26 Nov 2014

Gift Guide: For the Bauble Obsessed
6

Today’s gift guide is dedicated to the jewelry lover. From Baublebar to J.Crew, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite pieces from pearls to statement necklaces to stackable rings.

In case you missed it:

25 Nov 2014

My Top 7 Holiday Entertaining Tips
0

With the holidays in full swing, it’s time for us to hone in our entertaining skills! Today I’ve teamed up with Seven Daughters to share my Top 7 Holiday Entertaining Tips and Tricks to help prepare you for all of the holiday fun.

Entertaining Tips and Ideas from Lifestyle Expert Lauren Nelson

I cannot tell you how many parties I have attended that have missed a few key elements I’ve listed below. You don’t have to be a hostess pro, but keeping a few of these tips in mind will go a long way and impress your guests! Fake it till you make it, right?

Presents wrapping idea

1. Stick to 2-3 Colors: If you’re hosting a dinner party, it’s important to stick to two or three colors throughout the table scheme. It will look clean and pull the table together.

2. Avoid Tall Centerpieces: Whether you’re hosting four friends or a table of ten, it’s so important to create low center pieces to allow your guests to easily converse.

3. Create Ambiance: Candles, candles, and more candles! I primarily stick to white or ivory. A low-lit atmosphere with candles can give even a pizza party old glamour. My favorite holiday candle to-date is Nest Fragrances ‘Holiday.’

Nest Holiday Candle

4. Create a Playlist: Preparing a playlist before the party begins is uber-important, you guys. Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas, I love creating a playlist that begins when the first guest arrives and doesn’t end until the last guest leaves. Who wants to worry about playing DJ all night anyhow? And you know, I love being the DJ. Click here to check out my favorite holiday tunes!
The Best Holiday Music

5. Don’t Recipe Search Day-Of: Trust me on this one – stay. clear. Parties that go off without a hitch are well thought out. Prepare food that can be refrigerated a day or two before. On the day of your party, you want to focus on last minute details and finishing the tablescape.

6. Send Formal Invitations: In the world of smartphones, it’s become second nature to text or email your guest list but please do yourself a favor, and do not get lazy. A handwritten invitation is never out of style! If that is not in the cards, Paperless Post has a great variety as well.

Lauren Nelson and Seven Daughters Wine

7. Set up a DIY Cocktail Station: Just like you don’t want to be the DJ all night, you most certainly don’t want to play bartender all night. Set up a bar cart or serving area where guests can make their own drinks. For a fun holiday cocktail, try Seven Daughter’s Bourbon Berry! Be sure to print out the recipe on a card so guests can create this fancy cocktail with the ingredients at their fingertips!

*This post is brought to you as a part of my collaboration with Seven Daughters wine as part of their Savvy Seven. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support lauren-nelson.com!

24 Nov 2014

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: For The Cook
6

My goal in 2015? To cook up some more delicious recipes. Browsing William-Sonoma’s website made me realize how many cooking utensils, sauce pans and frying pans I don’t have – so today’s Gift Guide is dedicated to all of the wannabe’s & somewhat professional cooks on our list this holiday season.

The perfect little popcorn bowl.

This mixer has been on my list for quite sometime.

Love Target’s gold flatware set for $19.99.

In case you love french press coffee as much as I do..

Essential.

A badass slow cooker.

For the cook or the hostess!

There’s nothing I love more than glass coffee mugs.

For the avocado lovers.

Because we monogram ev-ery-thing.

And because we also love pizza night.

One of my favorite gift ideas.. A set of ten clear glass mixing bowl set.

Lobsta, anyone?

One can never have too many cutting boards.

Happy Cooking! Xo. Lauren

In case you missed it:

SHOP MORE:

23 Nov 2014

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Jet Setter
10

Travel is the gift that keeps on giving and today I’ve rounded up the best of the best when it comes to travel essentials. Whether it’s for  yourself, brother, sister or friend that is the frequent flyer, there are so many great gift ideas for the traveler on your list. Below are a few of my favorites – you can preview and shop the collage by clicking on the black and white “+” sign next to each product! #letsgosomewhere

If you’re like me and (literally) always cold, this travel shawl or blanket will do just the trick.

I absolutely love these travel pouches for your heels, boots, and laundry.

This eye mask is not only functional, but cute for the airplane.

If you’re in the market for new luggage, I love both this rolling trunk or this Herschel Supply Co. luggage.

Light up your hotel room with these essential Jo Malone travel candles.

Hey, handsome travel bag. Yesss.

Must.alway. carry.lotion.

I’m dying to get this little Fiji Film camera for my next adventure.

Anything mini makes me happy – insert this shadow palette, this lip gloss or this travel brush set.

In case you missed it, check out all of my holiday gift guides this season:

SHOP MORE: