Emily Henderson's Blog, page 239

4 Coats 4 Ways: How I am Styling Coats this Winter (+ Reviews)

It is high time we all cradled our neck in some faux rabbit fur, right? For today’s fashion post, I partnered with Nordstrom to shop and style out four coats to prove that even though I live in LA, I can still channel my Oregonian roots and enjoy the colder months. Yes, it was 90 degrees in LA last week, but it was 50 the day we shot because the fashion gods are favoring me. I am, after all, a “jacket/coat person” at heart so it is now my season.

We are starting with this faux fur number because it is pretty awesome, but let me tell you EXACTLY why I think so.

Get The Look: Coat | Jeans (similar) | Polka Dot Mesh Shirt | Camisole | Boots

It falls at just the right place (not too cropped, not overwhelmingly long), has pockets (so you can swing), and is INCREDIBLY SOFT. But, I’ve decided the real reason that I love it so much is that the gray isn’t loud, while the coat itself is. In other words, the bright colored faux fur coats are a lot for me, but this one grabs just the right amount of attention.

I wore the cutest little black polka dot see-through number underneath (see it peeking out?) that I would wear with just a black bra in real life but didn’t shoot that because well, that would feel very exposing.

Get The Look: Jacket | Shirt | Sweater | Jeans | Boots

Now, the utility jacket and A VERY VERY VERY GOOD ONE I might add. This guy has a ton of structure and tailoring, so it’s slimming/not bulky if that is something you look for in a jacket. The arms are more fitted, but the rest of it has enough room to layer a thin sweater and shirt, as I did, underneath. Oh, and yes I am still making the case for snakeskin being the new “neutral” boot. I wear these boots with so. many. outfits. and can vouch for their versatility.

But back to the jacket, it has lots of compartments, and there is something about the stiffness of the fabric (with some give) that makes it look expensive and legit.

Next, an oversized tweed number.

Get The Look: Coat | Skirt | Shirt | Sweater | Boots | Bag (similar)

I love a coat you can really layer underneath, especially if it’s menswear-inspired. This one has a really subtle navy/cream weave (it might be black, but still super subtle), is nicely lined, warm and generally sophisticated. It’s the kind of thing you can wear more casually like I did or with a dress for nighttime without feeling too frilly or “fancy.”

Underneath, I wore the same thin navy blue sweater that I LOVE (it is a thin, “good drape” sweater) with a long collared shirt, a miniskirt and my favorite belt bag that added the perfect pop of red.

Lastly…I’ve seen it on the Instagram. I’ve heard that it’s a thing…IT’S AN ALL-WHITE CHRISTMAS INSPIRED LOOK ON MY BODY:

Get The Look: Coat | Shirt | Undershirt | Jeans | Boots

I couldn’t stop singing “she’s a lady…ooh ooh ooh, she’s a lady…” WHAT A LEWK. My team loved it and I did, too, even though it didn’t feel like me. I think that’s only because I don’t have an important office job in a city, but if I did?? I felt VERY powerful in this shockingly affordable coat. I would definitely pair those boots with those pants with something more casual on top (a blousy patterned shirt or a boxy sweater) for a more laid back look.

That cream boucle is so pretty. It’s a GREAT holiday coat as well but size down because I think I’m wearing a 0-2 and it fits, but it could be smaller.

Underneath, I wore another sweet little polka dot shirt with a ruffly neck, and simple white cami. White jeans are forever in (I like the non-ripped ones now) and those boots are TALL and extreme, but in the nude color, I can handle them.

And if you are wondering, yes it is finally feeling like winter in LA which means the entire EHD team has coats on the mind. Here are some more of our favorites:

1. Life Changer Moto Jacket | 2. Convertible Quilted Crop Puffer Coat | 3. ASTR the Label Keller Peaked Lapel Coat. | 4. The Cocoon Coat | 5. Carly Coat | 6. Relaxed Soft Trench Coat | 7. Borg Western Jacket | 8. Oversized Blazer | 9. Faux Shearling Jacket | 10. Sasha Puffer | 11. Faux Fur Collar Corduroy Bomber Jacket | 12. Berber Faux Fur Shirt Jacket | 13. Elmcourt Buffalo Check Coat | 14. Faux Fur Teddy Coat | 15. Pendleton Florence Hooded Coat | 16. Teddy Cardi Coat | 17. Jewel Neck Teddy Coat | 18. Double Face Long Coat

Before you go, be sure to check out Nordstrom’s Cyber Preview Page, which shows ALL the great sales they will be running starting Wed, 11/26 at 12:01 am and look out for additional Black Friday items that will go up on Friday, 11/28 at 12:01 am. Happy shopping! xx

**photography by Veronica Crawford 

**This post is in partnership with Nordstrom but all words, designs and selections are our own. Thanks for supporting the brands we love that support the blog.

The post 4 Coats 4 Ways: How I am Styling Coats this Winter (+ Reviews) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Best Gifts Under $50 People Will Actually Want (Because Budget Isn’t Boring)

Welcome to the most underrated category of gift guide season: Under $50. Except guys, like the headline here says, “budget” doesn’t have to mean boring (or unthoughtful). In fact, stretching a budget probably involves MORE thought about what makes your giftee tick. Are they into the outdoors? Do they prefer staying in on a Friday night over partying the night away? Do they have all the newest gadgets and gizmos? What does their home look like? WHO are they really? Once you’ve fully realized the intricacies that make up the subject of your gift-giving, you are ready for some creative shopping. The key is letting the person know that you really understand them and with the aid of categories to sort through your options and a little probing, we are going to find the perfect gift together. Are you ready to WOW everyone with your thoughtfulness (and thriftiness…even if they don’t have to know that)??? Me too. Let’s get started.

The Adventurer

GoPro Performance Chest Mount, $29: Hands-free GoPro-ing is something only few among us can understand. This is for the rough terrain mountain bikers, the free solo climbers, the THRILL SEEKERS. You know who they are because they’ve told you about their recent adventure only about a dozen times.

Insulated Cart Cooler with Wheeled Trolley, $47: This isn’t a normal cooler, it’s a cool cooler…in that when you’re all done with it, it folds up (the trolley and the insulated bag) for easy transport and. storage.

OuterEQ Portable Parachute Camping Hammock, $20 and Eagles Nest Outfitters Atlas Hammock Straps, $21: Adventurous people love sleeping outdoors and will scoff at you and your cozy tent (don’t even get them started about campers and never, I repeat NEVER, mention the word glamping). They need FRESH AIR and BUGS and the FEAR of being eaten alive. Gift them this hammock set up and they will love you forever.

The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small, $22 and Travel Smart All In One Adapter, $20: Maybe your adventurer needs a little inspiration. Gift them this book with over 1,000 ideas plus a travel all-in-one device adapter so they’re covered no matter where that nomad ends up.

The Worse Case Scenario Survival Handbook, $14: Outdoor activities can be treacherous and the adventurer must be prepared for anything. Lest we forget the boy scout’s honor: “Always Be Prepared” (or something like that).

Thermos Stainless King 16 Ounce Food Jar with Folding Spoon, $16: The adventurer in your life goes on extensive hikes and camping trips and may be in need of a warm meal on the go more than you think. Or perhaps they may require a place to stash their “adult drink” to whip out at the end of their vigorous trek as reward. In any case, they will get a ton of use out of this Thermos that is perfectly compact, keeps hot things hot for 7 hours and cold things cold for 9, and comes with a spoon. 

Ahead-Of-The-Curve Techie

Leather Charger Roll Up, $49: This, my friends, is the classiest way to transport your charging devices and for those tech-savvy people in your life, you can bet they have several that need transporting. Arlyn has this in burgundy and says it’s the only way she can keep her cords in decent shape on the go.

Anker 2-Port PowerPort 24W Wall Charger, $18 and Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, $29: The Apple Watch-wearing tech guru cannot be caught in such an uncompromising position as having two devices’ battery trickling down to 10% with only one wall port accessible. That will not do, and this will be their saving grace. (Plus, no-one likes someone who takes up multiple ports at the coffee shop).

Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard, $20: Apple can say what they want, but typing on keyboards is MUCH easier than on a touch screen. I am sure tech lovers can agree, so gift them this bad boy that hooks up to ALL their devices.

Belkin 10K Portable Power Bank, $40: As we all know, devices always need charging in the most inconvenient of times/places. Consider that problem solved with this portable power bank that has enough juice for three recharges.

Smart Wi-Fi Plug 4 Pack, $50: Yes, the techie has lots of electronics that need charging but they aren’t monsters. They, too, want to save energy when their devices are not in use. The solution? This Wi-Fi plug that can be turned off and on remotely with just a tap on your iPhone (as can whatever is plugged into it).

Karaoke Microphone, $30: For the fun techie (or just person who’s the life of the party and loves to sing?), might I suggest the wireless karaoke microphone. It’s SO fun and has all the latest and greatest in karaoke technology as far as I am concerned.

Dedicated Self-Carer

Balance Ritual Kit, $49: Life, as they say, is all about balance. Balance can be tough to achieve, so thankfully scientists (ha) put this kit together for us. For your friend who loves a healing stone, this is the gift for them.

Kin Euphorics, $39: I’m not saying self-care fanatics are boring…it’s probably safe to say most LOVE a party and a good time, but also probably hate a Saturday morning that is wasted due to Friday night’s debauchery. Enter Kin Euphorics, which will have them joining in on the fun without the morning after pains. A non-alcoholic drink has never been more enticing.

Gemstone Facial Roller, $24: Say hello to the holy grail of millennial skincare routines. Stone face rollers are said to move out old facial fluid (reducing puffiness) and bring in the new, which re-oxygenates the skin and keeps it healthy. Your friend who prefers a Friday night in amongst face masks and bath bombs will be adding this to their routine faster than a 25-year-old can say “student loan forgiveness.”

Kiehl’s Men’s Skincare Starter Kit, $39: If we learned anything in 2019, it is that everyone is searching for their perfect skincare routine. This starter kit is going to get the ball rolling and the skin glowing.

The Original CBD Bath Bomb Set of Two, $22: No self-care kit is complete without a bath bomb. Mix that with the relaxation power of CBD and you may never see your friend again. Now the only question is, who doesn’t need a CBD-infused bath bomb?

Sleep Mist, $32 and KITSCH Rituals Satin Pillowcase, $20: Nothing says I take my self care rituals very seriously like a lavender and chamomile infused mist that is to be sprayed on a satin pillowcase every evening (good for the hair and skin, FYI). Enough said.

Luxury Lover

Copenhagen Salt & Pepper Mills, from $24: The luxury lover would not deign to have ordinary salt and pepper shakers living on their counters. Pish posh. They require an elevated seasoning experience, and this set will deliver just that (and yes, they are PRETTY).

