Stunning Last Minute DIY Centerpiece Ideas

As you're all caught up in the last minute rush, do you still wish you had something amazing to adorn your dining or buffet table? No worries. Here's some easy breezy ideas to give you inspiration! Almost all of these ideas can be created using things you already have on hand or by a quick trip to the local grocery store or florist.

marthastewart.com

Center a tall tapers on a saucers with floral clay

or a tiny taper holders. Fill saucers with a small

amount of water. Place big blooms of your choice around

the tapers. Simple? Yes. Exquisite? Absolutely!

bhg.com

Super Simple & Simply Stunning

A few ornaments, a lovely tray and some holiday greens.

A quick trip to the florist or local grocery for the greens,

or use artificial if you're really pressed for time.

How easy is this?

Rachael Ray Magazine

Merry Martinis all in a row, filled with candy kisses,

a few sprigs of greenery and silver tapers for

a sparkling finishing touch!

digsdigs.com

This fun & festive look is easily pulled off

by glueing candy cane sticks to a low cyclinder

vase, tie it all up with a bow and add a mass of colorful

flowers. You could easily use large pom pom carnations

in place of the roses. More frugal, but still stunning!

openhouse.homegoods.com

A pretty pedestal, any kind of super size ornaments or

balls. Tuck in some greenery, berries or whatever you

have on hand and you're done!

openhouse.homegoods.com

Create some dazzling drama with 3 simple elements.

Any kind of domed or large glass lid, a mix of elegant

ornaments and a simple round tray.

marthastewart.com

If you're going for a more natural rustic look,

grab a basket, gather up some pine cones, store

bought or home grown. Tuck fresh or artificial

greens along the edge of the basket.

Now that was easy!

makechristmasstuff.com

This one of course, speaks for itself.

Pretty ribbons, pretty wrap.

Small effort and big impact.

bhg.com

Nestle your prettiest precious ornaments

on a 3 tiered tray like this for lovely

vintage look!

So start digging into your Christmas stash. You will probably be amazed at all the little treasures you'll find! Add some of your own creative touches and before

you know it, you'll be overwhelmed with compliments.

How easy was that!

Wishing everyone a Wonderfully Merry Christmas!

Cheers!

It's the Real Thing!

The Holidays are all about tradition and we're tickled pink to share one of our favorites with you!

The Malcolm Tradition original Shortbread Cookies.

Our family has been feasting on these tasty treats forever. In fact, it just wouldn't be Christmas without them!

The recipe comes from an heirloom Scottish recipe passed down to generations of Malcolm women. After years of baking up batches for family and friends, the Malcolm girls have turned a family tradition into a family business. Truly a labor of love, these little gems are handmade and baked in small batches with the highest quality ingredients to ensure freshness and the very best taste. The crisp yet crumbly texture and buttery taste will absolutely melt in your mouth. Add a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea and it's pure bliss!

Packaged in a variety of sizes these golden goodies are sure to please everyone on your list.We warn you... they're simply irresistible! So be sure to pick up a few just for you. As we speak the girls are busy baking up their batches of joy so head on over to The Malcolm Tradition today and get in on all this homemade goodness. It doesn't get more real than this!

Cheers!

Awesome Autumn Apron Giveaway...Here's our Winner!

1. [The Hip Hostess] New comment on Awesome Autumn Apron... bridget {bake at 350} 11.12.09 07:56 pm 2.38 kB

Timestamp: 2009-11-17 12:38:25 UTC

Congrats to Bridget!

Here's what Bridget had to say upon hearing the news: "Oh my gosh... I wish all of my mornings started off like this... YAY!!! I am SO SO excited!!!" Oh yes... winning an apron is a great way to start the day!

Bridget chose our classic "Demi Style" Black a la Mode~

We were simply delighted to discover that our latest Hip Hostess is one talented lady! Be sure to stop by Bridget's Bake at 350 Bake Shop where you'll find her Stylish and Whimsical Custom Made to Order Cookies. You're definitely in for a treat!

We so appreciate all your kind comments, tweets and blog posts. Here's a little something in case you want to order a hip little apron of your own. We're throwing in the towel!

