Emily Henderson's Blog, page 237

The Number One Design Question We Get Asked…Answered

Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: MOTO Reveal: Bowser’s Bedroom

Sometimes, blog post ideas are birth in Emily’s mind, maybe Arlyn’s, possibly mine or Ryann’s. Other times, it’s collective…we start one place and end up somewhere else together. And still other times, YOU tell us what you want, hence why we’re here today. During a time where it feels like our lives are put on “holiday hold,” there are plenty of other design things to talk about, so here we are. After digging through blog comments and Instagram DMs, what we were surprised to find is that many of you are still mystified by what to hang on your walls that isn’t a framed piece of art. It’s honestly our number one asked question on the blog and social, again and again. Unexpected ideas for art/how to fill a wall. We get it, it can be intimidating but we are here to help with some serious inspiration. Let’s get to it…

Flags and Tapestries
Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: Good Housekeeping Tour

Now using a flag or tapestry may not seem revolutionary but don’t knock it. I still look at the photo above of Emily’s old living room and literally hearts come out of my eyes. Just like the emoji. Sure, there is an art to finding the perfect flag because you should probably choose a vintage flag due to the fact that it is visually going to have more soul and depth than a brand new one. But regardless of its age, a flag is simple and can easily cover a lot of empty wall space.

Design by Gabriele Salini | Photo via Est Living

Flags are a great classic but you can also have some fun with a tapestry. If you would have asked me a few years ago how I felt about the word tapestry, I would have probably said no thank you. Visions of “boho” college dorms would have flooded my brain. That is no longer the case. The one above is from the G-Rough boutique hotel in Rome and is a super playful yet cool tapestry that I would LOVE to have in my possession. It adds great color and a wonderful texture to a beautifully modern space.

Left: Design by Gabriele Salini, Photo via Est Living | Right: Design by Sarah Sherman Samuel, Photo by Matthew Williams

The G-Rough hotel really knows how to use a tapestry because they are also the mastermind being the tapestry over the mirror look. It is not a look for every space but it is SO interesting and covers nearly the entire wall as if it’s a mural (but with more dimension…and less install fuss). SO GOOD. Then to the right, we have the ever talented Sarah Sherman Samuel and her new home where she used a beautiful piece from Küdd:krig Home. It helps to add a ton of quiet texture (and cover her TV…genuis). Oh and yes she also used a Katie Gong Squiggle (my favorite) which I will talk about in a minute. Moral of the story is that sometimes a beautiful piece of fabric is all you need to liven up your big empty wall.

Sculptures
Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: MOTO Reveal: Bowser’s Dining Happy Nook

Let’s be honest, every wall hanging is a sculpture. But for all intents and purposes, I am making it a separate category. You can hang almost anything on the right wall and it will look awesome. Take . In her master bedroom, she used a vintage buoy line she found in Seattle and it’s THE coolest (it’s the top photo in this post). Then as the wall hanging veteran she is, Bowser also chose to hang that incredible ribbon piece by Angela Chrusciaki Blehm. It brings the whole nook to life. No need for a gallery wall here.

Left: Design by Gacho Studios, Photo by Nicole Franzen | Right: Design by Darroch Putnam, Photo by Or Harpaz via Clever

These next three photos are all examples that show/prove that you can put nearly anything on your wall and call it art whether it be a massive 3-D artboard, skeletons, arrows, or a stunning salvaged wood piece. They all bring the wall to life in an interesting and unique way that isn’t in every home.

Design by Gabriele Salini | Photo via Est Living

So if you are someone that likes to think outside the box and shake things up then start mounting cool and meaningful things on your wall. Just remember to think of scale. Be wary of going too bitsy if you are mounting a collection together. Vary the scales or chose one big piece.

Keep It Natural

I told you the squiggle would be back! It’s still my favorite piece in the world. Aside from its general awesomeness, I think the reason is that it brings a really interesting yet natural element to my space. It makes me feel light and happy. And that should be examined I think. If you are someone who really resonates with calm/natural textures and colors, then put it on your walls.

Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: MOTO Reveal: Jess’ Living Room

Something as simple as a wall basket or ceramic hanging like in the photos below can add great depth and visual interest to your space. Also to be clear, you don’t need to have an all-white neutral minimal home to have natural wall hangings adorning your walls. So either search the internet for a beautiful handmade natural wall hanging (there are SO many options) or…

Left: Design by Gordana Golubovic, Photo by Lauren Moore via Est Living | Right: Courtney and Michael Adamo, Photo by Kara Rosenlund via The Design Files

GO OUTSIDE and find pieces of actual nature and mount them like the newly renovated Featherston House did that I featured in our shell trend piece. Just be careful so it doesn’t end up looking like the “beach wall” in the 1995 movie, Man of The House (Beautiful sentiment? Yes. Actually beautiful? No).

Design by Mary Featherston | Photo by Amelia Stanwix via The Design Files
Woven Beauties

Woven wall hangings are probably the most popular or “thought of” types of wall hangings in the game. They are synonymous with the eclectic, boho style and when done right, look incredible. What I love now is that there have been some modern additions that are really stunning. Basically they are still very cool. Take Brady’s beautiful piece he used in his bedroom MOTO.

Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: MOTO Reveal: Brady’s Bedroom

They are also great for covering a lot of blank space which I know is the big issue for a lot of you. Plus THAT TEXTURE your eyes get is undeniable and makes a space instantly welcoming. In the three photos below, they each feature a different type of woven wall hanging, one bold, one soft and one somewhere in the middle. While they are each different they all bring the same amount of life into the room that they are in. (Um I think this is turning into a woven wall hanging ad). Also FYI the wall hanging on the far left is a DIY. What?!

From left to right: Design by Liz Kamarul | Design by Laura Fulmine, Photo via The Modern House |  Design by Alexis Brown and Elizabeth Roberts, Photo by Floto+Warner via Arch Digest

But not all woven wall hangings need to be the only thing featured on the wall. Smaller ones are a perfect addition to add depth and texture to a gallery wall like in the photo below. Don’t you want to hang in that room?

Design by Dani Nagel, Photo by Jenna Peffley via Clever

So there it is, some visual inspiration to “glow up” those empty walls that are probably driving you crazy as you read this. Honestly just start with something if you are having a creative block. It sounds counter-intuitive to make a possible permanent hole for a non-permanent piece of art but I promise you will feel better. Head to the internet, the flea market, Craigslist, Chairish, a garage sale, nature, etc. and choose something that you love and through it up on that wall. It’s the only way you’ll know. Hope you are inspired and are filled with something other than holiday cheer.

The Personalized Under-$40 Gift I’m Getting My Family This Year

I used to believe that there were two kinds of people in the world: those who have calendars hung in their kitchen and those who don’t. Like many other lessons I’m learning about motherhood, I didn’t really get that as your kids get older with more activities, you need a physical calendar, so now we are pro-calendar. And listen, it’s gifting season, I like personal gifts so obviously you know where this is headed. A cute calendar with my kids’ faces all over it. Enter Artifact Uprising. We’ve, of course, worked with them in the past (here and here for reference) so when they reached out to partner with us again for a new product launch, it was an easy “yes.” Their products are good (for real their photo books are top-notch with pretty linen covers) and made in the US, their site is easy to use, and I’m always extremely happy with what comes in the mail.

They recently just released a new customizable calendar. thus the reason we are here today. Obviously, this would be a great gift for someone else, but since I actually really needed one, I made one for our family this year (and it’s $39, super affordable for how cute it is).

So, their new calendar…like all of their products, it was super easy to put together right on their site. When you start, it literally walks you through every step you need upfront so you know what you’re getting into…it’s pretty much tech-dummy proof and hard to mess up. What’s great is you can start by picking the month you want your calendar to begin with, for instance, if it’s a gift for someone and you want them to start with January, you’ve got that option. If it’s a gift to yourself and you want the fun to start RIGHT NOW, select “December”…and so on and so forth. From there, it’s really just deciding what photos go on what month (and you have 6 photo layouts to choose from), and if you want to write anything at the top of each month’s page.

