DIY

Guest Post: Glittery Polka Dot Holiday Wrapping

I’m off to New York today to wrap up the year and head home for the holidays, so I have a festive little guest post to share with you from Navya of The Little Flower Cottage:

When Kate mentioned that she wanted to do a guest post on gift wrap styling,  I jumped at the chance to share what I’ve been whipping up in my own little workshop this season! I don’t know about you, but for me, receiving a beautifully wrapped package is almost as exciting as what’s inside.  This year I went with some simple polka dot kraft wrapping paper (a TJMaxx score!)  that I embellished with sprigs of pine, cinnamon sticks and gold glitter. I didn’t feel like the white dots were festive enough so I brushed on a thin layer of glue and dusted away with some Martha Stewart glitter. Presto!  An instant touch of glam to otherwise rustic packaging.  I can’t wait to hand them off to friends and family next week!

IMG_2988IMG_3001

Party Pants.

My mailman hates me, for sure, because I’ve ordered about a dozen dresses that have all been tried on and returned — my hunt has been a disappointment. I’ve been thinking perhaps I just need to scratch my idea of the perfect holiday dress altogether and try something new this year.Enter some pretty festive pants I’ve been eyeing — maybe a sharp pair of cropped party pants is just what I need to get me through the holiday season? Would you wear patterned pants in lieu of a holiday dress?

Party PantsSources: 1, 2, 3, 4

 

Entertaining

Confetti New Year’s Eve Invites.

I wasn’t just getting in the Christmas spirit this weekend, but also tackling some planning for our annual New Year’s Eve party. I love sending out paper invites, because let’s be honest — who doesn’t love receiving them in the mail? I made a simple invitation on bright pink paper, and tucked them inside glassine envelopes filled with matching homemade confetti — perfect to set a festive tone for the fete! A

A1

A3

Want to use these invites for your own New Year’s Eve celebration? Download them here:

NYE Invites _ DomestiKatedLife

Entertaining

Holiday cheer.

I spent this weekend working up a little holiday cheer — from addressing stacks of Christmas cards, to tackling hours upon hours of gift-wrapping I can say that the Christmas spirit has finally arrived at our house. And now I’m super excited about heading home for the holidays — did you tackle any holiday tasks this weekend?

photo (84)photo (83)

Entertaining

Shindig inspiration.

I know that this is a major faux-paus, but while everyone is excited about decorating their tree, my mind zooms straight past Christmas and to my favorite holiday: New Years Eve. While my annual New Year’s shindig may be a month away, I already have my wheels turning gathering inspiration for some fun little touches. Tinsel and drink toppers are on the DIY to-do-list, and I’m seriously eyeing those numbered  rocks glasses — aren’t they cute?

nyeSources: countdown glassware, curly-q DIY, caspari party crackers, tinsel drink stirrer, party hats

Entertaining

Macarons & Tinsel.

The snow started falling in Boston on Saturday and it made me feel like the holidays were officially here. I snagged some really cute metallic wrapping paper and tinsel bows while I was out shopping — I can’t wait to start wrapping presents with these. And Sunday I found the holy grail at Trader Joes: Peppermint Mocha macarons in a bright shocking pink — this box was just a ‘test’ to make sure they lived up to expectations for some holiday entertaining — and they certainly did!

photo (75)photo (74)

Life

Ladies Home Journal Feature!

I’ve been having a bit of a squeal-fest after seeing my little ‘ol blog show up in the December issue of Ladies Home Journal! I’m thrilled to be included in a fun article with blogger tips all about effortless holiday entertaining. Seeing my name in print is a bit of a *pinch-me* is this for real? moment… you can read all of the great tips here!

LadiesHomeJournal

Entertaining

Holiday Helpers: Thanksgiving

I’m over on Wayfair’s My Way Home blog this week sharing some favorite turkey-day memories and a few ideas I picked up from the fabulous ladies in my life who’ve hosted my family Thanksgiving since I was a kid. I can’t believe there’s just a few more days until we feast on stuffing and pie — head over and check it out!