Search results (tags) for: "hostessing"

The Collectors: My Favourite Dress's Vintage Pyrex Bowls

2009-11-25T15:16:00-05:00

I just love seeing what folks are collecting. I guess I feel it tells us just a little bit about what inspires them, what they love, and what they choose to surround themselves with in their homes. Today, I'm delighted to present the next in an ongoing series here on The Storque: The Collectors. First published on my own little blog, the rikrak studio, it's 11 and a half quick questions with a wonderful artist on what they're collecting (apart from their art supplies!). Hope you'll just love this vintage kitchenware collection with the charming myfavouritedress.

Yum!

As our thoughts turn to the upcoming holidaying seasons around the world, our kitchens emerge as our handmaking studios and workshops, where we each combine tradition and creativity to handcraft scrumptious feasts and delicious delights to share with friends and loved ones!

Indeed, cooking and baking are, for me, a wonderful part of the delight of holidaying time, and I thought you might just love a peek at this particular gorgeous collection of vintage kitchenware, which would surely inspire any home chef, and host(ess) as we look forward to the season of entertaining.

Psst: And just in case you’re like me and love the idea of baking, cooking, and entertaining, but it isn’t quite your forte (let’s be honest – I’m a wonderful disaster in the kitchen!) — fear not! Help is near! How about some delectables by the pros!

Who (are you) : Claire of myfavouritedress

What (are you collecting) : pyrex

When (did you start) : This collection here is about 6 years old.

How (many do you have?) : I have around 30-40 here in Vancouver, and a whole lot more in storage at my dad's in Australia.

Where (do you find them) : I find them all at the thrift stores (or op shops) and church sales.

Where (do you keep them) : I keep them in the kitchen. They get used every day.

What (‘s a crazy/interesting story behind one) : I have a friend who often picks me up little things at the thrift store, and one time we were sitting at the kitchen table talking when she casually reaches into her handbag and pulls out a huge butterprint bowl in perfect condition, and hands it to me — "Oh, I found this for you," and keeps on with what she was saying. Like no big deal. She's actually given me some beautiful pyrex and Fire King over the years. She is awesome.

What (piece would you like to add): Dots. I have absolutely no dots. And I love them.

Why (do you love them) : They're beautiful and functional, and they obviously last a long time.

Which (one is your favourite) and why : This tiny little blue bowl that is quite old, but I love the shade of blue and how it has worn away at the top.

What (else do you collect) : I have a pretty ridiculous collection of kitchenware and fabric, but I'd say what I really collect would be records.

Oh, how wonderful! I love how Claire USES her collection in a functional and wonderful way on a daily basis! How splendid! And I adore the ways in which she craftily combines her love of sustainable living in her home and in her own beautiful handcrafted works, too!

So let’s raise a toast: to the kitschy kitchen and all that is created in it! I think my perfect kitchen is like that ideal holiday recipe: You start with tried and true main ingredients, add a handpicked pinch of vintage, a dash of modern, and a teaspoon of eclectic to make something all your own!

Thanks so much, Claire. And be sure to visit her lovely shop and fabulous blog, Just Me and My Dad (What a brilliant idea this one is: dual photos by Claire and her dad! Love it!) and her deservedly popular and inspiring Flickr photostream!

Cheers! And happy celebrating, nicies!

What do you collect? I’d love to hear! Please post in the comments below!

The Collectors Series | Vintage Pyrex | More Collections Posts on Rikrak's Blog

Etsy Finds: Makin' A List

2009-11-23T12:15:00-05:00

The holidays come with an intimidatingly long list of people to shop for, and with only weeks remaining it's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. No worries! Make it easy on yourself and let Etsy do the hard work for you. Shop our Gift Guides to get instant ideas for even the toughest person on your list. This Etsy Finds collection is inspired by all the people and personalities on your list.

The World Traveler

Vintage Travel Clock

From highstreetmarket, $28.

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Custom Designed Essentials Pouch

By PopulationOne, $19.

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Signposts of the Sea Tee

By Slowshirts, $32.

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Guardian Angel Lariat Necklace

By bellabijoujewellery, $68.

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Boss and Coworkers

Decorative Clipboard

By box64studios, $10.

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Zen Hammock For Gadgets

By lafemmemonkita, $18.

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2010 Desktop Calendar

By 3SistersLove, $20.

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Eco-Friendly Faux Leather Journal

By disconsolator, $25.

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Hostess Gifts

Green Jumbley Ornament

By dhergtdesign, $12.

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Pistachio Brandy Buttercreams

By RockyTopBakery, $22.

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Christmas Pine Cold Process Soap

By LippincottSoapCo, $5.

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Flower Topper Wine Stopper

By OliverRue, $28.

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The Outdoor Enthusiast

17.5 Ft. Cedar Canoe

By noeljewelry, $1200.

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Recycled Pear Walking Stick

By gotwood4you, $40.

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Felt Boots - Indoor/Outdoor

By EnchantedGypsy, $225.

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Buddy Winter Cycling Hat

By KoziePrery, $25.

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The Bibliophile

Brown Vintage Leather Journal

By TeoStudio, $40.

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Fabulous Antique Medical Book

From MyCupRunnethOver, $65.

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"I Heart the Arctic" Mini Art Book

By jackiepeppermint, $12.

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Typewriter Necklace

By CuteAbility, $28.

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The Entertainment Buff

80's TV Show Inspired Travel Bar

By FrostyDarling, $150.

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Custom Favorite Directors Coasters

By retrowhale, $48.

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PVC Pipes Audio Speakers

By ikymagoo, $250.

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80's Commemorative Dessert Plate

By ShafeiCeramics, $150.

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The Gardener

Rock Garden Pendant

By AdornJewelry, $38.

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Large Wooden Country Tote

By BTCDMD, $28.

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Vintage Silverware Garden Marker

By monkeysalwayslook, $22.