Use this Promo Code at Checkout

AUTUMN (all caps)

Receive 15% off your order ~ Expires 11-30-09

PLUS

We'll thrown in a FREE matching Tea Towel for every apron ordered!

*DO NOT ADD TOWEL TO YOUR CART

WHEN YOU USE THIS CODE WE'LL INCLUDE IT IN YOUR ORDER

Thank you from the bottom of our hip little hearts for all the sweet talk!

CHEERS!

Awesome Autumn Apron Giveaway

Here it is, our latest arrival MELON SPLASH!

Isn't it just packed with pizazz? We think it's just Awesome for Autumn! This hot little number boasts a Pretty Paisley Print in vibrant Coral, Pink, Lime & Aqua on Deep Brown background finished with Coral Trim. You can pick one up in both Sheath & Demi Styles. Now, here's the best part...

We're giving away one of these little lovelies or any one of our other fabulous frocks just in time for Thanksgiving!

Wouldn't this be a fabulous way to tell your Hostess "Thanks for having us." Of course there's no rule saying you can't indulge yourself, you know you so deserve it!

Here's how to get in on the Giveaway!

1. Stop by The Hip Hostess and check out all our hip little aprons, come back & leave a comment tell us:

WHICH IS YOUR PICK.

2. Then, let us know if you would:

LOVE TO GIVE IT OR LOVE TO KEEP IT.

3. Be sure to include your Email address.

That's it, but for extra entries:

4. In a separate comment let us know you Tweeted about this Gorgeous Giveaway and please include @TheHipHostess

5. Post it on YOUR Blog then come back and leave a comment with a link to your post.

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT MIDNIGHT MONDAY NOVEMBER 16TH

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM VIA RANDOM.ORG

Giving Thanks...

THANKS to all our followers, newletter subscribers, Twitter friends and most of all our fabulous customers for GIVING us so much joy every day.

Delighted you stopped by!

Forget the Flowers...Pass the Salt!

POTTERY BARN

With the Holiday Season sneaking up on us chances are you'll be looking for a Hip Little Hostess Gift, right? Instead of picking up a last minute bouquet here's an idea that will definitely shake things up a bit and have you looking pretty darn clever. Salt & Pepper shakers have come a long way! When you see all the snazzy sets we found, you may just have to pick up a pair for yourself! To get the dish on all these movers and shakers click on the links below.

Very charming Vintage Look

SALT-PEPPERSHAKERS.COM

Bold & Beautiful in Black & White!

WRAPABLES

We think these are just plain Clean & Classy!

CRATE & BARREL

Who doesn't love Polka dots?

FISHS EDDY

Is Sleek & Stunning more your Style?

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Toddlers at the Table?

WRAPABLES

Do you like Ritzy...

BEAU-COUP.COM

...or Retro?

COOKING.COM

These are so "All That Jazz!"

BED BATH & BEYOND

Did you say "Dinner at Eight?"

THE KITCHEN CLIQUE.COM

"Sunday Supper" Shaker Style

NATHAN TAYLOR BASKETS

Two for Tea?

KRISTEN GRACE

Set the Table to ZEN!

SFMOMA

Would you believe Versace?

COOKWARE.COM

We think any Hip Hostess worth her weight in salt would adore being presented with any of these pretty pairs! Don't you? Thanks for stopping by.

CHEERS!

Giving it away in style!

Isn't she lovely?

We are so delighted and totally flattered to be a part of the festivities over at ABCD Design

In honor of 2 years of his lovely lady's creativity we are giving away one of our darling Black a la Mode Demi Aprons and a set of matching tea towels.

You like?

OK, to get in on this classy giveaway simply drop by ABCD Design and leave a comment.

Just wait, you will not believe your eyes! A visit to her site is like a breath of fresh air, her visual sketchbook of design ideas, mouthwatering recipes, photos beyond belief and her own classy & creative personal style all make for a most inspiring experience. Seems everything she touches is a work of art!

Trust us you are gonna love this lady!

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

To find out who the winner is head on over to ABCD DESIGN

Cheers!

