I've Got A Crush {On Last-Minute Gift Wrap}

If you have yet to wrap your holiday gifts (or like me, even finish selecting them) then you might appreciate some of these lovely and creative gift wrapping options as much as I did. They make a pair of socks, a necktie or a bottle of wine (what else do you get your dad?!) a bit more bedazzled!

How about going for out-of-the-box boxes?



A recipe box painted with chalkboard paint makes a great reusable container for giving baked goodies. A regular cardboard box covered with adhesive cork shelf liner makes the perfect tackable surface for a sticky note gift tag, while lined paper makes great gift wrap and the perfect backdrop for the recipients name spelled out in alphabet stamps!  

Then there's there's my first love, simply elegant customized wrapping paper and gift tags.



Or you can make your own DIY wine cozies.



And any present will be on top of the heap when it's in a pretty package tied up with glittery strings.



Thanks to card maker Lion in the Sun, Mae Mae Paperie and Grey Likes Weddings for the inspiration.

Now go put on your best Christmas mix and enjoy some happy wrapping!

*Mrs. E

Apartment 34 Holiday Gift Guide

While fabulous gift guides abound this time of year, there is just too much goodness out there to not share a few favorite picks of my own, especially since they all come from my beloved Apartment 34 sponsors!

There's nothing that I love more than seeing the eyes of someone near and dear light up with the perfectly picked gift and I know you cannot go wrong with any of these choices.



#1 Wrap your wrists is style with the Gorjana Graham leather wrist wrap. I'm certainly a sucker for lots of wrist adornment

#2 Decorate your favorite seat with a bit of beauty and heart. Comfort & Samuel pillows are sustainably handmade in Africa!

#3 Give a precious friend some semi-precious stones with this stunning Agate bracelet by Wendy Mink. The color palette of grey and warm brown just might be my new favorite.

#4 If you're feeling the need to luxuriate a little bit, well, really a lot, this Hoss Intropia vest featured at my one of my favorite local Seattle-area boutiques, Promesse, is touchable-soft (trust me, I've touched it!) and will make you very popular at your holiday soiree!

#5 A go-to clutch is a must this time of. I love how the Gorjana Hudson Frame clutch is day-appropriate and holiday-fete ready with that pop of gold.

#6 Dressing on the Side tees are the sweetest treat. Because a cheeky tee never goes out of style.

#7 Cocktail rings are the ultimate accessory and a girl can never have too many - especially when they're rose quartz by Wendy Mink. I'd happily take one for each hand!

#8 Every year I find myself totally behind on my holiday card list, but a Happy New Year card solves all my problems - I think you can get away with sending them all the way 'till February at least!

#9 Wouldnt' it be great to mark each major milestone in your life with a signature scent? (I did that with our honeymoon. Now every time I spritz it on I think of Venice!). Misaki perfume from Cameo Nouveau looks just as good on your bathroom counter as it smells on you!

Happy shopping and happy giving!

We are offering a holiday season special for a December/January feature sponsorship of Apartment 34 and it's not too late to take advantage. Email apt34blog(at)gmail(dot)com for more information and current rates!

Pretty Patterns

I spotted this fashion editorial with Dakota Fanning, yes that Dakota Fanning awhile ago and it made my jaw drop.

Not only was I amazed at how grown up she is now, but I was loving the beautiful pattern combinations in her looks. Being a pattern-phobe myself, I doubt I could ever be so brave with my fashion. My housewares, on the other hand, are a completely different story.

update - photos  via teen vogue, pillows by katehenri via Nest

I would happily spice up large pieces with some fabulous patterned pillows. Even better, I can help women in developing countries by buying any of the options above from Nest - the nonprofit empowering female artisans around the world. You can make find out more here.

Remember 20 days till Christmas! Happy shopping.