Tuesday, December 22, 2009

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!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

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!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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!

Monday, November 9, 2009

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!



Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Forget the Flowers...Pass the Salt!


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




Bold & Beautiful in Black & White!


We think these are just plain Clean & Classy!



Who doesn't love Polka dots?




Is Sleek & Stunning more your Style?



Toddlers at the Table?


Do you like Ritzy...



...or Retro?




These are so "All That Jazz!"



Did you say "Dinner at Eight?"




"Sunday Supper" Shaker Style





Two for Tea?






Set the Table to ZEN!



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!


Thursday, October 15, 2009

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!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

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!

Monday, August 24, 2009

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!