CasaSugar

David Tutera's New Year's Eve Entertaining Tips

CasaSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:30:32 -0800

When it comes to advice on throwing your New Year's Eve party this week, look no further than party planner David Tutera, who’s planned star-studded events for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, and Star Jones, to name a few. He's given me a few tips on ringing in the New Year with your cohorts in style.

Create a sexy centerpiece. Tutera recommends using "every glass you own - martini glasses, wine glasses and champagne stems martini glasses, wine glasses and champagne stems - and place them down the center of your table filled with water." Then, he says to "add drops of pink food coloring in varying amounts so that there are different shades in each glass," and float votives in each glass for a colorful, sparkling centerpiece.

To hear a few more of his tips, read more.

Start the year by giving back. Tutera suggests asking guests to "Bring Their Own Donation," such as old blankets for animal shelters and money for saving the rainforest, instead of drinks or dishes.
Ring in the New Year right. Great minds think alike; like Yours Truly, Tutera suggests making your own confetti from scraps of colorful paper around your home. But, in his twist, you should, "add in inexpensive sequins or even small pieces of coordinating fabric and package them in small bags or cones for guests to throw when the ball drops." He also suggests tying "a small bag of hand-made confetti to each champagne glass that you pass out."
A low-cost party game. Tutera suggests creating a resolution board "from a framed mirror to a fabric covered piece of foam core," and placing it at your front door, inviting guests to share their resolutions. I say: save your resolution board and check in with your guests in three months and see how well they've followed through!

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It's HolidaySugar Season!

Molly — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:45:14 -0800

As the weather cools down and the holiday decorations start popping up, we're excited to introduce HolidaySugar, your one-stop shop for the festive season! It is the one place to see our fabulous daily gift guides for everyone from your mom to your BBQ-loving boyfriend to your BFF. Sort the gift guides by gifts for him, for her, or for kids and baby to make all your holiday shopping a breeze.

That's not all, though - HolidaySugar will also have tons of tips on planning, hosting, and entertaining, with recipes to spice up any celebration. We'll also provide you with the necessary holiday tips on how to stay healthy between all the parties, and ways to relax during stressful moments. And of course, we'll provide you with the season's trends in fashion and beauty to be the belle of the ball at all your bashes. HolidaySugar will be updated constantly, so take a look around and get in the holiday spirit with us!

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:00:53 -0800

Whether you're looking for a cute design-worthy toy for a niece or a genuinely useful household tool for your husband or sibling, there are definitely some great, inexpensive options for stocking stuffers related to the home world.

To see my stocking-sized picks, read more.

Scented Notecards - $20.00	Recycle Journal - $14.95
Illume Silhouette Tins - $16.00	Le Dachshund Dog-Shaped Soap by Gianna Rose Atelier - $22.50
Grey/Aqua Floral Turkish Cotton Bath Towels - $8.99	Pure & Green Candle, Winter Forest - $24.50
Jungle Animal Paperweights - $25.00	Vetiver Hanging Bundles - $9.99
Cruiser Magnets - $4.95	Script & Scroll Address Labels - $21.00
18" Aluminum Level by Tomboy Tools - $16.99	Jardin Botanique Perfume Bottle - $48.00
Savon Soap Dish - $14.00	Decorative Candles & Dishes - $1.00
Bone China Bird & Nest - $24.00	Illume Botanical Ceramic Collection Candles - $32.00
Hedgehog Candle - $14.00	Aunt Sadie's Gingerbread Tin - $18.00
Antiqued Mercury Glass Votives - $15.00	Tan Flower Hook - $14.00
Master Grip Overdoor Hook - $7.99	Island Garden Hook, Pink - $18.00
Southern Beech Hook - $20.00	Baccio Hooks - $29.99
Cutwork Hook - $14.00	Sunset Daisy Knob - $12.00
Green Glass Swirl Hardware - $8.50	Rustling Leaves Journal - $16.00
Jadeite Knobs - $4.95	Fish Knobs - $5.95
Budgie Journal - $16.00	Kikkerland - cube wall clocks by constantin boym - $20.00
Kikkerland - lenticular clocks by constantin boym - $12.50	Mercury Glass Acorn - $1.00
Starburst Ornament - $1.95	Mini Beaded Pinecone Ornament - $0.95
Raindrop Ornaments, Set of 24 - $16.00	Faux Manzanita Branch, Silver - $25.00
San Francisco - $20.00	Art Glass Ball Ornament Set - $5.90
Mercury Glass Golden Fruit Ornaments - $22.00	CLOSEOUT! Midwest White Flocked Ball Light String - $6.97
Buri Squirrel Ornament - $6.95

For more ideas, check out my other gift guides, and check out HolidaySugar for all of the holiday-related coverage.