Here’s what I did:

This isn’t your standard glossy flip calendar, folks. It’s super thick modern matte paper, so it’s perfect to write on (special dates, things to remember, etc.). The photo section is perforated, so at the end of each month, you can neatly tear off the photos and keep them for scrapbooks/frame them. THIS IS GENIUS AND MORE COMPANIES SHOULD DO IT. Personalized calendars can be so sad once the month is up. Like…you’re just throwing away people’s faces because keeping a calendar from…three years ago is really just hoarding and I promise, no one is going to go back and look at it (wait, I actually would).

HOT TIP: Decide on your images before building the calendar to make the process so much faster. You should probably look through the formats to figure out how many pictures you want for each month, but that way it’s a quick drag, drop, crop and write once you get on the site. I picked photos straight from my camera roll on my phone (then AirDropped them on my computer and easily uploaded them to the site).

In addition to being a full-time photo hoarder, I’m also a journaler, so on my calendar, instead of doing professional beautiful family photo after perfectly curated family photo, I treated it more like a journal with the bigger moments of each month, i.e. what happened in June (school’s out, go to mountain house, i.e. the best summer of our lives), what was going on in October (pumpkin picking, Birdie’s birthday).

I used the text field on each month to add notes relating to the photos I picked, mostly for the kids to read and remember last year but also get excited for what’s to come this year.

A lot of these photos came straight from my iPhone, which is where most of your photos are going to be taken throughout the year. But the calendar’s design is really crisp and modern, so it all looks good even if you think your photos aren’t bright. Once you drag and drop your photos where you want them, you just click on the image in place and crop it to your liking (so no need to have Photoshop or another editing tool to get the photo just the right size).

It comes with a matte black steel hanger (each calendar page has little punctured holes so the pages are easy to put on and take off) and measures 19.5″ x 9.5″ so it’s a unique wide landscape size (looks great over a desk, above an entryway table, I’d say even in a kitchen).

While I still have to have a digital calendar for my work schedule, we have joined the ranks of a family calendar and hopefully with the text and photos that indicate the year before, the kids will get excited to see what is potentially coming up (i.e. birthdays, holidays) or see how much they’ve changed in a year.

To make your own (for yourself or as a gift), Artifact Uprising is offering 20% off their site with code EHD20 through December 19, so that can apply to the new Modern Wall Calendar, or any of their other great personalized photo gifts like their books, photo holders, frames, and holiday cards. Keep in mind that there are some cut-off dates to get things printed and delivered in time for Christmas. Order by December 15 for USPS and December 19 for FedEx 2-Day shipping; more specifics on that here: https://www.artifactuprising.com/shipping-guidelines-101. (FYI, it’s one coupon code per person and doesn’t apply to shipping, bundle deals or Artifact Uprising’s Wedding Design Services.)

Let us know if you have any questions about the calendar (or even just Artifact Uprising products in general since we’ve tried a few) in the comments. Happy to answer them all.

*photography by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

**This post is in partnership with Artifact Uprising but all words and thoughts are our own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help support us. 

The post The Personalized Under-$40 Gift I’m Getting My Family This Year appeared first on Emily Henderson.

#ShowEmYourHoliday: How YOU All Decorated For Christmas (Such Good Stuff, Folks)

design and image via @michelle_janeen

We’ve said it before and I’ll say it again here: this year’s Christmas crunch feels INSANE. I’m in the process of decorating (shooting tomorrow for the blog, eek!) and I feel like basically, Christmas might as well be over already…it’s happening THAT fast. Thanks for nothing super late Thanksgiving. Okay, grinchy moment over. But for real, that’s mostly just to say, we’ve thrown a lot of holiday content your way this week because it felt like, if we didn’t, by next week, there’d be no point. It’s probably safe to say MOST people have bedecked their halls already, but in case you haven’t fully and still looking for inspiration, I present to you one of my favorite posts of the season: our #ShowEmYourHoliday roundup, with photos from YOUR very own homes.

We did this last year, and it was SO much fun for us all to see how everyone was decorating. You can follow that hashtag to see everything that was posted (SO MUCH great stuff, guys), and also, in general, follow #ShowEmYourStyled to see what the EHD social community is doing at home. Anyhow, we loved it in 2018, and it seemed like you all did, as well. Any moment we can shout out our super talented followers and readers, we’ll take. That said, even if you’re all decorated up (or not decorating, or don’t celebrate), it’s more a voyeur moment of WHAT DO PEOPLE’S HOMES LOOK LIKE and we’re here for that (spoken from someone who spent much of her childhood visiting open houses with her parents not because we were moving, but because we wanted to, um…be creepy people who looked at how other people were living).

There were HUNDREDS of photos, and sadly we couldn’t run them all, but we hope you enjoy what’s here (and again, go check out #ShowEmYourHoliday for it all). Let’s do this.

Trees
clockwise from top left: @jyoungdesignhouse | @kensington_adobe | @unapologetic_home | @missesmacke_hometheology

So many beautiful trees, so few days between Thanksgiving and Christmas (okay, for real, I’m done with that now). I mean will you take a look at that tree from @jyoungdesignhouse? I love a tree that’s so heavily decorated, you can almost hear the branches screaming for mercy. The wood beads happening on the trees from @kensington_adobe and @missesmacke_hometheology have that sweet, Scandi vibe I’m very into this year, and clearly, woven tree collars are all the rage right now.

clockwise from top left: @goldalamode | @emilysuenetz | @allisonsextoninteriors | @carolineloganphoto

This is what I’m calling the “flocked glam” board and man are they all pretty, hm? I’m particularly enamored of the honeycomb paper ornaments on @emilysuenetz’s tree at the top right. Swoon.

Garland & Wreaths
via @carolineloganphoto

While I love a good tree moment, I gotta tell ya…the “garland and wreath” category is ALWAYS my favorite. Drape that greenery everywhere, people. You can either keep it super simple like @carolineloganphoto did above, or get a little friskier with lights, mix-and-match greenery, orange slices and more.

clockwise from top left: @prettydomesticated | @carpendaughter | @creekwoodhill | @carpendaughter | @caniwearvanswiththat | @homewithrue

Loving the swoop over window thing going on in @prettydomesticated’s dining nook, and the use of garland + dried oranges in that clerestory window bank is SO good from @creekwoodhill (who I met at our reader event and I’m basically obsessed with…hi Lea!!).

left to right: @cassie_bustamante | @1954_house

I needed some inspo for what to do on the mirror above my fireplace, and I think I’m going to tap this photo from @1954_house as my muse because it’s subtle but seasonal.

clockwise from top left: @kdiondesign | @elmhurstdesign | @jogalbraightathome | @hartley_home

I actually bought that same wreath over @hartley_home‘s mirror in that foyer (it’s from Target!) and it’s SO pretty both in photos and IRL. I’d also like to take a moment and call out that wreath-meets-gallery-wall moment from @elmhurstdesign. If I had a place to store art from my gallery wall, I’d probably be doing this also. Wait…maybe I will. Stay tuned.

via @kismet_house

And lastly in this category, from @kismet_house is this sweet wreath-hanging-from-stick thing that I’m VERY into. I love how the wreathes don’t necessarily “match” which makes it easier to do with what you’ve collected over the years (or will collect). Note the different hanging heights for that casual organic vibe.

Fireplaces
via @jillhinsoninteriors

HELLO CANDY COLORED BOTTLEBRUSH FOREST. Thank you @jillhinsoninteriors for this super fun vignette. So much of Christmas decor recently falls into the “natural/neutral” territory that feels very Pinterest, but this gives me life and reminds me that you can do WHATEVER YOU WANT. It would have been easy for this thing to have gone off the rails, but being that it’s all just one type of thing (bottlebrush trees), it works as a cool collection even with all those different colors.

left to right: @carpendaughter | @my_best_laid_plans

But of course if the neutral thing is your thing (and I get it, because it works best with most people’s everyday decor), this shot from @carpendaughter is so quiet and earthy (love the black tapers). Or take it up a notch with ribbon on each side, pinecones and lots of candles like @my_best_laid_plans did here.

clockwise from top left: @classicallydunn | @theheartandhaven | @sarahsmithdesignwa | @the.lovelee.life

More neutral inspiration here but man is it pretty. I’m particularly into @the.lovelee.life making the absolute most of that notch above the fireplace. No mantel, no problem.

clockwise from top left: @thegraycottage | @tonicliving | @suzannahstanley | @carolineloganphoto

Show me a dried orange garland, and I’ll show you a smile. It makes me think of the perfect Love Actually fueled English Christmas I’ve always dreamed of (says the Puerto Rican girl…). I applaud the soft swag of what @carolineloganphoto did above.

