Holiday Survival Guide
Hello stuffed belly. Hello cyber Monday. Hello holiday craze. While this time of year adds plenty of pep {and jingle} to our step, we know that the excitement comes with a healthy dose of stress, so we have narrowed down our top 15 must-haves to help you stay merry this holiday season - We call it the Style-Architects Holiday Survival Guide! Gifting
1. Download the new Redstamp app! It is a quick {and super chic} way to send out thank you notes to gracious hosts or holiday wishes to friends!
2. Hate gift-wrapping? Save yourself time and purchase gifts from stores that do it for you! Some of our favs that provide gift-wrapping: Patina, Oh Baby, Bibelot, Neiman Marcus, Creative Kidstuff {colorful wrapping for the kids} and Sur La Table.
3. Find some stylish stocking stuffers at stores like Anthropologie, Live Laugh Love, and Paperista.
4. Always have extra gifts on hand {wrapped with blank tags} under the tree for that last minute hostess or teacher gift, or for that friend who unexpectedly pops in. A good bottle of wine, a lovely ornament, or gift cards to Starbucks and/or favorite restaurants are always appreciated.
Décor and Event Planning
5. Make sure to keep your bar stocked. Champagne for the fancy ladies, scotch for proper men, red wine for the risk-adverse as well as a selection of gin, rum and vodka for the complicated types.
6. To accent {and add a yummy aroma} to the table, fireplace mantle or banister, look to Spruce Floral for a swag or garland.
7. Tired of holiday cookies? Try gourmet s'mores.
8. Smells like Christmas Spirit! Add mulling spices simmering on the stove, Alora Ambiance's Festa and Thymes' Frasier Fir to any room for instant cheer.
Stay Fashionable
9. Red lipstick! This is the best way to look fancy with minimal effort. We love NARS Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil {the same color that make the JCrew models look so fabulous}.
10. Sequins.
11. Heading to a holiday party and want to look smashing? Make an appointment at Jett Makeup - a luxurious airbrush makeup and eyelash bar!
12. A NELLE clutch is a perfect edition to any holiday ensemble {and/or makes for a lovely holiday gift}.
Stress-Minimizing Tips
13. Need to burn off a few calories between holiday parties? Check out the new Ryder Spin classes at Corepower yoga. Prepare to spin off your second helping of Pecan pie for 45 minutes in an 85-degree room. Cozy AND productive!
14. Don't forget to prepare for the celebration of a new year! Make your New Year's Eve reservations NOW, and avoid having to eat dinner at 4pm or 10:30pm by getting a jump on it.
Spread the Christmas Cheer
15. Holidays can be stressful. To keep your head and heart in the right place, volunteer this season! Non-profits like Salvation Army are always looking for volunteers, especially during these busy holiday months.
Always remember what the holidays are all about: spending time with those that you love! Happy holidays everyone!