Gifts for the Host

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that there are a million reasons right now to throw a holiday party. Here are some examples: cookie exchange party, holiday movie night party, ugly Christmas sweater party, or maybe a let's-drive-around-the-neighborhood-and-look-at-lights-party (if you drink the spiked egg nog before driving around, consider this a walking party). Whatever the reason, holiday parties are a wonderful time to get together with friends. Hosting is not an easy job, but it makes it more enjoyable when guests show up with a nice gift. Here are some great hosting gifts under $50 to give this holiday season.

A new way to keep white wine chilled

A great game for the long winter nights in by the fire

These throws are super soft and cozy

Homemade popcorn is the best. Try this recipe with it!

This reminds me of a martini shaker I would see in a James Bond film.

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No Cook Antipasti

This past weekend we hosted a few friends over for some wine and antipasti. This was a perfect menu for me because cooking in my kitchen during the summertime is very dangerous. I think if I turn the oven on for more than 20 minutes, my kitchen shelves will begin to melt. We live in a traditional older Uptown duplex, and with only one window air conditioner, cooking in my kitchen becomes an activity similar to sitting in a sauna. I tend to make the most of fresh food, and take advantage of our specialty foods in the nearby grocery stores. Hosting an antipasti party allowed me to assemble, rather than cook, and the results were delicious. This weekend allowed me to participate in the best parts of the summer; eating fresh, natural, and simple food. Caprese on a stick Sun dried tomato and parmesan cheese Antipasti platter

Luck be a lady...

In case you haven't already heard, it's out with the old and in with the new at Mall of America. Not that I didn't love Bloomingdales, but it's time Minnesota caught up with the rest of the world, and get some great retail stores in the supposed "Mall of America." I am excited and downright giddy to announce that MOA will now have four new stores in replace of the Bloomingdales location: Zara, Topshop, Madewell, and Tory Burch. To say I am happier than a bird with a french fry, is an understatement. My trips to MOA are going to dramatically increase to the point where I should look into a reserving a spot in the parking lot. To prepare properly for this special occasion, I have been online window shopping again, and picked out some items I will hope to find in the new stores. Here are some of my favorites. This Topshop dress will be perfect at weddings this summer. A Madewell llama necklace . Need I say more? I li...

Lady Nine

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