Lilac & Ivy

Gasp. I’m a definitely not stylish enough to have stockings like this hanging around. But, I would love to! Click here to see all your favorite fabrics created into Christmas goodness.

P.S. She can also do tree skirts!

Image: Plum Cushion

I’ve been on the hunt for a holiday wreath with very little luck. The majority that I’ve found have either been of poor quality or way over my budget. (I simply don’t want to spend $100 for a wreath!) After a quick Etsy search, I found this great shop filled with beautiful wreaths for every season. Now I need to decide which one!

Images: Two Inspire You

‘Tis the season for holiday parties and  you know what that means… it’s also the season for giving hostess gifts. I find that giving wine (a standby for many) isn’t always the best option for several reasons: people are pretty particular about what they drink and you might choose something that isn’t liked, sometimes the host or hostess feels obligated to open the wine immediately and you certainly don’t want that and finally, not everyone drinks. So, here are a few things I prefer to give instead.

Handmade seasonal homemade jam would taste amazing on all the baked goods that are served around the holidays. If you’re feeling particularly generous, you could pair this with some vintage inspired spreaders.

How about an unscented, or if you’re familiar with the hostess’ preferences, a lightly scented candle paired along with these vintage wallpaper covered matchboxes? Placing this combination on any bedside table adds instant warmth to a room and is pretty perfect for someone you don’t know well.

If the hostess loves being in the kitchen, I’d give a cute dishtowel to match their decor. And, if you’d like to prepare several hostess gifts and always be prepared, these dishtowels from Ikea are only $.49 apiece! Tie them with some raffia ribbon and tuck a wooden spoon inside the bow.

Hand-soap in a beautiful bottle is a pretty safe bet. I have Compagnie de Provence bottles that I now refill in my kitchen and bathroom and receive compliments all the time!

To me a plant represents renewal and new growth, much like the New Year. I think they’re also an unexpected gift. A succulent is basically fail proof and requires very little water, and very little commitment or time. I like putting them in these pots from Ikea which are less than $5 but don’t look like it!

And of course, the no fail ornament. When it’s as simple and beautiful as this 2009 commemorative dove with gold leaf gilding you can’t go wrong.

Images: Lemon Bird, Anthropologie, Cori Kindred and Paloma’s Nest