Comments : 25

Hello friends! Can you believe we are in the second week of December! Where and how did that happen? I have a list a mile long but taking solace in the fact that eventually it all gets done and somehow, some way I pull it off. To ring in the holidays, I have invited 10 of my absolute favorite blogging friends (I have many more and wish I could have included them all)? over to share their thoughts and ideas on the holidays, it was fun reading their take and I walked away with more than a few good ideas (as well as a few tunes that I cannot get out of my head)!

I have divided their ideas into two posts, five bloggers will be featured in each….you are in for treat as well as a whole host of amazing ideas!

And thank you for such great ideas on holiday dressing…..I will be going “shopping” in my own closet. I can always count on the stylish take of this wonderful and exceptionally talented bunch of women. So thank you to each and every one of them, now lets hear what they have to say. I asked each the same questions…..and would LOVE to hear your answers to these questions too!

(You can click on the title of each post to visit their wonderful blogs, if you don’t follow them…you are missing out)

 

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HELLO DEBBY FROM BEAUTIFUL SERENDIPITY

 

 

FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION:
I would have to go with opening 1 present on Christmas Eve. This tradition began as soon as my kids were old enough to unwrap presents. Even the pooch gets to unwrap one!
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PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT:? I like to give the hostess something personal and relaxing after a long day of waiting on everyone. I love to make spa baskets. They are so easy to make?a bath soak, lotion, Champagne or Tea?depending on recipient, a candle?the possibilities are endless.
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BEST UNIQUE PRESENT FOR HUSBAND: If we are going for unique then I suggest making a photo book online using photos of the past year, (or years), or even one just of a special vacation, etc. There are some online tools that make it super easy and affordable?iphoto, Snapfish, etc.
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A GIFT ANY GIRLFRIEND WOULD LOVE: The gift of time is always the best gift. Plan a spa day, tickets to a museum and lunch, hiking and a picnic?Whatever it is the tow of you enjoy?She will love your company and have a day to look forward to.
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THE BEST HOLIDAY SONG HAS TO BE? Oh, Lordy, do I have to choose just one?! This is hard. I?m going with Rockin? Around The Christmas Tree by, Brenda Lee, because it brings me back to dancing around in my p.j.?s as a child.
THE PERFECT HOLIDAY OUTFIT WOULD BE.…..I like to be cute and comfy so I’m going with the Meli Cable Sweater Dress from Anthropologie.
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Love, Deb

 

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WELCOME SANDY FROM YOU MAY BE WANDERING?.

 

This is SO much fun, Tina! Thank you for having me over for a little holiday cheer! There is nothing better than sharing the spirit of the season with good friends!
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A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION?
In my family, Christmas Eve is actually the main event! We begin with dinner consisting entirely of champagne and hors d?oeurves ? including some favorites from growing up down south like pimiento cheese spread, ham biscuits and sausage cheese balls. And even though all three of my children are adults now, we still read ?The Night Before Christmas? (and every year it makes me cry) and put out cookies and milk for Santa.

A PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT FOR UNDER $45.00?
A basket filled with homemade bread or muffins and some of my favorite Stonewall Kitchen jams for the next morning is always appreciated.? I also love giving coffee table books ? as far as I am concerned you can never have too many books!
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BEST UNIQUE GIFT FOR A HUSBAND?
To me the best gifts are experiences ? especially for men who have everything.? A unique experience tailored to his specific interests will create long lasting memories ? a VIP driving experience in Italy for the auto enthusiast, a tour of Scottish links courses for the golfer, a deep sea fishing trip in the Caribbean for the angler?the possibilities are endless!
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A GIFT ANY GIRLFRIEND WOULD LOVE…….
As I am all about experiences, I love the idea of giving a girl friend something we can do together based on shared interests ? a cooking class, a flower arranging workshop or tickets to a show. Any excuse for a girls? night out!
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THE BEST HOLIDAY SONG HAS TO BE?
I am a sucker for anything by Bing Crosby, but my favorite song is ?Silver Bells??I love Christmas time in the city!
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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY OUTFIT…..
I cook a big meal on Christmas day, so it is all about comfort for me ? a red or green cashmere sweater, black pants and a sparkly Christmas necklace..and always fun Christmas socks!
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SAY HELLO TO LESLIE FROM SEGRETO SECRETS?..