Gentlemen’s Hardware Multi-Tool Pen, $30: Nothing says luxury like a pen that wasn’t accidentally stolen from the dentist’s office.

Leather Pouch Clutch, $50: It’s personal, practical, and elegant. BOOM. Perfect gift. Oh, and you can get it monogrammed, because #luxury. (Arlyn has owned this for years and swears by its practicality and durability, too, so there’s that.)

Marquee Box, $47: What’s that? A small whimsical box that can house such items as antique jewelry or fresh mints? Yes, yes it is. And it also happens to be the perfect addition to your friend’s coffee table.

Paris by Design Book, $30: Paris is probably this person’s absolute DREAM vacation spot. You can’t afford a trip to the magical city (c’est la vie) but at least you can remind them how real their love is with this book that is part travel guide part dreamy inspiration.

Seasonal Mini Candle Set, $35: This person likely already has a small army of candles, and gets EXCITED whenever they add more to their collection. This seasonal set will show them how much you pay attention AND that you encourage their obsession.

The “Keep It Simple” Friend

The Original Bialetti Moka Express 3 Cup Stovetop Coffee Maker, $25: Sometimes, the simple thing is the best thing. This coffee maker is hip, practical, and will look GREAT on your minimalist friend’s kitchen counter.

Lekue Nut Milk Maker, $32: Ahh, and what else to go with their hip coffee maker than a gorgeous nut-milk maker? Side note: can we come up with a better name than nut milk maker??? Please advise.

Province Apothecary Incense Collection, $16 and Ritual Incense Holder, $15: Lighting incense is a small act of self-care, and that incense holder is a simple and VERY chic. Need I say more?

Stoneware Ceramic Mugs Set of 4, $38: These stoneware mugs will get anyone’s morning off to a good start, and we anticipate it’ll soon fall into “favorite mug” category.

Tiny Locket Necklace, $35: A locket necklace is simple, elegant, and straight to the point (and somehow nostalgic?). Insert a tiny sentiment inside and you will win Secret Santa.

Women’s Dezo Slippers, $23: Yes, the minimalist (“keep it simple-er”?) loves beautiful things, but they also admire the sensible things that make life more comfortable. Enter these insanely soft and comfy slippers that would be a treat for anyone’s feet.

Earth Conscious

Carbon Offsets Gift Card, Terrapass, $50: Not to be a Debbie Downer, but according to Terrapass, the average person produces 36,000 lbs. of CO2 emissions each year, or about 3,000 lbs. each month. I am no scientist, but that feels like a lot. Give someone the gift of a guilt-free conscious by giving back to Mother Earth (they make sure your donations go to projects and organizations that are actively working to reduce harmful emissions).

HydroFlask, $45: You know what the most adult drink ever is? Water. We need it to survive yet it seems our entire childhoods are based around trying to not drink the stuff. For your on-the-go friend who needs to stay hydrated and hates single-use plastic water bottles, the Hydro Flask is going to be their new best friend (literally every person in our office has—and loves—one).

Gift Card to The Real Real, $50: This is for your fashion-obsessed friend who also happens to despise going to the mall, is on a budget, and loves vintage designer. This is also for anyone who simply loves a great deal and prefers to buy second hand. Okay, maybe this is a great gift for ANYONE because guys, we are talking 90% off retail price on lightly used designer and high-end goods. And as we all know shopping second hand is always more sustainable than purchasing brand new, so you’re doing the earth a big favor, too.

Six Seasons A New Way With Vegetables by Joshua McFadden, $20: You may be thinking to yourself, what does cooking/eating vegetables have to to do with the earth? GREAT QUESTION. Studies show that eating less meat (or becoming a vegetarian) is the simplest way you can reduce your personal impact on the earth. What a relief! That is easy enough, especially with the aid of this highly recommended vegetable recipe book.

Reusable Travel Flatware, $14 and HAY Swirl Glass Sip Straw Set, $25: No earth-conscious minded person wants to show up to the break room with plastic utensils wrapped in even more plastic, which makes this gorgeous utensil set and reusable straws the perfect gift for your friend who loves takeout.

Compost Bin, $22, Jobe’s Organics Compost Starter, $8 and Composting for a New Generation by Michelle Balz, $15: Gifting someone what is essentially a waste disposal kit is probably not what you had in mind as being “thoughtful,” but hear me out. If the recipient of said gift is environmentally conscious, they likely have thought about composting at some point, and have spent a considerable amount of time googling “how to start composting without a backyard” and “indoor compost bin that doesn’t smell.” They will be so happy you did all the work for them and will be stoked to share the news that they are a composting aficionado.

Pine Beach Reusable Storage Bags, $12: We all know one person who always has the snacks on hand. Help them nix their Ziplock bag habit with these bad boys (that happen to be a lot easier on the eyes not to mention far less wasteful). Cheez-It’s are just as delicious in a reusable container, I promise.

Wool Dryer Balls, $24: We all love our clothes coming out of the dryer lint- and wrinkle-free. It’s just a fact of life. Another fact of life is that no one likes forgetting to buy dryer sheets at the store for the third time in the row. For your semi-forgetful friend who appreciates a good life hack may we suggest: dryer balls. They’ll last for over 1,000 loads, help clothes to dry faster (i.e. less electricity being used) and are way better for our environment. Thank me later.

Need more gift ideas? We’re rolling them out this week and next, but here’s what’s live so far: 

Gift Ideas for Women | Gift Ideas for Men | Gift Ideas for the Hard to Shop For

***photography by Veronica Crawford, styling by Jess Bunge and Arlyn Hernandez

The post The Best Gifts Under $50 People Will Actually Want (Because Budget Isn’t Boring) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

No, Your Nightstands Don’t Have to Match (& Here’s How to Do It Like a Designer)

styled by simone haag & sarah shinners | photo by dylan james

In our heartfelt pursuit to teach you how to bring personality and eclectic-ness to your homes, we are diving into pairing non-matching nightstands. We have spoken about nightstand styling and the rules of designing a bedroom but we haven’t really ever touched on the art of mixing and matching those ever-important tables on either side of your precious bed. Now don’t get us wrong, we love a matching set. Actually most of the bedrooms Em has designed feature nightstand twins. Buuuut if your bedroom is needing a bit more visual interest then this is a super easy and fun way to do just that. Shall we talk rules??

design by peter benson miller | photo by simon upton | via the new york times style magazine

Like in most decor pairings, there are the standard rules that might sound familiar to you because well, we have said them a lot. Here they are as a refresher:

1. Vary shapes: Ahh yes, our favorite and maybe most important rule. Mix it up with round, oval, square, rectangle, or live edge shapes. It is the quickest and probably easiest way to instantly create visual interest and breakthrough “samesies” syndrome.

2. Mix up materials: Make sure that unless the shapes are different, you have different materials at play. When you vary, it gives your room texture. Texture is your BEST friend. But if you are dying to use, say, all wood, then consider varying the stains and/or yes, also shapes.

3. Look for interesting details: The whole point of mixing and matching is to give your bedroom a unique feel, right? So make sure there is something special and interesting about at least one of them. It could be a shape, color, material or fun accent. Anything really that makes it extra special to you.

4. Visual weight is important: I know we have said it before but balancing the visual weight of your pieces is crucial to making your room look put together and interesting. For example, if one nightstand is bulkier, consider a more delicate one for the other side. Or if one piece has legs, the other piece could be “legless” and attached to the wall for something airier.

5. Make sure they speak to each other: Okay, so I’ve spent four other points talking about all the ways these tables should be different, but this is where I talk about where they still need to relate somehow. Something about the pieces should talk to each other. This could be the shape if the materials are different, the era they are from, a common detail, or color palette. Think cousins, not siblings.

6. Storage: One nightstand (unless you 100% don’t need it) should have some kind of storage or drawer. It will make your life happier knowing you have a little place for your bedtime nicknacks.

7. Consider your bed: Make sure you think about your bed’s style and shape. The last thing you want is for all three to be competing visually or not making any sense together. If your bed is more on the simple/neutral side then have more fun with the “loudness” of your nightstands. “What if I have a loud and unique bed?” Then maybe cool it a little and find nightstands that are special but on the visually quieter side if you catch my drift.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: scott’s bedroom makeover with leesa + get the look

We decided to break these roundups into two categories: nightstands with similar heights (0-4 inch difference) and nightstands with a bit more height differences (over 4 inches). Why? Well, it’s good to know if you want to make the decision to have your tables be on a similar visual plane or if you want the visual drama of an asymmetrical look. Plus once you’ve decided, it’s much easier to shop since you know your desired height range. (There’s also the talking point exemplified by the above photo from an old project where mismatched tables help to solve a layout issue with inconvenient window placement.) But naturally, to make things a bit easier for you, I shopped and put together 30 combos. Let’s start out with the pairs that are similar in height (and loaded with uniqueness).

1. Big Daddy’s Antiques Metal Nightstand + Parallel Wood Nightstand | 2. Peek Nightstand + Cliff Side Table | 3. Wrentham Beadboard Farmhouse Nightstand + Sift Gold 2 Story Tower | 4. Metalwork Nightstand with Handle + Metalwork Grand Nightstand | 5. Simple Bedside Table + Stump Stool | 6. Nati Tati Nightstand + Stitch Leather Round Storage Side Table | 7. Lap Nightstand + Burl Olive Wood Side Table | 8. Siegel Nightstand Walnut + Marble Table (set of 2) | 9. Horseshoe Ivory Lacquered Linen Side Table + Hera Side Table | 10. Pomona 3 Nightstand + Rochester Parquet Nightstand | 11. Fairmont Metal Nightstand + Southwick Farmhouse Nightstand | 12. Dexter Concrete Top End Table + Modrest Bryan Modern White Nightstand | 13. BJÖRKSNÄS + Hafley Three Drawer End Table | 14. 1970s Scandinavian Modern Teak Oversized Side Table + Isla Charging Side Table | 15. Contemporary Noir Sculptural Distressed Wood Side Table + Morrison Leather Nightstand | 16. Duxbury Nightstand + Duxbury Oval Nightstand

See how they all talk to each other but are fun and different? Well almost all of them. #4 and sort of #16 (they are different shapes but are from the same line) are great examples that you can still pull from the same furniture line if you want a more uniform look but have the twist of different sizes. Actually, for our Target Threshold Fall Collection shoot (pictured below) the design team did just that. They paired a nightstand and a small dresser from the same line and it looks streamlined but interesting.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: target’s new threshold collection is hitting the “elevated prairie” trend hard and good

