creative party ideas & spiked hot chocolate

November can feel a tiny bit dark and drab, so we’re trying to create a warm & bright vibe this week.

And on that note, how fun are these party ideas from Apartment Therapy?

Whether or not you have a country house, woodsy-chic touches like these trays from Fog Linen and these bark-covered votives feel just right for November. Great inspiration for wedding decorations, too.

And here’s a charmingly retro playlist to warm up your kitchen. 

little black dress with a twist. And it’s on sale. Where couldn’t you wear this?

And who doesn’t want to drink decadent hot chocolate? And here are 15 ways to spike it, if you’re so inclined.

For a decadent treat that has no calories, we love these fun Benefit holiday tins. Adorable and festive!

In case you’re curious, or really, insanely ambitious: What Beyonce eats.

Not feeling crazy-driven? Just kick back and relax with some sparkly wonders.

And the best-dressed sparkly socialites of the 2013 MOMA Film Benefit. We love art-chic!

So what’s sparking your interest on the internet this weekend?

Featured photo by Sean Taylor Photography.

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Mar y Sol & the little gold dress

Here’s the week’s lovely list of links to help you give back, live well, pick a wine, and travel in style. Have a full and wonderful weekend!

Mar y Sol designs are so amazing, and so is the story, and the mission. Check out their vibrant fair trade bags, hats and pillows. We love beautiful things that make the world better!

We love a good party outfit, and this gold dress and hairstyle are so amazing! We might save this one for the “official” holidays, though.

A fun little flow chart for choosing a wine.

You gotta love fancy sweatshirts.

Drinks I want to try,” from Bleubird blog.

Nine pumpkin recipes.

Heirloom-quality travel gear that’s meant to last forever and age beautifully. (Great wedding gift!)

And on the other end of the spectrum, 30 bags that look expensive, but aren’t.

Happy reading!

Image via, by Brian Hatton, a New York City wedding photographer.

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We Love: Octavia Asscher Cut Diamonds & Strawberry Scones

The indulgent weekend. It doesn’t have to be anything too involved, but the rainy weather and fall busyness have us craving some coziness and luxury. So what do you have planned for the weekend ahead?

Going somewhere elegant? We loved this timeless and easy evening look. Simple hair, a boldly lined eye and a nude lip. Add the only Little Black Dress you’ll ever need. You’re perfect and you’re done.

Need a little more glamorous inspiration? Here’s Kate Middleton looking every bit the immaculate princess.

Staying home? Nothing says love like crumbly, fragrant Strawberry-Buttermilk Scones with your morning coffee.

Unless it’s an adorable proposal featuring our Naomi Engagement Ring and a stunning Octavia Asscher Cut diamond!

Set the mood with an exquisite scented candle, and let the magic begin.

If you have a little more ambition (and more of a budget to work with) Matthew Williamson’s wallpaper designs for Osbourne & Little are so luxe and amazing. We love the tiger print for a powder room or walk in closet.

And since nothing feels as good as making a difference in someone’s life, check out charity:water, a truly inspired way to care for people in need.

Have a spectacular weekend!

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We love: ring holders & catch alls

For a charming engagement gift, we love ring holders and catch-alls.

The significance of having a special place to keep your wedding ring is often overlooked, but we love the sense of ceremony a ring holder brings.

Taking off your wedding rings becomes a sweet little ritual when you take a second to keep in in a place of it’s own, apart from clutter.

Here are a few that caught our eye.

The whimsical, umbrella shaped ring holder.

The romantic message ring holder.

The magical, feminine ring holder.

Here’s a cool one, handcrafted in Brooklyn.

And a few for the men (or women who like things a bit less frilly).

The rugged stag ring holder.

And a sophisticated catch-all.

If you’ve seen any you love, please share in the comments!

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Image, The Hayley Wedding Set.

 

We Love: Gibson Bespoke & Astoria Road

The Jeff Cooper family celebrated an anniversary this week, so we’re definitely in the mood for love. Designer David Cooper and his wife Nikole celebrated their anniversary this week, and we couldn’t help but share what they wrote about each other on Facebook. (We dare you not to tear up a little!)

