HOLIDAY WISHES...

It's time...

For wrapping up presents, and donning dresses...

Toasting to friends, family, and the beautiful, blessed lives we lead...

I'm off to do it all, and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happiest of Holidays...

*images via style at home, unknown, odessa may

A COZY CASHMERE GIVEAWAY FROM WHITE + WARREN!

Mmmmm... cashmere... who doesn't love the feel of this super soft, cozy fabric wrapped around them? Literally. As in a luxurious cashmere wrap from White + Warren...

I am totally smitten for mine! The size gives you so many options as to how it can be worn - scarf, wrap, belted, whatever! You better believe this is going to be a travel staple for me from now on - especially on those red-eye flights. And, if you'd like to make it a staple in your closet too, well, it's your lucky day!

We're giving away one White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap in Flax Heather (perfect for every outfit and occcassion). The contest will run now through next Thursday. To enter, pop over to this sweepstakes form on the White + Warren site to enter your information! Good luck (and Merry Christmas to you!).

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: ICE SKATING PARTY

Happy holiday week! Camille Styles here, and as we count down the days 'til Christmas, I'm craving cozy afternoons fueled by family, cookies and lots of hot cocoa...

And since we must make up for all that holiday feasting with a little physical activity, wouldn't it be fun to host a Christmas Day ice skating party? Our inspiration board is in warming shades of cocoa & chocolate, set against an icy landscape. Pack a picnic and head to the outdoor rinks that pop up in every city at this time of year...or if you're lucky enough to be in the country, head to a frozen pond.

An old wheelbarrow serves as a makeshift table for this tailgate; fill thermoses with hot coffee, cocoa and tomato soup. Wooden crates hold the makings for hot dogs ready to be cooked over an open fire, and rolled dishtowels serve as rustic napkins.

A bonfire will thaw out fingers and toes, and provide the perfect spot for making s'mores. Pack graham crackers, chocolate bars and homemade marshmallows in brown paper bags, so guests can easily grab all the fixin's. Decorate simply with snowflake stamps and a white ink pad.

Everyone will love gathering around the campfire at the end of the day to swap stories and satisfy appetites. Comforting mugs of cocoa are the ultimate reward for tired limbs.

Strings of glowing lights transform the pond into a magical landscape, with the reflection off the ice lighting up the night. Whatever your plans are this Christmas, hope it's full of just as much joy and magic... can't wait to see you back here in 2012!

{row 1} girl in window, cappuccino, cupcakes {row 2} popcorn, skating supplies {row 3} chocolate tart, espresso, gorgeous hair, butterfly escort card {row 4} hot cocoa pitcher, calligraphy, cinnamon hot cocoa, s'mores,

{images} wheel barrow, snacks, skates and cocoa, cider, skating

KEEPING IT CLASSIC :: MY WREATH

You may remember me saying earlier this season how I'd like to keep some moments of simple holiday decor around the house. So, when I got my wreath delivered from Green Valley, I decided to dig through my Pinterest files to see if anything struck me for inspiration, and what did I find??

Total simple wreath perfection. Now, I only have one, not five (maybe next year), but I decided right then and there that all this baby needed was some pretty little ribbon swag to finish her off...

I pulled out some of my silky favorites (silver dupioni, double faced red satin and a creamy satin), tied them all together, and draped them from the middle of the wreath. Easy peasy - unlike the rest of the holidays!

What does your wreath look like? Do you do a live one or get crafty?

GIFT GUIDE :: ALL THAT GLITTERS

Happy holidays everyone! Cristina from Fuji Files here with a guide to help you gift, host, and celebrate your way right through Christmas and on into the new year. Whether you're stuck on that last special gift, readying your home for guests, attending back-to-back fetes, or even just relaxing this week (wouldn't it be nice?) there's a little something here for everyone to covet!

*1. Coral Placemat. chilewich. $8. *2. Glitter Canister. Jonathan Adler. $138. *3. Tassel Garland. Confetti System. $130. *4. Glitter Teaspoon Set. Leif Shop. $32. *5. Number Ring. Lulu Frost. $880. *6. Cashmere Sweater. Zadig & Voltaire. $388. *7. Nailpolish in I Love the Nightlife, Glamorous Life, and Boom Boom Pow. Deborah Lippmann. $16/each. *8. Knot Ring. Georgia Varidakis. $40. *9. Tassel Ear Plugs. JenGen. $11. *10. Squirrel Shoehorn. Jonathan Adler. $150. *11. Gold Zag Tray. Up In The Air Somewhere. $98. *12. Gold Purse. Lancaster. $163.  

