Gifts Basket

Whenever I go to a party, I am always so well-intentioned. For days I think of the perfect hostess present, complete with pretty packaging and a handwritten note on monogrammed stationery. Even so, due to procrastination or excessive napping, I always end up bringing one of my unlit candles or a dusted-off jar of tapenade from the back of my pantry. Well, I say no more! I am determined to break this nasty habit once and for all. I present to you: the hostess gifts basket.

This 17" x 14" basket from West Elm is the perfect storage solution for this project. I would line the bottom with one of these scented papers from The Container Store.

As for the gifts that will keep me ever-prepared?

Set of 8 guest soaps from Paper Source

Voluspa candles from Anthropologie

Tea towels from India Rose

Set of flat note cards by paper + cup

Bar mixes from Crate & Barrel

If ever you are on the receiving end of one of these gifts, please know that it was chosen spontaneously and with you in mind! ;)

Summer Fête

I've been toying with the idea of throwing a party after Noah and I get settled in the new apartment and before leaving for our trip. I'd like it to look a little something like this:

1. LENDA fabric at Ikea
2. Format tray at CB2
3. Stainless steel shiny water pitcher at CB2
4. Thriller double old fashioneds at CB2
5. BARFOTA vase at Ikea
6. Stainless steel snack bowls at CB2

Seems like the perfect atmosphere for board games and umbrella drinks, non?