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Vintage Rustic Watering Can

By MactonRoad, $22.

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The Sports Fanatic

Personalized Ball Marker in Gift Tin

By ERiaDesigns, $9.95.

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Custom Sports Hanger

By TodoCecilia, $80.

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Personalized Sports Wall Decor

By cabinhollow, $35.

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Big Surf at Mavericks Photograph

By DenisBouchard, $28.

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The Home Chef

Bird Measuring Spoons

By beehivekitchenware, $92.

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Magnetic Knife Block

By feelfeltfound, $110.

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Prep or Salt and Pepper Bowls

By dgordon, $22.

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Oak Leaf Cutting Board

By prettydreamer, $24.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

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Etsy Finds: Harvest Moon

2009-09-28T11:46:00-05:00

Harvest is the time when we gather with family and friends to enjoy farm stand bounty, rummage the patch for the perfect pumpkin (I like the weird ones), and get cozy around glowing candlelit dinner tables as the days grow shorter. Today's Etsy Finds will help you get the warm and rustic look of the season for artful entertaining, autumn decor and scrumptious homemade foods to turn your harvest party into a ball.

Vintage Oval Chalkboard Tray

From AuntRodysGoose, $23.95.

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Grapes Cupcake Wrappers

By CupcakeFlair, $13.

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Oak Leaf Cutting Board

By prettydreamer, $18.

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18 Origami Lanterns

By melker, $70.

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Fall Foliage Sparkle Box

By littlebirdieboutique, $2.50.

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Rustic Wood Candle Holders

By ArtWallah, $19.95.

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Copper Plant/Cheese Markers

By MakeThyme, $30.

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Cutting Board Can Be Built For You

By tauntongreen, $125.

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Fabric Pumpkin Decoration

By hitchcockcreative, $7.50.

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Dinner Napkins

By freesparrow, $35.

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Autumn Maple Leaf Luminary

By paperplanet, $14.

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Autumn Spice Vanilla Caramel

By haveitconfections, $17.

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Carved Slate Elk Coaster

By BlythHouseCreations, $24.

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Oak Sapling Series Textile Basket

By thekeepershouse, $22.

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Pears and Blooms Wreath

By twoinspireyou, $45.

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Oak Leaf and Willow Wood Spoon

By Lacewood, $20.

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Sweet Dreams Votive Holders

By AmyEsther, $16.

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Ring Ring 2

By aubeebop, $20.

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8 Fall Spice Cupcakes

By friendlycreationss, $15.

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Egg Gourds - Grow a Gourd Garden

By SevenAcreWoods, $2.

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Gourmet Halloween Marshmallows

By miaMallows, $5.

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Fingerless Cable Knit Gloves

By homelab, $35.

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Hen and Eggs in Hay Tea Cozy

By donut, $18.

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Small Golden Leaf Earrings

By roundabout, $16.

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Vintage Ball Blue Pint Canning Jars

From oldohiofarmfinds, $12.50.

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Welsh Border Fan Harvest Design

By ReidsWeeds, $21.

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Amber Glaze Raku Bowl

By khphillips, $25.

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California Merlot Jelly

By dasweetzpot, $6.50.

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4 Eco Friendly Felt Leaf Coasters

By LittleFluffStuff, $7.99.

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Gourd Art Pendant Lamp

By studiotempera, $120.

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Pumpkin Ginger Sandwich Cookies

By whimsyandspice, $8.25.

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Autumn Spice Hair Accessory

By sweeteverythings, $16.

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Red Tray Autumn Centerpiece

By baconsquarefarm, $40.

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Cottage Pumpkin Sign

By familyattic, $37.95.

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Wooden Pumpkin Decoration

By StyrenDesigns, $12.95.

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Tiny Fuzzy Felted Wool Bowl

By thefuzzymonkey, $14.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | More Harvest Posts | Trends | Guest Curators | More Fall Posts

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Party Planners: Garden Swap with Food & Wine Magazine

2009-08-27T15:45:00-05:00

As the proud cultivator of a tiny urban plot, my efforts have so far yielded a grand total of two tomatoes. Yes, two tomatoes. They were delicious, but a far cry from my garden fantasy, which goes something like this...

After a full summer enjoying the bountiful fruits and veggies from my expansive garden retreat (complete with water feature and fire pit — see below), I am so inundated with excess produce that I must turn to friends for help. In my dream potluck dinner, I don a festive garden party dress, mix a batch of sangria blanca, and invite friends to bring over their garden pickings for an impromptu, al fresco garden swap party. Half the fun is in prepping the meal together while sharing stories of the summer's adventures.

Join in the celebration by hosting your own end-of-summer event. Here are a few tips to get in the spirit.

First things first: Gather the goods! Whether straight from the garden or the market, transport produce in eco-friendly style with a cloth market bag by RosyUndPosy.

Reusable produce bags by LoveForEarth (below) not only eliminate the need for the trashy plastic versions, but in a garden party setting, they would make great favor bags filled with fresh fruit, cookies, or even seed packets for guests to take home.

Let an abundance of flavors and colors inspire the setting as well. (This is not the time to be too fancy or formal, this is about nature bursting at the seams!) Think mix-and-match vintage linens with bold floral prints. Carry the theme straight through to the dishes and even your wardrobe.

Vintage Floral Tablecloth, $15 from thelostfound; Stangl Colonial Dinner Plate, $22.99 from SurrenderDorothy; Tea dress, $100 by sohomode.

Wipe out any party planning stress by keeping things simple. What's on the dinner menu? Whatever is fresh and in season, of course!

Our friends at Food & Wine Magazine have some great recommendations! (You can even tailor your menu based on what's available in your garden by searching their recipe slideshows by ingredient... I say tomato, you say: eggplant, cilantro, watermelon, corn, or... well, you get the idea!)

