Celebrate New Year’s Eve with class — and good food
December 23, 2015
We’re just starting to reach the calm after the storm of Christmas, and here comes New Year’s Eve. If you hosting this event, it can be easy to give in and let it get out of control. But this celebration can be simple and elegant. Here are some tips to ring in your new year with less work.
- Serve small plates: Since most of your party-goers won’t be arriving until later in the evening, you don’t need to plan a large meal. Make prep and clean up easier on yourself by serving small plates or horderves. Divided serving dishes make it super simple to present small offerings like olives, nuts, cheese and more.
- Utilize serving trays: While we’re on the subject, serving trays will be your best friend. With them, you won’t clutter up your surfaces with your normal plates. And some designs, like this one with room for ice, are designed to keep your food cold all night — so food is fresh for all parry-goers, no matter what time they show up. Tiered serving trays are also a great investment; these decorative pieces are also super convenient because they allow you to present more options without taking up previous space.
- Use a serving caddy: Keep plates, napkins, flatware and serving pieces all in one area. These awesome caddies make it even easier for guests to help themselves to food. Opt for the disposable plates and flatware, too.
2.) Serving Caddy
Add a tie mirror to make morning routine easier
December 17, 2015
Photo courtesy www.chicagoillinoisweddingphotography.com.
The perfect closet has many elements, and yes, one of those is an exceptional tie rack — but there are other pieces that can just as easily aid in your morning routine. If you are tying a necktie every morning, a great wall mounted mirror is a must as well. Small, lighted mirrors are great in the bathroom for ladies who wear makeup, but they’re great for guys too.
This double-sided and lighted wall-mounted mirror is just the perfect size. The double jointed arm can fold flat against the wall, conserving space. You have your choice of brushed or polished nickel, bronze and chrome.
Lighted Mirror – Double-Sided Wall Mount Features
- Four attractive finishes: Bronze, Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Polished Nickel.
- Limited 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Cool bright light.
- 3900 Kelvin rating.
- Long-lasting LED light.
- Hard wired.
- Please note: photo does not show cord or plug.
- Mounts to wall using included hardware.
- Double-sided mirror has 1X and 5X magnification.
- Tilts and pivots with the articulated arm.
- Use for makeup application, tweezing and other grooming activities.
- 9 W x 16 D inches when fully extended.
- Extends to 16 inches.
Take a seat: Shoe storage bench does double duty
December 15, 2015
Shoe storage is a never ending issue in my home as my shoe collection continues to grow to unnecessary numbers. I have an over the door rack in the spare bedroom, shelves in the top of my closet, a rack in the bottom of the front closet… but I need MORE! In my effort to try and squeeze more shoe storage into my tiny home, I accidentally knocked out two birds with one stone.
Shoe storage benches are nothing new. My grandmother used to have the cutest little wooden one in her laundry room by the back door. The seat flipped up and there was a ton of storage inside. Flip flops, gloves and non-matching sneakers lived in there for my entire childhood.
So I was very reminiscent shopping around for a nice shoe storage bench to add my to my front room. In my hunt, I came across three contenders.
The first might be my favorite. This bench with a flip-up seat also features six cubbies in the front. I love the multitude of storage in this piece because I could easily tuck away winter accessories that I don’t always need, while still having space to store and access the shoes I do always wear. The rich wood grain would be an excellent accent in my home, plus the cushioned seat is a great place to tug off wet winter boots.
The next one I like is very similar to the first, just a little more streamlined. This bench does not have the inner storage compartment, but has similar six cubbies in the front. Because there is no inside compartment, these cubbies are deeper and therefore can store more.
My final choice has more of a modern style. Available in three finishes, the storage bench features one large cubby that is perfect for a small tote, two shelves and a covered storage area. I like this piece because of it’s versatility and it’s sleek design. The clean lines would look great in any contemporary home.
All of these pieces are an easy way to add storage and seating to your mudroom, front entrance or foyer.