{"id":17384,"date":"2014-12-08T06:52:15","date_gmt":"2014-12-08T11:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/theenchantedhome.co\/?p=17384"},"modified":"2014-12-08T08:14:02","modified_gmt":"2014-12-08T13:14:02","slug":"ringing-holidays-blogging-friends-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/2014\/12\/08\/ringing-holidays-blogging-friends-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Ringing in the holidays with blogging friends part 1!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello friends! Can you believe we are in the second week of December! Where and how did that<\/em> happen? I have a list a mile long but taking solace in the fact that eventually it all gets done and somehow, some way I pull it off. To ring in the holidays, I have invited 10 of my absolute favorite blogging friends (I have many more and wish I could have included them all)? over to share their thoughts and ideas on the holidays, it was fun reading their take and I walked away with more than a few good ideas (as well as a few tunes that I cannot get out of my head)!<\/p>\n

I have divided their ideas into two posts, five bloggers will be featured in each….you are in for treat as well as a whole host of amazing ideas!<\/p>\n

And thank you for such great ideas on holiday dressing…..I will be going “shopping” in my own closet. I can always count on the stylish take of this wonderful and exceptionally talented bunch of women. So thank you to each and every one of them, now lets hear what they have to say. I asked each the same questions…..and would LOVE to hear your answers to these questions too!<\/p>\n

(You can click on the title of each post to visit their wonderful blogs, if you don’t follow them…you are missing out)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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HELLO DEBBY FROM BEAUTIFUL SERENDIPITY<\/em><\/a><\/h2>\n

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FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION:<\/strong><\/div>\n
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I would have to go with opening 1 present on Christmas Eve. This tradition began as soon as my kids were old enough to unwrap presents. Even the pooch gets to unwrap one!<\/div>\n
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PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT:?<\/strong> I like to give the hostess something personal and relaxing after a long day of waiting on everyone. I love to make spa baskets. They are so easy to make?a bath soak, lotion, Champagne or Tea?depending on recipient, a candle?the possibilities are endless.<\/div>\n
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BEST UNIQUE PRESENT FOR HUSBAND<\/strong>: If we are going for unique then I suggest making a photo book online using photos of the past year, (or years), or even one just of a special vacation, etc. There are some online tools that make it super easy and affordable?iphoto, Snapfish, etc.<\/div>\n
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A GIFT ANY GIRLFRIEND WOULD LOVE:<\/strong> The gift of time is always the best gift. Plan a spa day, tickets to a museum and lunch, hiking and a picnic?Whatever it is the tow of you enjoy?She will love your company and have a day to look forward to.<\/div>\n
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THE BEST HOLIDAY SONG HAS TO BE<\/strong>? Oh, Lordy, do I have to choose just one?! This is hard. I?m going with Rockin? Around The Christmas Tree by, Brenda Lee, because it brings me back to dancing around in my p.j.?s as a child.<\/div>\n
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THE PERFECT HOLIDAY OUTFIT WOULD BE.<\/strong>…..I like to be cute and comfy so I’m going with the Meli Cable Sweater Dress from Anthropologie<\/a>.<\/div>\n
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Love, Deb<\/p>\n

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WELCOME SANDY FROM YOU MAY BE WANDERING<\/a>?.<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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This is SO much fun, Tina! Thank you for having me over for a little holiday cheer! There is nothing better than sharing the spirit of the season with good friends!<\/div>\n
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A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION?<\/strong><\/div>\n
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In my family, Christmas Eve is actually the main event! We begin with dinner consisting entirely of champagne and hors d?oeurves ? including some favorites from growing up down south like pimiento cheese spread, ham biscuits and sausage cheese balls. And even though all three of my children are adults now, we still read ?The Night Before Christmas? (and every year it makes me cry) and put out cookies and milk for Santa.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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A PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT FOR UNDER $45.00?<\/strong><\/div>\n
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A basket filled with homemade bread or muffins and some of my favorite Stonewall Kitchen jams for the next morning is always appreciated.? I also love giving coffee table books ? as far as I am concerned you can never have too many books!<\/div>\n
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BEST UNIQUE GIFT FOR A HUSBAND?<\/strong><\/div>\n
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To me the best gifts are experiences ? especially for men who have everything.? A unique experience tailored to his specific interests will create long lasting memories ? a VIP driving experience in Italy for the auto enthusiast, a tour of Scottish links courses for the golfer, a deep sea fishing trip in the Caribbean for the angler?the possibilities are endless!<\/div>\n
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A GIFT ANY GIRLFRIEND WOULD LOVE…….<\/strong><\/div>\n
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As I am all about experiences, I love the idea of giving a girl friend something we can do together based on shared interests ? a cooking class, a flower arranging workshop or tickets to a show. Any excuse for a girls? night out!<\/div>\n
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THE BEST HOLIDAY SONG HAS TO BE?<\/strong><\/div>\n
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I am a sucker for anything by Bing Crosby, but my favorite song is ?Silver Bells??I love Christmas time in the city!<\/div>\n
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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY OUTFIT…..<\/strong><\/div>\n
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I cook a big meal on Christmas day, so it is all about comfort for me ? a red or green cashmere sweater, black pants and a sparkly Christmas necklace..and always fun Christmas socks!<\/div>\n
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SAY HELLO TO LESLIE FROM SEGRETO SECRETS?..<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
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With the kids in their 20?s, shopping for them more difficult, and time spent together cherished, we have begun a new tradition of spending Christmas Eve shopping as a family. We relish the day together without cell phones, helping each other with selections, and then enjoying a leisurely Christmas Eve dinner at our favorite restaurant.<\/p>\n

