GIFT GUIDE FOR THE MIXOLOGIST

What to buy for the mixologist on your list? There are oh, so many wonderful things! First let’s start with...

You! I’m sure you definitely have been nice this year. Instead of the go-to little black cocktail dress, why not stand out a touch in Indigo?
*1. Stilled Night Dress by Anthropologie ($128) & Vanessa Kandiyoti Earrings ($2,455 - if you’ve been really, really nice!). 
*2. Bottle openers can be lovely & fit quite neatly into a stocking. Wingspan Bottle Opener ($16). 
*3. Surely not any tonic water will do. Here’s a little set for that girlfriend who likes even her bar to be stocked prettily. (Q Tonic Water  $11.99) & why not pair it with the Wingspan Bottle Opener above?
*4. Just because it's my favorite & perfect for sipping holiday cocktails next to when your friend's home is lacking that essential working fireplace. Henri Bendel Fireplace Scented Candle ($29.99)
*5. Cocktail Books! Definitely not only for the coffee table - and just think, it's the gift that just may give back later in the year! Vintage Spirits And Forgotten Cocktails ($13.59), The Art of the Bar ($16.47), + Vintage Cocktails ($50).
*6. Why not make your own luck & bring a leave-behind Mistletoe Kissing Ball to the party? (FREE! It's a DIY from Martha Stewart)
*7. This is my favorite gift to give at the moment - vintage decanter sets. Roam through your local antique store - or spend a few minutes on Etsy. Mix & Match Vintage-Modern Decanters offered by Roost Living (approx. $131) + Vintage Aqua + Gold Decanter set offered by Birch & Bird on Etsy ($50)
*8. A new take on the Chalkboard Paint Wine Glass. Don't you just hate it when you lose your drink at a party? Chalkboard China Glasses ($15); other retailers listed here
*9. Last, but not any less chic, are stainless steel sipping spoons for mixed drinks. Set of 6 Stainless Steel Sipping Spoons ($14.95)


& happy holidays!

of le petit happy

GIFT GUIDE FOR MOTHER EARTH

You may remember that we had started a series around here called Kelley Green (get it? green? eco-friendly?). Well, the series is going to be passed on to a new contributor in the new year and I'm so excited for her to join the team! In the meantime, Miss Laura has put together this fabulous gift guide for those who like to give and give good for the holidays...

*1. Reclaimed Wood Mirror from dryads dancing
*2. Organic Nailpolish from Kaight NYC
*3. Reclaimed screen printed feather wood hook from NewDuds
*4. Recycled Clutch from GreenEnvy
*5. Recycled Metal necklace from Polli
*6. Naturally dyed vintage pillow from Sukan
*7. Recycled copper bowls Pfeifer Studio
*8. Laptop case made from recycled plastic bottles from Econscious
*9. Natural Mint Lime Sugar Bath Bomb from GreenEnvy
*10. Bag made from recycled sails from sea bags
*11. Journals made from vintage wallpaper from lorgie&me

*12. Recycled glass earrings from Smart Glass Jewelry
*13. Tivi clutch made from timber from Polli
*14. Grey Pashmina made from rayon bamboo from Overstock.com
*15. Ethically made shoes from Kaight NYC from Kaight NYC
*16. Bamboo iphone case from grove
*17. Sprout Watch with Eco-friendly white corn resin bracelette and mineral crystal lens from Macys
*18. Fair Trade Emerald ring from Elegant Roots

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE HOME GIRLS

Hello lovelies! Julie here from Chapman Interiors bringing you some of my favorite gifts to give (or receive!) for the friend who loves to spruce up their nest.

*1. A cheerful mantle clock keeps us on task with its bold red and modern take on a classic style.
*2.  Mr & Mrs. Tumblers. Who wouldn't want to unwrap these lovelies? Especially appropriate for recently married friends.
*3. There's nothing Kelly W does wrong in my book - or hers for that matter- (her over-the-top rooms are inspiring, even if they aren't realistic!). Her most recent book HUE, is bright and cheery, perfect for the coffee table.
*4. Who needs a knight in shining armor when we could just have his powerful steed instead?
*5. Bring a hot little trend into your kitchen with these Ikat tea towels.

