Did you stay caffeinated today? I hope so. I was in Newport, RI all weekend so I felt extra exhausted today. More on my weekend later this week!
In other news, we had a HUGE snow storm yesterday. I would say we got more snow than what was predicted for the “blizzard of 2015.” Anyways, yesterdays weather has me dreaming of spring..like ASAP. Today I’ve rounded up an outfit that I think screams spring. A stripe tee? Obvi. Casual jeans? Yes. A light trench coat? So cute.
And since we’re already talking spring, I have some exciting news to announce! I’ve teamed up with a few of my blogger friends on Instagram to giveaway an $800 gift card to the always fabulous, NORDSTROM! I repeat, $800 dollars. New spring wardrobe, anyone? You can enter to win the Nordstrom gift card right this way. Happy Monday! Xo. Lauren
With the most recent temperatures we have been experiencing here in New York (aka free-zing!), it makes it hard to do anything except stay in and binge watch on Netflix. House of Cards, anyone?
One of my favorite things to put together during these cold winter months is a game night with friends. Today I’ve teamed up with Seven Daughters Wine to compile my favorite 7 tips on how to throw a simple but fun game night both you and your friends will enjoy!
1. Simple Bites
Hosting a group of friends for game night should be a no-fuss affair. Don’t focus on whipping up a huge meal. Keep in mind easy appetizers such as flatbreads, hummus and veggies, chips and salsa, and popcorn to name a few (insert this salted carmel popcorn recipe – YUM). Even though I recommend not cooking up a huge meal for game night, don’t forget about the presentation. Remove the hummus from it’s plastic container. Slice up some pita bread into small triangles and toast in the oven. Small presentation details like this will make you look like a party planning pro.
2. Game Night Cocktail
Game night is not the time to play mixologist as constant breaks will interrupt the flow and make things less enjoyable for everyone – you know you can’t get up in the middle of Apples to Apples! Wine is the perfect winter drink to prepare prior to guests’ arrival. I love Seven Daughters Cabernet Sauvignon for a cozy evening in. If you’re looking for a specialty cocktail, try Seven Daughters Desert Rain cocktail recipe! Delicious.
3. Clear Your Coffee Table
If you will be playing games around your coffee table, be a fab hostess and clean off your coffee table. Prepare your coffee table with drink coasters and be sure to set up spots with pillows, blankets and poufs for your friends to gather around for game playing.
4. Game On
I love game night because there are so many different games you can incorporate. Bingo and cards will never go out of style but try a few new crowd pleasers like Cards of Humanity, Bunco, The Game of Things, or old favorites like Scategories (duh), Catch Phrase, or Would You Rather. Anthropologie also makes an insanely chic set of playing cards sure to pretty up any game night.
5. Set The Atmosphere
I know I sound like a broken record when talking party planning but there really is two key ingredients when it comes to party planning. 1. Candlelight and 2. Fresh Flowers. Stop by your local florist and see which flowers are in season to not only save on party planning, but to add some greenery to your home or apartment in preparation for game night!
6. Bonus Round
At the end of the night, send guests home with party favors like travel sized games or an inexpensive deck of cards. You can also wrap up some of the finger foods prepared earlier like the popcorn for a little late night munch on the way home! Small, easy details really do go a long way.
7. Have Fun!
Game night is supposed to be about FUN, so have some! Don’t worry if your party planning doesn’t go according to plan. The games will surely make up for any missteps along the way!
Do you and your friends get together game night? What are your favorite games to play with friends?
*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.
Hello, party people! Coffee Talk is back this week with one of my first blogger friends..EVER. Meet Jena Gambaccini of Chi City Fashion!
I remember the first event we hosted together – it was for Havaiana’s and Glamour Magazine’s annual pop-up shopping event on North Avenue Beach in Chicago (as seen here – and yikes my hair). Anywho, here we are three years later – still friends and both still blogging!
I love Jena not only for her killer style but it you’ve been avid reader of her blog, you know the fun humor she incorporates in her writing. From her favorite wardrobe staples to top Chicago restaurants, get to know Jena below and be sure to follow along with Jena on Instagram. Xo. Lauren
1. Wardrobe Staple: A leather jacket. My favorite is Veda (it’s old and so beat up but I still wear it). I finally got an upgraded last year. It’s from the Row and it’s amazing – very streamlined with a simple gold zipper. However, no one does leather jackets like Balenciaga and Rick Owens.
2. Go-to Nail Polish Color This Season: Currently loving Haze by LVX.
5. Must-Have Coffee Table Books/Staples: Coffee table books are so personal, I don’t think there’s really a “must have” but just depends what you’re into: fashion, interiors travel, etc. If it strikes your fancy and would make a great addition to your coffee table, I say go for it!
6. Best Piece of Advice You’ve Ever Received: Don’t stress over the little things…Although ironically I still do!
7. Currently Reading: WWD
8. Your Favorite Investment To-Date: A while ago (back in 2010) I purchased a white Alaia dress. It’s very impractical but it’s absolutely amazing. I wouldn’t say it’s my most used investment but it’s definitely my favorite. 🙂
9. Top 3 Chicago Restaurants:…Or 5. Nando Milano (Italian). Spacca Napoli (pizza). Doc B’s (they have everything). Eleven City Diner (comfort food). Arami (Japanese).
10. Motto: We have to wear clothes everyday, so why not have fun with it?
11. If You Could Travel Anywhere In A Moments Notice, Where Would It Be: Australia! It’s my favorite place in the world.
12. On Repeat: This Acne coat. Check it out right this way.
Happy Wednesday, lovebugs! We’re halfway through the week. How about that for a small win? I cannot wait for this weekend as I’m driving up to Newport, Rhode Island with some girlfriends. We’ll be staying at the historic Ocean Cliff. I have never been to Newport so this will be my first time visiting the quaint little town and it’s all the New England rage from what I hear!
Have you been?
I have to admit, one of the main reasons of why I love living in New York is the weekend trips you can plan. From Newport to Nantucket to the Hamptons, it truly is central to a lot of classic east coast locations.
So with anticipation that comes along with planning any weekend trip or vacation, I’ve rounded up my 5 must-do activities I’d like to do this weekend + what I’ll be wearing in Newport! I have a feeling it’s going to be a cold one, but hey, what the hell.
Shall we? Here are my top 5 things I’d like to do this weekend in Newport, RI.
1. The Mansion Tours. Duh.
My mom, aunt and cousin visited Newport a few years ago and all I keep hearing about are the Mansion tours! I know, it’s cliche Newport, but I would really love to visit all of the different mansions in Newport. You can check out the Preservation Society of Newport County right here which gives you a good overview of which mansions are available to tour as well as pricing. The Breakers are a must-see on my list as it is the grandest of Newport’s summer cottages and symbolizes the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial wealth at the turn of the 19th century.
I’m pretty sure this weekend won’t be the best for the cliff walk but if you ever have a chance to go to Newport, this is a must. The Cliff Walk is along the eastern shore of Newport and allows you take in the ocean views along with the architectural history. You can read more here.
4. Visit Loren Hope Studios
Loren Hope is one of my favorite jewelry designers not only because of her name (of course) but her pieces are beautiful. If you aren’t familiar, please take 10 minutes to peruse her site. Insert these earrings, this necklace, and this bangle.
5. Walk Down Thames Street
Thames Street is the heart of Newport as it’s right downtown and on the water. There are countless bars, restaurants and shops all within walking distance so this is most definitely on my list.
Take a peek below at what I’ll be wearing this weekend…Did someone say layers?