Shelfies & Tabletops
via @grace_start

This category is so great for everyone, but particularly for anyone who maybe doesn’t have a fireplace (me until I moved to LA…and even that is nonfunctioning) or a staircase. Take those other surfaces in your house (dining table tops, bookshelves, coffee tables) and sprinkle them with that seasonal sparkle people.

clockwise from top left: @1111lightlane | @michelle_janeen | @bykristinalynne | @unapologetic_home | @bowhousedesign | @rebeccaandgenevieve

Note the asymmetrical garland from @1111lightlane‘s shelfie, the ridiculously sweet pom pom garland/tree/art/wall textile from @unapologetic_home, and the wisp of eucalyptus in the bar setup from @bowhousedesign.

Exterior & Front Door
via @mewack

This photo from @mewack elicits the most serious The Holiday vibes for me (no, this isn’t England or LA, but I can’t explain how my brain works quickly, so I won’t). What a dream. I love the idea of just doing garland and wreathes with ribbon in the windows instead of a big explosion of lights (and lights IN the hanging greenery would also be a nice touch).

left to right: @missesmacke_hometheology | @sarahsmithdesignwa
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
via @kdiondesign

Now, bedrooms and bathrooms are probably not the first place you run to decorate for Christmas, but when you’re a holiday enthusiast, you’re a holiday enthusiast and you can’t be stopped. Just a subtle wreath (like in the bathroom above from @kdiondesign) is all you need to get that spirit going in a non-traditional “holiday” room.

clockwise from top left: @theharriethouse_joshuatree | @ernsthale | @prettydomesticated | @cassie_bustamante

Emily tries to put decorations or at least a fun tree in her kids’ rooms every year, and I am here for that. I was that kid who would steal leftover lights from the garage to Scotch tape around the edges of my bedroom’s ceiling line and beg and beg for my own tree (never happened). That sweet little ballerina in the shot from @prettydomesticated…I mean that was very much #kidgoals for me.

via @oho_house

And finally…a very cute little moment in a nursery from @oho_house. Get that baby in the spirit before they even know what’s happening (just make sure the garland is SECURELY attached to anything above a place where your bebe will be laying, duh.

OKAY. THANK YOU to everyone who tagged their home for this year’s #ShowEmYourHoliday post. Again, so much fun to see into your homes (and lives?), and now I can’t wait to go finish decorating because my brain is exploding with ideas.

 

The post #ShowEmYourHoliday: How YOU All Decorated For Christmas (Such Good Stuff, Folks) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

21 Gift Ideas For The Man In Your Life (From Brian Henderson Himself)

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: How We Decked Our Halls For Christmas

I’ve been asked to make a gift guide this year, which is funny because I blatantly use Emily’s gift guides anytime I need to buy her something. Like every time. So now the tables have turned! It may not sound very romantic to use a gift guide for ideas, that maybe I should surprise her with something. Well, let me take you back to New York when we were in our 20s and I got her what I thought was a really great sapphire necklace, but in reality was a basic, needlessly expensive thing that was totally not her style at all. She was super gracious and said she loved it, but later admitted that it wasn’t really the best purchase. Now repeat that story for like four birthdays, and anniversaries. It took me a long time to learn my lesson. It’s not like she didn’t love the gifts, she loved that I put so much effort and thought into them, and she let me down gently, but I learned that I should just ask her for ideas rather than spend money on something that isn’t going to work. I have no sense of women’s fashion! Or home decor! Why am I acting like she’ll love this new thing I found when she probably saw it like two years ago? It’s an unrealistic expectation.

I always wished there was a way for me to read her mind and see what she really wants, and then, voila. The gift guides were invented and my life got much, much easier. I wish every husband had them, it would save a lot of stress.

So, while this isn’t a direct wishlist for Emily to shop from, it’s a bunch of things that I think are cool and maybe you could ask the guy you’re shopping for if he thinks they’re cool, too. You can always surprise him with a sapphire necklace, and maybe he’s dying for a sapphire necklace, but it might be good to get a little guidance.

1. Crosley Nomad Portable USB Turntable, $130: I know I’m super late to this party, but I really want to get back into records. I heard an interview with Neil Young that convinced me that all the compression that goes into digital music is killing the depth of the sound. So this record player is here to help. It looks cool and is small enough to move out of pictures when Emily needs to shoot the latest, new credenza.

2. Grateful Dead “Dick’s Pick Vol 8” 5-LP Box Set, $140: And what better record to kick things off than one by my favorite band of all time. Have you heard the joke “What did the Deadhead at the concert say when his drugs wore off? “This band sucks!” Funny. I was told that one too many times in my life, but I’m still a fan, even though all my drugs have worn off.

3. 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Compact Drill/ Driver with Battery, Charger and Tool Bag, $99: I always wish that I were more like my friend Mike Kurtz. He’s super handy and super confident using all sorts of tools. He’s the guy we call to help build raised garden beds, or built-in bed frames. So when Mike Kurtz tells you that a brushless drill will save your life, you listen. I don’t even know what brushless means, but when I tried his drill, I felt like a god. So now I want one.

4. Cuisinart Glass Coffee Center, $365: We need this. Most nights I set a timer like an old dad, so we have a full carafe in the morning. But a lot of times I just want one cup in the afternoon, so this could do both!

5. Dublin Platinum Double Old Fashioned Glasses, Set of 4, $60: I think it’s time I had my own cocktail glasses. Don’t get me wrong, I love Emily’s taste in glasses, but when I have a Bushmills this Christmas, I don’t want to worry that the glass will break if I sneeze while holding it. I looked for a long time for a design I liked, and I’m sure there are better ones, but these ones seem unique enough without treading into “douche” territory.

6. BrewArt BrewFlow Beer Dispensing System with Kegging, $500: I’ve always wanted cold beer on tap at home. How cool would that be? To have a pint of draft beer whenever you want one? We were actually going to install one when we first renovated our house, but somehow it mysteriously got left out of the final plans. Hmmm… Well, now I can have a portable one! Yes, I’m a little worried that it would be too tempting to just constantly have a tap calling my name, but I can exercise restraint. Or maybe I could lock it in a gun safe or something.

7. JBL Clip 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $40: Doughboys, The Oath, Dax Shepard, Off Book, The Daily… I listen to all these podcasts in the shower. It’s like having friends talk to you while you’re nude, it’s great. But as of now, I’m forced to tenuously balance my phone on the windowsill, crank up the volume, and pray that I don’t knock it off while scrubbing my armpits. But with this little clip on guy, I can flail around all I want and still have my friends in the shower with me!

8. Ceramic Car Coating: For the guy who has a vintage car, or just hates paying for car washes, I recommend ceramic coating. It allows you to just wipe off dirt and water spots, and it blocks UV so the paint will stop fading.

9. The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches, $19 and Nancy Silverton’s Sandwich Book, $13: There are few things I love more in this world than a good sandwich. I will travel a good 45 minutes out of my way to get a great Reuben or Italian sub. But it’s so hard to get the recipe right for something so simple. I mean it’s just meat, cheese and bread right?  I can make a pretty great sandy, but I could always use some help. Maybe someday, between the two of us, Emily and I, will open a Soup & Sandwich restaurant!

10. Katz’s Seasonal Subscription, $450: And of all the sandwiches that I’ve had, the corned beef Reuben at Katz in NYC is still my favorite. It’s literally the first place I go whenever I’m in town. But LOOK!! You can get a year-long subscription delivered to LA! I can make my own delicious sandwiches all year long! But seriously, Emily, LOOK!!

