Recently, my parents sent me 30 gifts for turning 30. All were wrapped separately and in different ways. A few numbered, a few in pursy lip print cloth napkins, some surrounded by confetti and pom poms, covered in ribbon, metallic and silk, and then a couple in colored jamming jars. My Mom tends to give me a lot of inspiration and creative ideas. My 30 gifts for 30 was just another one of those times. Who doesn't love reusable gift wrap!? The jars, colorful, and stuffed with paper confetti had me thinking...what an utterly adorable thank you gift. Maybe not even thank you, but a small congratulations gift. Hell, stuff some cash in the jar for the happy newly married couple and make it a big whopping win. A.C. Moore, Michael's, Jo Ann Fabrics, and really, any local craft store carries multiple options of jars and stuffing. Stuff with your gift of choice and clasp closed for the one/s you love! xo RCN
Pretty Paper Soaps
I always appreciate a beautiful bar of soap, especially one that smells nice. Recently, I have been obsessing over bars of soap. So weird, but not really, right? A friend came over my house for drinks a couple weeks ago and brought me an aloe scented soap. I would not have expected a thing for just coming over for drinks, but what a thoughtful and posh gesture? I loved it!
For Valentine's Day I decided I wanted to wrap up soaps myself, as a Valentine's gift for our Moms, Mom Mom, and sisters (Sorry Shaina and Courtney - we didn't mail them to you at school, but I'll make you something cute next time I see you!).
Whole Foods Market has a nice selection of organic Good soaps, all unwrapped and ready for a personal touch. The assortment includes scents from Wild Strawberry to Peppermint and Praire Rose. I shopped at both A.C.Moore and Jo Ann in search of pretty pink and purple paper to wrap the soaps. Shopping for patterned paper and ribbon to complete the wrapping was thoroughly enjoyable. I am a paper goods junkie! Scrap booking paper is usually reversible with different patterns on either side, perfect for mix and matching the wrap and name tags. I also suggest vellum or sheer paper for a more refined elegant approach. The final touch of adding a bow, sticker initials, and faux floral trim goes a long way in making the gift look sweet and charming. Have a lovely Valentine's Day. Kiss, kiss, smooch, smooch!! xo RCN
Wrap It Like You Mean It
There are a few reasons why I love giving and getting gifts. One of the reasons is solely about the wrapping. Being the visual person I am, I absolutely LOVE when a gift is as stunning on the outside as on the inside. Because, I love wrapping so much, I am thrilled that Anthropologie is having a gift wrapping contest this year. One prize is being given for the best recycled gift wrap, among other prizes. My wrapping will be entered into a few categories, and I am happy to say it qualifies as recycled. Here are my specially wrapped gifts that will be entered into the contest.
I thought, what better to use then some beautiful lace and baubles. I collect an abundance of vintage lace doilies, collars, ribbon, brooches, and earrings as I travel. I have more than enough to gift away. The presents will be personable and pretty, something well deserved of all my loved ones. No paper, scissors, tape or glue. The vintage lace and baubles will perfectly do! This is exactly the type of recycled gift wrap I would like to receive. A hint of fresh evergreen adds a natural touch, those greens were all clipped straight from the Christmas tree.
Hint: If you decide to try something like this at home, clip on earrings and hair pieces with bobby pins serve very well as closure pieces. They easily wrap and intertwine between the crocheted holes of the lace and work great as fasteners along with ribbon. Or, they just work great as the trim on the center of a bow. xo RCN
Bottoms Up Bar Cart
It's only natural that your bar cart gets a face lift when it comes to the holidays. Not only, does it likely need re-stocking of the booze, but also some festive primping. Here is a snapshot of our bar cart mood and necessities for the upcoming hosting, partying, and drinking that will be had. When it comes to Christmas, I can't help, but be a little over the top with all the decorations. What are your must haves on the bar cart? Oh, and if you are not hosting anyone this year, then I have just the thing to bring along with you to your hostess. Keep scrolling and you'll see. xo RCN
I like to use the bottom of the bar cart for glasses and bottles. I used a polka dot place mat beneath the clear glasses to give them a foundation on our glass and plexi bar cart. The glasses stand out more without mixing into all the other glass.
My Mom gave me a pack of mini trees, from Target, when I was home for Thanksgiving. I went back and bought a couple more packs! $3 and so worth it. The "Party" bottle opener was a $2 find at Homegoods.
If you are going to have the wine flowing, beautiful bottle stoppers are a must. I like to keep a few on hand that mesh nice with the theme. It's nice to include something personal, and something seasonal.
Cocktail napkins are important, especially if you don't want to be cleaning up millions of sticky rings off of your counters and tables. I found these cute "Cheers" napkins at Homegoods.
The confetti was also a Target find. A pack for $3. Can't beat it. I love that they are wood, too.
Straws and stirrers are also a must on the bar cart. I'll admit, not many people love to use paper straws, but they are so darn cute that I can't stop buying them. If not for nothing, the polka dot pattern ties in well with the look of the cart and adds more color.
Our glasses come from many places, Crate & Barrel, Target, Vintage, Anthropologie, Homegoods...I can go on. For Christmas, I like to bring out some of our festive glasses, like the "Oh Deer" beer mugs from Target.
Lastly, if the party is happening elsewhere, pack the booze and bring it with you. If you want to update your wine host and hostess gifts, think about bringing a different liquor. Packaging always sells me, and Smirnoff does a great job with their Peppermint Vodka. I picked up a wine bag for one dollar at Total Wine, added some peppermint candies and a matchy-matchy bow. Easy and different than last year. Cheers!