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! 

Set the Table

Instagram

Just in time for the holidays... mainly Thanksgiving in my book because personally, I can't wait for turkey and stuffing! The Crate & Barrel Set the Table sale is here! it's running til 11/10 so you don't want to miss out! Grab all of the items you might need to set that table and host the holidays with friends and family at 20% off select, full price items! Check out my favorite items below.

And who could pass up on these Olivia Pope wine glasses... yes, long stems and all!

All about that Brass

Photo by Andi Perullo

During my time spend styling at West Elm a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but just fall in love with this little guy! I spotted this brass armadillo back when he was a new arrival online and he sat in my shopping cart for a few weeks until I very responsibly convinced myself that I didn't need him. They're all sold out now and I'm pretty sure he was the last one lingering in my local store here in Charlotte.

Well, while I sit here trying to convince myself it's totally acceptable to go back and buy him... Let's take a look at everything brass. Home decor could always use a little sparkle right?

Happy Shopping!

Fall Decor with H&M

Fall, Fall, Fall, Fall... Are you sick of fall yet? I know I'm not! I'm just getting ready for it! Not only do I love the changing weather and foliage, seeing pumpkins for sale in every neighborhood, and the fact that I've officially broken out the boots and scarves... But I'm also so happy to see and browse through the new arrivals at all of my favorite home decor shopping spots!

H&M's new fall arrivals are amazing. They would be easy to transition a few pieces here and there into your existing decor and then stash away for next year! Here are my favorite picks for this fall.

1. Gold Basket - Add this to your living room and pile all of your extra blankets into it or keep it in your bathroom to hold your toilet paper. Gold is always a good answer.

2. Door Mat - This doormat will welcome your friends and family into your home in style this fall season.

3. Cake Stand - How delicious would that apple pie look on this cake stand? The holidays are right around the corner, time to think about hosting in style!

4. Faux Fur Throw - I can't stop thinking about this throw...I need it and you do too.

5. Ceramic Jar - Add this jar to your coffee table for the holidays. Use it to top a stack of books, or just sit on a shelf. I'll repeat myself in saying gold is always a good answer.

6. Herringbone Throw - If you're not completely sold on the faux fur throw that I'm swooning over, this herringbone throw is a close second. Who doesn't love a good throw?

7. Velvet Pillow Cover - Changing out your throw pillows is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a space.  This velvet pillow cover would bring the perfect amount of winter white to your bedroom or living room.

8. Small Metal Bowl - This metal bowl would look great paired with it's larger counterpart as a centerpiece on the dining table or coffee table, fill it with gold painted acorns or pinecones for the fall season.

9. Wooden Tray - By now I'm sure you're also aware of my love for trays.  Top your bar cart with this rustic wooden tray for the fall season or place this on your vanity for easy organization of makeup and jewelery.


Have you browsed H&M's fall decor? What is your favorite piece?

Rugs Under $200

One thing every living room needs besides the obvious....sofa, tv, coffee table, etc.? If you're asking me, add a colorful or geometric area rug to that space and make it something to talk about! Check out this video below from Emily Henderson on how to choose the perfect size rug for your room and you'll be in business in no time!

Shop These Rugs:

Check out these other rugs I'm loving currently:

9 Fall Must Haves

Instead of providing you with a wish list for all those fall items I'm loving right now... and yes, there's a lot of them! I figured why not prep you with a few items I'm pretty sure will be heavily trending this fall. Trending to the point where you should put them on your wish list ASAP. I mean that.. Most of these items are already on mine. {don't tell my bank account cause it won't know what hit it in a few weeks}

1. Gold Starburst Mirrors - These bad boys are not going anywhere out of trend anytime soon! If you don't have one yet.. go get one! This one is on sale right now!

2. Cozy Textiles - Faux furs are a great item not only to cozy up to on the couch on a chilly night but they look great draped over a side chair or sofa as well!

