EVENTS - Gifts for the Entertainers!

Growing up in a close-knit, Texas community, I learned a lot about how to be a woman by watching my mother and her lovely group of friends. First and foremost, these women understand the underestimated practice of showing up.

New baby, wedding engagement, ill family member, feeding the homeless; you name it, and these women arrive bearing delicious food, impeccable style, and most importantly, a genuine warmth for whomever they are serving. They taught me that true entertaining is about gracing your guests with whatever makes them feel the most appreciated. Honor all of the true entertainers on your list with these pretty yet practical gifts!

Row 1: Cocktail napkins with embroidered monogram (Leontine Linens), Luigi Bormioli 4 in 1 Cake Plate (Bloomingdale's), & Rechargable Stainless Steel Warming Tray (Frontgate)
Row 2: Cuisinart Flavored Popcorn Maker (Frontgate), Beaded-Edge Buffet Service (Horchow), & Kate Spade Serveware (Bloomingdale's)
Row 3: Glass Drink Dispenser (Pottery Barn), MacKenzie-Childs Tea Set (Neiman Marcus), & Vento Punch Bowl & Ladle (Beatriz Ball)
Row 4: Scoop Server (Nambe), Dylan's Candy Bar Briefcase (Neiman Marcus), & Soiree Appetizer Set (Z Gallerie)
Row 5: Personalized Cups (Neiman Marcus), Silver-Plated Bottle Stopper (Pottery Barn), & Bird Dessert Stands (West Elm)

INTERIOR DECORATING - 'Home for the Holidays' Gifts

Last night, my husband and I chatted about all of the simple pleasures of being home for the holidays. Home-cooked meals, family pets, cozy cuddling by the fireplace, entertaining old friends, and memories of the years past displayed in every frame. For me, spending time with loved ones at home is the ultimate gift. Express this sentiment to the home-lovers on your list with one of these stylish ‘Home for the Holidays’ gifts!

Row 1: Beverage Tub (Frontgate), KitchenAid Mixer in Candy Apple (Bloomingdale's), Votive Holders (West Elm)
Row 2: Salad Bowl with Servers (Nambe), Twig Photo Frame (Michael Aram), Green Leaf Border Cachepot (Vietri)
Row 3: Porcelain Frames (West Elm), Fringe Studio Tray (Bloomingdale's), Holiday Dessert Plate Set (West Elm)
Row 4: Helix Frost Pillow (Room & Board), Stoneware Bread Basket (Williams-Sonoma), Galaxy Vase (Z Gallerie)
Row 5: Dog Bowl Mat (Ballard Designs), Herringbone Throw (Serena & Lily), & Personalized Cutting Board (Gump's)

FASHION - Gifts that Sparkle & Shine!

Sparkly ornaments, shimmering snow, the magi’s shining star, Christmas celebrates the light of the world. For all of the fashion-lovers on your list, stick with gifts that sparkle and shine with the merriment of the season! 

From Left to Right: Rachel Zoe, Anthropologie, Glint, AG, Seasonal Whispers, Kate Spade, Kate Spade, Anthropologie, Sephora by OPI, Juicy Couture, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Modcloth, & JCREW

FASHION - Closet Swaps for the Holidays!

On my recent trip home, I was once again fortunate to benefit from my mother’s routine closet cleaning! I found cute, well kept items from my favorite stores and designers. If you still haven't thrown a closet swap or shopped your own closet, the holiday season is the perfect time to do so. With budgets spread thin for presents, decorations, and giving, why splurge on a new party dress when you can swap with a fashionable friend? Cleaning out your closet will also allow you to donate excess clothing to charities such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army, local women's shelters, churches, and other worthy causes in time for Christmas. Clean out your closet, hold a swap, and spread some Merriment!   