A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION?

With the kids in their 20?s, shopping for them more difficult, and time spent together cherished, we have begun a new tradition of spending Christmas Eve shopping as a family. We relish the day together without cell phones, helping each other with selections, and then enjoying a leisurely Christmas Eve dinner at our favorite restaurant.

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A PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT FOR UNDER $45?

By combining DIY with store bought, you are able to keep your costs low and gift something from the heart. This bouquet, combines assorted fresh flowers braced by a wooden spoon and wrapped in a decorative tea towel. Tied off with burlap ribbon, the effect couldn?t be more charming! And for around $20, it can?t be beat!

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BEST UNIQUE GIFT FOR A HUSBAND?

Husbands are notoriously hard to buy for (in my opinion!) I often find it best to take a tried and true gift idea and put a fun spin on it to make it special. We recently started carrying these amazing ties in our shop from Paris Texas Co. They feature lots of fun colors, scenes true to the south , and the tag line ?Embrace your Inner Texan?; it?s hard not to love these!

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A GIFT ANY GIRLFRIEND WOULD LOVE….I am wild about these gift boxes that you can arrange to have delivered each month. From nail polish to shoes, these beauty subscriptions ensure that no matter your girlfriend?s taste, there will be something new to love with each delivery! Some of the best I?ve seen are Glossy Box, the UK company that started the craze, and Birch Box, both of which offer incredible sample and full size gifts expertly picked to please!

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BEST HOLIDAY SONG HAS TO BE?? Nothing says Christmas quite like Frank Sinatra?s ?Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas?. A true classic.

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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY OUTFIT??

Christmas Day at our home is all about feeling comfortable while looking festive! This year, I am all about the oversized sweater and legging combination. The trend is sleek and flattering and is till comfortable after a large big Holiday meal. When paired with sparkling accessories and a your favorite boots (heeled or flat!) the special day can be enjoyed in style!??

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TAKE IT AWAY KAROLYN FROM THE RELISHED ROOST!

 

A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION?? I look forward to an evening of family fun with my parents, sisters and their families and a feast of Fish and Tenderloin. Although we are not Italian, my brother in-law and wonderful chef is and the feast of Fishes is a must! I am always in charge of the “Starbucks” chocolate cake with mousse filling and ganache icing surrounded but pirouette cookies!

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BEST HOSTESS GIFT FOR UNDER $45…..I am in love with these whimsical Linen cocktail napkins by August Morgan, there is a theme for everyone!

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A GREAT UNIQUE GIFT FOR A HUSBAND……If your hubby is a golfer like mine you love this croquet/golf set available at Taigan.com Or maybe a fabulous belt such as Wiley Brothers Belts -Hoof Belt!

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A GIFT ANY GIRLFRIEND WOULD LOVE…… My girl friends are fun and like color and unfortunately need glasses like me! I just love the leopard eyeglass case by Dana Gibson and the wonderful pink zip clutch for travel by Krickette(Taigan).

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FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG??? The Song that almost always makes me misty is My Grown up Christmas Wish by Amy Grant

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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY OUTFIT…..Finally I love to be comfortable on Christmas Day so wide leg pants and a lovely blouse fit the bill!

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?SAY HELLO TO LESLIE FROM PRETTY PETALS….

 

 

Hi Everyone!

I’m so excited to be here this morning to help Tina share some fun holiday gift ideas!

Following are a few questions for me to answer. Let’s start with the best one first so you can listen as you read through the post!

YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG?

A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION?

