Style Lush

Tis the season for a hostess gift

by Christina

It's here! Can you even believe it? Day after tomorrow, Thanksgiving. Four weeks later? CHRISTMAS! I'm sort of breathing into a paper bag, I mean, where did this year go? No matter what you celebrate you're bound to end up at some sort of shindig in the next few weeks and etiquette says, you'd better not show up empty handed. These holidays revolve around food and drinking, there is no better time than to arrive with booze! So, this is not a hostess gift guide, this is a one stop shop. Get a bottle of what ever and put it in this. It's $10.95 and it's awesome.

If you want to bring more, add a festive floral arrangement or a seasonally scented candle. No need to make things complicated. The birch box will be a hit. Promise!

(image via pinterest via cb2)

Feeding kids on the go: Sili Squeeze

by Christina

One of the best inventions to take place between my frist kid and my second is the squeeze pack of baby food. When I had my first boy life was a little easier on me, I had the time to make all of my purees and lovingly spoon them into my little cherub faced boy. Now? Ha-ha-HA! Now I have to shower at the gym while they are in the daycare. Lest I go all week without one. No time for purees this go round, is what I'm saying. We are on the go so much with one in school and my trying to hold on to a thread of sanity that tossing the baby a pack of food and an applesauce to my pre-schooler is awesome. I keep exras in my purse for meltdowns, I just love them. Except they are a freaking racket! Like, $1.89 each. So I'm spending a pretty penny for such a convenience. Today I discovered the Sili Squeeze.

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They come in 4 and 6 oz. I can buy regular baby food or applesauce and put into this container and we're off. A little more work than tossing the pack into my bag but we can use these containers for years. I'm going with two of the 4 oz so we can bring them on airplanes. Find of the day. Thanks Cool Mom Picks!

(image via Silico.com)

Outdoor Wine Holder

By Leah

I know it's not outdoor weather everywhere yet, but spring is coming, and I have the Target find of the season to help you celebrate and enjoy the warm weather. 

 

This set of bottle and stemware stakes stick in the ground, whether you've taken your party out camping for the weekend or just to a quick afternoon picnic at a park or the beach.  

The product is obviously designed for wine bottles and wine glasses, but this would also do fine service to a batch of lemonade, either homemade and decanted into a fancy bottle or bought at the store. (Can you resist this Trader Joe's sparkling pink lemonade? No, you cannot.)

And because this is me talking, you know what's coming next: the set sells for the low, low price of $14.99, which is practically free when you add up all the glasses of wine you won't spill now that they're safe in this nifty holder. 

Your Message Here! Cookie Cutters

by Christina

I have visions of being the kind of mom and wife who not only rocks a ruffle T with a pair of Chuck Taylor's, but one that also does it with a plate of baked goods. I'm good with the former, but the latter remains a pipe dream. Outside of throwing a party, I'm not good with stuff like sending a plate of cookies to the neighbor after babysitting for me at no charge.

Well, if this kit by Williams Sonoma doesn't fix that then I'm just not meant to succeed.

 
 
These will be mine. And at $20 per kit, they may be a gift or two as well.

{images via williams sonoma}

New Obsession: Outstanding in the Field

by Natalie

I realize it's not a popular thing to admit these days, but I'm not really a foodie. I like good food, and I enjoy cooking, but I'm not a person who gets a thrill out of the perfectly steamed artichoke (actually, I don't really like artichokes that much) or the most fabulous dusky pomegranate (I don't even think you would use "dusky" to describe a pomegranate but I'm going to do it anyway.) I do, however, like that so many people are going back to the basics of eating; I find that food that is grown locally tastes better. I really like visiting my local farmers market and talking to the people who actually raise the vegetables I'm going to buy and eat.

To that end, I'm so interested in what the folks at Outstanding in the Field are doing. In their own words:

Our mission is to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it.

Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls. Since 1999 we have set the long table at farms or gardens, on mountain tops or in sea caves, on islands or at ranches. Occasionally the table is set indoors: a beautiful refurbished barn, a cool greenhouse or a stately museum. Wherever the location, the consistent theme of each dinner is to honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table.

Ingredients for the meal are almost all local (sometimes sourced within inches of your seat at the table!) and generally prepared by a celebrated chef of the region. After a tour of the site, we all settle in: farmers, producers, culinary artisans, and diners sharing the long table.

How fascinating is that? They drive a bus around the country, stopping in different locations. And with photos like these, how can you not want to be a part of such a cool experience?

In Whistler, Canada (photo courtesy www.davidbuzzard.com):

 
{click to enlarge photo}

In Seattle {photo via Outstanding in the Field}:

In Pawleys Island, South Carolina (my favorite place on Earth):

{Photo credits:  Outstanding in the Field}

What are you waiting for? Head on over, check out their blog, and see if the bus is headed your way anytime soon. Definitely don't wait to get tickets if these folks are going to be in your neck of the woods, as they generally sell out in a heartbeat.

Or, if you happen to be in the market for a private event...

"Outstanding in the Field can go anywhere in the world to perform an adventurous private dining experience. No site is too remote."

Yes, please!

 

 

 

Petite Treat Cupcake Stand

by Katie

We have quite a few (dare I say all?) cupcake loving writers on the Style Lush staff. Jennie even opted to serve cupcakes rather than cake at her wedding! As for me, I whole-heartedly believe that the frosting-to-cake ratio is much higher on a cupcake which is what does it for me. I also happen to love finger foods and cupcakes are the ultimate finger food, don't you think?

I think we can all agree that cupcakes are pretty enough on their own, but I've discovered a way to make them even prettier. Forget a tiered cupcake stand, The Rosanna, Inc. Petite Treat Cupcake Stand, is perfectly sized to serve and display one fabulous cupcake.

They're sold individually in four different colors (Mint, Pink, White and Yellow) and can be purchased directly from the website, though all but Yellow is backordered at the moment. If you really can't wait, you can find them on Amazon too, though. They're a bit pricey if you need to buy a lot of them (anywhere from $15-$18 a pop), but wouldn't it be nice to give the birthday girl a cupcake on her very own pedestal? Or if you're planning on making your own Valentine's dinner for your sweetheart, just imagine how fancy a tiny indivual dessert would look on one of these. I think they're so very sweet!

{Photo Credit: rosannainc.com} 

In Chicago: The French Market

By Sara

This is the post where I go and alienate all the readers who DON'T live in Chicago but I have to declare my love and affection for the Chicago French Market. My adoration came about on one summer weekday afternoon when the dinner recipe I thought up in my little head required an onion...an onion that I did not have at home. The logical part of me knew I could swing by the grocery store on my way home from work/pre-school pick up, with my toddler in tow, and grab my missing ingredient. The rational part of me remembered just how much I hate going to the grocery store at 5 pm, with my now-screaming toddler in tow, battling for a parking spot and a place in the check out line. 

A quick internet search of nearby Chicago market/grocery options led me to the Chicago French Market located in the Chicago loop/downtown. How convenient as I work downtown! I could walk there, grab my onion, and head back to work, all on my too short lunch break.

Oh, friends. This market was magic. Primarily it's a European-inspired farmers' market with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and meats, but it is so much more. There are vendors who sell ready-to-eat breakfast and lunch options and a lovely woman who creates elaborate gift baskets out of edible and non-edible (think lotions and potions) market items. There are beautiful flowers and soaps, locally-raised meats and produce, artisan cheeses and wines. It sounds like it would be pricey to shop at the Market but I assure you that its prices are hard to beat as you're getting products directly from the purveyor. I love supporting small businesses! The best part is that this market is INDOORS so it can operate year-round, even during Chicago's brutal winters. If you're local or just find yourself on a visit to our city, please treat yourself to a visit to this market. I promise you won't be disappointed.

