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Gift Guide: Hostess Gifts, Thanks for Coming.

By |December 11th, 2014|Gift Guide|

holiday wreathUgly sweater party season is upon us.  I am fortunate enough to have wonderful friends who know better than to invite me to such a terrifying event.  They also know a lot of other things, like how to throw great parties.  One of the most gracious gifts friends can give us during the holidays is opening up their homes (whether a massive mansion or teeny studio) to host a festive get together.  In a city like New York, friends fast become second families and there’s a reason things like “Friendsgiving” exist.  Something my mother taught me from the time I was invited to slumber parties was to never arrive empty handed.  I diligently practice this form of social etiquette to this day and always arrive bearing gifts, whether they be basic bottles of wine or a bags full of glowsticks.  I never arrive unannounced or empty handed and to ensure that you will be invited to next year’s fete, I suggest you do the same (and avoid using your dinner napkin as a headwrap).  Below are my picks for gifts to thank your generous hosts for having you this holiday season.

hostess holiday gift guide

Baccarat Dom Perignon Flutes, $240C. Wonder Pop Fizz Cocktail Shaker, $38Alexandra von Furstenberg Fearless Coasters, $125 Lia Bottlestopper, $64Georg Jensen Wine & Bar Gift Set, $195Match Lucido Pitcher, $185Gift Boutique Piedmont Slate Cheese Board, $99Jonathan Adler Blanc Candle, $78Kim Seybert Paillette Wine Decanter, $177Bombki Little New York Set of Five Glass Baubles, $85

 

xx,

WhyDid

Gift Guide: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

By |December 10th, 2013|Gift Guide|

holiday party friendsUnless you are a terrible house guest (insert all too easy obvious relevant pop culture reference here), you will more than likely be invited to at least one holiday gathering- dinner party or otherwise.  As anyone knows, Emily Post would encourage you not to turn up empty handed.  While there is debate whether or not bringing good spirits, alcoholic and emotional, is enough, my personal opinion is that it’s always a welcome surprise to receive something other than a bottle of Chateau Diana that was picked up from Duane Reade or the deli on the way over.  Be it pricey or just playful, there are plenty of fun options to be presented to your gracious host(ess) as a token of appreciation for organizing the soirée.

gifts for host hostess1. Williams-Sonoma Monogram Collection Salad Plates, 2. Limited Edition Golden Monogram Mug, 3. AERIN Round Match Striker, 4. Mistletoe Stem,  5. Cire Trudon Le Grande Bougie Melchior Myrrh and Benzoin, 6. Wishbone Bottle Opener, 7. Toasts & Tributes by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis, 8. Linen Satin Stitch Cocktail Napkins, 9.Set of 2 Copper Moscow Mule Mugs, 10. D.L. & Co. 12 Days of Christmas Candle Set, 11. Soiree Opus Wine Gadgets Gift Set, 12. Lékué Macaron Kit, 13. Argentinean Candy Jar

 

Happy hosting.

xx,

WhyDid

 

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WhyDid Wisdom: Be Our Guest

By |November 10th, 2011|WhyDid Wisdom|

This time of year, you are more likely than not going to have company.  Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, or friends are just trying to escape the cold by heading to your neck of the woods, it’s best to be prepared for their impending visits.  Part of this is making sure your guests will be accommodated from their bedrooms to the bathroom.  Now, you probably already know the basics like clean sheets, plenty of towels, and a stocked fridge, but what about the less thought of, but equally important little things?

As you can see, I have our guest bathroom medicine cabinet chocked full of anything and everything your company might need.  From a spare toothbrush to clear nailpolish and Neosporin.  The last thing a guest wants to ask you for is a tampon, let alone a bath towel.

While, this doesn’t exactly sound like a party, you can absolutely make even the most mundane amenities look lovely.  It’s all in the presentation.  Put cotton swabs and q-tips in pretty glass jars atop the sink.  In the cabinets down below, make tampons, razors, and the likes easily accessible and obvious by placing them in more stylish glass containers.

Here’s a quick checklist to get your guest bathroom in check:

  • Toothpaste
  • Spare toothbrush
  • Band-Aids
  • Pain medicine
  • Razors
  • Tampons
  • Q-tips
  • Lotion
  • Contact lens case (and solution)
  • Extra toilet paper
  • Hair ties/bobby pins

Another good rule of thumb?  Think about all the things TSA will make you toss going through security and be sure to have those items handy.  The more comfortable you make your guests, the less work you’ll have to do while they’re visiting.  That means more time spent playing board games and reminiscing .
xx,
WhyDid