BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

The Weekend Guide

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First off, I want to apologize for being a shoddy blog friend over the last few weeks. I’ve been so busy with work and holiday hoopla that I haven’t made time to catch up on your blog posts and Instagram feeds. I’ll make amends soon! In the meantime, leave comments to share what you’ve been up to, the most amazing holiday gifts you’ve procured, or the booziest cocktails that are getting you through the season!

LEARN
Every Christmas season, I realize how out of practice I am with handwriting the moment I start signing cards and addressing envelopes. I have no idea how I ever managed to fill an entire Blue Book during college exams without such extreme cramping! Who’s the culprit behind this holiday tradition? Find out here.

SIP
We picked out our Christmas tree on Wednesday and plan to decorate it tonight with cocktails in hand. I’m thinking this s’more-inspired drink is in order.

APPRECIATE
If you haven’t watched the “Instagram Husband” video by now, you’re missing out. It’s a shamefully accurate representation of what we put our non-professional blog photographers through! There’s also a hilarious Tumblr to follow.

MAKE
This pom pom garland is an easy DIY project. Make one for the holidays if you’re feeling ambitious or save the idea for a festive New Year’s banner. It’s also an adorable project for a baby shower.

LISTEN
Serial. Season. Two.

LAUGH
While I’d love to own everything in the Williams-Sonoma catalog, many of the items are ridiculous. #BarkYeah

EARLIER THIS WEEK
A selection of gift ideas for teachers and coworkers (basically, thoughtful without being personal).
25 of the best barware this holiday season.
Style steals under $50 and $100.
Broke out my favorite party shoes for the holidays. (They’re on sale here.)

FIVE UNDER $55

25 Cocktail Essentials

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A bar cart has been at the top of my must-have list for a couple of years now, but I can’t bring myself to actually ask Santa for one — they’re so expensive! However, that hasn’t stopped me from adding plenty of mixology accessories to my wish list this year. I’m all about this pineapple ice bucket, a decanter that looks more expensive than it is, and these quirky cocktail napkins. I’d also love to add this koi vase to display cocktail stirrers.

Whether you’re buying gifts for a cocktail connoisseur or outfitting your own bar cart for the holidays, scroll through the slideshow to discover 25 of the chicest cocktail essentials this season.

 

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The Weekend Guide

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WATCH
It’s easy to go overboard with holiday spending. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you continue shopping for yourself and loved ones this month.

BAKE
As far as I’m concerned, December means it’s time to add peppermint to just about every dessert. I’m anxious to make these indulgent brownies.

ADMIRE
This slideshow features 27 photos of the best White House decorations and memories.

SIP
Mulled wine is an easy — and festive — drink option.

WRAP
There’s never a shortage of elaborate gift wrap ideas around the holidays. You can keep your over-the-top designs. I love this elegant option with a simple bow and monogrammed ornament. Can’t find alphabet stickers in time? Try it with bakers twine in either red or gold and a jingle bell, both available at Target.

PLAY
Which one of your friends always tells the same damn story? Put it to a vote with “Who’s Most Likely To…” The game looks like a fantastic ice-breaker with a new group of people, as long as they have good senses of humor!

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Here’s what I spent my money on in November.
A few beloved snapshots from last month.
The eyelet dress I’d like to wear all of the time.
Stocking stuffers for $25 or less! (Dave uses the shoe cleaner on his sneakers.)
Anthro’s adorable holiday window.
15 of the best colorful faux fur scarves.

FIVE UNDER $55
Scroll through for this week’s best budget finds:

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Perfect Present: Kate Spade Bow Ornament

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Today, you can snag Kate Spade’s “Tacky Bow” ornament in silver or gold on sale for $18.75. Even if your recipient isn’t as ornament-crazed as I am, she’ll appreciate adorning her tree with this whimsical take on a classic gift topper. I couldn’t resist ordering the gold version for myself this morning! It’s also a great item to stash away for the unexpected gift exchange that always seems to pop up at this time of the year.

On a marginally related note, have you seen Sugar Paper’s holiday collection with Target? I purchased three rolls of the cheerful gift wrap yesterday: mint and gold polka dot, gold stars, and knit hats.