to win today!

 

PARTY FAVORITES: MADDY OF CONFETTI POP

It's that time of year again, and as a self-proclaimed crazy Christmas lady, I can only really hold out so far. It's here again, our PARTY FAVORITES series, now in HOLIDAY form. Break out the tinsel and let's get merry! If you are new around here, Party Favorites is a sneak peek into what is really in everyone's party stash to throw those signature AWESOME bashes. We are lucky to have two ladies this week, the gals of CONFETTI POP, a fun party DIY site that is filled to the brim with fabulous ideas for crafting your own gorgeous bash. First up we have Maddy, who just happens to be the same Maddy of SOMEWHERE SPLENDID. She grew up Jewish so she has shared both Christmas and Hanukkah goodies for us today! YAY Maddy!

Here are Maddy's picks for a fabulous Hanukkah party:

1. Tassel Garland // 2. Cupcake Liners // 3. Tissue Poms // 4. Paper Cups  // 5. Charger // 6. Menorah

Image: Confetti Pop

Favorite tree: real or fake?  If real: flocked or plain? If fake: white, silver or green? Fake. Originally, we had a 4' pink tree when we lived in an apartment. It was awesome, but when we bought a house I went for the classic white. I use it every year as a blank canvas and do nontraditional ornament color combinations every year.

Favorite color palette for Thanksgiving? Gold paired with rich gem tone colors like ruby, magenta, and purple are big musts for me.

Favorite color palette for Christmas? I didn't grow up celebrating Christmas (my family is Jewish, so blue, silver and white were basically standard issue every year), and my husband and I aren't religious, but we love putting together a tree. Every year we try to do something different and nontraditional - this year, Christmas will be in rainbow.

 Chargers: Yes or no? Yes! Always.

Placesettings: matching or mixed dishes? There are few times where I'm big on "matchy-matchy", but place setting design is one of them.

Tablecloth or runner? Either works, but I tend to go for runners more often. They're easier to iron when you're rushing around, preparing for company, and I personally think wood from the table makes the atmosphere warmer.

Favorite Christmas song? As I mentioned, I didn't grow up celebrating Christmas, so I'm not really big on holiday music. I do love John Lennon's "Happy Christmas (War is Over)". Yep, go on and judge me.

Thank you so much for being here and sharing your secrets today Maddy! xoxo