The Grammys air on CBS, so I’ll be working the red carpet like nobody’s business.  I just can’t stop looking at sequins. Gold and bronze look great with an olive complexion and shiny pretty things always make me feel festive. Do you like? Is it too disco ball?

I saved a bunch of styles on Rent the Runway. CLICK HERE to see the looks I love and leave your comments.

I am always inspired by the upcoming fashion trends for my interior design projects.  Spring 2012 brings a ton of memorable diversity layered with gentle restraint.  How fitting!  Here are my takes on this season’s fashion and make-up trends translated into bold and beautiful interiors.

I think we have all been hypnotized by the enchanting Lana Del Rey.  Part pin-up girl, part nostalgic crooner, I’m loving her album BORN TO DIE.    She is a perfect combination of classic beauty and bad girl swagger….the quintessential  LA woman.

Oh the name sure can be dangerous to say. Foo-koo-burger. Think Koo Koo Roo style. This is from the same people who brought us Pink Taco so you get the drift. And they make a darn good burger.

Fukuburger LA
1634 Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-464-3858

Tiffany and Co. started a new feature that allows you to drop a hint to your true love. Do you think this is a great idea or a bit too pushy? I’ve never been one to make lists of gifts I’d love to receive, but is it just more practical to email the info about what we want in this day and age?

I guess it’s the little blue card that comes attached with the email. It creates such expectation!

What do you think?

People are going wild for Jason Wu for Target. The styles are classic and chic.

His muse is Milu the black cat, making cat fanatics like me purr with delight, plus I did just adopt a sweet little black and white tuxedo cat and already did a shameful thing. Click here.

Watch Milu’s mischievous commercial below.

Pan seared chicken is the best way to cook chicken with the skin on, because it browns beautifully in the pan and then bakes to keep the chicken extra juicy. The final step is most important. Broiling the skin to make it nice and crispy!

Our answers are below…

Dear Valerie,

As a frequent hostess, I will say, a gracious host never expects a gift, but when they come, they are welcome!

One of my favorite hostess gifts was a bottle of St. Germain several years ago. It was presented to me by @zkgraff and ended up being the hit of the party! Paired with champagne, it’s a wonderfully fizzy and festive cocktail. Back then, it was just gaining popularity.

A bottle of wine is always nice because most guests bring a bottle they love personally and I like letting them serve it. It helps relieve my hosting duties and is a great icebreaker too.

You mentioned something more special. Gifts that are only for the hostess are not to be shared, so they feel very decadent. I love when the gift is related to one of my interests, like a cooking utensil or gadget.

I must say, any  gift that contributes to the party tells me my guest came to have a great time and wants to help me out.

Any gift is a great gift!
Suz

…

Dear Valerie,

It is proper etiquette to always bring a hostess gift to party or get together, never come empty handed.

Being a gracious guest is important, especially on big celebrations dates like Christmas or NYE.

Although wine and champagne is a perfectly acceptable hostess gift, it’s great that you want to bring something more thoughtful & special.

If you really want to win the hostess over send or bring a wonderful seasonal floral centerpiece.

For a splurge, a cashmere throw is incredibly chic and irresistible in the winter.

On top of that, always offer to help. Not just a “Can I help?” Offer something specific like, “Can I help you make the gravy?”

You will make her/his day very bright.

Happy Holidays!
Jaime

…

Hi Valerie-

I agree. I do think the hostess deserves a special thank you for throwing the soiree. Try finding out what she enjoys. If it’s cooking, buy a fun cooking class session for her. If she’s an animal lover, then maybe make a small donation to her favorite animal charity in her name. The most personal gifts are the most thoughtful.

Happy holidays

xoxo
Nancy

…

Hi Valerie:

When I’m on hostess duties, I ALWAYS appreciate guests who BYOB. However, I understand it’s the holidays and you want to do something a little extra special for a hostess with the mostest. While I appreciate homemade gifts, I would skip anything that is food related. There’s more than enough food during the holidays, and I find that most food gifts go uneaten. If you’re creative and crafty, feel free to make a special homemade gift.

Otherwise, Williams-Sonoma or Sur La Table are the perfect places for hostess gifts – you can find a beautiful and festive set of holiday-themed dish towels, a mulling spice kit for making mulled cider or mulled wine, or sweet wooden boxes filled with even sweeter seasonal preserves and jams. Or, depending on your budget, and to be practical, you could just get the hostess her own gift card to either store and let her do the shopping herself.

She knows best what’s missing in her kitchen.

Truly, whatever you do, with a hostess gift it’s the thought that counts – so any small gesture you make showing your appreciation for her efforts, will surely go a long way.

Happy Holidays!
Christine

Holiday decor doesn’t have to be over the top. Simple can be so chic!

Why not string of lights in the shape of a tree and splurge on your party dress?

Isn’t that a darling idea? Saving bags now.

Have an empty wall instead of a mantle? Hang cards with double-sided tape.

Mantles need big accessories, like a pair of potted Christmas trees. Sweet on the table too.

I love a cooking-inspired tree. Sur La Table sells a wide variety of cookie cutters for $1 each, cheaper than most ornaments!

A string of lights can make anything elegant. Who needs a tree when you have a tripod?

I was invited to experience one of Exclusive Resorts’ most popular homes in Arizona – with a stay in my own private, 3-bedroom desert villa at The Rocks in Scottsdale, and then a contemporary and flawlessly designed home at Miraval in Tucson. Between the breathtaking desert landscape, and the interior design of both homes, I didn’t know where to look first!

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