Now let’s talk drama for your eyeballs…asymmetrical nightstands. All the rules from above apply but definitely really pay attention to the balance of visual weight since the heights are more drastic. You don’t want the shorter nightstand to get lost if it’s too simple and small. I think there is a ton of opportunity for the smaller pieces to get a bit design crazy. Vintage is always the way for those really unique pieces. There were a bunch that I found on Chairish, so that is a great place to start/my favorite. But of course Etsy, Craigslist and your local flea markets are also awesome places to search, too. So with all that said let’s get into these final combos…

1. Mitzi Nightstand + Agnes Side Table | 2. Nomi Oak Nightstand + Li’l Something Side Table | 3. Wood Seat Bistro Chair + 20th Century Rustic Country French Side Table | 4. Gemini Nightstand + Curve Gold Side Table | 5. Modernist Wood Lacquer Nightstand + Gold Hammered Metal Drum Cala Accent Table | 6. Spindle Nightstand + Kartell Chocolate Brown Nesting Tables | 7. Montrose Midcentury Modern 2 Drawer Nightstand + Wood Stacking Side Table | 8. Kayan Nightstand + LAX Stool | 9. Freedom Nightstand with USB Ports + Good Thing 6063 Stool with Flange | 10. Galerie Nightstand With USB + Ventana Display End Table | 11. Archdale Nightstand + Nyla Table | 12. Gia Cream Ash Nightstand + Spoke Marble Graphite Metal End Table | 13. Shale Bedside Table + Tapered Wood Sable Accent Table | 14. Ridge Nightstand + Baby Rocket Stool

Alright, it’s that time again to say goodbye for now/we’ll see you in a few short hours for today’s afternoon snack which is a killer gift guide (all under $50). But hopefully, we are a little bit inspired to design outside the box and mix and match the heck out of your nightstands. Why not?! Make where you rest your head as unique as you.

My #1 Holiday Mom Hack: How I Actually Came to Enjoy the Most Wonderful (but Busy) Time of the Year

Shop the Look: Wreath | Textured Stripe Toss Pillow |  Red Throw | Fa La La Pillow

**We’re taking a little break from gift guides today, but come back tomorrow and Monday/Tuesday for more.

The universe/society has really done this cruel thing where they’ve made the busiest month of the year work-wise (oh AND  kid-wise -ha!), also typically our favorite month socially and sentimentally. I’m looking at you, December.

Now, I’ve always decorated early for shoots, and frankly LOVE IT (which is where the disorder/philosophy was born), but this year as I was putting away the Halloween decor I had the epiphany: what if I don’t just decorate early, but actually start celebrating early so I can do it more slowly and enjoy it? I would take our family’s favorite month of traditions and holidays and stretch it into two months. After I made the decision (and Brian was on board), I breathed a MASSIVE sigh of relief. Our Christmas would span two months and NOBODY CAN STOP US.

If you don’t have young kids, don’t celebrate Christmas or perhaps aren’t as into sentimental memory making as I am, you might be annoyed, I get it. I worked at RiteAid in high school and was irritated to have to set Christmas right after Halloween, although it was the ’90s so I had to pretend to hate everything.

Shop the Look: White Tree | Faux Garland | Lights | Large, Medium, Small White Ceramic Houses

But spreading it out has actually been so great for our family. Speaking as a work-outside-the-home mom, I can say that typically moms get DESTROYED during the holidays by end of year deadlines, as well as our own guilty hand. The pressure comes from all angles and while you might say “be kind to yourself,” “relax” and “slow down,” sometimes work doesn’t allow for it in December. Work is always at a high with every deadline due before the end of year, then add in the fun social plans, decorating and shopping…you really have no free time. You want to celebrate with your kids, your coworkers, go to your friend’s parties, see the street with all the lights. You want to go caroling, make presents for grandparents and cinnamon rolls for your neighbors. You want to do meaningful service projects. You want to take the time to properly teach about the importance of the season, regardless of what you believe. You can’t give them an awareness of the base construct of consumerism in a 15-minute lecture on Tuesday morning while getting them out the door. Sure, we have too much information, temptation, speed and pressure these days, but mostly unless we quit our job or forego doing any of those social things (which is a legit option) then we simply don’t have enough time. And yet we power through and we do indeed do it, but at a pretty big cost to us physically and mentally.

Operation More Holiday Time had a clear mission: To spread out the holiday feeling over two months instead of cramming it into one; to slow down the pace of my favorite time of the year and thus possibly enjoy my time and most importantly be present with my kids and family. We could create the memories and traditions that mean a lot to me and them in a more enjoyable way.

Shop the Look: Small Tree | Merry and Bright Pillow | Joy Pillow

To be fair, this year there are only 3.5 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas and two of those weeks, I’ll be traveling to the east coast so I’m running on more of a deficit than usual. My mom said my most distinct trait as a child was good time management, which couldn’t sound more boring, but maybe it’s true. Girl knows how to look ahead, adjust and try to fit it all in.

As I flipped the calendar to November 1st, put on Bing Crosby holiday, went to Michaels for DIY ornament ingredients and Target for garland and candles, I got side-eyed from strangers, my team and friends for sure. But you know who was psyched? MY KIDS. And when the skeptics came over to hang, after the first hour of being around my “first layer” of holiday, they remarked how nice it was and how happy they felt.

DUH.

So here was my strategy as to not be a total freak:

Pre-holiday month (you might call it November): Bring in winter vibez (not dissimilar to this post, which perhaps really gave me the idea). Winter vibes include greenery, wreaths, sparkly lights, tree figurines (no tree or ornaments yet, although I think a tree with lights and no ornaments is totally fine) cozy textiles…fine maybe a MERRY AND BRIGHT pillow moment. But can’t we be merry and bright year-round?

We did it casually on a Saturday and Sunday with the kids, some wine and holiday Kidz Bop playing, and they were/WE were, SO happy. We were in no rush, and just played with the decor, nothing had to be placed perfectly it was just kinda a slow unboxing and the kids could really engage with each piece.

Start DIY-ing the ornaments and gifts with the kids. I’m going to show you all what they did (guys, I got really into it) in another post, but on the next lazy Sunday, we sat for hours in the craft/play/garbage room and made so many different types of ornaments both as gifts and for our tree (all dated with names).

Starting early also gave more time to really assess what we have decor-wise and what I need to shop for (if anything). I shopped slowly, went on Pinterest for ideas, and had a leisurely time at decorating. We aren’t done, but this first layer helps me understand that I want a lot of greenery and lights with some pops of red. Some whimsy, but not too much stuff.

We’ll add more this weekend, but likely will wait to decorate the tree and go “full Christmas” the weekend after Thanksgiving. And our neighbors should expect some cookies soon.

Oh, another quick hot-tip: One year we were super late ordering/sending all our special chocolates to our clients/colleagues, and they didn’t arrive until the first week in January. The response was INSANE. Everyone gets so bombarded in December that it might have been lost in the noise, but after the holidays, when you are sitting back in your office and possibly a little depressed that it’s all over, and you get an awesome box of special treats, it brightens your day. So now we forego the holiday gift and send New Year gifts instead. In the same tone, if we didn’t have time to make cookies for our neighbors in December, we’ve done it in January as “New Year cookies” and guess what? We didn’t get arrested.

The thing is, once you put on that music and have some faux garlands with lights around, you are in the spirit which is the point of it all. You can start making your list of the goodwill you want to do, the thoughtful gifts you want to buy/make, and homing in on the real memories you want to create, not just checking the boxes of all the sentimental options out there in the middle of a December hustle. By getting in the mindset earlier, you have time to be more present and thoughtful.

Shop the Look: Wreath with Candle | Glass Trees | Pot Holder

So that’s my mom holiday hack. Maybe I’ll end up being one of those year-round tree people who decorate a Valentine’s Day tree, Easter tree, etc. WHO KNOWS. But the thing is, per usual, it’s whatever works for your family and this hack works so well for ours. Already I’ve engaged in a way that makes me feel good, fun and like a good parent. I want my kids to get the best of me and they are right now because I’ve changed the parameters of our life. YOU are in charge of when and how you celebrate and give. For us, two months of Christmas has relieved so much stress and allowed me to enjoy the day to day. And that will equal a very merry Christmas for the Hendersons.

So who is with me? Is Christmas too short for you, too? Thoughts?

***photography by Veronica Crawford

For anyone who’s on board and ready to start decorating NOW, go scroll through my previous holiday reveals if you want some ideas for new things to try this year.

The post My #1 Holiday Mom Hack: How I Actually Came to Enjoy the Most Wonderful (but Busy) Time of the Year appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Need Thanksgiving Inspiration? 7 No-Fuss (But Pretty) Ways to Set a Table for the Big Day

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how to set a casual, affordable holiday table

How did this happen? How did we get here? Thanksgiving is next week in the US (!!!) and it all came so fast, it feels like we skipped right over Halloween—and my yearly Halloweentown marathon—and now I’m frantically searching Pinterest for turkey brining techniques and recipes. But alas, denial won’t set my table come next Thursday. In fact, being the first time I host in , I’m actually VERY excited to pull out my candle holders, table runner, napkins. I don’t have “fancy” plates stashed away in some china cabinet, just my everyday white and light gray set from Crate & Barrel, but I started digging through our EHD archive of “set” tables for inspiration and thought “wait, maybe other people need this, too.” So here we are with today’s post.

Some of the shots are seasonally approproiate, others (as you’ll see) are far more spring-y, but regardless, plenty of table eye candy to get the styling juices flowing. I likely won’t do anything too elaborate, but just seeing how Emily and (style) team have placed napkins and centerpieces over the years is enlightening and so helpful. Let’s take a look.

photo by zeke ruelas | from: mixing old & new in the casa soria dining room
Table Formula: Tablecloth + Placemat + Napkin + Silverware + Dinner Plate + Salad Plate + Glass

This table is in the home of Orlando’s parents (affectionately known around here as Casa Soria). Here, Orlando went with a pretty casual set up which is nice if you’re having a lunch-time Thanksgiving meal or don’t want to get too fussy. The tablecloth makes it feel a bit more special, I think, but it could easily also have been lovely without it. For a meal where real people are sitting down, you probably don’t want to go with really tall florals or greenery like he did here for the photoshoot, but I like the idea of two vases off to one side, leaving the center open for the main attraction: the food. (Also, quick side note: I see that Orlando paired the knife with the forks, which, technically is not proper table setting etiquette, but we’re living in a time where we make our own rules, so…::shrug::.)

