Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Fabulous Lamps....For Less!


 Guys, Lamps are expensive. I'm sure you already know that,
but if not, you heard it here first.

Lamps that are actually attractive are even more expensive.
It's like retailers have caught on to the fact that you need more of this item than anything else in
your home.

With that in mind, I put together a list of pretty lamps under $250.

Take a gander.


 
 Regina Andrew "White Glass Ripple" table lamp, Macy's
Original Price: $300 Sale Price: $209.99

I love this white one, the shape is gorgeous and it's pretty, simple and glam.


Crestview "Starlight" Table Lamp, Macy's
Original Price: $160 Sale Price: $109.99

 19th Century Vintage Mercury Glass tall table lamp,
$175

Mercury glass lamps add an extra something special to your rooms.
I love their antique look and soft lamp light makes them look wonderful.

 Bronze Pharmacy Lamp, Furbish Studio
$175

This lamp, from one of my faves, Furbish Studio 
is so industrial and masculine. I love the bronze finish,
It would be perfect to add warmth to a room.

 Gold Gothic Revival Table Lamp, Shades of Light
$249

This gold leaf quatrefoil lamp is so fun and modern, however
I think it would mix with antiques really nicely.

Peacock Aqua Glass Ball table lamp, Shades of Light
$247

Turquoise is a universally flattering color.
This lamp would look fabulous no matter where you put it.

Ok, so now the frugalistas are rolling their eyes at me.
And they're all, "Lamps on a budget are well under $100!"

So here are a couple tips for lamp shopping under $100,
even under $50.


1. Scour your local TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Marshall's. They have great surplus stock of lamps that don't
sell in the department stores. I've found lamps for as little as $29.99. Sometimes they come with good shades, but if not, head over to Target and grab a simple white version for $15.

2. Look at antique malls, flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, etc for pretty vintage versions. If need be,
you can have them rewired, or find someone handy and have him grab a re-wiring kit a Home Depot.
Again, Simple White, Black or Flax Linen shades at Target work wonders.
Sometimes vintage shades are really cool, but more often than not they're stained and smelly.

 Happy Lamp Shopping!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Holiday Entertaining Extras


 Since every blogger and her mama is talking about Holiday Gift Guides right now,
I thought I'd do something a little different.

For a lot of people, the holidays aren't just about gift giving.
They're also about entertaining guests.

Anyone from your in-laws to your friends.
So I thought I would put together a list of five things to have on hand for guests.

The first is yummy smelling hand soap in a pretty container.
This seems obvious, but you go to so many people's homes where they barely 
bother to put a fresh bar of the 50 cent Dove out.

I love the cute packaging that Savon de Marseille comes in.
I think the lavender scent is extra yummy smelling.


If you buy ONE item for yourself this holiday season,
GET A WINE AERATOR.

I swear they work.
Even on the cheapo $5 crap your stingy Aunt will bring over.


 Plus, they make a fun little sound with each glass you pour.


Pretty hand towels for the bathroom.
I love these two options from Leontine Linens.
 


 If you're not set to break the bank with Leontine,
try buying plain towels at your resident TJ Maxx/Marshalls
and having them monogrammed in a contrasting color for next to nothing
at a local monogram shop.
It's a cheap little upgrade and they make the towels just a bit more special.

 Pretty cheese knives.
I love this antiqued silver set from Pottery Barn.
They add a little glamour to your appetizer display.


I cannot stress this last suggestion enough.
Wonderful sheets for your guest bed.

You would not believe how many uncomfortable/scratchy sheet sets I've encountered at 
people's homes. It's the nicest surprise when you un-make the guest bed and the sheets are soft 
and lovely. It makes your whole experience better.
I love love love Serena & Lily sheets. They are so pretty and soft.
This new Carrot Diamondback pattern is darling,
and I'm a big fan of the Gobi embroidered sheets. I love the new coral colorway they come in.


If you're looking for a budget route, hop on over to the bedding section while you're picking up towels at TJ Maxx. They sell great inexpensive sheet sets.
The trick is to unzip the little plastic package they come in,
and stick your hand in to make sure they're extra soft.

Yes, I am the overzealous TJ Maxx customer that you've seen doing that.
Get over it, at least my guests are slumbering comfortably.

Happy Entertaining!