1. Levi’s Type III Sherpa Lined Denim Jacket, $129: Did you guys know that we got a vintage Chevy truck for my 40th bday? It’s like my third child, I love it so much, and my wife is amazing for indulging my mid-life crisis. But I need help living up to how badass it is, so this will make me look badderasser. I’ve been in love with sherpa jackets ever since Jordan Catalano wore one in “My So-Called Life.” I tried to copy his style back then, and I’ll keep doing it until I’m an old man. Catalano Fo Lyfe!

2. Vintage 1992 Grateful Dead Kind To Your Mind Tour T-Shirt, $139: Are you sensing a theme? Every guy loves a vintage T-shirt of their favorite band.

3. Skull & Rose Socks, $18: Socks. They’re so hot right now.

4. Reversible Bonding Jacket, $268: I feel like guys get hosed in the “in-between” department for jackets. They’re either lightweight or super heavy. A nice middleweight jacket is a secret weapon. I like this soft jacket. Or maybe I just like the guy wearing it. I mean, look at him! Yowza!

5. Bellroy Hide and Seek Wallet, $90: I’ve been accused of having a “Costanza” wallet that makes me lean to one side when I’m sitting because it’s so big. This would help. Although, I bet you that within a few months, I’ll have collected enough random cards to shove in this thing that it’ll become a Costanza, too.

6. Signature Zip Lined Hoodie in Bering Sea Heather, $120: I always need a good new hoodie. This one is a good mix of young dad, with a little skater/surfer in there. As long as it’s as soft as it looks, I am sold. That’s the hard thing about shopping online, you can’t feel the fabric. But this one looks super cozy.

7. Hanes Men’s 4 Pack Slim V-Neck T-Shirt, $21: Every guy looks good in a classic white V-neck. Trust me. I used to hate my hairy chest, I was self-conscious about it, so I was a “tight-neck-T-shirt” guy. But around 30, I said screw it and let that chest hair fly! And I think it made me feel more confident and comfortable. That’s a lot of psychology for a shirt. Sorry.

8. Nike Challenger Running Short, $40: Now these are for the post-New Year guilt workouts. And they’re controversial ’cause they’re kinda short, but I have to say, can we put an end to guys running in workout shorts that are so big and long that they almost trip on them? Hey dudes, you got nice thighs, let’s see them a ‘lil bit. Don’t be afraid. A 7-inch workout short is the perfect size, not super baggy, but not short enough to risk a popper-outer.

9. Men’s Jeffery Fashion Boot, $45: Every guy needs a good pair of boots for the winter, even if he’s “not a boot guy” you should just force him to try it, because it instantly makes you feel tougher and cooler. I’m actually wearing these boots as I’m typing this, and I feel pretty tough and cool, they’re legit. And I can’t tell you how many compliments I get on them. And no, I’m not promoting Target because Emily works for them, I’m doing it because it’s crazy that they’ve made boots that look like $300 for only $45. Trust me. Get these, they’re dope.

10. Mustache Wax, $10 and The Hand Made Pocket Comb for Beard and Mustache, $8: Did your husband grow a big gross mustache for Movember? I have a huge, disgusting mustache right now, and it’s kind of becoming a thing. But I can’t trim it because of a play that I’m acting in. So I use this wax to keep it in check. And a little comb. Otherwise, I literally chew on it at meals.

11. Orbit Glasses, 40: This one’s more for Emily than me. The amount of time she’s spent watching me look for my glasses in our house is astounding. And the amount of new curse words I’ve made up while looking for said glasses is also flarking astounding. There’s nothing more frustrating. So until I get Lasik, I think we should try this out. Oh, I’ll just be going to put that right on my gift guide—I think it would be awesome to be given Lasik for a Christmas present. But also terrifying. Please don’t write any horror stories in the comments, I’m already terrified.

And there you have it. Hopefully, this gave you some ideas on what to get the men in your life and if not, go for the sapphire necklace, I guess.

NEED MORE GIFT IDEAS? HEAD TO OUR GIFT GUIDE HOME PAGE FOR HUNDREDS OF HAND-PICKED, EHD-APPROVED GIFTS

The post 21 Gift Ideas For The Man In Your Life (From Brian Henderson Himself) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

What Boomer Moms/Grandmas REALLY Want (As Told to Me Via Text After a Wine Fueled Focus Group Led by My MIL)

We’ve done a lot of gift guides so far this year, but they were the more general “her” “him” “under $50” kind with gifts that yes, are picked by us right here, but for some of them, I wanted to know what specific people REALLY wanted, like…our moms and grandmas. So I asked my mother-in-law to ask her friends about what boomer mom/grandmas want for Christmas so we could write that gift guide (and out of genuine curiosity). At first, she didn’t seem that into it, until I got this bombardment of texts after a wine-fueled dinner party where she and her friends got INTO IT. What she proceeded to text me was riveting. Shocking. It wasn’t just what they want, but more what they want us to STOP giving them. And as the investigative journalist that I am, I feel compelled to give you this insider information.

Now, of course, she isn’t speaking for all moms and grandmas ages 55-80 so I know there will be some constructive discourse here, but if you want some insight into what 10 booming boomer women want AND DON’T WANT, keep reading.

Here’s her text:

“Just got to this. This is from polling my friends. Probably boring. Honestly, most of my friends would like theatre and music concert tix, airline passes, spa treatments, large magnified lighted makeup mirrors, hand made things from grandkids, art gallery memberships, gym or Pilates passes, golf lessons, painting lessons, kayak lessons, fly fishing lessons, restaurant credits for ladies who lunch. Best selling books and movies. Gift certificates for garden centers. Cozy winter throws.”

My internal reaction: I was so excited. Fly fishing lessons? Yes. That’s what they want…

But on further analysis, here’s what donned on me: they don’t want to spend their retirement on a temporary experience, especially not knowing if it’s going to be that good, but they still want to have fun and try it out. Plus, being retired, time is what they do have so they want to spend it in interesting, fun and purposeful ways. They don’t want things, they want more experiences and they don’t want to use their retirement money on that. Got it. Ironically, I don’t want those things. Sure, tickets to a band that I love or a play I really want to go to that is GUARANTEED to be good, but if someone gave me a gift certificate to a cooking class or even a spa treatment, I worry that I’ll first lose that piece of paper and second, feel guilty about not having the time to do it. It would actually become a source of guilt.

Learning a lot, right?? Let’s keep going.

“Even photo books take up too much room. How about the new device where you can watch photos on TV screen? Saw an ad, but can’t remember who. Main point—no little tabletop junk.” — Suz Henderson

Me: “So what do you NOT want?”

MIL (Suz): “Please, no more scented candles, picture frames (just send photos we can put on Facebook, we have thousands of frames). Which brings me to the thousands of photos—printed and digital. As we all eventually downsize, what to do? Even photo books take up too much room. How about the new device where you can watch photos on TV screen? Saw an ad, but can’t remember who. Main point—no little tabletop junk.”

My analysis: Alright. No more tchotchkes. That absolutely makes sense that after decades of collecting you have too much PLUS you are likely going to downsize so it just feels like a burden. BUT NO MORE  PHOTO BOOKS???? The last one I gave them is on their coffee table for a reason! I’m going to call BS on this one, but I’m also not going to make another one. I LOVE photo books! WE look at ours all the time. I don’t want to have to look at a device with the kids to relive memories. I don’t believe her.

Ironically, I’m just getting into framed family photos and love how much it warms up our home, but it totally makes sense that in 30 years from now, I might have enough and the amount of frames might feel like a burden. You don’t want to give them away because it was a sentimental gift but you might not want 15-year-old photos that aren’t really that good taking up real estate. So yes, Suz, there are a bunch of digital frames out there (and video calling devices like Facebook Portal and Google Nest Hub). You got it.

Me: “Do you guys like clothes? Scarves? Slippers? Robes? Luxury cashmere socks? Or not really? This is fascinating.”