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how to set a casual, affordable holiday table
photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how to set a casual, affordable holiday table
Table Formula: Table Runner + Charger + Plate (salad, dessert, dinner…) + Napkin Under Plate + Silverware + Beverage Glass + Wine/Champagne Glass

In writing, it looks like a lot, but visually, it actually feels pretty pared down, which is nice being that the center of the table is more decorative. The “folded, draping napkin under the plate” is an EHD signature, and you’ll see it a lot in the tables to come. I’m pretty fond of the extra wider runner in this one, which leaves more room for the pretty stuff if you’re into the flash and flare of tablescaping. Also, I’m pretty sure that’s a charger and not a dinner plate, but I COULD be wrong and my eyeballs are just messing up the scale because that’s a dessert plate (hence smaller than a salad plate).

photo by tessa neustadt | from: griffith park formal dining room reveal
Table Formula: Tablerunner + Dinner Plate + Soup Plate (or salad/dessert plate) + Napkin Under Plate + Silverware + Beverage Glass + Champagne Coupe + Wine Glass

This table is very similar to the set up of the table above just with more glassware (champagne coup, wine glass, drinking glass)…and a soup plate. As for the napkin, this one goes a little over the top edge of the dinner plate, so for any sticklers out there who will try to exactly recreate one of these tables, just note that as long as it hangs over the table 4-6 inches, you’re solid.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: setting the table with parachute’s new table linens
Table Formula: Plate Mat + Dinner Plate + Salad Plate + Soup Bowl + Napkin Under Plate + Silverware + Glass

Here’s a plate triple threat situation, which is great if you plan on having a 4-course meal (dessert plates not included). Note that the napkin is always on top of the bottom plate (i.e. not under the bowl in this instance), which is a good rule to follow if you’re going the hanging napkin route.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: setting the table with parachute’s new table linens
Table Formula: Tablecloth + Table Runner + Stacked Salad & Dinner Plate + Folded Napkin + Silverware + Drinking Glass + Wine Goblet

There’s something about this table that I LOVE and I might just have to copy it. From the staggered small vases and varied height candlesticks to the explosion of linen (and the little dessert spoon up top) it’s fancy but still relaxed somehow. While I really do like the hanging napkin look, I think there’s a lot of linen happening here, so folding it neatly works better than having it draped from the plate (which would just layer against the tablecloth and feel a little heavy-handed).

Table Formula: Tablerunner + Dinner Plate + Salad Plate + Napkin Under Plate + Silverware + Decorative Place Card

I know this set up is very similar to at least two previous, but I wanted to include it as inspiration for place cards. I’m sorry, but HOW CUTE is this little wood nametag attached to the ornament? It’s probably a touch too early to go the ornament route, but I think the same vibes can come across with say…a small pinecone or a little cranberry wreath or maybe even a pretty little gourd or turkey figurine (brass?!?).

Table Formula: Tablerunner | Stack of Plates | Food/Dessert | Loose Silverware

And finally, I thought an “unset” table would be good to show you because I know not everyone has a formal sit-down dinner (my family NEVER did, it was always a big get together where people just grabbed from a buffet and sat wherever there was an open seat around the house). This photo is more of a dessert table, but there are some lessons to be learned here: Set out plates, napkins, a pile of silverware for people to grab, and set out some food. While I DO love the idea of a proper sweets table, you could easily also set out hot dishes here, or maybe even do something like this for apps pre-meal. A fun table runner and just a few decor pieces makes it feel super festive.

And there you have it! I’d love to hear from you all how you approach Thanksgiving tables (or holiday tables in general). Are you a proper sit-down meal type family, or more like mine was where you end up balancing a plate of stuffing on your knee on the steps by the pool outside? Oh, and if you have any other pretty saved inspo, please share links, too! My eyeballs love a good tablescape.

The post Need Thanksgiving Inspiration? 7 No-Fuss (But Pretty) Ways to Set a Table for the Big Day appeared first on Emily Henderson.

2019 Gift Guide: What to Buy Your Coworker, Secret Santa & Other “Hard to Shop For” People

We all know them, we all (sometimes) love them, maybe you ARE them…that person who totally stumps you when it comes time for gift giving. Maybe they have everything, maybe you only sort of know them (like the coworker you eat lunch with every day but mostly just talk about your Netflix queues with) but still want to get them a little something nice to end the year with. Or possibly, they’re a family member that is notoriously “grateful” for the sweater you give them every year…that you never see the wear. We can help you do better. Read on for sure-to-be-loved gift ideas for seven types of that “hard to shop for” person in your life.

That Coworker You Only Sort of Know

Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier, $39: Winter is looooong, guys (well, not here in SoCal, #sorrynotsorry) and faces get dry. The solution? Move to LA! And if that can’t happen, a desktop facial humidifier with a 10-hour run time is a pretty decent runner up.

Patchology Winter Warm Up Gift Set, $16: For your office mate who’s always cold, there’s no better gesture than the gift of warmth (also a gift to yourself so you don’t have to hear their teeth chattering all day—win win).

Personalized Pet Toy, from $20: You might not know anything personal about this person, but you did spot a photo on their desk of them in matching T-shirts…with their Frenchie. Dig around for that pup’s name and make Susan’s (and little Lola’s) day.

Small Three-Legged Cat Planter, $38: There has never been a cat owner to walk the earth that hasn’t quickly (and likely, unprompted) claimed their “cat person” status. Solidify their feline fancy with a sweet little kitty-emblazoned planter. Throw in a succulent or two for low-maintenance, high-impact office decor.

Tasty Ultimate: How to Cook Basically Anything, $16: The siren call of a Tasty “hands and pans” video has claimed us all at some point or another. But admit it…that cookie-stuffed-into-a-pie-stuffed-into-a-cake situation looks good. Gift this cookbook to anyone you think is generous enough to make something out of it…then bring it into the office for you to partake of.

W&P Do Something Dice, $12: For the indecisive teammate who can never decide between tacos and pizza for lunch. Ya welcome.

Homebody

Boy Smells LES Scented Candle, $32: For the New York lover, hygge and wanderlust, all in one! Boy Smells also has a handful of other great scents that really pack the fragrance punch.

Custom House Portrait, from $45: Know someone who is obsessed with their home…and never leaving it? Remind them what the exterior of their dwelling looks like with a custom house portrait (but really, it’s a great gift for any first-time homeowners who will likely love the reminder of their milestone as the decades tick on).

GooDee HD Video Projector, $184: A built-in HIFI stereo speaker, low-noise cooling fan, and light-on-or-off viewability make this top-notch video projector perfect for movie day or night. (Buyer’s confidence boost: it has an almost 5-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviewers.)

Woven Linework Throw Blanket, $20: Every favorite sofa or chair corner deserves a throw this pretty.

Live Edge Wood Bath Caddy, $80 and Lord Jones High CBD Bath Salts, $65: Help turn bathtime into a spa-ahhhh moment for your favorite homebody. The bath caddy has an adjustable track on the bottom so it’ll work for most tubs, big and small, and the Lord Jones bath salts have a little sumptin’ sumptin’ special in them to go for maximum relaxation.

Pizza Baking Stone & Peel, $35: It’s not delivery, it’s…homemade pizza night. Because who can bother trying to fight for parking at the local pizzeria on a hoppin’ Friday night (and cold, congealed cheese from a slow Postmates driver is good for no one).

The Frequent Flier

Vanity Case, $85: I mean…is there anything posher than a vanity case while traveling? Calpak is one of my favorite luggage brands both for form and function. This gorgeous gal has a hard waterproof case, a handing luggage trolley sleeve, and plenty of interior dividers to keep your skincare perfect organized.

Made by Design Hardside Carry On 20″ Spinner, $79: Reviewers mentioned this fit clothes for a 2-week trip, is lightweight, the wheels are smooth and the material doesn’t seem flimsy. It has a 2-inch expander for those longer trips (or over-packers) and fits in the overhead bin with ease.

Travel Smart Luggage Scale, $20: For anyone who has to pack a suitcase and hop on a plane on the reg, there’s maybe no handier tool to prevent the dreaded shuffling of stuff at the bag check counter when 3 pounds over the limit.

Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set, $58: Packing cubes are the kind of thing that you don’t know how you survived without them all this time. Digging around a bottomless pit of a suitcase for your socks or pajamas ends here.

Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clog, $145: Any frequent flier knows the key to zipping through security is #1 getting TSA pre-check and #2 having shoes that are easy-off-easy-on. These Birkenstocks are beloved by anyone who has them and the closed toe keeps those toes warm in the frigid airplane.

CBD Daily Travel Set, $40: I don’t need to reiterate how stressful traveling is, even if the destination is usually worth the treacherous journey. Ease the pain of long layovers with this easy-to-pack CBD travel set.

Pinch Provisions Travel Kit, $25: Ever walk through first or business class and feel a ping of jealousy as you see people going through their complimentary “comfort kits” as I call them? Yeah…this one is WAY better, complete with anything you might need for those little annoyances that pop up.

Kristin Ess Space Saving Compact Pro Dryer, $51: Speaking of traveling and coifing, a compact, folding blowdryer is clutch for saving space in your bag but also not relying on weak hotel dryers.

Likes to Keep Busy

2020 Planner 5″x8″ by Cupcakes and Cashmere for Blue Sky, $11: For the Busy Betty in your life, help them keep all their meetings, lunch dates, and weekend trips straight. This planner has weekly and monthly calendar pages to plot out the big picture plus all the nitty-gritty.

Anomia Party Edition, $25: A friend of mine pulled this out last year during a lull in a dinner party and it’s quickly become my go-to “awkward moment filler” for any get-together. The rules are super simple to understand and I promise your guests will want to go for round two (or five) once they start.

Paint by Sticker Music Icons, $11: You know what they say about idle hands…this paint by sticker (music icons!) book is a time-tested activity without any of the mess.

Singer 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine, $173: Give someone a sewing machine and give them a life of endless projects. This one from Singer has 100 stitches for almost any project, a 25-year warranty and comes with bonus accessories.

Sur la table Cooking Class, Prices Varied: Pasta making courses to knife skills to full-on French date night theme, Sur la table cooking classes are honestly so great, even for those that already know what they’re doing (I speak from experience). There’s a class for nearly everyone.

The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals, $14: “Realizing Your House Goals”? Yes, please! If you know someone whose Instagram bookmarks look a Container Store catalog, they’ll love the heck out of this beautiful book.

(Obligatory) Secret Santa

Brita Premium Water Filter Bottle, $20: Normal water bottles are great and all, but they’re only as good as the water you put in them. This one comes with an internal Brita filter so even that questionable public water fountain H2O can be worry-free.

Fortune Telling Birthday Book,  $10: There’s a fortune for every day of the year, so you don’t even need to know a person’s birthday for them to enjoy this book. Let the giftee now it’s usually a hit if you have people over…everyone wants to hear their fortune and it turns into fun adult story time.