From Left to Right: JCREW polka dot jacket, Lu Lu Lame black blouse, Liquid blouse, 7 For All Mankind houndstooth pants, Citizens of Humanity Jeans, Citizens of Humanity dress pants, Michael Stars metallic top, Etcetera yellow blouse, & Joie blouse

INTERIOR DECORATING - Office Cubicle Makeover

During my trip to Austin, the conversation turned heated when my friends started venting about the excruciating dullness of office cubicles. Dreary, blah, and just plain unattractive, the cubicle is productivity’s worst nightmare. How is anyone expected to find inspiration in a monotonous, grey box?

Makeover your cubicle with these bright ideas from Merriment and watch your workspace transform into a celebration of style and substance! For more office decorating tips, take a look at Merriment’s previous Home Office post.  

From Left to Right: bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com, Anthropologie, BHG.com, Anthropologie, Michellearmas.bigcartel.com, Caitlin Wilson Textiles, Paper Source (all 4), Z Gallerie, Anthropologie, Anthropologie, Matchbook Magazine, Hay Market Designs.com, Z Gallerie, Hay Market Designs.com, Paper Source, Serena & Lily, Kate Spade, & Z Gallerie

 Ideas to Makeover Your Cubicle:

• Spruce up your desk with fresh flowers

• Brighten your bulletin board with colorful pinwheel push pins (Anthropologie)

• Use charming egg cups to organize office supplies

• Embrace your family and friends through stylishly framed photos (Anthropologie)

• Incorporate artwork with a vibrant desk calendar (Michelle Armas, 2012 Trellus Calendar)

• Ease back pain with a cute pillow for your office chair (Caitlin Wilson Textiles)

• “Wallpaper” or line your cubicle walls with beautifully-crafted wrapping papers (Paper Source)

• Lighten up with a pretty table lamp in lieu of the conventional desk lamp (Z Gallerie)

• Cheer up the drab carpet with a colorful rug (Anthropologie)

• Savor your coffee break with a charming mug (Anthropologie)

• Surround yourself with positive reminders like this ‘Work Hard and Be Nice’ print (Matchbook Magazine)

• Convert a chic tray into your To-Do/In-Out box or a desk storage compartment (Hay Market Designs)

• Perk up the dull walls or desk with a “refreshingly clean” Lotus Flower plaque (Z Gallerie)
  My sister has two varieties hanging in her bathroom, and I absolutely love how they pop off of the wall. 

• Turn up the fun on your wastebasket basketball games with a trendy trashcan (Hay Market Designs)

• Cover your thumbtacks with bold, patterned fabric or purchase them pre-covered (Paper Source)

• Rest your feet, books, or laptop on a cushy, design-savvy pouf (Serena & Lily)

• 'Lunch colorfully' with a multi-colored thermos (Kate Spade)

• Organize papers, periodicals, and more in a delightful tote, bin, or basket (Z Gallerie) 

Merriment Moment of the Week - We're Back!

Forgive my lengthy absence. I have been savoring every sliver of the Thanksgiving holiday and indulging in the restorative wonders of home. I hope you were able to do the same over your break!

Time with family and friends always reminds me that merriment is about seeking simplicity, connecting with others, and retaining gratitude in all circumstances. Refreshed by all of my quirky and beautiful Texas adventures, I promise to make up for playing hooky by sharing these inspirations with you. 

In short, I kept Austin weird, survived a deer-car crash, celebrated a Bachelorette weekend stranded at a country Wal-Mart, embarked on my first-ever photo and interview sessions to cover gorgeous Design in Real Homes (coming soon!), gobbled down a feast, and hit the year mark in Los Angeles. Life's unpredictable; brace yourself and celebrate at Merriment!

Playing Football with my sister, Natalie, while stranded at the Wal-mart in Brady, TX
(After surviving the deer-car collision)

Playing Wedding in Wal-mart with Elizabeth (the bride-to-be) and Natalie
(Elizabeth was our hero driver! She didn't even swerve a bit after the massive deer literally leapt into our moving car. Thankfully, she had already celebrated her actual Bachelorette Weekend in Austin. Our misadventure was on the drive back home.)