Layered Eggplant Zucchini and Tomato Casserole

by Marcia Kiesel, photo by Quentin Bacon

ACTIVE: 30 MIN
TOTAL TIME: 1 HR
SERVINGS: 6

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing and brushing
3 medium zucchini (1 1/2 pounds), sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch thick
2 long, narrow eggplants (1 1/2 pounds), peeled and sliced lengthwise 1/3 inch thick
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large shallot, minced
1 pound plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (3/4 cup)
1/4 cup chopped basil
1/3 cup panko or coarse dry bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°. Oil 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Put the zucchini slices on one sheet and the eggplant on the other. Brush the slices all over with oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the slices on each sheet in a slightly overlapping layer. Bake for 15 minutes, until tender.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the shallot and cook over moderate heat until softened, 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook over high heat until slightly softened and bubbling, 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
Oil a large, shallow baking dish (about 10 by 15 inches). Lay half of the eggplant in the dish and spread one-fourth of the tomatoes on top. Scatter with half of the feta and basil. Layer half of the zucchini on top, followed by another one-fourth of the tomato and the remaining basil, eggplant and zucchini. Top with the remaining tomato and feta. Mix the panko with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and sprinkle over the casserole. Bake in the upper third of the oven for 20 minutes, until bubbling and crisp. Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve hot or warm.

Pair your casserole with a simple tossed tomato salad dressed in a basil vinaigrette (below, left), found in this basil slideshow. For a fresh take on shrimp, try the Shrimp-and-Feta-Stuffed Zucchini (below, right), one of Food & Wine's Ultimate Summer Vegetable Recipes.

Photo by Tina Rupp

Photo by Kana Okada

Be sure to offer your guests a tour of your garden, complete with custom markers for your prized plants, like this tomato stake by MakeThyme.

Take advantage of time with fellow green thumbs by exchanging growing tips (and misses!) and talking into the night gathered around the fire pit.

What have you grown in your garden (or in your dreams) this summer? Post in the comments below!

Special Subscription Deal for Etsy Friends:

Get 2 Years of Food & Wine for the Price of 1!

Food & Wine magazine brings readers delicious recipes, the hottest new chefs and restaurants, accessible wine guides, and much more in each issue. Click here.

For more fun summer entertaining ideas, go to foodandwine.com/entertaining. Check out our recent party planning posts from the editors at Food & Wine and The Storque.

Party Planners: We Heart Julia Child Party with Food & Wine Magazine

2009-08-06T14:00:00-05:00

Julia Child was a contributing editor to Food & Wine when I arrived at the magazine in 1995. Coming from a non-food background, I was intimidated to meet her. I made a trip up to Boston, where she gave me a tour of her wonderful pegboard kitchen and then drove us to lunch (I learned that Julia was a much better cook than driver).

At the restaurant, she gave me a piece of wisdom I've used to this day. She told me what she said to chefs if she didn't like their food: "I just tell them I've had a wonderful time.”

Dana Cowin, Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine Magazine.

In honor of the forthcoming movie Julie & Julia, here are my Etsy picks to help you throw an inspired summer gathering, like the "We Heart Julia Child" party in this month’s issue of Food & Wine.

Movie poster by Columbia Pictures, used with permission; braised artichokes photo by Martin Morrell.

These beautiful French rolling pins by WoodElements are the kind Child liked best. Unlike classic American rolling pins, French rouleaux don't have handles, so they provide more control. They’re just the thing for making quiche crust. Here's a bacon and leek recipe to get you started.

Quiche photo by Quentin Bacon.

I love this vintage Le Creuset butter-melter from findingfabulous. I could use it to try François Payard's Triple Layer Chocolate Macaron Cake or a few other of our French desserts. Enameled cast-iron pans cook evenly and retain heat effectively, oh and they also look fantastic.

This vintage enamelware metal colander from redponygirl reminds me of the episode of The French Chef in which Julia demonstrated how to make a salad niçoise but dropped the lettuce on the floor when she tried to put it in the colander. She refused to edit out the mistake.

These dried herbs de Provence from homesteadtreasures come in fun French-themed burlap bags.

At the end of each episode of The French Chef, Child raised a glass to wish viewers “Bon Appétit.” Now we know it contained Gravy Master (which looked like wine on the black-and-white broadcast). But these vintage glasses from Brightnewthings are great for any aperitif to serve with French hors d'oeuvres.

This hefty “Tasty” bowl by laurawallstaylor reminds me of the great Julia Child quote, "Life itself is the proper binge."

Photo used with permission. Meryl Streep as "Julia Child" in Columbia Pictures' Julie & Julia.
Photo by David Giesbrecht.

Alexander Henry’s French Provence fabric from fabricstosew would make great napkins for any French-themed party.

oldyarns’ pillow cases made from antique French linens, particularly the ones with embroidered garden peas, evoke Julia and Paul Child’s years in France.

This linen cotton runner by LinenMe would look terrific beneath a spread of Provençal picnic dishes.

I think Julia Child would appreciate the spirit behind armatodesign’s whimsical merci thank you cards.

Anyone have a signed Julia Child cookbook? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo by MDCarchives.

Special Subscription Deal for Etsy Friends:

Get 2 Years of Food & Wine for the Price of 1!

Food & Wine magazine brings readers delicious recipes, the hottest new chefs and restaurants, accessible wine guides, and much more in each issue. Click here.

For more fun summer entertaining ideas, go to foodandwine.com/entertaining. Check back here on the Etsy blog for more party planning posts — the editors at Food & Wine will be sharing more ideas, recipes, and their Etsy picks this summer.

Party Planners: Firecracker Feast with Food & Wine Magazine

2009-06-30T16:00:00-05:00

As the style editor for Food & Wine, Jessica Romm gets to combine her twin passions for excellent food and amazing design. Every month she tracks the best in tabletop, choosing stunning plates, glasses and other serving pieces to showcase in the magazine. For our summer party planning series with Food & Wine, she shares a few of her favorite Etsy Finds for the perfect Fourth of July celebration.