We have several traditions but our favorite is creating individual Gingerbread Houses. I serve hot cider and cocoa, festive cocktails, and some fun munchies. The Gingerbread Houses are already assembled and lined up ready for them to come to life. Every year I try to find new candies and d?cor to challenge creativity. It’s lots of fun and the houses remain front row and center in the kitchen throughout the holiday season. Here is one that was created by my daughter a few years back.

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A PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT FOR UNDER $45…..

This Glassybaby is called kindness ..“when there is no obligation – nor even a request – for help, but you offer it just the same: that’s pure kindness
10% from the sale of each ‘kindness‘ will be donated to help cancer patients at UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay”
If you live in the Seattle area, it’s likely you have at least three of these .. that’s how they look best.
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BEST UNIQUE GIFT FOR A HUSBAND?

I THINK I MAY SCORE A FEW BROWNIE POINTS WITH THIS (UNIQUE!) GIFT IDEA!
Men generally enjoy beer and this is a neat container made by company in Portland Oregon. If you ever visit the Portland, you will notice lots of breweries. It’s a beautiful city with great food and shopping!
Perfect for party-going, these 64 ounce growlers a perfect to share your favorite craft brew. This will also make a nice hostess gift if you are feeling extra generous:) Designed in Portland Oregon these growlers are slip cast by hand with the necks trimmed on a potter’s wheel so the lid fits tight. They are cast thick to keep your beverage cold and seal in carbonation for days. Cheers!
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A GIFT ANY GIRLFRIEND WOULD LOVE….Easy! I usually put together a couple of items.
These fragrances for the home are my favorite and for my girlfriends that are more into cooking and less into fragrance, I put together something for the kitchen.

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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY OUTFIT?

After a couple weeks of fitted dresses, heels, and the like .. I’m ready to just relax. Christmas morning is spent relaxing around the tree with my family, cooking, and eating so something really comfy and cozy is perfect.

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HAPPY SHOPPING!!

xo leslie

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What did I tell you! I knew they would knock it out of the park, thank you so much ladies. This was absolutely amazing, I have gotten some? fabulous? ideas in addition to being totally inspired by your various Christmas/holiday traditions….just wonderful!

I will present the other five on Wednesday, hope you will be back to check them out…they are equally fantastic. Your turn, feel free to answer the same questions in the comment section. Love hearing everyone’s take on the holidays. Thanks to all for stopping in, wishing you a great day and start to your week, ho ho ho!

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So many great ideas and cute outfits – love hearing everyones traditions. Christmas is certainly a time for family traditions – hope you have a wonderful day and thank you for letting us use your gorgeous images on our blog!! Your house looks amazing!

What a fun idea, enjoyed reading through the replies and will look forward to visiting their blogs!

Our tradition is every Christmas eve, we get into our pjs and robes and sit around the fireplace and as a family go around the group telling each other why we feel blessed this year and what our goals are for the next year. It is such a nice and much anticipated night that we all look forward to. No phones or laptops allowed!

Best gift I ever gave my husband was a year of golf lessons, I think for men who are really hard to buy for, lessons or services of some kind are a really good idea.

I think for girlfriends a month of manicures is a unique and always appreciated gift. Fun Tina.

What perfect timing for you to offer all of these wonderful ideas. I needed some outside inspiration. So looking forward to the next installment! And thank you to Karolyn from the Relished Roost for introducing me to that beautiful song by Amy Grant – I can’t believe I’ve never heard it.

Wonderful ideas. Thank you. Where can the Wiley Brothers Belts -Hoof Belt be purchased?