Suz: “Honestly, maybe pretty silk or cashmere scarves, depending on climate. Robes and slippers—boring…unless granny is really old. But she’ll stick with her old, comfy stuff. We still love makeup, eye creams, and moisturizers and really good body creams as we are dry and wrinkly. I don’t take baths, but many of my friends do so the bathtub accessories and moisturizing soaks would be good.

For those of us that workout, cute workout clothes with no short or sleeveless tops.

Many of us are in book groups, so a Kindle or real best-selling books would be great…not sure if you can gift those Kindle books. But at $10 per book, gets pricey.

Is this helpful?

I’m on a roll!!”

Me: “Um. YESSSSS. I’m riveted. What else?”

Suz: “Find out mom’s interests: walking (step tracker), golf? Lots of golf websites for shoes, clothes, hats, golf clubs. Golf bags that can be personalized.

For friends that hike: backpacks, walking sticks, maps of local hiking sites. Fly fishing classes. Family trips to dude ranches (I’d love that.)

“I think Suz Henderson secretly wants some fly fishing classes, she’s mentioned it twice as if it’s just a thing that most people do.” — Me (Emily Henderson)

Books/websites about what grandparents can do to entertain grandkids daily or for longer periods-age appropriate. (Local outings, nature walks, arts & crafts, cooking, gardening, games, puzzles, etc.)?

My (internal) analysis: I think Suz Henderson secretly wants some fly fishing classes, she’s mentioned it twice as if it’s just a thing that most people do. But maybe at 70, you don’t want cooking classes, you’ve done that for decades. You want to do something mellow and relaxing in nature. And classes would force that. I can’t wait for your weeklong retreat in Montana next summer, Suz!

My actual response: “Okay, this post is going to be SOOO GOOD. Now if you were to receive homemade gifts from kids, do you have any sort of preference? Drawings versus ornaments? Like what do grandparents really want from their grandkids?”

Suz: “I think a written list: what I like to do with grandma or grandpa. Things I love about G; my favorite memory/time with G; G is funny when he/she does this; my wish for G is…; an animal that reminds me of G (with drawing). Christmas ornament with photo with G; a handprint with age & date; handmade necklace/bracelet; a compilation of videos with grandparents that can be watched on tv screen.”

And then it ended. One of us likely went to bed, but I just felt like it was such good insight into a generation that while I have so much in common with, are in such a different time in their life and have different needs. For instance, if someone bought me fly fishing lessons, I would open it and see guilt and shame, knowing that if I likely would never use it or if I did, it would be at the sacrifice of my kids or team.

Meanwhile she asked me what I want from her for Christmas, and I sent her links to two things on my gift guide that I will buy for myself if no one else does: the meatball maker which she replied via text “ugh, boring,” and this village cake for a new Christmas Eve or day tradition with the kids (no response).

Then I text, “All I really, really want from you guys is childcare so Brian and I can go away for a few weekends this year, maybe even New York for 4-5 days to see shows and relive our twenties. Or hell, out of the country; it’s been 8 YEARS since just he and I traveled together.”

I’ll buy myself that meatball maker if they give us some grandparent and (therefore guilt-free) childcare time. I may not have said all of that in one text, but that’s the request.

She agreed with two big thumbs up emojis.

I guess what it boils down to is that in my stage of life (running a company, small kids, no time for myself, girlfriends or husband) what I really want is MORE time and less guilt. And in HER stage of retired life, she has an abundance of time (and a ton of energy) so she wants to book it up doing interesting, cultural, physical and fun things but doesn’t want to feel like she is draining her retirement to pay for the Justin Timberlake concert or, say, fly fishing lessons.

2019 UPDATE: EHD-Approved Artificial Trees, Garland and All the Trimmings

Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Our Living Room Holiday Reveal

Last year, there was a BIG ask for our favorites shoppable Christmas decor items. SO this EHD styling elf scoured the internet to do just that…and we’re back with an update to that post. We are talking faux trees, garland, stockings, etc. I mean, recommending beautiful decor is kinda one of our favorite things to do, so granting a wish you asked for is a straight-up no brainer. I know we have already chatted about new styling ideas and going over our favorite vignettes from years past but now let’s get into the “add to cart” portion of the designing lesson, shall we?

First up, the most important piece to the holiday puzzle…the tree (and some very pretty ornaments).

1. 5.5ft Unlit Artificial Christmas Tree Virginia Pine | 2. Fabric Deer Christmas Ornament | 3. Pre-Lit LED Snowy Faux Noble Fir | 4. Gold Frasier Tinsel Tree | 5. 7.5 ft. Colorado Green Fir Artificial Christmas Tree with 500 Warm White LED Lights | 6. | 7. Ski Shop Rental Christmas Ornament | 8. Pre-Lit LED Faux Noble Fir | 9. Wooden Ornaments (set of 3) | 10. Opaque Ornaments (set of 6) | 11. Gingerbread Cloche Ornament | 12. 4ft Unlit Artificial Christmas Tree New Growth Balsam Fir | 13. Pre-Lit Artificial Tree | 14. 2-pack Christmas Ornaments | 15. Faye Festive Leaf Hooks, (set of 6) | 16. | 17. 7.5ft Pre-lit Full Balsam Fir Clear Auto Connect Artificial Christmas Tree | 18. 42ct Glass Round Christmas Ornament Set | 19. Paper Accordion Tassel Ornament | 20. Paper Tree Ornament | 21. 7ft Unlit Artificial Christmas Tree Alberta Spruce

I’ve always been on Team “Real Tree” but there are some very convincing faux options on the market. AND the amazing thing about a faux tree is that a ton of them come pre-lit. SIGN ME UP. It takes out all of the light spacing, cord tangling stress and leaves only the fun ornament hanging. Speaking of ornaments, I’m pretty sure I those brass leaf hooks (#16) immediately. It’s simple but SO pretty. I also personally purchased #9 and I love them. They feel organic but festive.

A tree really isn’t complete without a skirt or a tree topper right? A tree without a tree skirt (or collar) is like wearing an awesome fancy dress with flipflops. It’s just never okay. So to avoid this potential tragedy, here are our favorite stands, skirts and toppers.

1. Dasher Tree Topper | 2. Plaid Tree Skirt | 3. White Christmas Tree Stand | 4. Karina Woven Tree Collar | 5. Felted Dove Tree Topper | 6. Flake Velvet Burnt Gold Tree Skirt | 7. Unlit Metal Glitter Star Christmas Tree Topper | 8. First Frost Tree Skirt | 9. Buffalo Plaid Christmas Tree Skirt | 10. Faux Fur Christmas Tree Skirt | 11. Woven Tree Collar | 12. Reversible Stars and Plaid Tree Skirt | 13. Galvanized Metal Tree Collar | 14. Gold Star Tree Topper | 15. Moroccan Style Wedding Blanket Tree Skirt | 16. Tree Stand with Foot Pedal and Single Cable Operation | 17. Cable Knit Christmas Tree Skirt | 18. Square Rattan Basket | 19. Red and White Tree Collar | 20. Glitter Silver 3D Star Tree Topper | 21. Bash Gold Tree Collar

While I finally have a beautiful tree skirt (massive upgrade from last year’s “blanket”) I realllly love #4 . How STUNNING is it? But I also love #3, #6 and #10.

Next up, we have all the faux garlands and wreaths of your dreams.

