Color Me Domestic - Thanksgiving Roundup

Even though Thanksgiving is late this year, somehow it has managed to sneak up on me!  This past weekend we celebrated Friendsgiving with turkey and all the fixins.  As much fun as it is to try new recipes, at Thanksgiving I find myself going back to the classics.

Last year I shared a lot of my favorite recipes and I wanted to share them with you again!

The Right Stuffing

Cranberry Salsa

Green Beans and Ravioli

Pumpkin Dip

Depending on how much you travel you'll want to make sure you pack appropriately.  You should consider the general casualness of your holiday, but it will also be handy to check the temperatures and pack the right coat!

Thanksgiving Style

A Coat A Day

And if you happen to be hosting for the first time... Congratulations!!! I'm sure you're busy getting everything together but here are a few extras that you'll be extra thankful for.  Or, be the best guest ever and snag one of these for your hostess!

#nomnomnom apron, oven mit and pot holder set, and dishtowel

White Lacquer Flatware Box

Coasters: Cheers, Arrows, Herringbone, Confetti, and/or Triangles

They're so easy you can totally wait until the last minute to get your supplies (chances are you have most of them already)!  Tomorrow I'll have the How To so you can make your own set of wineglass tags!

Give Thanks tablescape from CaitlinWilson.com

Color Me Styled - Christmas Gift Guide for the Lady Friend

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I know that there have been a few posts about Christmas cookies already (Christmas Confetti Cookies and Peppermint Nutella Crinkle Cookies) but now we've got the Christmas banner (thanks Liz!!) and today is our first gift guide post.

Buying for that lady friend in your life could go in a million different directions. When I am buying for a friend I try to combine the things she "needs" with what she "wants". So, if she needs a new iPhone case... I get her one or two from Kate Spade.

Chit Chat | Polka Dots | Hello | Live Colorfully
Exclamation! | #TalkIsCheap | #PopFizzClink | OMG That's Hilarious 


Or... if she isn't an iPhone junkie and still uses a BlackBerry or is a Google fanatic and operating on Android devices she would appreciate one of the Kate Spade sleeves. I mean, you can never go wrong with Glitter.

If your friend is more of a pen and paper gal... you can't go wrong with a Russel + Hazel SmartDate system calendar. 

I also adore their People+Places business card system.

Or if she is more likely to enjoy something pretty hanging on her wall, the Inslee By Design 2013 calendar is a lovely addition to any perfectly appointed wall.

Is your gal pal a coffee addict? Perpetuate the habit with these delightful mugs. Pick up a bag of gourmet beans too and you've got a great gift set going! Add in a 2-4 cup French Press and you've hooked her up for life!

Charity Mugs from West Elm

If she's more of a monogram gal... the Homegrown Monogram Mug from Anthropologie is a sure hit!

I think the most important part about giving gifts is that you remember why you are doing it! Be thoughtful and go the extra mile to complete the thought. (Like buying the coffee to go in the mugs, or the hot chocolate. Or if you're buying for a baker, buy the cake stand and the cake pans that fit it.)

I'm a great gift consultant... I really work towards giving the perfect gifts each year! If you are stuck on what to give a special someone let me know. I respond quickly to email, twitter and facebook messages! Or... better yet... leave comments below and I'll comment too and then everyone can be inspired! 

Color Me Domestic - Upholstered Coffee Tables

House Envy right? This is a scene from West Elm

It seems to be all the rage in the last few years (or maybe always if you ask Pottery Barn) but the upholstered coffee table is probably the best solution for small spaces (read: apartments).

Not only does it look super chic, it is a triple threat. No, it doesn't sing, dance and act but it does moonlight as an ottoman, table and extra seating during a party.

Even in homes with sizable living spaces there never seems to be enough seats. We're thinking of course of family Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations where the youngest cousins or coolest Uncles get to sit on the floor after dinner. 

Depending on your financial clout and your decor there are a bunch of options out there. Ranging from super fancy high-end to DIY. (Warning: this DIY is not for the faint of heart... cutting wood and serious tools are involved)

If you have a large sofa like the one in the picture above a similar hued but solid ottoman table is the best choice. You don't want to detract from the big piece in the room. If you have a love seat and chair combo, both in a different color, a patterned ottoman table gives the opportunity to tie it all together. The ottoman table will also serve as an anchor for the sitting area.

Other essentials include a tray and low baskets for under the ottoman table. You'll want to have at least one side table near your seating so when the ottoman does get used as a bench you've got somewhere for people to set their drinks! Finally add your favorite flowers, candles and magazines and you're ready to go!

We've rounded up a couple favorite pieces!

  

And how cool is this whole system from West Elm? And the giant white-out loft with huge windows. Dream space.