I am proud to announce that Faye Kommers is our one and only winner for the puzzle contest! Only one of our seven winners came in to the store on Thursday night — so all of you who missed the party, better luck next time . . .

Here are some shots from the party. Great food, great people and of course, lots of unique ideas for Christmas and beyond. . .

What a great workshop last night–lots of good energy and fun inspiration for the upcoming holidays!

Here are a few things we reviewed:

Set your table

Set up your table linen arsenal with a few basic but gorgeous pieces that you can use over and over throughout each season. Choose linens in neutral tones so that you can play up your changing seasonal decor. Here’s a great money-saving hint: buy a bedspread or a piece of fabric big enough to cover your entire table and then you can get away with a smaller tablecloth turned on an angle.

Layer, layer, layer!

Different textures and colors will add visual interest to your table and your guests will never tire of your basic pieces. Start with your tablecloth, then consider a runner down the middle. Turn placemats on end and hang them off the edge of the table. Use napkins for placemats and runners. Chargers can be a great way to lift the dinner plate off the table and mix and match dinnerware.

Centerpieces

Centerpieces can be dramatic and glorious and great way to set the tone of the party but . . . they can get in the way of the conversation flow during dinner. Set the table with your beautiful centerpiece and then replace it with a shorter version as dinner is served.

Fresh floral centerpieces are a real treat for your guests and do add to the tone of your party. If you can’t get to the florist, you still can make a splash with other things found around the house. Gather your most sparkly ornaments in a pretty bowl, decorate a rosemary tree with a garland and some small birds, place miniature Christmas cactus three in a row, or set a wreath with candles in the center.

Don’t forget favors!

Your guests will leave your party feeling special and well taken care of. We love edible favors. . .they are inexpensive and easy to tuck away on the way home. Try a small bag of peppermints, a tub of jam or a packet of hot cocoa! the possibilities are endless.

Most of all, have fun decorating and send us pictures of all of your lovely creations!

Show your appreciation and treat your hostess to one of these gifts that are sure to please. Each of the following 10 gift items have been personally selected as being inexpensive yet impressive!

A festive hostess apron. A set of three reusable shopping bags in brightly colored prints. A hand soap and lotion dispenser with a cute kitchen scrubber. A set of three dish towels and fancy dish washing gloves. A candle scented with seasonal aroma. A cutting board with a wedge of artisanal cheese from the Joe’s Parkway case. A new set of magnets for the fridge. A collapsible vase with a bouquet of fresh flowers. A box of reusable fabric napkins with a bottle opener for the bar. A selection of gourmet dips from Joe’s Parkway. Click any of the thumbnails for an enlarged view! Fun dish gloves Scented candles Hardwood cutting board Refrigerator magnets

A frilly apron Reusable shopping bags Soaps and lotions