We'll refer you to some accompanying food ideas along the way, such as the beef burger recipe pictured above. Hungry yet?

The Fourth of July is a great time to try all manner of red, white and blue Americana and to cook up all kinds of American food. For any patriotically-minded picnic or barbecue, these are some of my favorite Etsy Finds.

I love the textural prints on these sturdy, hand-thrown plates by atelierBB. They’re great for serving summery dessert s after the fireworks.

With printed sayings like "Dee-lish," "Good Grub" and "Chow Down,“ these Cutlery Packets by misspicklespress have the perfect balance of craft, style and whimsy.

This durable Upcycled Oven Mitt by undoneclothing is just the thing for grilling on a hot July night. Wondering what to throw on the grill? I suggest this set of Cookout Party recipes.

These Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks by Amryn are a fabulous tool for grilling salmon — and customizable cedar planks (with messages engraved in the wood) add a fun element.

Darlingletterpress' set of eight fill-in BBQ Party Invitations with matching envelopes sets the casual tone for a Western-style cookout.

Photo by © John Kernick

Machine-washable and totally reusable, these adorable Sandwich Pouches by cottontopquilts are lovely for packing sandwiches for the Fourth of July — or any picnic. What's for dessert? This Picnic Dessert slideshow will give you inspiration.

Cold beer on the Fourth is a must! Serving it in these etched Mustache Glasses by BreadandBadger adds unexpected humor.

So patriotic and vibrant, these Bunting Banners by springchick make me want to march in a Fourth of July parade.

Photo by © John Kernick

Make this Fourth of July the best yet! Here's our guide to 10 Best Burgers.

For more fun summer entertaining ideas, go to foodandwine.com/entertaining. Check back here for more party planning posts — the editors at Food & Wine will be sharing more ideas, recipes, and their Etsy picks this summer.

Guest Curator: Jess Chamberlain of Sunset Magazine

2009-05-27T14:30:00-05:00

This week’s Guest Curator is Jess Chamberlain, who writes about decorating, projects, and eco-friendly living for Sunset Magazine. Jess is dedicated to improving readers' lives through healthy choices. She appreciates thoughtfully-made (smart) products, and she can’t get enough of creative ways to reuse old furniture. Jess also writes for the Home by Sunset blog, loves discovering new shops, and can sometimes be found experimenting (with her wanna-be green thumb or her fancy-looking camera) in the Sunset test garden. She lives for a good cup of coffee and thrives on converting brown-baggers into aspiring environmentalists.

Scouring the market for unique and handmade products is one of the best parts of my job (sampling pinots with our wine editor at lunch time is another). Eco-friendly living is my favorite beat here and a key foundation of life in the West, so I was thrilled to learn of Etsy’s new Team Eco Etsy as well as the Shop Local feature. Well done!

At Sunset we like to celebrate the uniqueness of the West by blurring the lines between indoors and out, so here are some great picks for nature-inspired décor — all by artists based out here by the Pacific.

I love Etsy for gift ideas and applaud the site’s ability to transform everyday artists into design superstars.

Large Tuck Pot (second) with Airplant arrangement

If you haven’t noticed, air plants are a hot design item these days — and they’re die-hard plants for those of us who are botanically-challenged. This beautiful tuck pot by PigeonToeCeramics turns the plants into instant art. By PigeonToeCeramics, $38.

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Alberta street balloons 8.5x11

I adore this image (that spurs childhood nostalgia) by Andrea of girlhula. We’re big fans of her blog, which playfully follows her photographic musings. By girlhula, $25.

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Custom Vintage Silverware Garden Marker

Utility recycling at its finest: these garden markers by monkeysalwayslook were upcycled from vintage silver plated forks, knives, and spoons. (Check out my obsession with upcycling here.) By monkeysalwayslook, $8.

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Mushroom shaped ceramic pottery bird house

mudpuppy’s ceramics are beautifully detailed works of art. This mushroom bird house comes complete with a ceramic bead and hemp hanger for quick hanging. By mudpuppy, $45.

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Blue Artichokes Shirt, 6-12m, long sleeve

alittlelark tees make the best kiddo gifts. The unique hand-printed designs are packaged in the cutest little muslin bag (pre-wrapped!). By alittlelark, $19.

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small cottage vase

No-fail hostess gift — solo or as a trio. Joanna Mendicino’s vases come in gorgeous colors and a variety of organic/modern botanical designs too. By prettyrandomobjects, $38.

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dogwood pretties-8x10 signed fine art photograph

On a recent trip to Portland I became enchanted by Dogwood trees. (Those petals fall like snow flakes.) The details in this photo by blissfulimages take me there. By blissfulimages, $25.

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The Open Road Letterpress Journal

I adore vintage drawings. OldSchoolStationers takes us back with their “Camping Circa 1960s” collection.
(Inspired to hit the road with a tent? Check out Sunset’s camping guide here.) By OldSchoolStationers, $20.

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SALE Five Nesting Lotus Bowls

Whitney Smith brings new meaning to the term "floral arrangement." These lotus nesting bowls are as wonderful assembled as table art as they are beautiful when used as entertaining pieces. By whitneysmith, $175.

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Songbird Grasping and Teething toy

These charming little grasping/teething animals, made from reclaimed and FSC-certified wood (and left unfinished), make such thoughtful baby shower gifts. By littlesaplingtoys, $12.

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Reindeer, 6x6 print

It’s hard not to adore the “The Little Zoo” series by Elizabeth Soule. The miniatures are mesmerizing. By esoule, $25.

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4 by vessel

This “anything” holder by Paige Russell is the perfect marriage of modern and kitsch. For a splurge, I love it. By paigerussell, $125.

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Patchie Plays the Fiddlehead Pillow / Cushion Cover

Beauty from scraps: UmberDove fashions her pillows from remnant fabric — each pieces carefully patch-worked together. The fiddlehead playfully brings a little foliage indoors. By UmberDove, $48.

