Making The Season Merry & Bright: Good Gifting

Photo by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

Gift shopping is really one of my favorite things. Granted, if I get my 84 year old Dad's name for Christmas (we trade names on my side of the family for Christmas) it is a bit more challenging than finding something for my friend Kacy. But when it comes to hostess gifts, gift exchanges and thank you gifts it is always fun to do something creative to say "happy holidays". Here are a few of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season and say thank you in a lovely and festive way.

Chez Elle Tray Champagne S'Il Vous Plait . Image courtesy of Rosanna Inc.

Last week I was invited down to Rosanna Inc. and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. I have been buying things from Rosanna since I first moved to Seattle in the late 1980s, and I still have a big beautiful pasta bowl that I cherish and use weekly. It is time for me to gather gifts for a holiday gift exchange, hostess gifts and of course treasures for friends, so I couldn't wait to see the latest at Rosanna. And I didn't leave empty handed. 

Rosanna Bowles, the founder and President of Rosanna Inc, began her company out of her Seattle home in 1982. Bowles' life long passion for beautiful tableware and objects for the home and her hands on approach as art director make her company stand apart. The company flourishes with gorgeous unique pieces that are the perfect combination of form and function. 

Chic Happens Commuter Mug. Image courtesy of Rosanna Inc.

I was so taken with the chic and stylish appeal to everything, even the things that had a playful side, like the "Chic Happens" commuter mug that I am told is one of their most popular and blogged about pieces. If you want to get personal with this cool coffee holder, you can find brightly colored Hanky Panky undies rolled up and tied with a ribbon at Queen Anne Dispatch. Just tuck a pair or two inside the mug for a cheeky little surprise. I also like giving favorite beauty products to play off the word "chic" and usually am gifting these Chanel Glossimers this time of year. So much more fun than tea, but you could do that as well if you know your audience. ;)

Good Cheer Merry Santa Mugs. Photo by Lisa Cole

There is such an array of stunning glassware, beautiful platters, cool bags, and chic home decor that I was in heaven. Rosanna has come a long way since I first bought my cherished pasta bowl. The special occasion pieces for weddings, girlfriends and holidays are fabulous, and all of these lovely things come in equally lovely gift boxes. Even better. The Good Cheer Merry Santa Mugs come individually in their own printed boxes and I plan on filling them with a gift card and of course a handful of sweet chocolate. Give these gifts early so that the receiver can enjoy using the holiday mug all season long.

The Fa La La Dish is equally fun and perfect for a hostess gift, and comes in a beautiful box as well. Instead of fighting the clear cellophane on a roll, head down to Packaging Specialties (a block from Rosanna Inc.'s outlet store by the way) to stock up on all your gifting needs. The place is out of this world packaging heaven. At PS you will find clear cellane bags in all sizes, making it easy to pop your Rosanna gift box inside a clear bag along for extra flair and add a beautiful scented soap or Christmas candies to go with the Fa La La Dish. 

Sole Society Shoulder Duster Earrings. Photo by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

The Chez Elle Tray Champagne S'Il Vous Plait would be a perfect match with Le Reve Bakery macaroons or other French treats your hostess can pop on the tray. Or add a wrapped piece of jewelry to show the receiver of your gift that the tray would be perfect to hold jewels on a dresser or night stand. These Sole Society Shoulder Duster Earrings would be a gorgeous addition to the chic tray, plus you can buy a pair for yourself to wear to the next holiday party since they are now 40% off at Nordstrom!

Fa La La Pieces. Image courtesy of Rosanna Inc.

I loved the Rosanna Fa La La wine bag and put a bottle of my favorite pink bubbly, Antech Emotion Cremant de Limoux Rose to gift, which I always buy from Ken's Market on Queen Anne or from Pete's Market near Eastlake. Champagne is my favorite thing to drink this time of year, and róse champagne is just that much more special. Add a teaspoon of pomegranate seeds to your champange flute and watch the seeds go up and down in the glass with the champagne bubbles. Delicious, fun and good for you too! 

Rosanna Ladies Choice Collection Gusset Tote. Photo by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

What do I love to wear when shopping for gifts? Well, I hate being cold so the warmest coat I own is key. I bought the Trina Turk "Scarlet" mohair coat pictured at the top last year at Nordstrom and it is the coziest and chicest coat I own. It looks good with party clothes and it can fit thick layers inside because it has a generous cut. And speaking of layers, this Endless Rose Exaggerated Sleeve Sweater from Revolve Clothing is the perfect update to my gray sweater collection. It looks and feels way more expensive than it's $83 price tag, plus I don't have any guilt about adding a fresh new style. The cropped body and layered sleeves make it a really beautiful piece.

Topshop Floral Jamie Jeans and Fa La La Wine Bag
Photo by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

I am really a FRAME denim girl and wear a lot of cropped flare jeans. On our recent trip to New York City, however, I was on a mission to find an embroidered pair of denim. While perusing Topshop on 5th Avenue with my daughter I spotted these Floral Jamie Jeans with a high waisted fit, and they have become my new favorites. The fit like a glove and are super comfy and show off my Valentino Rockstuds on warmer days, or fit perfectly into boots. I highly recommend them. May be getting the black pair too...

Rosanna Ladies Choice Collection Gusset Tote. Photo by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

Whether you need hostess gifts for parties or want to say thank you to that awesome delivery person or hairdresser, or perhaps a merry wish for a neighbor, making the effort with a special gesture is always worth it. Have the happiest of holidays this season! 

*This post was not sponsored and all the opinions are my own. Cheers!