Autumn at the Door

BHG.com

Don't you just love it... the cool, crisp air, the smell of simmering cider, and the crunch of leaves beneath your feet as you walk. There's no doubt that Autumn is at the door! Whether you Make it or Fake it, there's no better way for a Hip Hostess to make a warm first impression that than with some Fall Door Decor! Here are a few ideas for Autumn wreaths that say to your guests "Come on in!"

Look at the awesome autumn inspiration we found at BHG.com

BHG.com

Just plain gorgeous, love the delicate elegance!

BHG.com

Not strictly for the birds.

BHG.com

We're loving this Lavender!

BHG.com

This transitional look will go right into the holidays!

BHG.com

What do you think of these trendy little twigs?

Check out these ready to hang natural beauties available at Plow & Hearth

Plow& Hearth.com

Love the citrus, & it's so hip to be square.

Plow& Hearth.com

This one is so all about Autumn, adore the apples & spice.

Plow& Hearth.com

Sometimes simple is best.

Plow& Hearth.com

Pretty pomegranates!

We simply fell in love with all the Autumn abundance offered at Darby Creek Trading Co.

Darby Creek Trading Co.

Who knew plain could be so fancy?

Darby Creek Trading Co.

Don't you love these bold jewel like colors?

Darby Creek Trading Co.

We're liking this earthy, rustic look!

Darby Creek Trading Co.

How about a touch of Tuscan at the door?

Now, after looking at all this Autumn loveliness you may just find yourself inspired to create some Fall Door Decor yourself. So...take a hike and look for some natural elements to add to your wreath. Here are just a few suggestions:

twigs
leaves
acorns
berries
milk pods
feathers

bird seed
indian corn
small gourds
dried hydrangeas

dried roses
berry sprigs
dried herbs
dried grasses
cinnamon sticks
cat tails
small succulents
bird’s nests
pine cones

dried fruit

Check out the links below for more info on making your own Autumn wreath. Warm up the glue gun and have some fun!

HOW TO DO THINGS .com

SQUIDOO.com

DO IT YOURSELF.com

COUNTRY LIVING.com

HGTV.com

CHEERS!

Taking our Show on the Road

Last month Mother & Daughter packed up our dazzling domestic attire, hit the road and headed to two of Northern Michigan's trendy hot spots. Yes, there really are some hot spots up here. Since we live between the two, I guess we didn't actually "hit the road"... just went down it.

First stop, Sea side in Charlevoix!

www.charlevoix.org

This lovely little resort town is nestled between Lake Michigan and Round Lake. Come Summer this place comes alive with seasonal residents, tourists, boaters, campers and lucky for us, tons of shoppers!

Part of the charm of Charlevoix is the drawbridge right in the middle of downtown. The bridge goes up at the will of the numerous sail boats making their way to and from Lake Michigan. It's quite a charming site to see these magnificent boats making their way down the channel. Maybe not so charming is waiting in traffic for the bridge to go back down. But who cares, it's Summer, right?

Setting up Shop in Charlevoix

While pitching our fashionable frocks we were tickled pink to meet up with a multitude of Makers, countless Bakers, and quite a few Fakers all looking to sport a hip little apron! We had tons of fun!

Next stop... The Beautiful Village of Bay Harbor

Hard to believe until the early 80's this area was home to the Portland Cement Company. In 1993 the area was transformed into the beyond belief resort it is today. Visitors can partake in all this beauty by the bay while swimming, biking, hiking, golfing and for the less energetic crowd there's shopping, dining or just laying on the beach and taking in the spectacular sunsets. A little bit of heaven right here in Michigan.

Our booth was near downtown Bay Harbor and

right along the water in the Marina. Beautiful but breezy.

By the way...The best part of the village:

The Inn at Bay Harbor

In our humble opinion, hands down, flat the most gorgeous place on earth.

Who knew this glistening little jewel was sitting on the shore of magnificent Lake Michigan?

We certainly did not...until four years ago. That's when this very spot was the setting for the darling daughter's wedding. No matter how much we visit, this little slice of heaven always takes our breath away!

How lucky are we... Mother & Daughter doing business by the Bay!

Thanks for stopping by...

Cheers!