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Gold Leafed Carantion Flower Pin - Recycled Tshirt

Personally, I’m not one to wear a corsage, but my handbag isn’t against it. I love love love that these flower pins by Marang97’s are recycled from t-shirts. (Check out these pillows we made from out-dated clothing.) By Marang97, $7.50.

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10 CUSTOM eggs in a nest.

How cute are these?! Rae Dunn does all her trademark “type” by hand for the adorable little eggs — great for personalized party favors. Try them as place cards. By raedunn, $140.

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Brown Natalie Bag with Late Blooms Print

The hand screenprinted bags by Appetite do not help curb my handbag addiction. (Check out other Sunset-favorite botanical-inspired goods here.) By appetite, $44.

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Summer-Green Flowering Rush

I had the pleasure of observing Lynn of Satsuma Press in her printing studio last year. She’s as sweet as her bloom prints! By satsumalynn, $15.

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Further resources:
Sunset
Home by Sunset
Fresh Dirt, Sunset’s garden blog
Housemartin (my favorite home-meets-garden blog)

Looking for past Guest Curators? Check out our archive.

Passover: The Jewish Fest for Artists

2009-03-26T17:00:00-05:00

Passover is just around the corner (April 9, 2009!), and Israeli jeweler rafya is here to explain the handmade significance behind the holiday. Her post is in Hebrew and English, so if you're familiar with both languages you're in for a treat! First up: Hebrew.

פסח – חג יהודי לאומנים.

בדומה לחגי סוף השנה הנוצריים גם ליהודים יש את "החג המשפחתי". פסח הוא החג שנחוג בחוג המשפחה בארוחה גדולה שנקראת "ליל הסדר".

החג מסמל את יציאת עם ישראל מעבדות מצריים לחרות במולדתו ישראל. עבור רובנו הוא מסמל ערב נעים שמח ובעיקר... טעים בחיק המשפחה המורחבת.

לפי המסורת היהודית נהוג לקרוא ב"הגדה של פסח" שמספרת את סיפור "יציאת מצריים" ולשיר את שירי החג שמוקדשים לסיפור וגם שירים שמסמלים את בוא האביב. נהוג לשתות 4 כוסות יין (ועדיף יותר) וכמובן... כל שבעת ימי החג, לאכול מצות. ישנו איסור לאכול לחם או כל מאכל מחיטה שתפחה.

מאכלי החג המסורתיים מסודרים על צלחת מעוצבת בה יש מקום לכל אחד מהמאחלים המסמלים את החג.

החג הינו הזדמנות טובה לכינוס משפחתי ואין שמחה גדולה יותר ממתנות לבני המשפחה וכמובן לבעלת הבית שמארחת את הסעודה. התקופה שלפני פסח מתאפיינת בחגיגת קניות של מתנות בדומה לחגי סוף השנה אצל הנוצרים.

כאן כמובן נכנסים האומנים לתמונה שהרי זהו גם חגם הגדול ויוצאים בירידים ומבצעי מכירות של כלי בית חפצי נוי ותכשיטים שבבוא החג חליפו ידיים בין אם לביתה – אחות וגיסה – כלה וחמה וכמובן... המארחת שטרחה.

במהלך ליל הסדר יחפשו הילדים את האפיקומן, שהוא מצה עטופה שהוחבאה מבעוד מועד והילד שמוצא יקבל... כמובן מתנה.

כך מסורת הקניות עוברת מדור לדור והמרוויחים העיקריים... האומנים והיוצרים

Photo courtesy of slowlysheturned on Flickr.

And now in English!

Passover is a family-oriented holiday celebrated with a big meal called the Seder. It's similar to year-end holidays celebrated by Christians, such as Christmas. Passover symbolizes the freedom of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery and their return to their homeland of Israel.

For most of us, Passover symbolizes a pleasant, happy, and — most of all — tasty evening. According to Jewish customs, everyone should read and talk about the Haggadah, which tells the story of the Exodus. Songs are sung to praise the story, and songs about the coming spring are also welcome. The tradition also encourages us to drink at least four glasses of wine (the more, the better!) and to eat matzos for the following seven holy days. During this time you cannot eat anything made of flour or yeast, including any type of bread. Traditional Seder foods are each served on a plate specifically designed for the type of food.

Photo courtesy of joshbousel on Flickr.

Families in Israel gather during the Seder and exchange presents, with the hostess receiving the most gifts. For me, the days leading up to the Seder are full of shopping, much like Christmas time. This is the high season for artists and sellers who sell their wares at the market. Handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery are displayed — anything that would be the perfect gift from daughter to mom, sister to sister-in-law, wife to her mother-in-law, and of course, a gift for the lady that hosted the Seder. During the evening, the kids will look for the afikoman, which is a matzo that's been wrapped and hidden. The child that finds it receives a present!

As you can see, the gift giving tradition is handed down from one generation to another. Handmade craftsmanship is a joy to the Jewish people and the artists they support!

View More Posts on Judaism | Holiday Posts | View More Etsy International Posts | Gifts for Her

Featured Buyer: Laure Joliet of Apartment Therapy

2008-11-26T14:20:00-05:00

This week's esteemed Featured Buyer is Laure Joliet (aka cesttropchouette), editor at Apartment Therapy and daily contributor at Dwell. She scours L.A. and the internet daily to find new talent, young designers and one of a kind pieces. Dedicated to helping people make cozy, beautiful homes, she highlights her favorite new designers, gives small space solutions and dishes out tricks to make a modern house a home.

Thanksgiving, and really the whole holiday season, is a great time to pay attention to details. The season is about giving and expressing gratitude, and I know from my own experience that it's the little things that make a big difference. Maybe it's the way the light looks in the kitchen first thing in the morning, or the way breakfast is so invitingly arranged just so. In compiling a group of items for Thanksgiving, I tried to find things that were subtly, beautifully simple.

