Add the perfect note for every occasion.
Some people have a signature cologne. Others have a scent of the season or a collection that evokes fond memories. The holiday season is a great time to get or gift something old or something new. Bonus points for beautiful packaging!
COCO Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Spray, $146, Ulta
Jasmine Wood, $45, GAP
Tom Ford Lost Cherry, $390, Sephora
See what makes Lost Cherry so insatiable
Coqui Coqui Flor De Naranjo Agua De Perfume, $125, Indigo Octopus
Rosie Jane Dylan Perfume, $70, Sephora
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau deParfum, $103, Ulta
Sana Jardin Tiger By Her Side Eau De Parfum, $145, Bluemercury
When it comes to jewelry the rule is simple: more is more! Let chunky links lead the way, paired with dainty chokers and sentimental pendants. Layering creates an impact. Dress up your holiday errand fit with an open collar and a few chains. Ready to party? Same. Just dial up the shimmer!
Marlyn Schiff Double Chunky Necklace, $58 South Moon Under
Diamond Cluster Necklace, $265, Gorjana
Enamel Necklace, $68, Marine Layer
Five Disc Choker, $55, Gorjana
Three-layer Necklac, $25, J.Crew Factory
Byzantine Pendant Brass Necklace, $88, Johnny Was
Rebecca Gold Multi Strand Necklace, $125, Kendra Scott
$40, Chico’s
Riviera Necklace, $98, Indigo Octopus
50 Lapis Black Leather & Gold Wire Necklace with Half Moon Pendant, $91, Hadlee
Ana Coin Lariat, $75, Belina
Now it’s time to wrap everyone’s gift up beautifully to go under the tree. Gift wrapping while I have a great holiday music playlist going or my favorite holiday movie on in the background is one of my favorite parts of this magical season, so I wanted to share five tips with you to take your gift wrapping to the next level.
First step is to gather my gift wrapping supplies—essentially creating a “mise en place” like you would in the kitchen, but for Santa’s workshop instead. I ensure I have wrapping paper, gift boxes, bows, ribbons, the ELF gift wrap paper cutter—it’s a game-changer if you haven’t tried it!— and lots of scotch tape on hand. Now with your
style in the DC area
You’ve made your list, and checked it twice!
@katieurban life
One easy— and cost effective — way that I love to wrap gifts for the holidays is to layer wrapping paper. I started with a base of white wrapping paper and then layered a strip of beautiful green & gold wrapping paper on top. You could use the same wrapping paper across all presents for a uniform look or keep the white wrapping paper base but change out what wrapping paper you layer on top.
You can never go wrong with a classic red bow. To make it the focal point, I like to use a simple, solid color wrapping paper— like the white paper you see here — and pair it with a printed, festive gift tag.
Instead of using traditional bows and ribbons, I also like to use sprigs of faux holly or winter berries. You can find these at any craft store and cut them into the right size using wire cutters. I use a little bit of hot glue to affix them to the present. I’ve found they pair really well with kraft wrapping paper.
While it seems like red and green are everywhere throughout the holiday season, another holiday gift wrapping tip is to not be afraid to use non-traditional holiday colors. I have found that metallics — especially gold and rose gold — still give a festive look without being so on-the-nose.
Another way to step up your holiday gift wrapping is some pattern play. I love keeping my eye out for unique ribbons, such as the gold leaf I found at Paper Source like ones seen here. Pair with wrapping paper that features a similar pattern and the result is an elegant, yet festive look.
Never
I’m always in need of a last-minute hostess gift with a holiday calendar full of parties and open houses or last-minute nights with friends to celebrate the season. I try to keep a small stockpile of hostess gifts on hand so I’m never unprepared. And, because I always stock up with the aforementioned holiday gift wrapping supplies, pulling together a beautiful hostess gift in a pinch is easy. Here are three of my favorite go-tos:
Throughout the year, I pick up cute and colorful dish towels as these make for great, affordable hostess gifts. Simply tie them up with beautiful, festive ribbon and you’re all set.