Hi Tina – Thanks for having me! I loved hearing what the others had to say too. This was fun. I noticed I spelled ‘two’ wrong in my post. LOL That is why I need to double check before sending!! Goofball. I’m going to link from my blog. Hope your week gets off to a great start. Sending hugs. xoxo

Good Morning Tina, what a great idea! I loved the great ideas from these wonderful ladies! I was glad to see my favorite song by Nat King Cole made the list! We have dinner together, attend Christmas Eve Church Service, then back home to sit around the tree having dessert. Look forward to Wednesday’s post. Have a Great Day!
Debbie 🙂

I enjoyed being included in Christmas family traditions with these ladies! No matter what traditions were mentioned–the common thread was spending quality time with those we love and hold close in our hearts! Thank you for allowing me to “look through your windows” and experience Christmas with each of you!

I loved participating in this…thanks for organizing it, Tina! It was wonderful to see everyone else’s traditions and gift ideas. I also can’t wait to read the comments! Have a wonderful Monday! xoxo

Oh ladies, you all are amongst the best and ths was a trear as I am sitting at mt school office getting ready to teach. I have to add that my idea for a gift fr my husband is a card with the words written, “go ahead.” That means, “go ahead and buy that huge tv or electronic thing you want.” That usually makes him skip about like a little boy.

thank you, ladies! Anita

Tina, All great ideas and holiday tips from our blog friends. They have come up with the best of the best in all categories! very fun and inventive!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Oh what fun, Tina! Love hearing from Debby, Leslie, Sandy, Karolyn and Leslie! Festive traditions, fabulous gift ideas – the perfect way to start the week. Thanks for pulling this together!!! I hope that things continue to come together over at your house – and yes, cannot believe we are two weeks into December. Crazy.

Merry, merry! XOXO

Tina this was so much fun!! I loved everyones Christmas lists and traditions! Thank you so much for coming up with this great post! xo Karolyn

I read every single word of this post & loved everything! Favorite Christmas song and outfit for the day was my favorite, but the hostess gifts are great. Of course, Leslie blew me away with the ties, I didn’t know about those. What a wonderful idea, Tina !!! Now for tomorrow’s BIO post “If Money Was No Object” gifts.

I love this format. The ideas for hostess gifts were all very good and I’ve filed a few for my good friends.
I had fun playing the songs. Nothing like some Christmas music to get you in the mood. My favourite Christmas morning is Bing.
I like the idea of the note ” Go ahead…..” Our sweeties always want something special( to them).
Our tradition growing up was church on Christmas Eve, some special, sweet treats and a gift to open. My husband & I made our own, as most families do. We like driving around to see the lights, then mom’s cheese ball (and more ) with lots of wine, chatting and laughing. Of course, there is always some last minute wrapping. It’s such a good feeling to sit around the tree with a fire glowing, with those you love the most in this world.

I am in love with the gray sweater and the deep red one. Both are perfect for dinner at home or running out for last minute shopping . !!!!!!

This was fantastic Tina. I got a lot of good ideas, especially for my husband (always had to shop for) and my two best friends who I always get a little something for. Enjoyed the traditions the most. It really is all about family and togetherness, and just enjoying each others company. Great idea!

What a terrific idea for a post (series of posts). And there are some fantastic ideas (and looks) here.

I love the gift of time concept. And a cooking or flower arranging class – taken with a friend – brilliant!

So many terrific directions to wander in from each of these lovely ladies.

Merci!

This was so much fun…I love hearing about others’ Christmas traditions. The kids and grandkids all spend Christmas eve with us; Christmas morning, we’re up early opening stockings, then a big breakfast. Then on to the main event when we take turns opening gifts so we can all ooh and ahh over everything. There’s always a big Christmas dinner that evening, but what we all look forward to most is dessert…my Mother’s Pumpkin Chiffon Pie (a recipe she received from a friend during World War II) and my Grandmother’s Date Pudding (a dessert so rich it could make your eyes cross).

Thanks, Tina, for this post, and thanks to everyone who shared their traditions…looking forward to Wednesday!

Tina,

A wonderful post! I love learning more about my favorite bloggers! Not to mention hearing all about their traditions and gift ideas.

Christmas is a magical time and it is nice to savor it with both family and blog friends.

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