I love hosting parties, and I'm always looking for the little detail that people take home with them. So in that spirit, I've picked out some gems that I would love to have on my table or in my home this holiday season:

Drop Series Bowls by ninainvorm

I like to put out lots of things for people to munch on before it's dinner time, and these gorgeous droplet bowls are the perfect way to beautifully display the goods.

Desk Notebook in Net by SusyJack

No doubt you have a lot to keep track of while you're planning your dinner. Stay organized; keep all the details in an adorable notebook.

The Market Bag in Olive and Sage by moop

While you're doing your shopping, bring along a chic tote.

Fork, Knife and Spoon by smallsquaredesign

If you're a guest this season, don't forget a gift for your host. These simple tags are sweet, and perfect to attach to a bottle of wine.

Cosmic Cutting Board and Trivet by wookwoodworking

These cutting boards are too pretty to chop things on top of! Instead, display cheese and crackers, or set a clear glass vase atop one of these beauties.

Wool Felt Table Runner by FilzFelt

Protect your table, but still keep it sleek and modern with this table runner.

Wine Ring Cocktail Napkins by avrilloreti

I love these cocktail napkins. They're beautifully simple and take away any fear that someone might spill.

Hand Crafted Ceramic Salt Spice or Condiment Pinch Bowl by mudpuppy

Salt, pepper, and condiments can be displayed in these delicate little bowls from one of my favorite sellers.

Medium Mini Sprout Vase by whitneysmith

This delicate vase looks a bit like one of my favorite fall fruits: the pomegranate. But since it's white, it would look sleek and modern on an all-white table.

Sprout Open Bangles by gemmafactrix

Don't forget to dress yourself well. I'm not a big jewelry girl, but I do love some subtle gold bangles to sparkle on my wrist as I bring in dishes. This set of 3 bangles is perfectly delicate.

You Are Beautiful Dish by mudpuppy

This dessert dish will finish the evening on a lovely note.

Printable Thanksgiving Place Cards and Gift Tags by littlebrownpen

Not only are these simple tags printable at home (you don't have to wait for them to ship!), they're a great reminder to send your guests home with a little something for the next morning — some jam, a little pie, a little something.

Want more? Check out the compilation I put together last year for great hostess gifts, or my blog, at home at home.

Thanks to Laure for her wonderful picks! Don't forget to stop by Apartment Therapy for more home-making inspiration!

Featured Buyer Series | Thanksgiving Posts | Get the Look: Home Decor Edition

Etsy Finds: Too Hot to Handle

2008-11-25T08:47:00-05:00

In a few days I'll be traveling home to Virginia to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my family, eating classic holiday dishes until I pass out from a tryptophan overdose and require a size larger jeans the next day. Yay! Just thinking about the extreme amount of pie and mashed potatoes and succotash and cornbread stuffing I'll be consuming is making me swoon. Are you cooking for a crowd this season? Protect your tables from hot dishes with a handmade trivet from Etsy; I found them in a ton of different materials and styles...

Light Lavender Rag Hot Pad

Upcycled rag rugs add a shabby chic touch to any table. SallyRags is one of our current favorites. $5.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

mod parenthesis mini table runner

We love this bright felted table runner by kthurm, $45.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Cow Collapsible Wood Basket-Trivet makes an Amazing, Functional Gift

Innovative trivet/basket combo (it collapses and lays flat) by MnMTreasures, $22.50.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Chalkboard Trivet

When not in use holding hot sundries, this chalkboard trivet can be used for messages and holiday to-do lists. By feetup, $6.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Big Blue Bird Plate

Adorable ceramic bluebird plate by mordentipottery, $18.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

REINDEER SLATE COASTER Deer Rustic Log Cabin Christmas

I love these slate coasters! They would make an excellent hostess gift to boot. By BlythHouseCreations, $24.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

PRAIRIE CIRCLE

This gorgeous, abstract mosaic work by Mosaicate would be a beautiful centerpiece, even on an empty table. $45.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Basket Pot Holders

Two charming quilted potholders by patchworkflamingo for (a rather unbelievably inexpensive) $15.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Fused Glass Fishscale Serving Tray - 7 Inches

So lovely and modern and colorful! Fused glass trivet by dpholkdesigns, $45.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

If you're a crafty person, you can try your hand at making your own autumn-themed trivet: see our how-to video with cakehouse.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Holiday Parties and Decorating | House Warming | Housewares Category | Gift Ideas

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Holiday Shopping Lists: Holiday Party Hosting

2008-11-22T10:06:00-05:00

Deck the halls and the tabletop this joyous season with a handmade touch that is sure to add a special spark to your holiday celebration. Can you just see it now...

While your guests are mingling and toasting their glasses, you'll be busy in the kitchen preparing your favorite family recipes, which will be presented for feasting in beautiful handcrafted serving bowls, trays and dishes. Your table top is covered with festive place settings, and a centerpiece that will have your guests feeling the joy of the season.

I sure hope I'm invited to your holiday party this season!

Holiday Parties and Decorating Gift Guide | More Decor Posts | More Holiday Shopping Posts

Etsy Team Grants: Success!

2008-11-21T13:38:00-05:00

The past few months have been busy with lots of really fantastic Etsy Team events. Here's a wrap up of some of the wonderful Etsy Team Grant projects that have been recently completed, along with the sellers and their items. See here to learn more about Etsy Team Grants, and to learn how to join an Etsy Team, check the Teams Join page.

The Etsy Texas Crafters had a booth at Maker Faire in Austin, Texas, where they presented demos and gave information to Faire attendees. You can read a great blog post on the event with links to their participating members' shops and profiles here. Some of the members who lent a hand to the Team include TimaryArts, who makes crochet and felted items, like this Oatmeal Chubby Nesting Trio (on the left below), and crabappledesign, who incorporates vintage elements into her handmade items, such as this Vintage Paper Doll note card (on the right). Find more items from sellers in the Lone Star State by searching "TeamEtsyTX".