3. Skull Decor - Remember this post from last season? Time to take out those decorative skulls because they'll be coming back without a doubt.

4. Coffee Table Trays - The little things are always better in groups! I love seeing a nicely staged tray on a coffee table. No matter the material, it always makes your remotes, books, and candles look very well put together.

5. White Bedding - Ahhh, white bedding.. My one true love! You can never go wrong with stark white bedding on a sunday morning when you open up your windows and grab a cup of coffee and a book. That is all.

6. Magazines/ Coffee Table Books - Any kind of mindless reading material is great and easy decor to pile up in a side basket, on a bookshelf, or on a coffee table neatly stacked.

7. Smaller Coffee Tray - Great way to drink a cup of joe in bed on a chilly fall morning, or to use in staging a guest room for when you have company.

8. Candles - No need to explain this one. A grouping of candles is such a joy to see in someones home, makes it feel so cozy and welcoming!

9. Bar Carts - If you've been wanting to invest in a bar cart and just haven't had the chance to... now is definitely the time! Stock the top of your bar cart with a few bottles of wine and your favorite liquor to warm your insides during the fall season! Don't forget the festive cocktail napkins and agate coasters!

Which of these items are going on your wish list for this fall season?

Desk Decor

Happy Wednesday! I've got everything 'office' on my brain this week and it all comes with some exciting news... I'm getting my office at work painted and better yet, I get to pick out the color tomorrow! I'll be sure to keep you updated and post back with pictures and colors but as for now, these are a few of the desktop items I can't get enough of! Which ones will make it to my desk?

Shop these items:

Back to School: Bedding

Can you believe it's already August?? It's that time of year again where summer is coming to an end and you're gearing up to move back into school! Whether you're going to be living on campus in a dorm, or you've got your own digs off campus somewhere - There's no place like home. And you can't have a home without the decor. Can I get an amen? If this doesn't apply to you and you're a big bad college grad like myself then hey, stick around {everyone's welcome} and you might still find something for yourself anyways!

Well, while my fellow bloggers who know their stuff about fashion and can assist you right down to what to wear every night of sorority recruitment {check out Caitlin's post here} I'm here to give all of my advice and shopping finds on everything dorm/apartment. Don't know where to go to get a new duvet cover or bedding set? Got it. Don't know where to get a sofa thats inexpensive but doesn't look cheap? Got that too! Want the best picture frames to create a gallery wall in your new living room with your roommates. Well, needless to say - you've come to the right place!

Here are my top picks on everything bedding for your back to school needs:

Lazybones Rosette Polka Dot Quilt, Anthropologie

Magical Thinking River Medallion Duvet Cover, Urban Outfitters

Darcey Duvet, Nordstrom

Anthropologie Bedding:

Urban Outfitters Bedding:

Nordstrom Bedding:

Looking for anything specific but can't seem to find it? Leave a comment below or contact me privately and I would be happy to help find it or something similar!

Happy Shopping!!

Mixing & Matching

Tables, Tables, Tables.... Once you've got your upholstery items all settled into your humble abode and ready for some wine and movie nights with your friends, you're going to need something to set the wine and cheese down on {am I right?} Here are my top 6 picks for both coffee tables and side tables. I love mixing and matching different finishes with styles to create the finished look - Who says you need to buy a matching set?

And you can bet that there's a selection for any kind of budget in my picks! From Ikea and Target all the way to Crate & Barrel and West Elm - You've got all the selections right here! Whats on my wish list? I've got my eye on coffee table #1 and side tables #4 & #5!

Which ones would you mix and match? Comment below to share your favorites!

Shop Coffee Tables:

Shop Side Tables:

This and That

Shop these items:

Giving your home or apartment the finishing touches lies in the details.  The details and little trinkets that you collect, buy and gather over time make all the difference if you have the right things to help create the feel you are looking for. Here are a few this and that items and trinkets that I'm loving right now!