secret santa success

Holiday season is officially here, and with that comes the ever-so-stressful workplace gift exchange.  There is always a dilemma with a gift exchange--you pull a name and it's someone too old, too young, someone you do not know well, or someone you do not love so much.  One more thing, and for me is always the most stressful part; the budget!  Typically, $20 is a common limit for a workplace secret Santa.  Here are some great ideas from West Elm.  I love all of these!

Who doesn't love tape?  Well, I do, and I am really loving these wooden tape dispensers, with Japanese tape!  These are from West Elm, and they are colorful, stylish, modern, and FUN!  Trust me when I tell you that you can give someone tape for Christmas--and they will love it!

Coasters?  YES, PLEASE!  Everyone needs them, and everyone will LOVE these lacquered coaster sets.  They come in the most amazing colors.  I am loving the gold and silver sets; instant glamour!

I am always writing things down because I forget everything.  So be sure not to forget this gift idea!  These color block journals are the perfect stocking stuffer.  Or, pair one up with a fancy pen and that gift is good to go!

How chic are these white ceramic diffusers?  I have to admit, these days I have been ditching candles and scattering decorative diffusers all over the apartment.  They are so perfect!  My favorite diffusers come from West Elm.

Now I know what you might be thinking; really, Andrew, a nut bowl?  YES, a nut bowl!  This is not just for nuts.  I would use these for candy, or even as kitchen prep bowls.  They are $4 each, and for only $20 you could give an entire set of five of these.  Mix and match, or give all black, tie them up with a great bow and the fabulous signature gift wrap from West Elm, and everyone will be calling you fancy pants!

holidays trend alert

Leave it to West Elm to bring back the classics--and add their contemporary twist--to these handmade felt ornaments.  These are definitely going on my Christmas list.  I love the whimsical twist, and candy cane colors.  I think these would also be fabulous as gift toppers.

These mushrooms are absolutely adorable!  All of these fabulous felt creations are HANDMADE by artisan women in a village outside of Kathmandu.

I am in LOVE with the white felt bead garland seen here.  West Elm has an amazing selection of holiday decor.  Check out their website for lots of great things.

wall flower

I am loving this idea!  Urban Outfitters sells these wall tapestries that can be used on a bed, on a couch, or--how the store has it displayed--on a wall.  What a great way to create an interesting optical illusion and cover a bare wall.  They offer a few varieties; this is the birch tree option.  I love Urban Outfitters, especially for their home collection.

servery style

 

I absolutely love exposed shelving, and I love all white dishware. This rather small space was enhanced beautifully with basic white shelving, and a mixture of glass serve ware and  white porcelain. A large basket is the perfect container for olive oils and vinegar.

wine and dine

Martha mania

food tents with Microsoft

 

drink up

an apple a day

fab finish

The Martha Stewart Living paint finish tool kit contains eight tools for creating twelve decorative paint effects.  It also includes a full color technique brochure and how-to guide.  A fresh coat of paint does wonders to a room, but to really breathe new life into plain walls and tired furniture, try giving that fresh coat a little something extra.  Eye-catching patterns and surface textures are surprisingly easy to create yourself, and you can see the beautiful results of your project in a single weekend.  This booklet gives you step-by-step instructions for producing a dozen professional-looking effects, including graphic stripes, rich textured linen, and my favorite, “faux bois” wood grain.