GIVE GOOD WITH GLASSYBABY

Those who have grown up in Seattle know the story behind Glassybaby - founded by Lee Rhodes, these glowing vessels were born out of her 7-year battle with cancer and the serenity that these gifts had brought her during that time. As put in her bio, "She found great hope and healing in their color, light and love."

A few months ago, I had a chance to visit with the vivacious Lee herself and hear her story, tour the Glassybaby studios in Madrona, and most importantly learn about the true mission of Glassybaby - to give back. Their Goodwill program gives a portion of proceeds back to many charities dedicated to health, healing and quality of life.
Because the story and message behind these beautiful votives is so special, and the product itself so beautiful, it's absolutely one of my favorite gifts to give. Just yesterday I popped into their store to select a few for friends and family. And this time of year, I like to choose from the designs that give back...

This wall in their Madrona studio shows all the Goodwill Glassybabies - the ones that specifically give back to a charity. A perfect way to give something beautiful and meaningful.

As for me? Well, naturally I selected a glowing kelly green for my office desk!

And Lee offered me a little guidance on picking colors for my friends - her favorites!

Luxury, Sheer Cream and Frog Hunting accented with Nishino and Cognac. One of these will be wrapped up under the tree for my mom!

Lee's team shared with me this morning that she was also voted Entrepreneur of the Year by Entrepreneur Magazine - just announced today! So, a very huge congratulations to her and all those who have contributed to the success of such an amazing company.

Glassbaby has shops in Seattle and New York, and a variety of colors are also available online - and it's not too late to order for Christmas delivery!

A VERY COCO+KELLEY CHRISTMAS

It wouldn't be the holidays without a little inspired 'kelley' green and white decor! For the home, yourself and the table, naturally...

Set the tone from the outside with beautiful boxwoods, swag, and warm candlelight.

Who says you can't change your drapes for the holidays? I do! Add a little weathered gray to keep things soft too...

Or go with pure green and white for a fresh, modern pop!



*images via atlanta homes & lifestyles, kay douglass via splendid sass, alfred sung dress, martha stewart

CAN I TOP YOU OFF?

My number one strategy to spice up a little black dress (especially one worn to several parties in the past)? Add a fancy new topper that steals the show. And these selections from Preston & Olivia are on the top of my list!

I'm especially infatuated with this blue velvet bow - has me feeling like a present all wrapped up and ready for Christmas!

There are tons of other selections in the Holiday Collection that are just as sassy, but maybe a bit more subtle. On top of these couture pretties, I'm also obsessed with the location of their lookbook shoot... 


Everything about this is simply beautiful. And for the record, I absolutely love that blue paired with black. It's so chic.


Along with lovely little party pieces, Preston & Olivia has some killer hats and stunning bridal selections in their Etsy shop. Peruse it and you're bound to find something you love.

Photography: Trent Bailey
Styling: Merci New York and Preston & Olivia
Makeup: Kerry Makeup
Hair: Maysoon of Facetime Beauty Concierge

DINING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

How do you create a winter wonderland of a tabletop? Well...

One part shimmering mercury glass, one part snow white tablecloth, four parts gleaming china, and a dash of candlelight and accents of aqua should just about do it! And, if you're lucky enough for some winter sunshine, it makes it all the better!


Inspired by the beautiful items I picked up at T.J. Maxx/Marshalls (and blogged about here) I took some time yesterday to pull together a magical little table using some pieces I already owned mixed with my newly acquired goodies.

The napkins, small glasses, candles, and silverware were in my own cupboards, but the rest came straight from the shelves of T.J. Maxx, and I have to say I think I scored bigtime. (Especially with the sparkly pillow - fave!) In fact, one of the main reasons I love shopping T.J. Maxx/Marshalls is that the product is current, on-trend and in-season. The same exact stuff you're seeing on department store shelves at half the price.


I'm over the moon for this stunning china. The top dish with that gorgeous aqua banding is Kate Spade (love love love). The delicate pattern on the dinner and salad plates by Ciroa had me falling in love instantly. I love how festive they look for holiday-ware, but the leaf motif is actually very spring... which means I'm using these year round from now on.

A special little touch for fancy (or just plain comfy) dining: add pillows to your chairs that accent the table nicely. I love my cable knit cashmere pillows that I purchased years ago.


Sometimes I end up overdoing tables, but this one felt just right. The simple pop of color gives it all the drama it needs, if I do say so myself. And with 10,000 new items each week in every store (right up until Christmas!) I can always add to it if I want!

Now, let's pour a little bubbly and toast to a fabulous holiday season, shall we??

*resources: china, mercury glass trees, table linen, and champagne flutes all courtesy of T.J.Maxx/Marshalls. napkins pier1 (this color no longer available), votives crate&barrel, candlesticks ana tapers, glasses west elm