Entertaining Made Easy
NoraFlemingEntertaining
My friend recently introduced me to Nora Fleming, and now I think I have discovered my new favorite gift to give.  Nora Fleming offers customizable platters that you can use from season to season. You simply pick your platter and a mini and then rotate the minis each holiday  My personal favorites for summer are the margarita mini and garish dish – perfect for salsa, sour cream and guacamole {all of my favorites for a perfect taco night}.
You can shop the collection online or find more information about what local stores sell the items here.
may just give these as hostess gifts for our upcoming couples shower later this summer.
xo

 

Summer Events: What to Wear
GinghamandFloral
Like I mentioned in this post, Bill and I have a handful of weddings this summer. We are about to begin a whirlwind few weekends of bachelor and bachelorette parties, bridal showers and other fun wedding festivities. With that in mind, I am trying to build a dress, skirt and romper collection for all of the special occasions. When I think spring, I instantly think fun, floral prints, but I am also loving gingham this season. I rounded up some of my current favorites in each print. I personally love both of the MINKPINK pieces and would dress them up or down throughout the summer, plus you can’t beat the price point!

xo
Mother’s Day Gift Guide

MothersDayGiftGuide__BrassTacks

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I thought I would put together a roundup of little luxuries for the amazing women who always seem to do it all with a smile on their face. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat her to something she wouldn’t normally splurge on for herself. I especially love gifting a day at the spa for a mani/pedi, massage or facial. You also can’t go wrong with the gift of time whether it be going out to lunch, making dinner or helping with a project she’s working on at home.
Cheers to our everyday wonder women! Thank you for all you do each and every day.
xo

 

Personalized Wedding Gifts
PersonalizedWeddingGifts

​I​ don’t know about you but we have 8 weddings this summer {not including our own!}. With wedding season comes fun engagement parties and bridal or couples showers. Bill and I typically stick to our friends’ registries when purchasing our gifts but then like to add a personal item that the couple wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves.

Fun cutting boards – These are perfect to display in their kitchen and will be a go-to item for the first parties they host as newlyweds
*Bar cart glasses – There’s no better way to help the couple celebrate than providing some fresh new barware that they can cheers as they countdown to the wedding and use to celebrate anniversaries in years to come.
*Monogrammed items – These are my favorite gifts to give! The luggage tags are a perfect gift for the new Mr. and Mrs. as they jet off on their honeymoon, and I love a cozy throw blanket for them to curl up with while they wind down after a whirlwind few months of planning. I also love personalized address stamps to celebrate a new name or new home.
What are some of your favorite gifts to give?
xo
A Splash of Blue

BlueHomeDecor

Blue is most certainly having a moment, and I am more than happy about it. As someone who typically gravitates towards neutrals, I am working to step out of my comfort zone and welcome more color into our home {and my closet!}. I’m going to start small with some printed pillows and throw blankets for our bedroom, but this rug may be next on my list. I would also love to add two of the navy x-benches under an entryway table and this lamp to a future office.
Happy decorating!
xo
His and Hers Packing Tips

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{Her Style} Sunglasses | Top | Scarf | Denim | Sneakers 
{His Style} Sunglasses | Top | Denim | Boat Shoes

With lots of friends and family members currently on spring break, I still have traveling on my mind. Finding a great carry-on bag is a must, and I can’t recommend the Lo & Sons O.G. bag enough. It houses my laptop safely and still has plenty of room for my other travel essentials. My favorite feature, though, has to be the adjustable back panel sleeve that secures the bag over luggage handles. While traveling, my clutch houses all of my receipts and important documents throughout the trip. That way, I am not guessing where anything is and making the travel day a little less stressful.

For the guys: I bought Bill the older version of the weekender above, and he gets quite a bit of use out of it. I love the classic silhouette and two-toned elements. I also love that it has the top handles as well as an adjustable shoulder strap.

Below are a few more packing tips and trips:

+ When packing, pick a color scheme so you can mix and match items throughout the trip.
+ Pack items that can be worn multiple ways. For the ladies, I love a great black maxi dress because you can throw it on with a printed scarf one night and then layer a striped tee and statement necklace over it another night. For the guys, I love a classic t-shirt that you can dress up or down.
+ Save space by storing socks, belts and more in your shoes.
+ Pack a garbage bag to use as your laundry bag throughout the trip.
+ When filling up your suitcase, place the heaviest items, like shoes, by the wheels so they don’t crush other more delicate items.
+ Store lotion and other makeup products in a contacts case to help save space so you don’t need to bring the big containers.
+ Pack small chargers in a glasses case so they don’t end up dispersed throughout your bag.
xo,
An Easter Soiree

BT Easter 2015

Shop the Post: Happy Easter Egg Card / Wildflower and Fern Candle / Jolie Napkin Set / Phoebe Egg Platter / Burmese Blue Vase / Mixed Double Old-Fashioned Glasses / Striped Candles / Golden Rabbit Vase

Spring time. Sunday dresses. Deviled Eggs. Treats galore. These are just a few of the reasons why I adore Easter. I have such fond memories of childhood Easter’s spent hunting for eggs with my sister, masterly crafting beautifully dyed creations and digging into my dad’s delicious easter egg salad. Now, as an adult, I get excited by decorating the house, picking out an easter dress and whipping up a tasty family brunch. Each year I seem to approach my table setting with a new vision. Having just moved back into our newly remodeled house (see #deppahaven here) I am even more excited to host loved ones for a delicious feast this year. I’m all about fun and bright colors in our new digs and my Easter picks this year reflect the same. Vintage inspired glass ware for cocktails and deviled eggs. A modern bunny vase with a touch of gold, napkins that speak for themselves and candles that sneak in an everlasting love for stripes. It’s going to be an eclectic table this year and I just can’t wait!

What are your Easter traditions? Do tell!

xo

Perris

Spring Break: Day to Night
romperdaytonight
While I may not have a spring break of my own this year, I have certainly started planning for our honeymoon in September. After a long winter fill​ed with a whole lot of neutrals, I’m ready for bold floral prints, bright hues and metallic accessories.

When packing for a warm weather getaway, I always make sure to pack a large beach bag that I can store a smaller crossbody bag in for the flight as well as other in-flight necessities. After I arrive, I rely on the beach bag during the day and the crossbody bag at night when we’re exploring the city.

Some of my other essentials include a maxi dress to wear with statement necklaces or scarves at night {I always have a little chill thanks to sunburn at night and love wrapping up in a printed scarf}. You also can’t go wrong with an oversized straw hat or panama hat to protect yourself from the sun and tame your hair after a dip in the pool or ocean.

Do you have any fun trips on the horizon?

xoxo