Nonstick Doughnut Pan, $17: Ain’t nobody out here not liking doughnuts (and if that’s you, please don’t tell me about it in the comments…you’re just wrong).

Tile 101: Everything You Need to Know About Buying & Picking Tile

image by tessa neustadt | from: our modern english kitchen reveal

If you tuned in yesterday, you probably saw our post on the must-know rules and guidelines for pairing multiple tiles in a single bathroom project. I walked you through the EHD considerations (such as stick to a color palette, vary your scales and finishes…head here to see the rest if you missed it), but today, we’re rewinding a bit and talking tile basis…or what I like to call Tile 101. (Earlier this year, I did a similar post but on countertop materials, so, if you’re renovating, do yourself a favor and open this in a separate tab to read through after you get to the end of today’s post.) 

Anyhow, today is all about the nitty-gritty of tile…the what, when, how. I promise to not go too nerdy on ya, but I know it’s always helpful when you are equipped with at least some info when thinking through (and trying to describe) the tile you want for a home reno project. Knowing the lingo—and function—is half the battle, folks. Alright, let’s do this. 

Tile 101 

Tiles have certainly been around for ages…I’m talking Babylon here guys. Many of the other earlier civilizations made use of baked clay tiles in their buildings, including one that you’re almost certainly familiar with—zellige. It’s a tile favorite around here at EHD and has Moroccan roots from the 10th century. Tile as old as time, indeed…Get it?

While most hard materials cut up into tiny little pieces can technically be referred to as tile, today we’re talking more about your usual suspects: ceramic, stone, glass, etc., along with their respective pros and cons.

Floor Tile vs. Wall Tile
image by zeke ruelas | from: modern deco kitchen reveal

While a lot of tiles available these days could definitely be used interchangeably (check with your manufacturer please!), I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that floor tiles are specifically made to tolerate more stress than those manufactured for use as wall tiles. Floor tiles, because they’re subject to a lot of traffic, both human and heavy furniture, need to be strong and durable to withstand such pressures. And because they’re durable enough, no worries if you also want to use them as wall tiles—tile away. And countertops, too.

But using them the other way around? Stop, don’t do it, find yourself another tile. Wall tiles are generally manufactured to be thinner and lighter, and will most likely not be durable enough (read: may crack or break!) for all the heavy traffic that it will receive as a floor tile. Double check before buying en masse por favor. How? Enter, the PEI rating.

I read that providing this information isn’t required, so some manufacturers will actually NOT specify some or all of their tile’s ratings. BUT they will usually say something about where they recommend you use the tile that you’re looking at. For tile manufacturers that do use this rating, you can usually find it down in their tile specs, tear sheet, or sales sheet. 

This goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: even if you see photos online of people using what seems to be the same exact material on their walls and floor, you should always make sure yourself that the tile you’re buying is appropriate for whichever use you’re wanting it for.

The Best Gift Ideas for “Him” (Straight from the Guys in Our Lives)

You dad, brother, partner, friend, coffee guy, regular Postmates deliverer…if they’re anything like the men in my life, they like to play it low-key about gifts. “Oh you know, I could use some more socks.” STOP IT. You know they want that Nintendo Switch/at-home beer tap/telescope. ADMIT IT, CHARLES. They might not want to make your life easier by just telling you what they really want, but don’t worry, that’s where we come in. Whether the guy you’re shopping for is a runner, hiker, foodie, reader, gamer, or fancy sock lover, we’ve got you (but for real, because most of these recommendations came straight from the mouths of real-live men…not just an office full of women pretending to know what they’re writing about).

Active

Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch with GPS, $238: There’s rarely cell reception in any trail worth taking. Tack on being thermal, shock and water-resistant (to 100 meters) to a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, fitness activity tracking and satellite navigation and you’ve basically got the Swiss army knife of wristwatches.

GoPro HERO7, $200: Video or it didn’t happen…that’s how that saying goes, right? GoPro’s Hero7 delivers 4K video, 10-megapixel photos, video stabilization, voice control (hands-free!) in a rugged and waterproof body to capture all those outdoor adventures flawlessly.

Sorel Madson Waterproof Boot, $170: I should have renamed this section “for the guy who needs things to be waterproof” because these Sorel’s squarely fit into that category. These aren’t necessarily hiking boots, but they are a great stylish option for the guy who wants a good looking shoe (for work, dinner, etc.) without worrying about leather care when they might find themselves unexpectedly off the beaten path.

Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds, $129: It’s nearly 2020 and evidently, wires are for schmucks. Bose is known for exceptional sound quality, and these water-repellent (see, told you) in-ear buds will keep the tunes or podcasts pumping for six hours on a single charge.

The Mover Pack, $78: You won’t believe it…I promise I didn’t plan this, but this bad is also WATER RESISTANT. This is a great looking duffel that can also be worn as a backpack, because we all love options.

Theragun G3 Handheld Deep Tissue Massager, $399: All those waterproof-product-required activities will eventually take a toll on the muscles. That’s where the Theragun (sadly, probably not immune to H2O) comes in. It’s a percussive therapy device, which essentially means a handheld punching massage machine to relieve tense muscles that evidently highly active people swear by.

Wild Card

Comme Des Garcons Play x Converse Chuck Taylor High Top Sneaker, $135: High fashion meets low(??) fashion. Everyone deserves a pair of Chuck Taylor’s in their closet, and better yet if they’re as playful and special as these.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Favorites Set, $48: Guys, wise up: your face needs some love as much as a lady’s. Keep it simple with this 3-piece set from Kiehl’s (face wash, moisturizer and eye cream…kind of all you need).

LEVO II Small Batch Oil and Butter Herbal Infusion Machine, $350: The description on Amazon starts with the following: WELCOME TO THE INFUSION REVOLUTION. I was unaware we were in such a time, but now that I do, the obvious next move is to get a small batch oil and butter herbal infusion machine. In all honesty, I love infused oils and butters, so any guy who enjoys things such as craft cocktails and artisanal salts would probably fall over backward opening up this culinary marvel.

Ray-Ban Classic Clubmaster, $153: Ray-Bans are like the great uniter of the sunglass world. They’re not defined by gender, can be worn by dudes and dads alike, and are “high-end” without that crazy designer price tag. The Clubmaster, well, that looks good on just about every face, tbh.

Soh Melbourne Mr. Moss Candle, $70: $70 is a bit, um, extravagant for a candle, yes. But Jess swears by this brand (the shop she worked at in Australia sold them). They smell amazing and lasts a long time. This one is extra perfect because it has the word “Mr.” in the scent name, which makes it appropriate for the fancy mister in your life, right?

U-Turn Audio Orbit Special Turntable, $479: Our girl Caitlin comes with a long music industry resume, and we asked her what her favorite turntable is. This is her recommendation…plus, it just looks so cool.

Boujee Beau

Andiamo 50mm Polarized Sunglasses, $89: Once you go polarized, there’s no going back. We recommend going with the Tortoise Forest color which classic and chic (though the Clear Forest would be pretty neat for someone a bit more daring).

Nixon Porter Watch, $125: Just because your beau is boujee (bougie?) doesn’t mean you have to drop $$$ like you are. Nixon watches are understated timeless style with a bit of a modern edge. (I actually used to wear one—dead battery, whoops—and literally everywhere I went, people were asking me where my watch came from.)

Atlas Backpack, $398: Parker Clay is the brand of Emily’s AND Brian’s go-to work bags that they’ve been slinging around for years. These things are well-made, have a zillion well-thought-out internal pockets, and is a serious upgrade to just about anything your guy is probably carrying to and from work.

Boarding Pass NYC Passport Wallet, $79: The truly posh would never move through an airport with a bare-faced passport. Nope. This one is a leather that will only get better with age.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum, from $150: It doesn’t get fancier than Tom Ford. Pricey, yes, but his fragrances are GOOD, so it’s really a gift to yourself if you’re hanging close by the person you’re gifting this to.

Men’s Merino Wool Gift Box, $78: We joke that Mallory’s BF Chase is the non-creep version of Chuck Bass, and he said he exclusively wore these wool socks when he was “on the East coast.” So there’s that. There’s also the fact that wool is a natural moisture-wicking material so sweaty feet will stay dry, warm and fresh.

Eater & Drinker

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker, $99: Sous Vide cooking is probably the most gentle, precise way to cook just about anything. It ensures everything turns out ridiculously tender and moist (sorry if that word is triggering for you). Plus, with the accompanying app, you can set it and forget it, and the device will let you know via your phone when you’re food is ready.

Staub Skillet 10″, $136 and Tacos: Recipes and Provocations, $33: Staub vs. Le Creuset is a classic feud in the culinary world, and I, an enthusiastic cook, am firmly #teamstaub. But you honestly can’t go too wrong with either. A 10″ cast iron skillet is the ideal size for stovetop cooking and would be the perfect companion to a stellar taco recipe cookbook.

BruMate Hopsulator Insulated Bottle Cooler, $20: Confession: this subcategory is really just MY dream presents, and I’m pretty smitten with BruMate’s products. This insulated bottle cooler keeps out 12-oz beer bottles 20x colder than a standard neoprene koozie so never again will the sadness of warm beer be a problem to overcome.

Coravin Model Two Wine Preservation System, $288: My first trip to Napa and Sonoma (last summer) introduced me to the nifty little tool that is Coravin, which lets you pour from a wine bottle without having to remove the cork, which means you can enjoy a glass without having to rush through the rest of the bottle. Pricey, yes, but it’ll pay for itself in saved bottles of wine. Every oenophilia out there is cheering.

Polyscience Smoking Gun, $150: Can’t swing the cost of a Big Green Egg? Nothing can replace what low and slow smoking does to meats but a smoking gun can at least get you closer to the flavor for over $1,000 less.

Essential Cocktail Book, $12: The title says it all. This is essential for any cocktail lover.

Fizzics DraftPour Beer Dispenser, $125: Turn any can or bottle of beer into a draft, micro-foam beauty with this countertop beer dispenser.

Handcrafted Spice Blend Gift Box, $36: New spice blends are always exciting for a foodie, I promise. Choose four blends from a selection of 25 (chipotle + honey, cocoa + ancho, cardamom coffee…yum).

Hiker/Camper

Snow Peak Single Wall Mug, $36 and Snow Peak Large Tableware Set, $38: When it comes to backpacking, gear that packs up well is always a main priority. The handle on this titanium (rust-resistant and lightweight) mug folds down, and the plate set neatly nests into itself to take up as little space as possible while still giving you everything you might need for meals.

Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket, $150: According to our resident hiker Julie (she’s logged 714 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail, so…no joke), this is the outdoor jacket to buy. It is very lightweight, so durable in rainy or windy weather, and absolutely the layer you never want to go on an adventure without.

MRS WindBurner Stove System, $150: This stove heats up the water for all that (super appetizing) freeze-dried food so much quicker than the rest of the systems available. Plus, it saves on fuel which is one of the worst things to run out of when you are miles from civilization.

Celestron NexStar Telescope, $699: Probably more for camping than backpacking, this computerized telescope will give you all the power you need to take in those celestial beauties overhead we rarely get to witness with the naked eye.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress, $127: Nothing is worse than having to flip every half hour during the night to keep your arm from falling asleep when you yourself should just be asleep. This sleeping pad is worth every penny, it’s super lightweight, compresses down to the size of a water bottle and can double as a raft when hiking to those alpine lakes.

Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler, $350: Yeti claims to be “the last cooler you’ll ever need” which, I’d hope for given the price, but they’re not just blowing smoke. These things are super durable, actually keep everything in it super cold (ice stays ice for days) and frankly just look really good…for a cooler.

Low-Maintenance BF/Brother

Harry’s for J.Crew Truman Shave Set, $25: A razor of any kind is a pretty no-brainer gift for our bearded friends, but that doesn’t make it any less appreciated. This set from Harry’s comes with razor, two extra cartridges, travel blade cover and shaving balm.

Made By Design Rolling Suitcase 22″, $69: Four interior and two exterior zipper compartments ensure packing stays easy and organized. The soft-side gives over packers a little more wiggle room while still being sized right for the overhead bin.

Nike Heritage Jogger Pants, $55: I bought my husband a pair of joggers years ago, and they have now and forever been coined “house pants.” It’s all he wants to wear when it starts cooling off. Bonus points: the back pocket is zipped so no fear of IDs, cards or keys flopping out on the go.

Gaven Fashion Boot, $45: A solid, classic boot for a solid, classic guy.

Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter Zip Jacket, $99: Sweater-knit on the outside, fleece on the inside means your guy will be warm but still polished. And the front chest zip pocket is “headphone compatible” which I don’t truly understand, but rest assured, a phone with headphones plugged in can probably slip in there easily, avoiding the very annoying cord YANK that happens when your phone is in your pants pocket.

Solid Sherpa Throw Blanket, $17: I have a very low-maintenance husband, but he gets cold. He has claimed our coziest blanket, but it just so happens to be a bright pink Victoria’s Secret throw from an old press event. Maybe it’s time for an upgrade for him…and your chilly fella.

Practical Dad

Men’s Large Zipper Dopp Kit, $15 and Philips Norelco OneBlade Rechargeable Shaver, $35: Upgrade your dad’s Ziplock toiletry travel bag with a proper dopp kit, and start him off with something to put in it.

Click Card Leather iPhone Case, $50: A super slender yet protective iPhone case for his new 11 Pro, complete with card storage in the back.

Fossil Men’s Tech Commuter Black Leather Strap Hybrid Smart Watch, $78: A smartwatch that doesn’t look like a smartwatch. Fossil’s hybrid chronograph-looking time-teller tracks steps and sleep (via the accompanying app), controls your music, is water-resistant up to 50 meters and is compatible with Android OS 5+ and iOS 9+.

The Tool Book: A Tool Lover’s Guide to Over 200 Hand Tools, $18: If you have a tools/home improvement enthusiast on your hands, he’ll absolutely geek out over this one (and learn a thing or two they likely didn’t already know).

Levoit Air Purifier, $69: I personally have this air purifier and it’s fantastic. Quiet, good looking, top-rated and well-priced.

Men’s Casual Fit Mock Collar Sweater, $30: For the dad who doesn’t like you spending your hard-earned money on him, but you still want him looking good.

Men’s Carlo Slippers, $22 and Super-Plush Robe, $98: I’m pretty sure every dad sits and awaits his yearly robe + slippers, so don’t disappoint him this year. Brooklinen’s super-plush robe is basically like wearing one of their super-plush towels, and these well-priced slippers have a cozy faux-fur interior lining and a rubber treaded bottom for warmth and run-out-front-real-quick ease.

AKDY 20 Bottle Wine Cooler, $250: Velinda has an older version of this wine cooler in her kitchen and can vouch for it. Four pull-out shelves paired with some vertical standing room provides storage options.

Retro Gamer

Men’s The Legend of Zelda Graphic T-Shirt, $13: “Ahh, cool…”—what my Nintendo-loving husband says every time he sees someone wearing a vintage Zelda shirt. Those are very high regards for him, FYI.

Nintendo Switch Lite, $200: Nintendo recently came out with the Switch Lite, which lets you play all the same games but in a purely handheld version (read: less expensive).

Oculus Quest VR Gaming Headset, $400: A friend of mine works in the VR space as a coder, so he has one of these things for “research” and honestly, it’s just plain fun and reminds anyone that we’re very much “in the future” right now.

PowerA Retro 8-Bit Super Mario Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch, $50: With the exception of the Oculus, this whole product board is for the Nintendo fan, and anyone who grew up with an NES will very much appreciate the 8-bit graphics on this far-better controller than what comes with the Switch.

Super Mario Brimmed Hat, $15: Do or do not wear this with a vintage Zelda graphic T for ultimate gamer nerd vibes.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch, $60: Never have I ever…met a man who enjoyed Nintendo and didn’t, for whatever reason, obsess over Super Smash Bros. This is a fact I am incredibly confident about. To really knock it out of the park (platform?), pair this with a subscription to the online service.

Techie

Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens, $998: Any tech-hound out there knows it’s all about the mirrorless camera now. All the pro image quality of a DSLR without any of the bulk or shutter lag. Sony is at the top of their game with their offering.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat – Brass, $250: Remember that Disney Channel Original Movie Smart House? The description of this Nest thermostat makes it sound like we’re really not that far off from that (minus the deranged, controlling Katey Sagal character): “It learns what temperatures you like, turns itself down when you’re away, learns how your home warms up and keeps an eye on the weather to get you the temperature you want when you want it. and connects to Wi-Fi so you can change the temperature from your phone, tablet or laptop to your phone.” The future is, actually, now.

Anker PowerCore 15,600mAh Power Bank, $40 and WEMO Mini Smart Outlet Plug Wi-Fi Enabled, $22: Any true techie is always in need of either a place to plug something in for a charge or a charge pack when there’s no access to an outlet. Anker makes super juiced up power banks (this one can charge an iPhone six times), and this Wi-Fi enabled smart plug from WEMO lets one control most things that are plugged into it from your smartphone.

Ember Smart Travel Mug, $180: Technology never ceases to amaze. Ember makes “smart” mugs that you can set to keep your coffee or tea the exact temperature of your choice for up to three hours.

The North Face Etip Salty Dog Knit Tech Gloves, $35: Touchscreen devices feel pretty useless in frigid temps, but fear not…all you need is a glove with an E-tip to keep your hands warm and your tech useful.

Tile Sticker (2020) 2-Pack, $40: Tile stickers are not new in theory, but these are their newest crop, with a 3-year battery life. Tag anything you lose often (or don’t ever want to lose) with one of these babies and you’ll always be able to find it by making your phone ring it, or just locating it on a map.

 

Need more gift ideas? We’re rolling them out this week and next, but here’s what’s live so far: 

Gift Ideas for Women

***lead image by Veronica Crawford, prop styling by Arlyn Hernandez and Jess Bunge

The post The Best Gift Ideas for “Him” (Straight from the Guys in Our Lives) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

4 “Rules” You Need to Know Before Picking Tile for Your Bathroom or Kitchen Reno

About a month ago, the Design Agony series was resurrected and a lot of you (rightfully) rejoiced in the comments. This got me thinking back to my time here at EHD and remembering that there were A LOT of you guys asking about updating your bathrooms and kitchens—a good amount of those questions being tile-centric. How to pick tiles for a room, should you be picking the same kind of tiles for your whole house, how do you make sure that they all go together, how do you bring in new tiles and make sure they work with your existing tiles, etc.

Well, agonizers, today’s your lucky day because that’s what today’s session is all about—how to select tiles for a whole-home renovation without being basic. If you need a crash course on Tile 101, you can head to this post; otherwise, let’s talk design.

Here’s what I’m thinking—I’ll share our must-know tips with you, talk about some “rules” (guidelines, really—as Emily likes to say, it’s good to know the rules so you know how to break them if needed), and then show you examples of how those “rules” were applied in a past project. Learning is always a little more effective with the help of some visual aids, right? Let’s use EHD’s two most recent projects—the and —as case studies. There are about five bathrooms in both houses (okay, four in Portland), and most of them are basically one giant tile love affair altogether.

That’s what happens when you have the tendency to fall in love easily (…with tiles) and end up visiting the Pratt + Larson tile studio up in Portland, Oregon. We’re talking BEAUTIFUL handmade ceramic tiles that you can get in and color (they can color-match practically anything), shape (field or relief), size, or surface finish. A designer’s dream that’s for sure (and maybe yours, too). So many options, not enough rooms, must use as many tiles as possible in one room…which we did. In both houses.

The amazingly kind folks at Pratt + Larson opened up their doors to Emily last year to experience their operation first-hand. She raved about the tile, sure, but mostly the people. They’ve been in operation since 1982, and have been committed to the craft and artisanship of customized, American-made tile for all 37 years they’ve been doing business.

Here’s Emily with Anthony and Belle (far right), who were long-time employees that ended up buying it two years ago from the original owners Michael Pratt and Reta Larson, as well as VP of Marketing, Susanne Cavicchi, who was a saint in helping to coordinate all the tile requests for these projects. Truly delights to work with and a wonderful company you should absolutely consider for your upcoming tile needs. You can read more about what they offer here (but remember your tile is custom made to order so you can get any tile—flat field or decorative—in any color so the options are endless). 

Now, for how we used Pratt + Larson’s gorgeous tile…let’s get learnin’.

Here’s a little mood board of what went into each full bathroom in both houses.

Mountain House:

Find all resources here: Downstairs Guest Bath | Upstairs Hall Bath | Master Bathroom | Upstairs Guest Bath

Portland House:

Find all resources here: Downstairs Guest Bathroom | Upstairs Hall Bathroom | Master Bathroom

As you can see, we like variety over here and playing around with all kinds of shapes and sizes. That’s what will give your design interest and character…no boring spaces here! So how do you do this successfully? Glad you asked…

TIP #1: Stick to a color palette.