1. 26″ Prelit LED Faux Candle Mixed Greenery | 2. 5ft Petite Flocked Wispy Artificial Garland | 3. Faux Cryptomeria Garland | 4. 72″ x 6″ Artificial Cedar Garland with Pine Cones and Glitter | 5. Cypress Wreath | 6. 24″ Artificial Cedar Christmas Wreath | 7. Faux Cedar Wreath | 8. Christmas Pom Pom Wreath | 9. 72″ Faux White Pine Garland with Berry | 10. 12″ Artificial Magnolia Leaves Wreath Green | 11. Faux Pre-Lit Nordmann Fir Wreath | 12. 72″ Faux Juniper Berry Garland with Pinecones | 13. 6ft Mixed Greenery Artificial Garland | 14. Pine Pink Wreath | 15. 72″ Pre-Lit LED Artificial Garland | 16. Preserved Fern Circlet Trio | 17. 72″ x 6″ Artificial Magnolia Leaves Garland | 18. 24″ Prelit Warm White LED Battery Operated Chunky Flocked Mixed Artificial Pine Christmas Wreath | 19. Faux Pre-Lit Bauble LED Evergreen Wreath | 20. Stargazer Illuminated LED Wreath | 21. Green Leaves And White Berries Wreath

Aside from a tree (of course), garlands and wreaths have the next biggest visual impact when it comes to holiday decor. I really love the delicateness of #7. It feels modern but approachable. Then Emily used #18 in her first round of decor for the mountain house and it looks awesome AND is pre-lit. Easy and awesome.

Now for my favorite topic: stockings.

8 Room Makeovers & Home Tours You’re Going to Want to Pin Like Crazy (We Did)

design by jessica helgerson design | photo by aaron leitz | via remodelista

We’ve reached that point in the year where it feels like if every post isn’t about the upcoming holidays, we’re failing to be “timely” and “seasonal” and “helpful.” And while I promise we have SO MUCH great festive content on deck, today, we’re taking a little bit of a break from all things merry and bright to oohh and ahh over some good ol’ fashion design…in the form of room makeovers and house tours that have crossed our eyeballs lately that we’re very, very into right now.

Come back later today for all things trees and trimming, but for now, scroll through for a sweet (calorie-free!) visual treat:

design by jessica helgerson design | photo by aaron leitz | via remodelista

Pacific Northwest design darling Jessica Helgerson is good guys. I’ve seen the sitting room (to the left with the green velvet built-in sofa) numerous times on Instagram, but I never saw the house it was in, and oh man, what a mistake that was. There have been many versions of a “dream house” my brain has cooked up over the years, but today, right now, this takes top billing. Besides, any home with a sunroom that gets that kind of light is worth a double-take, in my book.

design by jessica helgerson design | photo by aaron leitz | via remodelista

I don’t know what to discuss first here: that chandelier, that curved sofa or those armchairs? Why pick…they’re all glorious and statement-making enough to keep the eye interested and moving around the room without being TOO showy and stealing attention from the others. Bravo.

design by jessica helgerson design | photo by aaron leitz | via remodelista

This bed is otherworldly. It’s like a bed alcove without having to cut through the wall, and the combination of dark, luscious velvet combined with that stunning wood detailing is enough to make my knees buckle and collapse…right onto that mattress. Anyway, be sure to go see all the photos over on Remodelista.

Next up is a far, far more attainable project by Sarah from Room for Tuesday, who updated her family’s laundry room as part of this fall’s One Room Challenge (Julie dished on another ORC room crush she had in this post from the other week). When I first saw the “afters” (head here to see the super relatable “befores”), I thought “man, marble slab and marble mosaic on floor and walls…pricey! Until I read through her post and quickly realized she took a far more budget approach to the redesign.

design and images via room for tuesday

What looks like marble slab on that left wall is actually marble contact paper. The floors? Peel-and-stick tile and some more marble contact paper cut to size. Oh and the marble mosaic is also peel-and-stick. GUYS! Maybe in person it would be more noticeable, but it FOOLED me on camera. Also, to keep it even more budget, she opted to keep her existing cabinets and counters…she just painted them both and swapped out some hardware.

design and images via room for tuesday

If you read her post, you’ll learn that her original budget was a brave and daring $300, but ended up spending just over $500 because she underestimated how much of the “mosaic tiles” she needed. I also wanted to draw attention to the newly added shelf and bar for hangers that feels like it always should have been there (it wasn’t).

One more One Room Challenge for good measure because I’m always SO impressed by what the participants get done in such a short period of time (mind you, I still have dining chairs stashed in my bedroom that I’ve been “reupholstering” since 2015, so…)

This one comes from Jenni of I Spy DIY and it’s just so dang charming with that whispy garden-y wallpaper (a custom design she had her friend at Chasing Paper print for the project), that inky blue paneling (Behr’s Chimney) and that very dreamy window (which wasn’t there…ALL of this is new…the befores are downright SHOCKING).

I also wanted to show you this bathroom because she used a black toilet and I was dying to hear what you all thought about it. Non-white toilets are totally controversial in the design world, I know, but I gotta tell you, I don’t hate this in here. In fact, I love it, because it “blends” in more to the dark walls and lets the free-standing tub be the stair it deserves to be. There is the very real but very gross factor of never really being able to “see” what, ahem, ends up in there (good grief, I’m sorry I just said that) but my mother-in-law has a black toilet in a powder room and the first time I came across it, I was like “hmm…interesting.” ANYWAY…let’s continue.

Now, it’s time to flip flop back to pure aspiration because we love to torture ourselves.

design by studio giancarlo valle | via architectural digest

I first spotted the below oxblood-walled library sometime…last week? I then proceeded to send the above dining room shot to Jess because I know the girl appreciates things like random curved wood walls for seamingly no reason, chucky-legged everything and stone pedestal tables, and she screamed through our Slack DM RYANN HAS TO USE THIS IN THE LINK UP SHE MUST. Ha, too bad Ryann, I found it first.

There are SO many stunning photos from this home on the web-exclusive Architectural Digest feature but these three, in particular, have given me that cardio pitter-patter in my chest. I don’t understand what that fabric on the bench above is, but man do I love it and want it. The satin-y red walls, whoa. I always think I’m not bold enough to do a red-wall situation, but THIS, this convinces me that maybe in the right room, with the right furniture, it can be done.

The bedroom show has chartreuse wall-to-wall carpeting, and—I can’t believe I’m saying this—I’m CONVINCED. Plus, tassel pulls? Alright, I’m done now. Let’s move on so I can resuscitate myself.

I was SHOOK when I saw Erin from Apartment 34 post a carousel side-by-side on Instagram of the before and after of her San Francisco Victorian. Honestly, I straight up could hardly believe the transformation. Here’s the after (but go to her Instagram to see what I mean):

design by erin hiemstra | photo by seth smoot | via domino

Featured in Domino’s Winter 2019 issue, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy to see MORE of this house. Her styling and material choices are just so, so good a bit cool-girl Parisian meets California casual in a way that doesn’t feel like a hodge podge of styles.

Erin, you’ve done good…THAT CHAIR…THAT WAVY PENDANT. What an eye on that one, hm?

Another designer with a serious eye is Sarah Sherman Samuel. I’ve been following her home renovation since she moved to Michigan last year and the transformation is finally here:

design by sarah sherman samuel | photos by matthew williams | via domino

I WILL be picking up the Winter issue of Domino to also see this, the cover story, because there are far more images than what I’m getting online and I’m ravenous to see them. It’s fun to see how she uses her own products in her home, but also sourced from places like Wayfair and Target (the light fixture in the bathroom above was from Leann Ford’s collection earlier this year and the tub, stool, fixture, and cage pendant are from Wayfair).

design by sarah sherman samuel | photos by matthew williams | via domino

The brass kickplate behind the island brings a serious glam factor to the more rustic ceiling, and I always love seeing a “stove nook.”

Now for something a little different in style, this home from Clever.

design by fabrikate | photo by jonathan van der knaap | via clever

The design on this one doesn’t scream EHD but once my eyes landed on that window cut out by the bench (and kitty), I was sold. I love how the custom bench curves right into the same surface (just clad differently) as the media console. And the little fireplace and flume…darling. I really appreciate when the design of homes have little moments like that that you don’t really see in other houses.

design by fabrikate | photo by jonathan van der knaap | via clever

And also, this bathroom is so, so great. I love the glossy subway tile juxtaposed with the matte cement tile (plus the organic, scattered pattern of the tile is ::chef’s kiss::).