*6. A wishbone is a symbol of luck, and who couldn't use a little of that!? Dipped in gold it delivers the most glamorous good wishes.

*7. I love a good snuggle with a heavy quilt when the winter weather sets in. You may want to purchase two of these vintage-inspired quilts for the holiday season - one for you and one for your favorite snuggler!
*8. The infamous Voluspa candle. This gift packs a one-two punch; the candle is of the highest quality, delivering layered, deep scent, and the container is absolutely gorgeous. Scent + beauty = gift home run!
*9. We're all familiar with the stunning work of Tim Walker, but his book is a must-have for any design lover, with pages and pages of constant inspiration.
*10. Keep current (and green!) with vintage kilim covered throw pillows (I love that each one is unique!).

Cheers!

xoxo

-Julie

GLAM (AND UNDER $25!) GIFT GUIDE

Happy holidays lovelies! Cristina from Fuji Files here with a Glam Gift Guide to help you through the season. These goodies offer lots of glitz and glamor, you'd never guess they were all under $25!

You can never go wrong with a classic, like F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby or Tender is the Night. Now take a classic and add a deco-inspired metallic cover designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith and you've got a guaranteed hit. This series of six titles by F. Scott Fitzgerald offers beauty and substance, each for just $18.85.

The world's most stylish bunny Fifi Lapin is impossibly chic and endlessly inspiring... for a rabbit. A set of Fifi Lapin postcards is the perfect gift for your fashionista friend, available for $15.

Who wouldn't love some liquid luxury for Christmas? Chanel nail polish, or shall I say, Le Vernis Nail Colour, is absolutely attainable at $25 a bottle.

The Fortune Cookie Placecard Holders are one of those gifts I'd have trouble parting with. They're oh so chic and at $21 per set of 12, I may just need some for my next soiree!

This iPhone Slider Case is so sleek and shiny, who can resist? I'm picturing my newly Chanel manicured fingers wrapped around this luxurious gold phone, ahem, I mean my friend's. $23.99 at Target.

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE EPICUREAN

Not sure where to start for the kitchen adoring foodie on your list? Let’s go shopping, beginning with...

Her! Of course she’ll be dressed to the nines after spending the day preparing for that little holiday party you’ll be attending.

*1.  Peggy Sue dress ($168) & The Lady's Half Apron ($28) by Anthropologie.
*2. Let her wear her passion on a string - a miniature sterling silver whisk ought to do the job nicely. Necklace via frances and co's shop on etsy ($45)
*3. Stylish dish towels in a holiday hue top off the kitchen with festivity, without being over the top. Foliage 5-pc kitchen set by Dwell Studio for Target ($19.99)
*4. And don’t be too matchy-matchy; perhaps consider augmenting that purchased towel set by adding in one specialty French motif towel to customize it. Apothecary Cotton Hand Towels set of 3 ($29.67) - you can divide into several gifts!
*5. One should never, never place a messy spoon on the granite - give her something kitschy, yet classy to place the mess in for easy clean up later. Spoon rest by Fishes Eddie (7.95)
*6. Specialty salts are likely something she won’t splurge on for herself, so gift her a set to play with in the year to come. St. Helena Olive Oil Company has a wonderful array of of salts found here ($12).
*7. And who wouldn’t want the mother of all Kitchenaid mixers? Copper takes this classic to a whole new level. Kitchenaid Copper Stand Mixer (529.99)
*8. Retro inspired timers. So much more fun that the microwave variety she already has! Bengt Ek Double Kitchen Timer (approx. $54)
*9. Another vintage inspired find - flatware trays that make the inside of those drawers look as stylish as the outside. Comptoir de Famille Wire Vintage Style Flatware tray ($49.99)
*10. Kitchen soap should all be adorned this prettily. Motif hand soap ($3.99 ea. at Target)
*11. Badgley Mischka Keeper Pumps ($200) at Piperlime

And, hey, a little holiday decor never hurt anyone. Jingle Bell & Pine Garland ($16.22 per 4'length)


& Happy Holidays to you!
of le petit happy

MORE WISHES...