This is one of the things that Emily always emphasizes. Pick a color palette that you’re happy with and STICK. TO. IT. In general, your color palette should be within 2-3 colors, though 3-4 is also acceptable; anything more and the whole thing could start looking like the discard pile at your local tile mart. There are whole classes designed about color theory and picking color combinations in design school (monochromatic, analogous, triadic, complementary, etc.), but the simplest one and Emily’s go-to for a works-every-time scheme is the classic complementary color scheme—colors on the opposing side of the color wheel.

And remember, colors evoke emotion and feeling, too, so think about how you want your space to feel when picking your color palette.

From Mountain House: Downstairs Guest Bathroom | Upstairs Hall Bathroom | Master Bathroom | Upstairs Guest Bathroom

Above are the (minus the powder) with an overall color scheme that’s on the monochromatic side paired with natural wood and some pops of nature-inspired hues here and there (mostly greens and some blue…it’s the EHD way after all.)

From Portland Project: Downstairs Guest Bathroom | Upstairs Hall Bathroom | Master Bathroom

And let’s not forget the more traditional color scheme—the classic blue, gray and white.

HOT TIP: If you’re working with a patterned tile that has multiple colors, pick a color from the tile’s design and use a different tile (or material) in the same shade. This will give your tile selections cohesiveness. You don’t even necessarily have to apply this concept in just one room—you can pick up a color from one of your tiles in one room and carry it through in another room via a different tile material/shape/size altogether. This will help in tying together your house’s overall look and scheme (without being super matchy matchy or builder grade). For rooms that are adjacent to each other and you can see one room from the next, this is also a great way for materials and color schemes to work together/not clash, but feel unique and like their own special room.

But here’s where I’ll also contradict my own advice—I say the above, but also remember that you don’t always have to pick up the exact color from one room to a different room…lest the whole house becomes too same-same. Instead, you can also play around with color values when making your selections to help tie rooms together.

TIP #2: Vary your scale and pattern.

Once you’ve picked your color palette, you can start playing even more. Tiles come in all kinds of regular and fun shapes and designs vary from solids to geometrics and intricate patterns. The key to successfully mixing these (without becoming too busy) is changing up your tile’s sizes and patterns—think large and small; combine busier patterns with classic shapes and solid colors; maybe even use the same tile, but lay them out differently (and make one or two less prominent by picking the right shade of grout…but more on that later).

As with colors, I’d advise you to exercise some restraint when combining shapes and patterns—two to three different ones is a good rule of thumb. You might be able to get away with four, but keep in mind that the room you’re designing probably isn’t made entirely out of tiles. Be aware of any other materials in the room that might create a pattern that could make your design cross over into “busy” territory.

The bathroom above is a great example of mixing up scales and patterns. On the backsplash behind the vanity is this fun picket-shaped ceramic tile by Pratt + Larson with a light gray grout (we’ll talk about how grout will impact your design super soon, I promise); this is a larger scale tile that’s combined with a herringbone mosaic marble tile on the floor. Both are very distinctive patterns individually, but because the herringbone flooring uses tiles that are smaller and narrower in width, your eye is almost tricked into thinking that there’s barely any pattern at all. Had the tiles been larger (and the grout not as light as it is), it would’ve competed too much with the larger picket-shaped ceramic tile.

You’ll notice that the beautiful two-toned blue-gray textured subway tile (yes, also from Pratt + Larson) in the shower area is also a different size and pattern from the other two tiles. Because it is laid out in a classic subway pattern (and in a quiet colorway), it doesn’t compete with the more striking patterns of the other two. It gives off more “texture” than “pattern.”

Here’s another example of a space with tiles of varying scale, shape and pattern.

The mosaic flooring is a show-stopper, but it works in this space even with all the other tiles and stone choices because they’re either smaller or have a subtler shape and pattern. It’s adding those quiet textures that make the space more interesting, without taking away from your bigger moment(s). Oh and one more thing that’ll bring us to my next tip: you’ll notice that the shower surround barely has any grout lines—that’s intentional in making that quiet, but impactful statement.

TIP #3: Be mindful of your grout choices.

Now I mentioned grout a little bit above, and I don’t know if this goes for everyone or if it’s just in the nature of designers to stress about every little thing, but your grout choice should not be an afterthought. It’s a thing that Team EHD definitely likes to keep in mind because the right grout color and thickness has a way of emphasizing or de-emphasizing a tile’s shape and/or pattern.

In the above bathroom, the shower surround is a kite-shaped ceramic tile by Pratt + Larson (for reference, they call it a “facet”) while the flooring has hex mosaic marble tiles. Since the grout is white and the tiles are spaced very closely together, you barely notice the pattern and it becomes a quiet statement that’s a nice surprise once you notice it. The flooring, on the other hand, has a gray grout that makes the pattern a little bit more pronounced.

And it’s not just color. It’s also about thickness. In the , the grout lines are barely visible because the tiles have been installed as close to each other as possible. Had the grout not been white and had they been standard, you’d notice more of the double-stacked, staggered pattern in the upstairs guest bath and the chevron shape of the shower surround in the downstairs guest bath. Because of conscious grout decisions, these tile choices add depth and character to these monochromatic bathrooms without competing with the bold flooring and wall cladding, respectively.

TIP #4: Mix up finishes, but don’t compromise function over form.

Great design is about giving a treat to as many of your senses as possible. You want to mix up enough design elements to keep your eyes bouncing around, but also pair different textures to give yourself a great tactile experience (ever been in a room and you just had to touch the wall/counter/pillow?).

Tile finishes depend on the glaze used on them, and your finish options could range from the standard glossy, satin and matte finishes to special finishes like watercolor, crackle and metallic. The Pratt + Larson blue 2×8 bevel tile in the Portland project’s downstairs guest bath pictured above is finished with their parchment gloss, which has very little sheen but also a subtle texture that keeps it from going too modern.

My advice to keep things interesting (especially if you’re using the same tile throughout, but varying the scale and/or layout pattern) is to mix up your tile finishes. Combine at least two different finishes, but be smart about it—think of where your material is going and how you and your family will interact with it, then choose appropriately. (DESIGNER HOT TIP: the basic principles of interior design says consider function first always, then comfort and safety, followed by cost, and LASTLY, aesthetic.) In general, matte (or honed) tiles are a go-to for flooring, especially in wet areas, because of their non-skid, non-slip properties. And in kitchens or areas where you foresee lots of dirt and staining, save yourself the nightmare and go for the glazed option instead of an unglazed matte…unless you’re prepared to do a little more upkeep.

As always, take cues from your other non-tile materials and figure out which materials with what finishes are your non-negotiables. If you’d rather pick polished wood or create texture with your textiles and pick one finish for all your tiles, then by. all. means. It’s all about balance (both between your tile selections and the rest of your home’s materials). Because really at the end of the day, the heart will want what it wants, amirite? But I will say though that maybe, just maybe, glossy or polished finishes on all four walls plus your floor might be a little too much—think of all that light that will be bouncing around! I don’t think I’d want to see a reflection of myself in the morning on all four walls if ya know what I mean.

Wipe-ability and durability don’t always mean you have to go for the glossiest option, especially when there are so many varying degrees of glazing options in the market now. And remember: if you’re buying from a reputable tile manufacturer such as Pratt + Larson, they will know enough about their products to be able to give you tips about which glaze(s) will work best for your needs, as well as how to properly seal and care for your tiles. Speaking of which, here’s a handy little link for one! You’re welcome.

There you have it, folks. And because graphics are super fun, I made one for y’all.

Now you can pick that arabesque tile that you’ve had your eye on, but previously thought might not work with your current subway tile. Thanks for sticking with me through this entire thing. And thank you to Pratt + Larson for collaborating with us on both of these monster projects. Happy designing everyone!

***photography by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

The post 4 “Rules” You Need to Know Before Picking Tile for Your Bathroom or Kitchen Reno appeared first on Emily Henderson.

2019 Gift Guide: All the “For Her” Gift Ideas the EHD Editors Want for Themselves

I have to say that shopping for the “Hers” in my life is simultaneously the easiest and the hardest. As a fellow “Her,” I have pretty great insight into what great gifts are for this category…except that I end up wanting everything. It’s true torture. But perhaps that’s a good sign that our gift picks are solid? Silver lining?

We did something a little bit different this year with how we categorized the gift guides, as in, we actually classified them instead of delivering them to you in a big all-over-the-place roundup. For this “Her” guide, we really tried to think about the kinds of women in our lives and came up with nine solid options. By no means does this encompass every beautifully complex “her” in the world, and many items could work within different categories, but these are meant to give you a place to start. Ready to find the ultimate “her” gift? Okay, me too…

“Don’t Buy Me Anything” Mom

DIGITAL Minimalistic Custom Family Portrait, From $10: It can be hard to get the whole family together and take a new photo (I know this sadly from personal experience as we were all together once this year). So why not find a family photo your mom already loves and have it made into cool minimalist art? It’s affordable, thoughtful and looks great. PS: Be sure to allow a little extra time for this one (but it shouldn’t take more than two weeks start to delivery.)

Nespresso by De’Longhi Original Espresso Machine, $168 and Electric Milk Steamer, $34: My guess is if your mom is a selfless, “Oh don’t worry about me” type, then she probably doesn’t spend money or time on herself. So getting her a Nespresso machine (and milk steamer if you want) is a wonderful luxury she can enjoy every day. Plus, it’s so easy to use and far less pricey over time than the coffee shop.

Everyday Photo Book, $59: Thoughtfulness always wins and making her a beautiful book filled with happy memories of love and family will knock her socks off. And when I say a beautiful book, I mean it. I have one and happily display it in my living room and I’m kinda/definitely an aesthetics snob.

Jewelry Case, $75: Again, when you are a “think of everyone else first” person, you rarely spend money on what can seem like a frivolous thing. But having a nice jewelry case (that is easy to travel with) is so nice. It’s pretty, helps to keep things organized and feels thoughtful.

Mama Bear Slide Slippers, $15: A little cheesy? Yes. But so cute, festive and perfect for those cold winter months. Every mom loves to be reminded she’s a mama bear.

You + Me Locket Necklace Set, $128: Okay if you really want to warm your mom’s heart, then this locket will do the trick. Put either a picture of you or a sweet little note and let her know that you will always wear the other half. Always connected, even when apart. I’m not crying, YOU’RE CRYING.

Cook and Happy Hostess

Half Baked Harvest Super Simple Book, $18: You may have seen Em’s Instastory about her love for this book but even if you didn’t, it’s jammed packed full of delicious, easy recipes sure to impress on a casual weeknight or a dinner party. Oh, and the photography is beautiful. EHD approved!