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A PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT FOR UNDER $45?<\/strong><\/p>\n

By combining DIY with store bought, you are able to keep your costs low and gift something from the heart. This bouquet, combines assorted fresh flowers braced by a wooden spoon and wrapped in a decorative tea towel. Tied off with burlap ribbon, the effect couldn?t be more charming! And for around $20, it can?t be beat!<\/p>\n

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BEST UNIQUE GIFT FOR A HUSBAND?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Husbands are notoriously hard to buy for (in my opinion!) I often find it best to take a tried and true gift idea and put a fun spin on it to make it special. We recently started carrying these amazing ties in our shop from Paris Texas Co<\/a>. They feature lots of fun colors, scenes true to the south , and the tag line ?Embrace your Inner Texan?; it?s hard not to love these!<\/p>\n

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A GIFT ANY GIRLFRIEND WOULD LOVE….<\/strong>I am wild about these gift boxes that you can arrange to have delivered each month. From nail polish to shoes, these beauty subscriptions ensure that no matter your girlfriend?s taste, there will be something new to love with each delivery! Some of the best I?ve seen are Glossy Box<\/a>, the UK company that started the craze, and Birch Box<\/a>, both of which offer incredible sample and full size gifts expertly picked to please!<\/p>\n

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BEST HOLIDAY SONG HAS TO BE?<\/strong>? Nothing says Christmas quite like Frank Sinatra?s ?Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas?. A true classic.<\/p>\n

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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY OUTFIT??<\/strong><\/p>\n

Christmas Day at our home is all about feeling comfortable while looking festive! This year, I am all about the oversized sweater and legging combination. The trend is sleek and flattering and is till comfortable after a large big Holiday meal. When paired with sparkling accessories and a your favorite boots (heeled or flat!) the special day can be enjoyed in style!?? <\/em><\/p>\n

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TAKE IT AWAY KAROLYN FROM THE RELISHED ROOST!<\/em><\/a><\/h2>\n

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A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION?<\/strong>? I look forward to an evening of family fun with my parents, sisters and their families and a feast of Fish and Tenderloin. Although we are not Italian, my brother in-law and wonderful chef is and the feast of Fishes is a must! I am always in charge of the “Starbucks” chocolate cake with mousse filling and ganache icing surrounded but pirouette cookies!<\/p>\n

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BEST HOSTESS GIFT FOR UNDER $45….<\/strong>.I am in love with these whimsical Linen cocktail napkins by August Morgan, there is a theme for everyone!<\/p>\n

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A GREAT UNIQUE GIFT FOR A HUSBAND……<\/strong>If your hubby is a golfer like mine you love this croquet\/golf set available at Taigan.com Or maybe a fabulous belt such as Wiley Brothers Belts -Hoof Belt!<\/p>\n

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A GIFT ANY GIRLFRIEND WOULD LOVE……<\/strong> My girl friends are fun and like color and unfortunately need glasses like me! I just love the leopard eyeglass case by Dana Gibson and the wonderful pink zip clutch for travel by Krickette(Taigan).<\/p>\n

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FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG?<\/strong>?? The Song that almost always makes me misty is My Grown up Christmas Wish by Amy Grant<\/p>\n

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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY OUTFIT…..<\/strong>Finally I love to be comfortable on Christmas Day so wide leg pants and a lovely blouse fit the bill!<\/p>\n

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?SAY HELLO TO<\/a> LESLIE FROM PRETTY PETALS….<\/a><\/em>
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Hi Everyone!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m so excited to be here this morning to help Tina share some fun holiday gift ideas!<\/em><\/p>\n

Following are a few questions for me to answer. Let’s start with the best one first so you can listen as you read through the post!<\/p>\n

YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG?<\/strong><\/p>\n