A few more pretties I've added to my wishlist this week...

Sweet little pieces from etsy are always a welcome gift (for friends or yourself!). I adore the softness of this little leather pouch, and the undeniable glam of lucite + gold earrings.

These two happen to be my top lusts for the season - this stunning antique ring with my so-hard-to-find birthstone (opal!) surrounded by diamonds. It might be the most perfect thing I've ever seen! And a super soft sweater all tied up with a little black bow.

One of the more practical requests, this book - Compendium of Interior Styles - and a not so practical request in these gorgeous crystal goblets.

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE DAZZLING HOSTESS

'Tis the season for mixing + mingling, m'dears! Camille Styles here, and in honor of the holidays, we're departing from our regular Fantasy to Fête series with a chic little gift guide to delight the hostesses in our lives. From whimsical invites to wintery flutes; festive nibbles to the most fabulous piñata...this collection includes all the fixin's for an unforgettable evening of festivity.

{1} gingerbread chalet {2} fine dining disposable placemats {3} confetti system piñata {4} ceramic speakers {5} 'kiss under the mistletoe' apron {6} 'champagne & mistletoe' invitations {7} lacquer nut bowl {8} 'winter tree' stemless flute

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE FASHIONISTA

Happy Holidays lovelies!

Crissie from bug&Bear here to bring you my gift picks for your fabulous fashionista friends...

1. iPhone case by Kate Spade (so she can stay connected in style) 2. Watch by Michael Kors (because being late is never fashionable) 3. Mesh Bracelet by Tiffany & Co (a classic she'll love for life) 4. Shoe Clips by ban.do (my #1 pick this year- love love love) 5. Gold Nail Polish by Butter (a fashionista's nails never go naked) 6. Elephant Belt from ModCloth (a fab statement piece!) 7. 2011 Desktop Calendar by Kate Spade (so she never misses a fashion show) 8. Gold Glitter Toms (sometimes  we all need a break from heels)

9. Scarf by Madewell (to keep her cozy) 10. Passport Case by Marc by Marc Jacobs (for the jet-setting fashionista) 11. Knee-Socks from J. Crew (socks are my go-to accessory this winter!) 12. Leaf Necklace from ModCloth (because you can never have too many statement necklaces) 13. Classy by Derek Blasberg ("exceptional advice for the extremely modern lady") 14. Mittens by Kate Spade (sassy and stylish)

Happy gifting!

SNUGGLE IN...

And let the fun begin! All week this week on coco+kelley we'll be bringing you fabulous wishlists (from moi) and gorgeous gift guides (from my amazing contributors) all in the name of shopping!! Shall we get the party started??

First up, while we're on the topic of snuggling, let's talk about how much I'm crushing on designer Donna Wilson's cozy goodies (all available at The Future Perfect) for winter. I love the handpainted Stafforshire dogs the most - each hand painted differently into their sweet little sweaters! Adding 'em all to the wishlist... now!

ALL THE TRIMMINGS

Am absolutely loving these velvet cards to accompany the many gorgeous trimmings we are carrying at Anthropologie right now...

When you have toppings this pretty, a little brown paper packaging is all you need. Have I ever mentioned that I'm obssessed with giftwrapping? I am. My dream house would have an entire room devoted to beautiful papers and ribbons if I had my way. Needless to say, this time of year has me giddy with planning some beautiful packaging...

COCO+KELLEY FOR LONNY: GIFT GUIDE!

I think it's safe to say we all love waking up on a Sunday to find a new issue of Lonny ready to peruse with our morning coffee! But I was especially excited to see their anniversary issue for one very good reason...

I'm in it! A big thanks to Ellie and Michelle for including me in their gift guide section alongside their own picks as well as the ever-so-chic Katie Armour and her lovely selections.