Gift Guide: $5 and Under

CasaSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:15:33 -0800

Whatever the income bracket, we're all on a budget these days. Not simply because of the struggling economy, but due to all of the gifts on our shopping lists. So, why not cut back where we can? If great gifts exist at low prices, why not snatch them up? I've rounded up a handful of fab gifts for the home that'll cost you only five bucks or less. Pick up a few to make a little gift basket, give just one as a Secret Santa gift or a small token for a co-worker, or buy a bundle to use as stocking stuffers. You choose! I just do the work. To see my finds, read more.

If none of these strike your fancy, or if you're looking to spend a little more cash, check back tomorrow for my next gift guide, where I'll feature home items that are all $10 or less!

Resin Hoop Napkin Rings - $3.50	Small Longneck Vase - $3.95
Spelling Bee Fabric Letters - $12.00	Concept Napkins - $3.50
Inline Vases - $4.95	Teardrop Diamond Hanging Vase - $4.95
Jadeite Knobs - $4.95	Teardrop Beaker Hanging Vase - $4.95
Inline Box Vase - $4.95	Tall/Wide Flat Vases - $5.95
Akira Napkins - $12.95	Gaia and Tilden Napkins - $20.00
Spun Metal Napkin Ring - $3.95	Mini Magnetic Frames - $1.95
Stainless Steel Magnetic Frames - $2.95	Foil Frame Ornament - $4.95
Peel & Stick Easels - $1.99	Calabash - $9.95
Aluminum Business Card Case - $2.95	Be Creative Sticky Notes - $2.95
Raddi Notebooks/Note Cube - $2.95	Russell + Hazel KIT Note Pad Binder with Paper - $5.00
Hardwood Pushpins - $2.99	Candle Lantern Cubes - $12.00
Chopra Votive Cups - $4.99	Round Glass Tealight Holders - $0.99
Recycled Wood Alphabet Letters - $16.00	Natural Ethnic Print Seagrass Basket - $4.99

Check out all of our holiday content on HolidaySugar!

Gift Guide: The Party Girl

CasaSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:30:01 -0800

Everyone's got one good friend who simply loves to throw parties. For many of my friends, that person is me! Aside from delicious grub, some upbeat dancin' tunes, and a well-stocked bar, I've found that every party needs festive lighting, linens, coasters, versatile furniture and trays, and an eye-catching invite to reel the crowds in. But you don't need to splurge to throw a good bash; remember college? You don't need a beer bong apparatus either; you can help your partying pals be the best hostesses ever by picking up one or two easy gifts. Lucky you, I've picked a few out at varying prices.
To check out my finds for your party-hosting pals, read more.

Make sure to check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage.

Maru Round White Paper Lantern - $4.99	Votive Porcelain Blossom - $7.50
Clear String Lights - $14.99	Ole Runner - $19.95
Faux Python Skin Trays - $22.00	Small Long Fringe Dot Tray by Fringe - $25.00
Mikasa "Cheers" Ice Bucket - $59.00	notNeutral Set of 2 Hurricanes - $32.00
Zinnia Sketch Placemats - $32.00	Proust Questionnaire - Orange - $34.95
Personalized Coasters & Acrylic Holder - $9.00	Simrin Surya Coasters - $44.00
Simrin Surya Collection - Tablecloth - $48.00	Daisy Hill Passementry Placemat- Turquoise - $58.00
DwellStudio Flora Table Runners - $68.00	CLOSEOUT! Martha Stewart Collection "Hemstitched Damask" Table Linens - $6.99
Vinyl Lace Tablecloth by Lovely Lovely - $71.00	notNeutral Tetra Accessories Trays and Mirror Top - $75.00
kate spade "Bonita Street" Vase Collection - $75.00	Party Girl Folded Notes & Envelopes - $85.00
Set of 4 Placemats - Hedgerow Pewter - $88.00	Newsbury Folding Dining Chair - $99.00
Montgomery Folding Chairs - $139.00	Espresso Butler Tray + Teak Stand - $59.00
Terai Folding Chair, Asian - $198.00

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Gift Guide: Telecommuting Friends

CasaSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:45:28 -0800

More and more these days, people are being given the option to work, at least part-time, at home. Whether you're a fan of this practice or not, there's no denying that telecommuting pals need some help in keeping their home work space cozy and organized.

