My Wish List

I'm not proud to admit it, but this time of year brings out my greedy side. Not only is everything I've been putting off buying all year on sale, my favorite stores keep throwing gift cards at me. When I should be shopping for friends and family, I'm looking for things to get for myself.

Now that I've admitted that, here are few things I'm hoping I'll get this year (and one that I already bought—see what I mean?).

Undecorate by Christine Lemieux; Sketch Cover Duvet, West Elm; Kate Spade Camelia Avenue Posy Vase, Lenox;
Owl Sugar Shaker, West Elm; and Lollia Eau de Parfum in Wish, Anthropologie

I want plenty more, but I wouldn't want to look too greedy ;-)

What's on your holiday wish list?

P.S.: While you're out shopping for friends and family, don't forget to pick up a little something extra for those who aren't as fortunate.

Under Wraps

While I enjoy wrapping gifts, I hate having to track down everything I need from all over the house. I have a cardboard gift wrap organizer that's held up quite well over the years, but I've long since outgrown it. Wrapping paper, ribbons and gift boxes have taken over one closet. It's time to pare down and reorganize.


Wouldn't you love to have this setup?

Better Homes and Gardens

If you don't have room for that beauty, how about this:

                                                          Source: 33shadesofgreen.blogspot.com via Pam on Pinterest

It's more compact and looks easy enough to create. I also love the picture frame treatment—so polished!

Using the back of a closet door to store supplies is a great idea. It's easy to reach and, with some creativity, you can keep everything in one compact space.

                                                       Source: fabulousorganization.wordpress.com via Melinda on Pinterest

                                                                    Source: theinspiredroom.net via Sharon on Pinterest

Or a small cabinet and pizza boxes—yes, pizza boxes!

                                                              Source: giverslog.com via Heather on Pinterest

How do you store wrapping supplies?

It's a Wrap

Now that you're done with your shopping (you are done, right? ;-), it's time to wrap the gifts. For me this is the fun part because it lets me be creative.

I really like the idea of wrapping presents in something unexpected. Sure, lots of people use newspaper, but how many of them make it look this festive:

Country Living

Kraft paper and a rubber stamp has never looked this chic:

The Haystack Needle

LowesCreativeIdeas

I love this idea (and I have lots of Trader Joe's bags lying around):

A Creative Mint

Gift Guide: Book Worm

Indulge your friend's reading habit with these helpful and stylish accessories:

Clockwise from upper left: Wicked Witch bookmarks, Etsy; Little Red Riding Hood poster, Square Inch Design; Literary Art iPhone 4 covers, Uncommon Goods; Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Light, Amazon; Penguin Classics Passport Case, The Lost Girl, Barnes & Noble; Esme readers, Kate Spade; Jonathan Adler Surfing Style iPad case; ModCloth

Check out gift guides for foodies, Francophiles, Anglophiles and animal lovers.
Also be sure to visit the fabulous and comprehensive gift guides by Gifted magazine and Emily Henderson.

Gift Guide: Animal Lover

You knew I wouldn't forget the pets (or your animal-loving friends). Toys for dogs and cats, a fashionable (and eco-friendly) bed and dog cake—it's all here:

Clockwise from upper left:

• Chilled to the Bone Dog Scarf, Modcloth
• Banana Cake and Frosting Mix, Puppy Cake
• Good Dog ID tag, George
• DenHaus ZenHaus Modern Litter Box Enclosure, All Modern
• French Bulldog chocolates, Fetch Chocolates
• Cotton Rope Toy Mouse, Harry Barker
• Kittypod Couchette Modern Cat Scratcher, All Modern 
• Eco Bones, West Paw Design 
• On the Go food and water bowls, Planet Dog 
• Glory Days dog duvet, Molly Mutt

Coming Wednesday: gifts for the reader.
And check out gift guides for foodies, Francophiles and Anglophiles.
Also be sure to visit the fabulous and comprehensive gift guides by Gifted magazine and Emily Henderson.

Gift Guide: Anglophile

For the friend who can't get enough of The Office (Ricky Gervais edition), Sacha Baron Cohen and beans with breakfast:

From top right: Union Jack wallet, John Lewis; London Weekend Destinations print, Bodie and Fou; London canvas tote, Bodie and Fou; Underground map of London, London Transport Museum; Bigelow tea chest, Amazon

Coming Monday: gifts for the animal lover.
And check out gift guides for foodies and Francophiles.
Also be sure to visit the fabulous and comprehensive gift guides by Gifted magazine and Emily Henderson.

Gift Guide: Francophile

For the friend who dreams about Paris in the spring (or summer or winter or fall):

Form upper left: Chanel No. 19, Chanel; Parisian Winery appetizer plates, Pottery Barn; Silver-Plated Beaker, Bodie and Fou; Paris Metro map, Etsy; Paris canvas tote, Famille Summer Belle; Cote Bastide fig bath and shower gel, Bodie and Fou; Le Chat print, Bodie and Fou

Coming Friday: gifts for the lover all things British!
And check out gifts for foodies.
Also be sure to visit the fabulous and comprehensive gift guides by Gifted magazine and Emily Henderson.

Gift Guide: Foodie

Who doesn't like food? Whether your friend likes to cook or just consume, there's something for everyone.

Clockwise from upper left:

• Deluxe DIY Cheese Kit, Art Fire
• Farm to Table apron, Anthropologie
• Blend and Cook Soup Maker; Cuisinart
• Chinese 5 Spice dark chocolate truffle, Saratoga Chocolates
• iPad Chef Stand and Stylus, Belkin
• Seasonal striped kitchen towels, Williams-Sonoma (I love Williams-Somona kitchen towels and washcloths—sturdy and absorbent, not to mention cute!)
• Terracotta slow cooker, Reform School
• 3-Pack Coffee Sampler, Grounds for Change (This is a wonderful company. I've been buying coffee there for years, and it's fresh and delicious. Plus it's fair trade and organic. My favorite is the Cafe Femenino, which is grown by women in Mexico and Peru. And it sells tea and chocolate!)
• Le Creuset Two-in-One Pan, Sur La Table

Coming Wednesday: gifts for the Francophile!
Also be sure to visit the fabulous and comprehensive gift guides by Gifted magazine and Emily Henderson.