In North Carolina, the Hornet's Nest Team had great success with their "Craft Attack!" show in October. For great photos from this show, you can search "CraftAttack" on Flickr. The Team had beautiful weather, and below are items from a vendor and an organizer of the show. On the left is LazyDogPottery's Robin's Egg Blue Coffee Mug (on the left, below) and from HappyWhosIts, a Hyacynth Whypple - Hippo Hand Puppet - Crochet Amigurumi (at right, below).

EFA, or the Etsy for Animals Team, had a really great idea for celebrating its Etsy-versary. The Team organized a great ad campaign on fantastic shopping blogs, like Modish and Hostess blog. They tracked visitors from those sites by using a coupon code incorporated into the ad designs, so that they could tell how many sales the advertisements generated. You can show your support for this Team, which raises money for animal charities through their shops, by searching "EFA Team". On the left, below, is a set of Owls in Fables - Nesting Owls, by SavageArtworks, and on the right, the Offset Sapphire Ring from AlphabettiSpaghetti.

The Boston Handmade Team had a commanding presence at Boston's SoWa Open Market the weekend of October 16, and it was wonderful! They distributed business cards that were made up for the Team, and everyone loved the cards. They used the promotional cards to chat up Etsy, their shops and why buying handmade is important to everyone. Congratulations on your success at the market, Boston Handmade! Below is a Needle Felted Lobster, from Team member CozyCottageCreations, and a Poppy Princess Vintage Necklace, from Glamourpuss. Find more items from this Team by searching "BostonHandmadeTeam".

Thanks to all the wonderful Team members who make these fantastic events happen! We're looking forward to some exciting Team Grant events in the upcoming months. To find more information on Team Grants and learn how your Team can apply, be sure to check this Team Tip.

Team Grants | Featured Teams | Team Tips

Gift Ideas: Enjoying the Harvest, Hostess Style

2008-10-23T14:00:00-05:00

Having a fall soiree, or merely playing host this fall? Enjoy the colors and flavors of autumn at your next get together, and get the decor and home accessories to match. Imagine drinking hot toddies by an open fire, sweaters worn with pride, and lots of hot chocolate flowing. Get the cookies ready and make sure to send me an invite!

Get your holiday gift ideas for homeowners and decor-obsessives as well. If you want to be a super guest and bring one of these items as a hostess gift, you'd be ensuring a permanent invitation to all the parties!

Autumn Gift Guide | Entertaining and Decor Gift Guide | More Hosting Storque Posts

Fresh Shops: avrilloreti

2007-12-20T11:08:00-05:00

This week's Fresh Shop is avrilloreti. Avril's only been on Etsy for a month, but her work has a definitive style and design that really stands out. These innovative napkins and coasters really make you think. (And they're pretty, too!)

Check out avrilloreti today!

Hostess Gifts: Apartment Therapy LA's Laure Joliet

2007-12-13T03:57:00-05:00

I grew up in the kitchen helping to prepare for parties. Nothing gave me more joy than a well dressed table, perfect lighting and wonderful people enjoying it. This love for entertaining led to a love of all things related to the house and what really makes it a home. I get to talk about all the issues related to home as an editor at Apartment Therapy LA and on my own blog, At Home At Home.

So here we are in the middle of December with the holidays just around the corner. What better excuse for staying indoors and enjoying life's simpler pleasures: people, food, love and just being at home. Of course, having beautiful things doesn't hurt either! (And giving beautiful things is even better.) In the spirit of Etsy and all things handmade, I've put together a selection of beautiful, practical accessories for the home to help you get ready for entertaining, and to gift those that open their homes to you this season.

I've stayed at the affordable price point (almost all the items are under $25) so that each piece can pack a lot of punch and make your guests or host say "Oh!". I'm big on etiquette and anything old fashioned (some might say I'm into rules), so anything I can do to bring it back I will. Bringing a gift for a host (other than a bottle of wine) used to be expected and now is somewhat of an anomaly. This is all the more reason to surprise your host with a thoughtful addition to their home. The same goes for party favors: I mean, little kids can't have all the fun!

So give a little heart, give something personal, buy handmade this season for the holidays, for your home and for your friends!

Pomegranates Cushion from Lalitah

This cushion tells one part of the story of how the pomegranate (an ancient symbol of love) grows its seeds to help nurture and grow other fruit. I think it's a cute pillow: nice and simple and adequately graphic. Great for the couch, the bed, or a little reading nook.

Modern Floral Cushion Cover by quiltification

I had trouble choosing just one pillow from quiltification. This modern floral cushion does the trick for me, though. I'm a sucker for bold florals that don't get too sweet.

Set of 4 Turquoise Dessert Bowls by magicforestcreations

If you're bringing a dessert to the soirée, why not bring along these sweet bowls for the host? After all, you can never have too many turquoise things, or bowls.

Soup Size Pebble Bowls in Chestnut Brown by kimwestad

These elegant bowls will make people smile as they sip your sublime soup. (Or give the set as a not-so-subtle hint that you'd love a bowl of their famous carrot soup.)

Dots Tea Towels by theorangebicycle

When I'm baking or preparing for a shindig, I go through more dishtowels than I thought possible. I'd love to be gifted a set of these tea towels.

Natural Dryer Sheet Alternative by lollipopguild

We're all looking for ways to save natural resources, and using reusable all natural dryer sheets is a great way to start. Bring a set of six (that will last six months) cushions filled with dried herbs and flax to your host - they'll thank you later!

Art Nouveau Lavender Sachets - Set of 4 by PoPkO

Art nouveau anything makes me swoon, and these lavender sachets are no exception. These come as a set of four individually wrapped bags, so you can give all four at once or spread them out as stocking stuffers and party favors. They're also beautiful enough to place out in plain sight to freshen up some smaller spaces for your own parties.

