Toasting the Holidays

Holidays like Thanksgiving call for family & friends. And what's a better way to spend some time celebrating and being thankful for all you have than doing it while enjoying some holiday drinks? This is probably the easiest holiday drink I've ever made {besides a mimosa} but it's pretty much like a holiday mimosa which is even better! I discovered this drink at Nan & Byron's in Charlotte and I just had to know their secret! I was so surprised, but even more excited to find out just how simple it was that I could do it myself! I'll definitely be taking this recipe home for the holidays. Who's ready to pop some bubbly and get to toasting the holidays with friends and family?

What you need:
1. Your favorite Prosecco
2. Sparkling Cider {this is optional for the non-drinkers and the little ones}
3. White cran juice {i used white crane peach & it was delicious!}
4. Dried Cranberries
Bar Items:
5. Glass vase for juice
6. Tag to label the juice
7. Champagne Flutes {love these}
8. Mini Bowls for fruit & garnish {similar}
9. Spoon
10. Tray for displaying items
Check out the Bar Cart Pictured, here.

Recipe:

2 parts prosecco

1 part white cran juice

Top with dried cranberries for garnish

Hint: the bubbles from the prosecco will make the cranberries dance up and down through the champagne flute creating a fun and entertaining drink for everyone to enjoy!

Thanks to West Elm Charlotte for having me for their corporate Drink + Clink event! All products used in this post are c/o West Elm.

Gift Guide: The Hostess

So, you many have noticed this already but I have a little obsession with gold. I'm going to just apologize in advance to anyone I get gifts for this christmas because... well, it's probably going to either be gold, or be wrapped in gold paper. Staying on the topic of gifts, today is part two of my gift guide series! If you missed last week's gift guide for your girlfriends, check it out here. As for today's, it falls right in line with Thanksgiving being next week - How convenient.

Everything you could possibly be looking for when trying to find the perfect gift for the hostess is officially at your fingertips. These aren't just great gifts for the holidays... they can be great for anytime you are attending an event, celebration or party! I mean, how perfect is this bamboo cheese board from One Kings Lane? Grabbing a gift for a hostess is always the nicest "thank you" gesture when someone is opening up their home to you. So, grab your credit cards and let's get to shopping! 

Trends I'm Loving

Trends are never ending. They're almost like a revolving door. Some come and go, other stick around for a while while they get big and then others come back years later for a whole new generation to put their spin on it and make it on trend again. I find it fascinating to see whats on trend and how they all came to be. Color blocking, for example was such a style of the 70's and now its back and better than ever. Today I'm sharing a few of my favorite trends that I'm loving right now... and some amazing products so you can be on trend too! Do you have a home decor trend that you are absolutely loving right now?

1. Tassles - This is a trend that I'm convinced is a great DIY project. {good, bad or ugly stay tuned to see what I can come up with} but if you're not a DIYer, there's plenty of tassel items everywhere you turn now! Hello, Anthro!

2. Geodes - I know this one sounds weird... and you're probably thinking to yourself, "are you talking about rocks?" yep! Just think, agate coasters, agate bookends, even geode hardware for your desks and dresser drawers.

3. Faux Taxidermy - Mounted deer heads are no longer something that is only associated with mountain houses and hunting cabins.. These faux beauties come in all different sizes and colors. Not to mention they can be white, gold and oh-so cute!

4. Topiaries - Fake plants. Yes, that's right... fake plants. Mainly smaller ones, but they are great to add to your bookshelf or coffee table and bring a little color if you are like me and love the neutrals.

5. Cake plates - Personally, I used to associate cake plates with my grandmas house. And while I've always loved those baked goodies from grandmas, it was nothing I wanted to have sitting on my kitchen table in my apartment. Fast forward to today and I'm jut dying to purchase one!! Maybe even this one with little gold accents on it?

Gift Guide: Gal Pals

Tis the season... To get started on your holiday shopping! I didn't think I would be thinking about all my holiday shopping this early but I went to Starbucks the other day and when they gave me a red cup a little bit of that holiday cheer went right through me! I don't know about you but I just love buying gifts and shopping for all of my girlfriends. I'm starting my shopping lists early this year to be sure that they can all use their gifts to the fullest.... not to mention that I'm a huge procrastinator and last year one of my girlfriends didn't get her gift until March. Whoopsie! Check out my favorite gifts for all of your best girlfriends this year, and of course they are great for home and apartment living!!

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