I have to say, going the 'artsy' route was a bit of a challenge for me. I think most of us would agree that my glamour girl sensibilities normally don't scream indie design. In fact, I think if anything my definition of artsy would be much more along the lines of a chic boheme... so I created a second gift guide here with some of the pieces that didn't make the cut for Lonny! After all, there's no such thing as too many presents...

A few of these beauties are officially on my birthday wishlist now, too! But you'll have to wait another two weeks for that...

*resources: 1. abc home altru soy candle, 2. personalized notecards from gadabout, 3. keel's simple diary, 4. candle & chandelier sleeves from kaarskoker, 5. ball locket necklace from the vamoose, 6. bellissima compact mirror at refinery29, 7. decoupage dishes at julie's adorabowls, 8. color pencil & brass holder set at jayson home & garden, 9. beautiful bracelets by janna conner

HOLIDAY GUIDE: FOR YOUR BFF

Really, your BFF should be the easiest person to shop for, right? But just in case you're looking for a little hint, here are a few of my favorite picks for this season...
Mmmm, the Nixon throw. A luxurious blanket that always looks so Hermes to me in orange, but I have to say is calling to me in soft aqua. This one is definitely a splurge for the friend you cannot live without. the nixon throw at jonathan adler. $295.

Who doesn't love Paris? For the Francophile in your life (we all have at least one, right?), a set of these quirky cards will have her saying oui oui! paris! cards by darling clementine. $35 for the set.

Razzle dazzle and chevron? This pillow is perfect anywhere! Yes, it's at the top of my wishlist, and I'm sure your BFF will love it too. zig zag sequin pillow at target. $55.

Bright yellow gloves are sure to chase the winter grey away! So fun and cheery. leather embroidered gloves at urban outfitters. $34.

Nobody wants popsicle toes for Christmas, so give your BFF some seriously cozy slippers with adorable details and she'll be eternally grateful. slipper booties at gap. $29.50.

HOLIDAY GUIDE: GET ARTSY

Art is personal. I wouldn't recommend hopping into a gallery to go pick something out as a gift unless you know the recipient (and their home) very very well. However, with these small, personalized options, you can rest easy knowing they'll be fully appreciated...
First off, the gift I haven't stopped hearing about this year is the Kate Spade calendar collaboration with artist Bella Foster... monthly art all year long? That's a gift you can't go wrong with! 2010 wall calendar at kate spade. $18.

Homes come with so many memories... perhaps it's time to capture them in a new way? Whether it's the first house for a new couple, or the home you grew up in, commissioning a sweet sketch - of the inside or out - to keep for years to come is a truly original gift. house portrait at artquirk. $120. interior renderings by michelle moreland. starting at $350.

And, here's a thought. Instead of getting the chef or foodie in your life the usual kitchen gadgets, why not a simple watercolour of their favorite ingredient or dish? Jamie Shelman's fruit + veggie series is hands down my favorite. I'm loving the strawberries, but the 'cinque pomodori' would be perfect for my parent's kitchen. strawberry watercolour at jamie shelman. $60.

HOLIDAY GUIDE: WHAT I'M LOVING

It's hard to hunt for gifts without finding a few things to love for yourself! These picks are some of my favorites, but would, of course, make fabulous gifts too!
Those of you born in October can probably sympathize when I say it feels impossible to find jewelery with our birthstone (opal) that I actually want to wear. So when I found this piece by Winifred Grace (who will be in Seattle this weekend for a trunk show!!) I had to add it to my wishlist. pacific opal bracelet at winifred grace. $375.

One of my favorite gifts so far this year is this simple book - I think it's the perfect gift for a friend or family member who might be starting a new adventure or chapter in their life. And I love that it's only one line a day - that's about all I have time for before I crawl into bed at night!
one line a day book at amazon. $11.50

I think we all know how I feel about gold anything, so of course I was drawn to this blanket with its contrast of natural linen and bronzed satin trim. While this version is a bit more pricey, for those of you handy in the DIY category, I could see how this would be a simple project! striped linen blanket at patch nyc. $365.
And finally - a fun pick from one of my favorite new online shops! These have got to be the best shot glasses I have ever seen. Usually when I see sets with patterns, I like one more than the other, but all of these are so chic! Add them to the bar please! set of four shot glasses at haus interior. $75.