In case you were worried, I did get that onion. And some flowers. And a few chocolates...

The M & M Nativity

By Elisabeth

I came across the sweetest blog post recently and thought I would share it with you here. Apron Girls gives us a unique look at a simple candy during this holiday season.

*****

M & Ms

As you hold these candies in your hand and turn them, You will see the M becomes a W, an E, and a 3.
They tell the Christmas Story; It's one I'm sure you'll know. It took place in a stable a long, long time ago.

The E is for the East Where the star shone so bright.
The M is for the manger Where Baby Jesus slept that night.
The 3 is for the Wise men bearing gifts; With haste they came.
W is for worship; Angels sang praise to His name.

So as you eat these candies Or share them with a friend, Remember the true spirit of Christmas and never let it end!

This poem could be attached to a snack packet or large bag of M&M's to give to a neighbor, or even a handful of M&M's in small cellophane bag with ribbon tied and poem attached. I hope this helps for anyone looking for Christ-centered Christmas ideas... Great for neighbor gifts, youth groups, teacher gifts, etc.

Enjoy!

******

Thank you Apron Girls for a great idea for holiday gifts this year that have the true meaning of Christmas behind it!

 

{photo credit: brightideas.com}

Give Tea

By Leah

Historically, this is the time of year when the lunch table in my office becomes a month-long buffet of boxed chocolate courtesy of our clients and other friends of the company. Chocolate filled with nougat and caramel and fruit fluff, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate-covered cherries, chocolate dipped in chocolate with chocolate sprinkles. On December 1, we all squeal and gather 'round the first box to make our picks, but after only two weeks we're already approaching the treats like they're a duty--Chocolate again? Well, I suppose if I have to...--and by the end of the month the delivery of each additional box inspires only the collective groan of a people oppressed. Yes, oppressed. By chocolate.   

This year, though? Not a single box of chocolate. Not one! Instead we're receiving tea. Boxes and boxes and boxes of fine assorted teas. (Did everyone get a memo about this or something?) Even if you're not a tea fiend like I am, it's obvious what a refreshing change this has been. No more guilt about over-indulging, no more mid-morning sugar crashes, and, since each tea bag is clearly labeled, no more blind sampling of the selection and then putting things back in the box half-eaten. (Yes, I have a coworker who does that, and since there are only a dozen of us, everyone knows who it is.)

If you need a gift for someone who's not into "stuff," or if you're looking for the perfect gift for a group of people--coworkers, clients, inlaws, daycare staff--of varying tastes (ha), a box of assorted teas might be the perfect choice. If you want to assemble your own collection, you might start with some of these; put them in a pretty basket with perhaps an accessory or two, and you're ready to give the gift of calm or energy or comfort or warmth or delicious, delicious caffeine.

 
Abaca Tea Box from Mighty Leaf; $24.95 for 30 pouches; sustainable and eco-friendly

 
Numi Teasure Chest; $13.49 for 18 pouches, with a reusable bamboo box

 
Numi Flowering Tea Set; $21.00 at Amazon; more than half off and as beautiful as it is delicious

 
Tea of the Month Club membership; $150.00 for 6 mo. or $290.00 for 12 mo.

 

Stash Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning set; $8.95 for 18 of each; a great hostess gift

Any other tea collections you're loving (or would love to receive)? 

Popptags: Stylish (and Honest) Gift Giving

By Janet

I often give wine as a gift, which is hilarious because I know absolutely nothing about wine (except that I really like it). I simply decide on my price range and then choose the bottle with the prettiest label in that range. I recently discovered these fabulously witty wine tags and they couldn't better describe my gift-giving style. 

  

  

These letterpressed tags are quite elegant in addition to being so funny, which means you can be both classy and comical (not to mention remarkably honest). Wouldn't the tags be perfect to add to hostess gifts for upcoming holiday parties? 

{Image Credit: Popptags}