AND FINALLY…

I say Julia of Chris Loves Julia share this super budget bedroom makeover recently, and I thought you guys would like it!

design and photo by julia marcum of chris loves julia

The “before” of this room is your basic tract home bedroom, but they added so much interest and character just by DIYing some molding and using a large area rug to cover up most of the beige wall-to-wall carpeting.

design and photo by julia marcum of chris loves julia

I love seeing a room that is very, very much attainable and doable for meer mortals like me, so thank you Julia for the inspiration!

And that’s it! Eight house tours and room renovations on our radar right now. I’m curious though…what do you prefer to see from us? More of the real-life home room makeovers or the purely aspirational stuff? I’m guessing it’ll be a split in opinions between the two, but maybe not? Let me know!

The post 8 Room Makeovers & Home Tours You’re Going to Want to Pin Like Crazy (We Did) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

16 Incredibly Thoughtful Non-Material Gift Ideas For Those Most Special to You

IT’S OFFICIALLY THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR. If you can’t tell by me type-screaming Christmas song lyrics at you, we love the holidays over here. A lot. So much so that we’ve already leaned into the season but now it’s post-Thanksgiving and no one can tell us not to. Here’s what we’re up to: drinking gallons of cocoa, decking halls, listening to Michael Buble’s Christmas album on repeat, decorating the heck outta a Tannenbaum, oh, and that reminds me that there are about one million gifts I still need to buy.

Luckily, we’re deep into the land of gift guides. If you’re stuck like I am, here’s what to give to the guys in your life, your gal pals, your Secret Santa, anyone if you have a $50 budget, the kids, and Emily (as in, what she thinks are good gifts, not what she’s telling her staff to buy her, ha). BUT WAIT! What about your S.O., your parents, your best friend who spends way more than you do on presents? Some of the best gifts for the best people just can’t be wrapped up in a box, tied with a bow. This guide here is more about the experience or the sentimental. The non-material gift ideas that we can almost guarantee ANYONE and EVERYONE will love. Here’s how to tenderly whisper “hey, I love you and you mean the world to me” without having to fumble around for the scotch tape:

The Friend/Family Member You Want to Spend More Time With

Sur la Table Cooking Class + Standing Dinner Date: I don’t know what it is but there’s just something SO romantic about food, which is maybe why I think being a good cook is an incredibly attractive quality for any person to possess. If you agree, then give the gift of sex-appeal (or maybe just have a good time with the foodie friend in your life) through a Sur la Table Cooking Class. Then make it even MORE romantic (or plutonic—I don’t know who you’re giving this to), by making a date to remake the meal and practice those newly acquired skills.

Shaker + Spoon Subscription Box + A Scheduled Reoccuring Happy Hour: Now here’s something I’d recommend for someone that seeks out a good cocktail, likes to make their own concoctions at home, or maybe just likes to get a little toasty on occasion, hey, I don’t judge. Here’s the greatest reason to hang out with someone and learn to make cool drinks! Commit to swinging by when the box arrives (you bring the pizza, maybe?) for a night of playing mixologist with your favorite imbiber.

Ice Cream Pajama Party: I’m sorry, but did you know you can get ice cream delivered straight to someone’s door from Jeni’s? What a time to be alive. So, for the “artisanal” ice cream lover in your life, this one’s for you (or them). (It’s also great for long-distance lovers or BFFS…just throwing that out there.) Get them an ice cream subscription, pencil in a date if you’re nearby to put on your coziest PJs and have an ice cream pajama party (we are gladly accepting invitations for this, because sounds like fun).

That Person You Want to Wow With Your “Effort”

Pretty Vessel + Little Papers With Personalized Compliments Written on Them: The story goes (I don’t know, I wasn’t here at the time) that for last year’s EHD holiday outing, which included a Secret Santa gift exchange, Jess brought Arlyn to tears with a beautiful ceramic vessel full of little papers with happy thoughts and compliments, so EHD followed suit by making it a birthday tradition this whole past year. IT’S SERIOUSLY THE BEST. Find a pretty vase (one big enough to stick your hand in), a box or even pretty planter, write down a bunch of nice things about a person (or get people in their life to do it with you), and wait for the tears to start flowing.

Custom Illustration: We’ve recommended this before and everyone loved it, so here we are again! Some ideas for the subject of the illustration: a pet, someone’s children, a family photo, a wedding photo, someone’s first home…get creative! Most custom illustrations won’t run you more than $50 but feel like you put a TON of thought into the gift (just be sure to allow time for the creation of the piece…this is not a “last-minute” idea…unless you’re artistic and doing it yourself).

Photo Book: There is not a parent/grandparent out there that wouldn’t squeal with delight opening up a customized photo book that you created for them (and we back that statement with our 100% money-back guarantee!). And honestly, it’s just a really good gift for anyone you care about/cares about you. It takes a little time to gather all the photos and design out the book, but sites like Artifact Uprising make it as easy as it’s going to get. (Again, plan a little extra time to build out the book and for printing.)

To Improve Someone’s Everyday Life

Skillshare Subscription: Bring out their inner hobbyist (or help them to discover what that hobby is). Emily worked with Skillshare on a styling course this fall (check that out here), but the site doesn’t just offer design e-classes. There is literally something for everyone, from cooking to business to art and photography.

Tidy Cleaning Service: WHERE DO WE SIGN UP? We know “cleaning” doesn’t sound “fun” but think of all the time you’ll be giving back to someone by letting someone else clean for them. A great add-on to the cleaning service is “tickets” someone can cash in for some fun with you (picnic at the park? movie date?) while SOMEONE ELSE is making their house sparkly.

Car Detail + Oil Change: Again, maybe not the most razzle-dazzle gift on this list, but a car detail and oil chance are the types of things everyone can definitely use but would rather spend their money on something else. Gift them a Groupon gift card so they can pick the spot that’s most convenient to them.

Someone You Want to Feel Pampered

Zeel In-Home Massage: Just what someone needs after the rush rush of the holiday season, right? Zeel offers in-home massages all across the country, so just double-check that their services are available in your giftee’s market.

Spa Finder Gift Card: This one is for the spa-lover who might prefer other services, like a facial over a massage (though Spa Finder can also, of course, be used for a massage at a ton of participating spas across the nation).

ResortPass: You know that friend/cousin/uncle who comes to life the second they plop themselves down next to a hotel pool, but also feels shady about sneaking in to use a really nice resort’s facilities if they aren’t actually staying there? Bring on the ResortPass. Basically how it works is, you pay a day rate for access to the pool or spa (or other amenities) of a posh hotel even if you aren’t an official overnight guest. This is great to use on vacation if you’re staying at a more affordable spot but want to feel fancy at that rooftop pool, or even locally to check out the offerings at a spot in your own neck of the woods.

The Adventurers and Travelers

National Parks Subscription: If you have a hiker, traveler, camper or general nature lover in your midst, an annual pass to any park managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation is covered in this subscription. Valid a year from the month of purchase.

Cloud 9 Living Experiences: Cloud 9 Living has over 2,300 experiences to pick from in over 55 locations across, such as driving experiences, flying, getaways, scenic cruises, spa packages, guided city tours, golf lessons and more. We feel pretty solid on the fact that anyone would likely find a handful of activities they’d be super jazzed to try out (that they might not think to do for themselves).

Airbnb Gift Card: Airbnb isn’t just for overnight stays in cities you don’t live in. They have a ton of other local experiences (and just launched culinary which lets you enjoy a homecooked meal with a warm and welcoming native to the city…and that’s either your worst nightmare or your greatest dream).

Pack Up + Go Trip: Okay, so fair warning, this is not for the control freak in your life, but for your more loose and free loved one, Pack Up + Go will plan a surprise trip (from a road trip to a place that requires airfare) with all the details figured out based on your preferences. You just show up to the airport and get ready for a good time.

NEED MORE GIFT IDEAS? HEAD TO OUR GIFT GUIDE HOME PAGE FOR HUNDREDS OF HAND-PICKED, EHD-APPROVED GIFTS.

***lead photo by Veronica Crawford; styling by Jess Bunge and Arlyn Hernandez

The post 16 Incredibly Thoughtful Non-Material Gift Ideas For Those Most Special to You appeared first on Emily Henderson.