If you know your hostess well, finding a book that speaks to their interests is a great way to go. Wrap it up with a bright red bow and slide a thank you card inside and you’ve got the perfect gift.
When all else fails, you can never go wrong with a bottle of wine! I like to select a varietal I know the hostess likes and package them in a cute wine bag, festive ribbon and you’re all set.
Organic Turkish Tassel Hand Towels, $10 each, West Elm
Washed Waffle Dishcloths (Set Of 3), $18, Sur La Table
Bellport Guest Towels (Set of 3), $68, Serena & Lily
Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wally Koval, $38, Barnes & Noble
National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks, $65, REI
Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone, $37, Barnes & Noble
Freemark Abbey Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine, $65, Balducci’s
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier Wine, $19, Balducci’s
Thankful You're Hosting Wine Bag, $10, Paper Source
the
river
to act like a kid again.
through the woods)
is all
ones.
one of
around. It’s piled to the
of all
from the shop owner himself.
aisles
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in
that is certain to make a believer
Move over meats and cheeses, and make room for butter! Get interactive with your guests and scoop up with the latest Butter Board trends. Savory boards are perfect for happy hours or even brunch. Bring on extra flavor and add a little everything bagel seasoning, or sprinkle some olives—whatever you crave, top it off just the way you want. For an
after dinner sweet, think peanut butter or chocolate spread. Maybe drizzle some honey and top it off with dark chocolate or candied nuts. Pro tip: Keep your boards clean by first lining your board with parchment paper.
Everything
Cheese
Crow Canyon Enamel
If you love to entertain, you know charcuterie boards are the must-have showstopper—until now!
Olive Wood Cheese Knives
World Market
Faceted Brass Charcuterie Knives, $42, West Elm
Sable & Rosenfeld Mediterranean Olive Bruschetta, $8, The Fresh Market
Lily’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, $7, Balducci’s
Bark Thins Coconut Almond,
Balducci’s
Dexas Black Marble & Wood Serving Board, $25, The Container Store
“When I find a colour darker than black, I'll wear it. But until then, I’m
black!”
From the mouth of fashion royalty to
looks in
of black are a must on your
wish list. Too much of a good thing? Add a touch of black with a lux handbag or elegant scarf. Or, take it head to toe with boots that mean business.
Update your winter wardrobe with tailored outerwear that suits your solstice inspired adventures.
The always fashionable pea coat is a piece that will live well in your cold weather capsule collection. For an on-trend flare, embrace oversized silhouettes and color (lots of color).
Dial up the dull this winter with sophisticated layers and elevated
details. Love what you already have? Update your look with accessories. Are you team hat or team scarf?
Marrakech
I love bringing in the new year with a party filled with glitz and glam. This year I’m trading the party vibe for something a little smaller. An intimate gathering with a small group of friends and family.
Imagine your favorite holiday playlist, comfy robes, face masks and lots of bubbles being poured to cheers in the new year. If you love the idea of something a bit
more lowkey, here are my favorite things to make for a relaxing spa experience for New Years Eve at home.
When everyone is feeling refreshed on January 1st, they will be sure to thank you!
Crown Affair Hair Towel, $45, Sephora
Shampure Composition Oil, $35, Aveda
Spa Waffle Robe, $129, West Elm
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, $119, Sephora
Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer, $65, Heyday
Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Cleanser, $42, Heyday
Jenny Patinkin Rose on Rose Body Roller, $125, Bluemercury
Schott Zwiesel Pure Champagne Flutes (set of 6), $90, Williams Sonoma
Advanced Hyaluronic With Matrixyl 3000™, $85, Privai
FEETS Hydrating Foot Mask (set of 3), $30, Anthropologie
sonder/sway is a curated lifestyle guide to inspire your daily life. It brings together the best trends, topics and timely occasions in shopping, dining, and style.
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