HOLIDAY GUIDE: HOSTESS GIFTS

This weekend kicks off the first of the holiday parties for me, and I'm sure I'm not the only one! So, just in time for some quick ideas, here are some fabulous hostess gifts to inspire...

Personalized gifts always feel a little more special, and this stack of 100 monogrammed coasters is one of my favorites! With that many pieces, you'll have to throw a few parties before this gift runs out. coasters at neiman marcus. $49.

Don't you feel like the men always get left out of the hostess gifts? Well, this year give your host something he'll remember - a brushed brass lighter to be sure he'll get every candle. And it's customizable too! brass lighter at refinery 29. $30.

Of course, if your hostess is actually hostess, then she should have her own glamorous lighter to choose from. I absolutely love these stick lighters in every color... but of course I'd take the green and white! stick lighter at a+r store. $32.

Here's a great quick idea that you should be able to easily find no matter where you are! Just the other day putting out the candles at Thanksgiving, I was wishing I had a candle snuffer to do the dirty work for me. mother of pearl candle snuffer at z gallerie. $5.99.

And, for those of you who like to go luxe when it comes to your gifts, this might be the best choice of all! I know a few of my girls would love to own a set of these Christolfe silver champagne straws. (I know, I know, I couldn't resist). pair of silver champagne straws at vivre. $150.

Holiday Chic Gift Guide: Gold

I wanted to do a gold themed gift guide but wasn't sure what book would work with it until I saw Megalomania: Too Much is Never Enough on Style.com. I have to say that I'm not exactly sure what the book is about exactly but at least the cover fits the theme perfectly. Kind of also reminds me of Dictator Style which is a favorite of the design world.

I don't know why they don't make gold cell phones and PDA's and the ones they do make are ridiculously expensive. I wear gold all the time and would love it if my technology matched my jewelry. It's really too bad that Vertu is priced way over most people's budget's because they are perfect. Maybe if we're lucky they will come out with a Tar-jay line since there might not be anyone left who will be able to afford them soon!

I read somewhere that the tradition of hanging wreaths on doors began when athletes of the Greek Olympics would take their laurel wreath prizes home and hang them on their doors. This gold bay leaf wreath from Jayson Home and Garden is so beautiful and simple that I think I might have to buy one for myself and leave it up past Christmas.

I already have my gold rimmed china and stemware but I love Gold Aves from Royal Crown Derby. It's a little Versace but you could tone it down by mixing it with some simple white pieces. Also reminds me of a fancy version of a Thomas Paul design.

I love the gold Piggy Bank by Harry Allen but it costs more than the money you could fit in it so my new favorite is the Doggy Bank by Ototo for $57 that I saw on Coco & Kelley! Not only is the price right but you could also tell your friends that it was designed by Jeff Koons and they might believe you.

Another kitchy piece is the gold bar door stop designed by Arik Levy from the Conran Shop. Looks like something a bachelor would have in his apartment or Bart Bass would keep in his safe. Could be the perfect gift for the man who has everything...or perhaps in this economy...nothing left.

I have a fabulous chunky gold bracelet that I bought on J. Crew for $37 that everyone thinks is vintage but unfortunately the "gold" is rubbing off and now it looks pink. I would love it if I could put this Diane von Furstenberg for H. Stern bracelet on my wish list but at $9,700 it seems a bit extravagant or crazy. Maybe someday.

I hope the gold doesn't rub off the shoes too because these little metallic gold flats from J.Crew would be perfect with jeans. Is it crazy that I consider gold a neutral?

The ultimate gold standard has to be the Portofino vacation home of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana who obviously live la dolce vita there but then again, who wouldn't! Maybe you can make friends with their friend J. Lo and she can help wrangle an invitation. I hear she may be on the market again soon so she might just need a getaway or a babysitter. Buon Natale!

