KidKraft “Everyday Heroes” Playset. The only thing better than seeing the little ones feverishly unwrap their presents? Watching them play in all their imaginative glory (and reliving your childhood holidays, of course).
The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.
For years, Mason jars have been used to preserve food – but this holiday season, they’re adding gifting to their resume. Filled with sweet mixes, these old-fashioned, glass containers (which can be found at your local craft store) make for the perfect party favors and Yankee swap presents – just add a gift tag.
Spa Jars
Fact: the holidays can be stressful, so give tired coworkers and shopped-out friends (who knew there was such a thing?), a little rest and relaxation with these homemade candy cane bath salts and oatmeal cookie scrubs.
A Mason Jar Manicure
Filled to the brim with nail polish, cotton balls, and sparkles, this Mason jar has everything needed for an at-home manicure – and what young girl wouldn’t want that?
Contained Cocoa
Who doesn’t love hot chocolate during the winter? With all the fixings for a perfect cup of cocoa (from sugar and marshmallows to a jar to drink it out of), this gift is always a hit.
The Mini Sewing Kit
With a built-in pincushion, this Mason-jar-turned-sewing-kit has aspiring designer written all over it.
Candle-in-a-Jar
Candles have always been a gifting go-to for me, and these Mason jar versions give the holiday staple a thoughtful DIY spin. Plus, you get to choose a personalized scent the recipient is sure to love.
By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor
How are you gifting Mason jars this holiday season? Share your ideas in the comments below, or tweet us @ruelala.
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With each generation, things change – holiday dinners are hosted at a different person’s house, or a meal that was traditionally a sit-down affair evolves into a buffet-style free-for-all. And as tradition shifts, so does hosting etiquette. What still applies to the modern-day gathering? Here, find four classic etiquette myths – and the modern truths behind them:
Myth #1: Traditional holiday menus are a necessity.
Who says the holiday potatoes have to be mashed rather than roasted, baked, or scalloped? You’re the host – so feel free to change up your dishes and recipes. Just be sure to share your menu plans with any traditionalists (or vegetarians, or guests with food allergies) who might protest. If it won’t be a real holiday dinner to your mother-in-law when she can’t have her favorite fig-preserve appetizer, let her bring it.
Myth #2: The bar must be stocked with every kind of alcohol and mixer.
It’s not always feasible to keep a bottle of every liquor known to man. Relieve the pressure by mixing up a signature sangria or cocktail for the event, just like at a wedding reception. Stock the ingredients for that one drink, plus a couple of different beers and both red and white wines. Add a few essentials – vodka, rum, tequila – for guests who like it straight or on the rocks, and you’ll have something to please everyone.
Myth #3: Paper and plasticware should always be shunned.
It is true that linen napkins, matching plates, and attractive silverware are the norm for a fancy dinner. But if you’re hosting family and friends in a more casual setting – especially if children are involved – it’s not uncouth to go disposable and lay down some colorful paper napkins, high-quality paper plates, and those metallic-hued plastic forks. Just stick to your décor’s color palette and give thanks for having fewer dishes to wash.
Myth #4: The more elaborate the better.
Rather than setting the table with every fork and spoon in the set – widely considered an outdated (and confusing) practice – it’s more than okay to start with only enough to get guests through the main course. Cutlery for later courses, like a dessert spoon, can be offered along with the dish. Also, a simple yet thoughtfully designed table can be more functional and just as beautiful as an elaborate setup.
Remember that entertaining has one primary goal: pleasure, for your guests and yourself. Do what is comfortable, fun, and thoughtful – regardless of any supposed “rules” – and you can’t go wrong.
By Jess Huckins, Staff Writer
Have any other classic hosting wisdom you love to ignore? Sound off in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.
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From play sets to pianos, these are the gifts we’re giving to all small fries, teeny-tiny tots, and kids at heart (whether they’ve been naughty or nice).
Our FAO Schwarz Boutique opens Tuesday, November 27, at 3PM ET.
By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor
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Peter Millar Fleece 1/4-Zip Pullover. Dying to coax Dad out of his go-to V-neck sweater (you know – the one that predates you)? With this sharp and structured pullover, consider it done.
The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.
Turning Thanksgiving dinner into a buffet-style extravaganza is a surefire way to ease tension when you’re home (and hosting) for the holidays, especially when the meal itself takes days to prepare. Spend less time cleaning and more time eating – and let guests fill up on as many waistband-stretching helpings as they please – with these self-serve tips.
Location, location, location.
Be creative with your table placement. If you have both a kitchen and dining room, it’s easy to create separate zones for serving and eating. If not, you can host the buffet on a wooden sideboard, a dresser, a desk – or even a door propped up on sawhorses and covered with a floor-length tablecloth. Just try to keep the table away from the wall so guests can access it from all sides, and set up the décor and serving dishes the night before.
Define your color palette and style it seasonally.
Floral arrangements need not apply. Instead, take cues from seasonal bounty and style the table with gourds, grapevines, or crab apple branches. You can also place clustered vignettes (try any combination of rose hips, artichokes, beets, eggplants, mini pumpkins, and sweet peppers) between your serving dishes for a dazzling, colorful spread. If you’re craving candles, choose the flameless variety – no one wants a side of smoking sleeves with their sweet potatoes.
To create additional serving space, stack vintage wooden cheese boxes or bricks wrapped in cloth napkins, then place your platters and décor on different heights to spur visual interest and increase functionality. Just keep it classy, not cluttered, and make sure everything is stable. You can even move décor to baskets on the floor, mantel, or side tables to make more room for the all-important food.
Continue reading “Holiday Entertaining: Thanksgiving Buffet Tips” »
Nespresso Pixie Electric Espresso Maker. What’s better than Dad opening this gourmet espresso maker just before his morning cup? By the look on his face it’s love at first sip.
The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.
They were nice enough to invite you over (and during the hectic holiday season, no less), so as Emily Post has taught us, it’s only appropriate we thank them with a thoughtful gift for their hospitality.
The 12 Days of Merry: Kate’s Verbena Hostess Gifts Boutique opened Tuesday, November 20 at 11AM ET.
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1800s
German mines shut down – so miners turn to woodworking as a means to provide for their families.
1870
Friedrich Wilhelm Füchtner creates the first commercial, mass-produced version of the nutcracker – a king wearing cavalry dress and a crown reminiscent of a miner’s hat.
1892
Peter Tchaikovsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker, premieres, sparking people’s interest in collecting nutcrackers.
1945
American soldiers return from World War II, bringing the nutcrackers home as keepsakes.
Today
Legend says nutcrackers serve as trusty watchdogs, guarding your family from evil spirits and danger.
“Don’t be afraid, my beard is long, my head is large, my look is grim, but that matters not. I won’t bite you. In spite of my big mouth and grim appearance, I look with my heart for your happiness.” – German folklore
The 12 Days of Merry: The Holiday-Ready Home Boutique opens Sunday, November 18 at 11AM ET .
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From gingerbread cookies to candy canes, the holidays and tasty treats go hand in hand – but did you know these colorful confections also make for some seriously sweet decorations? Check out a few of our favorites below:
This adorable gingerbread-man wreath from our girl Martha Stewart makes for cheerful front door décor (not to mention a great late-night snack with milk).
With just two ingredients – candy canes and glass serveware – this sweet centerpiece is quick, easy, and seriously chic.
Forget pine – this chocolate-truffle tree is a surefire crowd-pleaser (just don’t expect it to last past the party).
Our The 12 Days of Merry: Gourmet Gifts Boutique is now open.
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