Mason Cash Cream Mixing Bowl, $40 ans Nonstick 6-Piece Essentials Bakeware Set, $100: Ever heard of a little show called The Great British Bake Off? Well, these Mason Cash mixing bowls are the ones they actually use on the show! So whether you have a hardcore GBBO fan on your hands or not, these bowls and bakeware set will have any baking enthusiast PUMPED.

KitchenAid Artisan Steel Blue Stand Mixer, $380 and KitchenAid® 3-Piece Pasta Roller & Cutter Set, $200: Feel like spoiling someone you love?? Well, then a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer is THE kitchen gift. Sara said she happy cried when she got her’s for one Christmas and Arlyn can’t stop gushing about her undying love for hers. Iif you want to kick it up even more (or add to a KitchenAid owner’s collection) then the pasta making attachments are an incredible investment (Arlyn has these and uses them frequently). You might even get some homemade pasta out of it.

Lilypad Marble Round Servers, $25 + $30 and Platters and Boards: Beautiful, Casual Spreads for Every Occasion: For the person in your life who loves throwing parties and get-togethers, this wonderful gift combo is perfect for them. The round platters are chic and go with almost any style and this book gives an unreal amount of inspiration and platter how to’s that you may be getting invited over A LOT more.

Five Two Bamboo Cutting Board, $59 and The Knives, $75: Emily has this board and loves it. The design is thoughtful and so functional. Click and see. Now, what is better than a cutting board? A cutting board and beautiful knife. Velinda owns this knife and says that it is not only stunning in person but is awesome to use.

Food52 x GreenPan Nonstick Skillet, $89 and Five Two Airtight Silicone Lids, $40: It probably isn’t a surprise but we love Food52 and their products. This skillet is Sara tested and approved. But wait, there’s more! Not only are these silicone lids stylish and work great but they are incredible space savers. I would LOVE this gift and I don’t even cook that much. To think how excited an actual cook would be!

“I Can Do Everything Myself” DIYer

Aarke Premium Carbonator, $250: “Buy sparkling water?? No way I can do it myself!” If this is something you can hear someone in your life say, then may we present to you the chicest water carbonator on the market. It will knock the socks off of your bubbly water-loving gal.

Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier, $39: Facials are expensive and a lot can be done at home for way less money. This adorable and affordable facial humidifier is the perfect gift for the person in your life who wants to take care of their skin without the hefty spa bills.

Colorblock Payton Pullover Sweater, $85 and Conair Fabric Defuzzer, $22: Don’t ask me why I don’t own a defuzzer because I want one so badly. Fabric pills are the worst. I am sure there is some lady in your life that feels the same. But to make this gift really exciting, add a beautiful sweater like this colorblock cutie. This way you have yourself a fun AND functional gift.

Singer 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine, $173: Nothing says, “I can do it myself” like making/altering your own clothes and textiles. This sewing machine has 100 different types of stitches for your gal to choose and get creative with. Arlyn (EHD cushion and curtain sewer) highly recommends this guy for the price point.

The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals, $14: Hiring a professional organizer is a dream most of us have thought of. But this lady you are buying for needs no such person…just a little guidance. The Home Edit’s new book is the perfect gift for the person who wants to get their home together…themselves.

The Treat Yourself Box, $100: Spa manicures and pedicures are luxuries that aren’t always the most cost-effective activities. The famous Olive and June nail spa understands. So to fix this issue, they created the most wonderful (everything you need) at-home kit so the special gal in your life can always have O&J approved nails.

Netflix and (Actually) Chill Aficionado

Luminous Dewy Skin Sheet Mask, $12: What’s better than watching your favorite show on Netflix? The answer is pampering your skin while watching your favorite show on Netflix. Tatcha is my personal favorite skincare brand and these masks are no exception. Everything they make is magic.

Memory Foam Slippers Comfort House Shoes, $20: Are you allowed to be called a “chill aficionado” if you don’t have comfortable slippers? These memory foam slippers were one of our top-selling items last year and for good reason…they are heavenly clouds for your feet.

Long Sleeve Turtleneck Pullover, Target, $28, Mid-Rise Knit Sweater Jogger Pants, $23 and 2-Pack Butter Crew Socks, $15: If you really want to treat your comfort-loving gal right then this ensemble will do the trick. It’s stylish, SO soft and perfect for laying around.

Brumate Winesulator 25oz Triple-Walled Wine Canteen, $30 and Glass Stemless White Wine Glasses, Target, $20: Help your relaxation savvy friend keep the good times rolling with this wine canteen and glasses so the only time they need to get up off the sofa is for bottle #2. You will be celebrated.

Cuisinart Hot Air Popcorn Maker, $40 and Gourmet Popcorn Seasonings, $38: This is NEXT LEVEL Netflix watching luxury. This popcorn machine can literally sit on a side or coffee table and continuously pour out fresh popcorn throughout a movie or show. What is better?! Oh I know…an assortment of popcorn seasonings to put on said fresh popcorn. I don’t know one person who wouldn’t love this gift.

Texture Faux Fur Throw Blanket, $25: This is one of Emily’s current favorite throws because it is cozy heaven. It’s so soft, has the perfect modern patterned texture and is affordable.

Outdoor Enthusiast and Traveler

Coleman Gas Stove, $89: Both Velinda and Julie (our resident outdoor experts) say everyone who camps has this stove. So if you have a camping enthusiast on your hand that doesn’t have this magically little stove, then you are about to make them very happy!

Classic Tent, $380: Julie owns the 1-person version of this tent and would buy it again in an instant in the 2-person version. The opening of the tent is along the sides which for a backpacking tent (read: so much lower than a regular tent) makes it 10x easier to get in and out and the 2-person version has an opening on both sides, so you don’t have to crawl over one another in the middle of the night.

Osprey Packs Mira 22 Women’s Hiking Hydration Backpack, $160: This is a great size pack (made for a woman’s frame for a long day hike and the mesh suspension is optimal to keep your back dry on hot summer days. A GREAT gift for a hiker.

Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket, $103: This is THE outdoor jacket to buy, it is very lightweight and so durable in rainy or windy weather.

Ambeur 22-Inch Rolling Spinner Carry-On, $165: Maybe your gal isn’t the camper type but she loves to travel. This beautiful and chic carry-on suitcase is the perfect gift. It may sound silly but having a really nice suitcase just makes you feel more put together and cool when you’re traveling. Isn’t that all we want when we are traipsing across the oceans??

Animalia Passport Holder, $28: If you want to add-on to the suitcase (or buy separately if she already has a great bag) then this super cute passport holder is the way to go. You will undoubtedly have a VERY happy camper…I mean traveler. (If you throw in a plane ticket, they may like that, too.)

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System, $50: This is one of the best water filtration systems, says Julie. The Sawyer uses a squeeze filtration instead of one that you have to manually pump and trying to balance on a cold wet log at 6 in the morning hoping that you won’t fall in before getting enough water to make your coffee, sounds much better to us. Hot Tip: Replace the cap with a Smart Water Bottle sport cap (it has a cap protector that flips up instead of removing completely, which everyone will lose eventually).

Travel Buddy Packable Puffer, Madewell, $128: Madewell maybe just made the most perfect jacket. It’s a puffer that turns into a travel neck pillow. Yes, you read that right! No more carrying around a stupid pillow you only need for a flight because after your flight, it will be your travel jacket. Plus, it’s super cute. Duh, it’s Madewell.

Fashion and Beauty Guru

Custom Letter Necklace, $42: Everyone loves a custom piece of jewelry. When done right, it’s undeniably cool/fun. This one is simple, modern and the perfect amount of statement. If I were to get a custom necklace, you bet I would pick this one.

Beauty Tea Duo, $38 and Futuredew, $24: I love this duo because it tends to both inner and outer beauty. Okay, not real inner emotional beauty but this beauty tea from Olive and June helps to promote beautiful skin, hair and nails. But in the meantime, while the tea is working its magic, give the gift of immediate glowing skin with Glossier’s Futuredew. My friend could. not. stop. raving. about Futuredew saying it tighten/lifted her skin, was a great makeup base and made her glow (no highlighters needed). Basically, your beauty-loving friend will LOVE you.

Earring with Stones, $15 and Gold Paper Clip Necklace, $28: What gal doesn’t love a little accessory glamour? These earrings and necklace are VERY on trend, are affordable and will add just the right amount of luxury to any outfit.

All Natural Collagen Infused Lip Mask, $5 and Balm Dotcom Trio, $30: Lipcare is important, people. Especially in the cold months when sad chapped lips are more common than the constant search for the “other” glove. This little gift duo is so cute and fun for almost any age. I have been dying to try a lip mask and am in love with almost everything from Glossier. It’s a great and easy gift.

Wool Fringed Blanket Scarf, $59: Never underestimate the power of a beautiful scarf. I know when I lived on the east coast, I never wanted to spend money on a new one but always wished I had a cuter scarf to mix up my “wonderful” puffer coat look. This one is awesome and comes in a ton of colors.

Freck Foreclay Mask, $22 and Freck Lil Prick Serum, $40: If you want to give a luxurious gift for your skin-obsessed lady, then this pair is the way to go. This little duo will leave your gal’s skin feeling fresh and super moisturized. A few of the girls in the office tried it and LOVED it. Plus, Freck is a cruelty-free and vegan company, and their products are free of phthalates, parabens, gluten and alcohol. A million thumbs up. (Oh, and our friends at Freck were kind enough to offer code 10% off your order with code EHD).

Caviar Anti-Aging® Restructuring Bond Repair Duo, $57 and One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush, $39: While we are always fans of the Olaplex brand, Alterna’s Anti-Aging Bond Repair duo is so good. It makes your hair feel incredible and don’t you want to give that feeling to someone else? Then if you want to really knock the haircare out of the park, pairing the duo with this dryer brush that Arlyn swears by (and SO MANY people bought when she recommended it last year) will make you the favorite.

The Small Richmond Saddle Bag, $128: I am IN LOVE with this bag. It’s so chic, small enough to be an evening bag and comes in the most delicious dark brown color. If anyone were to get it for me, I would be the most appreciative.

Home Tinkerer & Decorator

Avant Candelabra, Eur 79: The moment I saw this candelabra, I physically had to restrain myself from purchasing it immediately. It’s incredible and if you have a woman in your life who loves modern design then here is your gift. Done.

Gleaming Primrose Mirror, from $448: This has been the “It” mirror of 2019 and it is still going strong. It’s definitely a splurge but boy I bet you would see some design-loving tears once this beauty is opened.

Metropolitan Vase, $98: An elegant jug vase is always a good gift. It’s like the little black dress of vases. Every girl needs one. This beauty is just one of our favorites. It will look great in every gal’s home.