Retro Brown Floral Vintage Wallpaper Boxes by drawflowers

Boxes are ever useful around the house. Use it to gather up odds and ends that made their way onto the coffee table. (Or bring your host a gift inside one!)

Pine Cone Coasters by greenchairpress

So woodsy and festive, I just love these.

Snowflake Letterpress Coasters by albertinepress

Double duty. These Snowflake Letterpress coasters make a great hostess gift but that's not all. Strung together they'd make a great garland, or one at a time would be wonderful christmas tree ornaments.

Laundry Powder - Ultimate Sampler by Nanu

This sampler pack of all natural laundry powder gives you the chance to try out all the different scents. From eucalyptus, to lavender, to fresh woods: another great host gift that's green!

Cherry Blossom Platter by wonderful

Cherry blossoms are all about spring (and if you hadn't noticed, I love flowers on anything!), so why not cheer up the dead of winter with this platter?

Small Fuchsia Pink Felted Bowl by knitpotato

These give me the warm fuzzies. There's just nothing like felt on a cold winter's day, and these fushia and aubergine colors are striking. Bring these for your host, or use one for each place setting at your own table. You can affix a guest's name to the front with a sweet little pin. At the end of the night, each of your guests has a useful, beautiful bowl to take home and remember the evening by.

Block Printed Sunbursts in Orange by yellowcanoe

If you're comfortable enough with your host (like they're your sister), you can bring something to help decorate the house. This print will liven up the winter in any room.

Peppermint Silk Cold Process Soap by cavendishsoapworks

Give your host or your guests a real pick me up with this festive peppermint soap. Not only is it lovely to look at, but we imagine the scent is intoxicating, and the good news is that it's all natural, so you know what you're spreading all over your hands!

Artwork Frame - Round Modern from mudpuppy

I love the idea of three of these handcast white porcelain resin frames in the bathroom. Your hostess will, too. Added bonus if you fill them with beautiful images. This is another great party favor too depending on how many people you've invited!

Bounty by Monarch

I can't help but love this photograph. This is just an indulgence. It's so beautiful and the thick leaves and buds remind me of mistletoe.

Choose Two Silkscreened Votives by maryink

Set the mood! No party should be allowed to start without the perfect lighting: candlelight. Nothing is more flattering and nothing sets the mood as well. Get some of these silkscreened votives from maryink and light up your party, let your guests take one home at the end of the night.

Confiture Cup in Caramel by mollyhatch

This mug seems like the perfect size for a nice hot cup of chocolate at the end of the evening (or to help start the morning after). Bring a set for your host and maybe add some hot chocolate or your favorite tea. You could also send your guests home with the same little present, to keep the warmth of the evening going for at least a little longer.

What would you give a hostess? Leave it in the comments!

Trends: Coming Together at the Table with Modish

2007-11-20T06:38:00-05:00

This week's esteemed trendspotter is none other than Jena Coray, the blogger behind renowned indie shopping blog modish and owner of the online boutique modishoppe. Jena recently took the leap into self-employment and is pretty excited to be able to do what she loves full time. This week, she's giving us tips on making a warm and personal statement when you come together with friends and family at the table.

Fall is in full swing, and with the changing of the leaves comes time for roasted hazelnuts, pumpkin bread and more pies than you can shake a stick at. In fact, the only thing better than the scrumptious foods that this season brings are the family and friends to share it with; but before you break out the Tofurky, it's time you dress your table to impress and create an inviting, warm space to share with your guests.

The good news is, gone are the days of stodgy formality when it comes to table settings. Now, you can not only incorporate your personal style into the mix, but also the beautiful colors of the fall season like scarlet red, mustard yellow and deep orange. From table runners to place mats to centerpieces, it's the pretty little touches that can make your food look even yummier and make your guests feel all the more special.

First off, if you have a kinda-icky-but-it-works dining room or kitchen table, you may want to cover it with a table cloth to keep the paint peels from flying off into the food: this pretty yellow wheat table linen by margotbianca and this vintage folk art tablecloth from mycraftycorner are both excellent picks for fall.

If, on the other hand, you have a table that you don't want to hide, you may opt for a table runner and/or place mats, just to add some color and keep your table protected from hot platters and plates. This ride in the rain table runner from supastarr is supa cool, and this Moroccan style table runner by happyexpat is gorgeous and in lovely fall colors.

If place mats are more your style, these fountain grass ones by 12gypsies are modern and perfect for anytime of year, and these lovely napkins by MichelleBrusegaard can complement them with a pretty pop of red.

Speaking of platters of plates, you can (of course!) find those on Etsy, too! You can serve up the main course on this pretty, hand-painted platter by DishfulsofDoodles, and any meal would look all the more scrumdiddlyumptious served on one of these porcelain plates by Keith Phillips.

The best part about prettying up your table though is creating a centerpiece to set the mood and reflect your style. For a simple and classic look, you can fill a pretty vase by kimwestad with flowers in shades of marigold and burnt orange. Or, for something more modern and rustic, stick some willows or thin branches from your own back yard into one of these knitware vases by Alyssa Ettinger.

For some seasonal goodness, fresh fruit, like pomegranates or pears (even felted ones, like these by myfinn) would look so pretty in one of these bowls by Trama.

Or for something more fun, you can let these porcelain good luck birdies by sproutstudio or these hole-y squirrels by melabo run rampant.

Whether your style is bold and bright or simple and classic, let the fall season inspire you and don't be intimidated by the "properness" of dressing your table — it can be as funky and fun as you'd like it to be, and your guests will surely appreciate that you've gone through the effort to make them feel at home.

Further resources:
Modish
CHOW story on centerpieces
Thanksgiving decorating, table setting and centerpiece ideas from Martha Stewart

Have any Thanksgiving or hostessing tips to share? Leave it in the comments!