Habitually Chic Gift Guide: The Art Lover

I liked Domestic Art: Curated Interiors so much that I actually paid for price for it at Archivia books in NYC because I wanted to take it home and read it right away. Not only are the interiors beautiful but the art collections are too. It's definitely worth picking up for yourself or your favorite art lover.

For the art lover who needs a new daily planner, Smythson has launched the limited edition art diary. John Baldessari, Gary Hume, Ed Ruscha, and Rachel Whiteread have created these collectible works of art that are available separately or as a complete set of 8 for $2,800. I just wonder if they lose their value if you actually write in it!

Mrs. John L. Strong's Collector Diary and Directory seems like a bargain at $295 compared to Smythson and also lists all of the world’s most important art fairs, antique shows and auctions. And as my art advisor friend says, it's a buyers market right now so this could come in very handy.

Sometimes people wonder what an artist was thinking when they look at a painting and now Calvin Tomkins has come to their aid with The Lives of the Artist. Tompkins spent time with the 10 artists he profiles so the resulting essays are more intimate and personal than most over books. This would be a lovely gift for any art lover from a beginner to the serious collector.

One gift that keeps on giving is a museum membership. For the modern art lover, the Museum of Modern Art would be perfect. In addition to the regular memberships, the MoMA also has great affiliate groups such as the Junior Associates for the younger set and The A&D Circle for those interested in architecture and design.

Always a classic is The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Few people know that admission to the museum is actually free, but it's still nice to support them with a membership. They also have a great group for the young art enthusiast called The Apollo Circle.

Cire Trudon has a candle that's perfect for the art lover. The Dada candle celebrates the creativity and artistic expression of the Dada movement "with a touch of tea and vetiver, dressed up with crumpled mint leaves and eucalyptus." Of course, not many people can explain Dadaism so you can just tell them "ceci n'est pas une pipe."

If all else fails, just buy them a box of Marie Belle chocolates since each one is like a little piece of art. Just don't try to hang them on the wall!

It took me 40 years to find out that painting is not sculpture. - Paul Cezanne

Holiday Chic Gift Guide: Marie-Antoinette

My gift guides got a little waylaid by last minute holiday shopping and traveling so I'm going to see how many more I can get in before the big day. Maybe they will help the last minute shoppers out there. As I mentioned before, I wanted each guide to be themed around a book and this time it's Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles. The photos by Francois Halard are amazing! (To see them click here.) I think it is one my favorite books of this year and instead of buying your friend or loved one just one book, why not make it a special by including a few others.

Marie-Antoinette: The Journey is the bestselling biography of the doomed Queen by Antonia Fraser that dispels the myths and legends without boring the reader to tears. I think it would a great companion gift to the beautiful photos from The Last Garden of Versailles.

Look at the photos, read the story and then see them both come to life in Marie Antoinette the movie. Sophia Coppola was inspired by Antoinia Fraser's book and the lavish costumes and stunning scenery definitely make it a perfect stocking stuffer.

Another fun book to wrap up with the rest if the Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution by Caroline Weber. It examines how fashion played a role in not only her life but also her death. And what girl doesn't want to read about fabulous frocks!

You may not be able to dress like Marie-Antoinette but you can burn a candle made by a company that used to supply Versailles. The Cire Trudon Trianon Candle is an homage to Marie Antoinette so when you burn it, you can also pretend that you living a simple country life!

If you are looking for something more dramatic, you can always buy the bust candle of Marie-Antoinette by Cire Trudon but for $85 I probably wouldn't want to burn it.

I think once you've done your homework and read all the books and watched the movie, a trip to Versailles is in order. That way you can see the Queen's actual bed chamber above and the bust that inspired the candle.

Of course, you will stay in Paris so while there, make sure you stop in for some macaroons at Laduree. They are divinely delicious and worth the calories and will make you feel like a queen.

If all that is just too expensive, you could always just wrap up some Let Them Eat Cake Bon Bon Lip Balm by Tokyo Milk and call it a day. But if you buy them a book too, they'll learn that Marie-Antoinette didn't actually say "let them eat cake!" Joyeux Noël!