Nicole wrote, “Today I’m married 9 years to the most amazing husband a girl can ask for! Every day I’m so blessed for our wonderful family.”

And David wrote, “Nikole, every day is a blessing with you. Life may be a never ending roller coaster, but as long as you ride it out with me, anything is possible. I love you more today than yesterday, and you’re more beautiful to me now than the day I met you 14 years ago.”

Just so you know, our Nikole Collection was inspired by David’s feelings for Nikole, and we can’t think of anything sweeter. We wish for every girl in the world to find someone who adores her like that!

And so, we wish you a beautiful, romantic, special weekend! Here are some loveable links to get you in the mood!

See the featured photo above this post? That’s Danielle and Andre from 100 Layer Cake’s ‘Rustic Florida Wedding.’ We found ourselves so drawn to this photo essay about them, because they look so lost in love with each other, it’s like nobody else is there. So romantic.

Getting married, or know someone who is? This is a great idea. It’s Astoria Road, a wedding registry that lets you select gifts from any store. Very cool.

Want a way to tactfully let bridesmaids and groomsmen what’s in the job description? All you need is this link.

Anyone with a house would appreciate this beautiful bird feeder. It’s such an artful piece for $20, can you think of a more perfect housewarming or hostess gift?

Are you a bride-to-be who really likes attention? Check out these one-of-a-kind bespoke wedding accessories from Gibson Bespoke on Etsy.

And finally, the 21 Rules of Entertaining. We’re fond of #21, since it involves homemade ice cream sandwiches. Save one for us!

Photo by Flora + Fauna via 100 Layer Cake.

 

 

The Perfect Mother’s Day Present

Moms are the best. And can you think of a more perfect Mother’s Day present?

Co-designed by our David Cooper and legendary tattoo artist Mike Rubendall, heirloom pendants are a brilliant gift.

The diamonds make it an heirloom.

The balanced, beautiful composition makes it classic.

And the tattoo artist makes it cool.

Be extra cute and buy her the M for Mom.

We Love: Spring Flowers and Rose Gold

Now that spring’s well underway and we’re seeing some blooms, we’re in the mood for color. Exuberant brights, classic pastels and everything in between, please. Here’s our weekly roundup of colorful links to inspire and amuse you. Have a lovely weekend!

First, we’d love to introduce you to Alexandra Rose, one of our brand new designs in romantic rose gold. A little pop of color and an abstract, flowery design feels so right for a spring engagement.

Speaking of flowers, check these pretty floral backdrops for your reception. They’d be cool for a ceremony, too, don’t you think?

Brides to be! Are you ready for this diy pressed flower iphone case? A great memento of the big day, no?

Wow this wedding is gorgeous.

Wow these soap rocks are gorgeous. Perfect hostess gift.

Wow these photos of the Painted Desert in Utah are gorgeous. Perfect road trip idea.

When did this happen? Polka dots suddenly look so cool. We’d love to see a wedding inspired by these bold colors with dots as the unifying theme.

Cute video about J Crew shoes. Colors and patterns galore, and so many cool wear-again options for under a wedding dress!

Which brings us to the wild patterns and colors of artist Andrea Bergart. We just discovered her, and her artwork feels young, fun and perfect for the weekend!

Want to seal the deal? Forget “Engagement Chicken.” It’s all about the pasta.

Featured photo, by the amazing wedding photographers The Nichols, via 100 Layer Cake.

 

 

 

 

We Love: A Great Wedding Video

So what are you up to this weekend? The Matisse show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art looks amazing. But then, so does holiday shopping online with a cake in the oven. Here are some fun links from around the net we’re loving this week. Have a wonderful weekend!

The ‘Magnificent Jewels’ auction at Christie’s.

Is ‘Magnificent’ a bit too extravagant? Try these.

Put a bow on it for the holidays.

Yum. Nine Amazing American Whiskeys.

A sweet gift that gives back.

Matisse at the Met!

Just so incredibly romantic.

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