The "Don't Forget" Christmas List

If you're running around trying to figure out what to get co-workers or acquanitances who are close but not too close; or if you have a party to attend and you are  not sure what to bring, this little post had you in mind. If you have a crush on a nice chica, buy her some almost-expensive perfume like this "Portrait of a Lady" at number 4, and wrap it in newspaper and a pretty red velvet bow. The wrapping-gift combination will keep her guessing but put you in her good graces. If you have to go to a friend's house for a party and need a different kind of hostess gift, buy their little kid this knitted Santa hat at number 1. If you have to host a party, make an effort and get dressed up in a pretty little number like this Naeem Khan dress at number 2. And, if your're not sure what to bring your boss (male or female) alcohol is a good bet--even if he or she doesn't drink they can always serve the booze at their party and it's great if it comes with a cocktail shaker like this one at number 3.

Christmas Decor

I didn't buy a single Christmas decor item this year. I just dug into my stash from years gone by. Oh no, wait. It's not true. I did get those gold ornaments this year from Ikea. They're the only thing I got this year and I added them to my tree out back in the garden. Having decorated one of the pine trees in the garden, I now know that I am allergic to some pine trees. I will thoroughly enjoy this week. The lead up to Christmas is the best. Our Christmas party is this Friday. And I am busy making preparations and tending to little Hazel who caught a cold this weekend.

Red Lipstick at Christmas

And so it begins. I opened up the boxes with my Christmas decor haul. Right now it looks like Santa threw up in my living room. I know I mentioned it before, but I'll say it again: at Christmas time, I am on steroids. Wham's Last Christmas is stuck on repeat. And am doing this. There is no room in my home that will not get the Christmas treatment.

To start,  every year I buy a red lipstick at Christmas time. Mind you, I can't wear red lipstick just so you know. It's on account of my permanent moustache shadow. It clashes with the red, you see. But I buy a red lipstick so I can use it to scrawl "Merry Christmas" across the giant mirror in my house. And then I smear some of the red lipstick on my lips and give the mirror a few good kisses. The kisses are for my friends...not the mirror. I always need a new lipstick each year....

 When my midget comes home from school we'll have a go at the tree out back. It's all snow at the moment. So it'll be a bit tricky, messy, and just outright fun!

Christmas Wishlist

1. Al Coro Amici Ring
2. Tom Ford Over-Priced, But Super Moist Lipstick

3.  Ormonde Jayne Bathing Kit

4. Ottomania Jade Earrings

5. La Duree Macaroon

6. A (Rip-Off of the Jamaican Flag) Scarf by Tom Ford

7. Anne Fontaine Cuff Links

What I'm getting me for Christmas. One of the ways of ensuring that I am never disappointed by any gift I get at Christmas is to buy myself exactly what I would want others to buy me. I think am extremely vain and self-indulgent and will be this way to my dying day. I don't fight it anymore. I give in. Especially at Christmas. In the midst of the making merry for the children and family members and friends, women in particular, I feel sure, forget to treat themselves. And if they do, they feel guilty for doing so. Count me out. I am getting me decadence and luxury for Christmas.

Hurrah! December!

 Hazel's first Christmas

Hazel's second Christmas

 

Hazel's third Christmas

I am six kinds of fool and twice as giddy when it is December. I love Christmas, Christmas decor, Christmas food, Christmas parties, Christmas dress-up and Christmas gifts. I always have a Christmas party for friends.Except for last year when we spent Christmas in Miami with my best friend. This year, in our first Lithuanian home, you can bet there will be a party or two or three! And, if you want to know more about what I do around this time of year, check this out.

'Tis The Season: Hostess Gifts

Cressida Bell is a discovery I made about two plus years ago. She is a great designer of pattern, and is versatile with her illustrative paint work. She designs and paints fabrics, cakes, lampshades, throw pillows and laundry bags. You will find great hostess gifts at her online shop. This year I may give phone cases or wrapping paper as hostess gifts.

Merry Christmas

Have a lovely and peaceful Christmas with your friends and family.

One Day To Go

I think the days leading up to Christmas are the best days of the year. Have a safe and lovely Christmas Eve.

Setting the Christmas Dinner Scene

Today, just some inspiration for setting the dinner scene come Friday. I hope you've been inspired.