We Break It Down: How to Decorate For Christmas One Vignette At A Time

Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: My First “Refined Traditional” Holiday Look…Holiday Style

Happy December Ya’ll! On Friday, way back in November, we talked about the “new” ideas on the Christmas decorating scene. But you know what? Emily and past EHD team members have decorated some pretty beautiful holidays spaces over the years that are chock full with beautiful and useful tips. So to help you maximize your Christmas style, I am going to dissect some of our favorite vignettes to help you further get inspired and maybe attempt some similar looks. Now first and foremost…the tree.

The Traditional Tree
Left: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp, From: My First “Refined Traditional” Holiday Look…Holiday Style | Right: Photo by Zeke Ruelas, From: At Home With Ginny For Christmas

There are lots of ways and color schemes to choose from when decorating a Christmas tree. But there is something truly wonderful and extremely nostalgic about a traditional red and green color combo.

Emily’s Portland tree (left): She went a bit more modern with a tree that isn’t as full (more sparse and Scandi) and with hits of black to ground the red and green. It looks “cool” but happy.

Ginny’s traditional tree (right): She went more cozy with a fuller tree and hits of gold instead of black. What is also fun about her tree is that she used both a basket for a stand AND a faux fur tree skirt to give it a maximum cozy look.

Now, in terms of ornaments, both of them evenly spaced out sizes, colors and textures to make sure the tree felt visually balanced. Man, I would love to come home to either of these Christmases.

The Modern Tree
Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp, Left to Right: Brady’s Holiday Decor | How We Decked Our Halls for Christmas | Our Living Room Holiday Reveal

I’m sure it’s no surprise (if you know my general aesthetic) but this is the type of tree that speaks to me…the modern tree. Nothing too crazy here, just three different color schemes that don’t involve red but still knock your holiday socks off.

Brady’s monochromatic tree (far left): What makes it awesome is that the tree itself is perfectly imperfect. Not a sparse Scandi type, but a tree that has some excellently placed “bald” spots. Brady kept his color palette 100% neutral, letting the greenery of the space be the star and the ornaments adding the perfect amount of glitz.

Emily’s 2018 warm neutral tree (middle): This is my dream tree. I love how “pleasantly plump” it is and goes against the traditional, more slender conical shape. Then Em still kept it neutral with the ornaments but with happy warm tones like copper, gold and blush. She also kept it kid-friendly with little animal ornaments and personalized frames (all within that same color palette). It’s just such a good tree.

Emily’s 2017 neutral and navy tree (far right): This is the perfect tree and color palette for someone who wants a neutral-toned tree but still wants a bit of a traditional feel. I’m talking navy blue. This tree has a ton of playful kid-friendly ornaments and is made even more playful by the hits of dark blue. Modern but so darn cute.

The White Tree
Left: Photo by Jayme Burrows, From: California Winter Wonderland Glam | Right: Photo by Tessa Neustadt, From: Decorating For The Holidays – Family Friendly Style

I wouldn’t say I’m a white tree kinda gal but when they are done right, they are pretty undeniably wonderful. They call for happy colors and a big dose of playfulness and that is exactly what Emily and team did for these two beauties in her old house.

Emily’s warm metallic ribbon tree (left): This tree is proof there is no one way to decorate a tree. If you like just ornaments, great. If you love garland, wrap that tree up. And if you love bows, then you go for it and adorn oversized bows onto your tree. Tell me that’s not fun and straight-up delightful?! But the reason why it works is because the rest of the ornaments are pretty simple in texture and strategic in color. There aren’t a ton of animals, frames, wood objects etc. Just a handful of slightly differently shaped, metallic balls.

Emily’s kid focused red and green tree (right): Tell me this tree doesn’t make the kid inside of you light up. The key here is to keep the reds and greens bright! This way they really pop off the white of the tree. Then from there, it’s just about fun. Adding in little Santas, candy canes, hot chocolate mugs and a red beaded garland help to give some visual breaks for your eye to rest. Because otherwise, it’s happiness overload.

***Side note Emily prefers the “warm light” color for her string lights. It just makes everything feel cozier.

The Link Up: Jess’ Perfect Date Night Blouse, Mallory’s Hair Styling Hack & A Mind-Bending New Series

image via Architectural Digest | design by Kyle O’Donnell of Gramercy Design, home of David Harbour

Just like that, Thanksgiving is over and December is upon us. You guys, that means Christmas is a mere three weeks away. HOW?!? Questioning it will not make it any less real, but man does time fly. In any case, we hope you all had a relaxing week and Thanksgiving, and if you missed what we were up to this week, here’s a little recap: we launched EVEN MORE gift guides (Emily’s and kids), queried about what might be the new marble, got real about Sara’s fireplace design agony, perused TONS of Black Friday sales (many of which are still happening—so head over quick), shopped small business Saturday and so much more. What a week. Now we are back with what we all know and love: The Link Up. Let’s get to it:

Today’s home tour (via Architectural Digest) is home of David Harbour (who you may know as Sheriff Hopper from Stranger Things) and it is the perfect mixture of old school and modern and we are VERY into it. (Make sure to check out the bathroom to really get your heart PUMPING).

From Emily: “Here’s another article reconfirming our parenting approach. If only America made it a bit easier for us and our kids. Thesis: happiness leads to achievement, achievement does not lead to happiness.”

Let’s all check out Count Crowley. It was created by a friend of Velinda’s, and is a humorous, action/horror series with a badass chick in the lead. It’s out now and not staying on shelves long, so get an original copy while you can (p.s. it’s a great gift!)

Sara bought this little guy at Target the other day on a whim and was not disappointed. From Sara: “I’ve wanted an oil diffuser for a while now but wasn’t ready to drop $100+ on a fancy one. But while I was in my favorite aisle (the candle aisle), I spotted this one for $17.99 and brought it home with me. I’m now addicted and even bring it to work with me most days.”

Ryann bought this incense last week and cannot get enough of it. Says Ryann: “This stuff smells STUPID good. My boyfriend and I love it because it isn’t too flowery (it actually smells quite cologne-y) and it burns for a while, leaving our entire apartment smelling amazing for hours.”

Arlyn will be spending her Thanksgiving weekend bingeing Undone on Amazon Prime. She started it last weekend and says it’s mind-bending, mesmerizing and just very interesting/different storytelling (that may or may not involve time travel…sort of). Watch it and see for yourself. 

Veronica bought this coat over the weekend and loves it. She’s been searching for a nice, long coat for a while, and was so happy to finally find the one. It is super comfy, goes with everything and keeps you warm.

Jess sort of went on a shopping spree last week and this is her other new favorite blouse (the first you can find in last week’s linkup). She says it feels and looks amazing on. She also likes that it’s a little fancy with the heavy satin fabric and subtle floral print. She mainly loves that she can wear it to work and on a date (maybe just with an extra button undone ;).)

From Julie:”Typically for the holidays, I will make a big batch of spiked cider using whiskey, Trader Joe’s Spiced Cider, sliced oranges & cinnamon sticks. But the other day I found the fancier version of my cocktail on Half Baked Harvest that I have to test out this season. It is basically an old fashioned garnished with rosemary and brûléed oranges, you had me at bourbon”

Tearjerker: Caitlin got emotional reading this piece by Connie Schultz about home improvement in times of grief. If you’re here, you’ll like it. (Also, it definitely reminds her of the premise behind Orlando’s show, and she’s VERY EXCITED for season 2!)

From Mallory: “I don’t use hair products (except for shampoo and conditioner—for obvious reasons), but my parents recently gave this to me for my birthday and it has CHANGED MY LIFE. It’s a blow-dry primer so when you go to blowout your hair, it restrains the tiny baby hairs everyone hates from becoming FRIZZY.”

Alright friends, that is all for now. We’ll see you around here tomorrow (we hope). Happy Sunday! xx

The post The Link Up: Jess’ Perfect Date Night Blouse, Mallory’s Hair Styling Hack & A Mind-Bending New Series appeared first on Emily Henderson.