To check out my finds for your telecommuting friends, read more.

Make sure to check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage.

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Gift Guide: The Feminine Modernist

CasaSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:15:44 -0800

While I love the simplicity of modern, minimalist design, it often seems a little chilly. That's why I love it when my design-savvy friends warm up their sleek homes with touches of girly wonder. From pink throw pillows to simple, curvaceous vases, these ladies know how to make a design statement that's both modern and wonderfully feminine.
If you have a friend or family member who appreciates modern design that's a little bit on the pink side, then read more.

I've rounded up some great gift ideas for your feminine, modernist loved ones. See if any of my finds fit her style! Make sure to check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage.

Mikasa® Studio Nova Floradora Blue Vase - $24.99	Silver Metalla Can by Umbra - $12.99
"Americana" Ticking Stripe Quilted Bed Linens - $85.00	notNeutral - Apples Pillow - $45.00
Poppies Mini Comforter Set by Jonathan Adler, 100% Cotton - $24.99	Annalise Note Cards - $15.00
Proust Questionnaire - Pink - $34.95	Areaware Pico Bunny Pillow - $24.00
Sweets Bowls - $8.95	Bronze Metalla Can by Umbra - $14.99
Chainlink Vinyl Shower Curtain - $19.00	Horizontal Stripe Towel - $8.00
Striped Notes - $55.00	Kartell lou lou ghost - child's chair - $133.00
Chair 303 - Pink - $746.50	Plush Living - Nook Intersect Silk Pillow - $64.00
Campy Planters by Perch! - $72.00	Unison - Wideband Sheet Set - $68.00
Uli - pillows by uli - $107.00	Plush Living - Nook Crest Silk Pillow - $64.00
Vitra kast low storage - $4,650.00	Vitra slow chair - $3,155.00

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Gift Guide: Handmade Gifts For Indie Girls

CasaSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:30:19 -0800

Last year, many of you told me that you were making or buying handmade gifts. Many of you also took the handmade pledge. So, if you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind gift for a special someone in your circle of friends, I thought I'd round up some of the best handmade gifts I've come across, using, of course, my favorite purveyor of everything DIY and handmade, Etsy.
These gifts are great choices for all of your independent-minded, design-savvy friends and family members who are looking for something as unique as they are this holiday season.

To see my handmade finds, read more.

There are a lot more where these came from, so visit Etsy or your local arts and craft fair for more great holiday gift ideas. And make sure to check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage.

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Gift Guide: The Arrested Adolescent

CasaSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:15:59 -0800

If you have some friends who can't get enough of Hello Kitty lamps or tongue-in-cheek embroidered throw pillows when it comes to decorating their homes, don't despair, embrace it! Some of my favorite friends' abodes are peppered with fun accessories from Kid Robot, Upper Playground, Sanrio, and other hip and youthful stores. Maybe you don't want your pals to take the theme as far as they did at the Hello Kitty gate lounge in Terminal 2 of the Taipei International Airport, but I think some fun, arrested adolescent accents in a home can provide a lovely youthful spirit.

To indulge their obsession, check out my gift guide when you read more.

Check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage.

upper playground Lightbulb Pillow - $40.00	The Fatboy - $299.00
upper playground Morning Breath Poster - $40.00	Armand Diradourian Smiley Face Pillow- Pink - $250.00
My Pet Lamp - Siamese - $60.00	Mega Furlicious Beanbag - $499.00
Armand Diradourian Love Pillow- Blue - $265.00	Areaware Skullrilla Ashtray - $25.00
Petit Collage Blue Robot #4 - $140.00	upper playground Sam Flores Record Player Poster - $40.00
upper playground SuperFishal Wings Pillow - $40.00	Numbers Beanbag - $50.00
Fatboy Point by Dwell - Fuchsia Dots - $129.00	Pkolino Silly Soft Seating - $40.00
OFFI - MyPetLamp - Dachshund - $59.00	Matte Stephens Krasner Kitty - Print - $35.00
Hybrid-Home Limited Edition Print Visible Robot - Orange - $40.00	Armand Diradourian Peace Sign Pillow- Red - $250.00
Koko - Match Co Lion Pillow - $92.00	Clocky Mobile Alarm Clock - Almond - $49.99

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Gift Guide: Design Fiend-Approved Toys

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:30:35 -0800

Anyone who has ever heard of a gift registry knows that people get picky when it comes to which gifts they'll accept into their homes. This is particularly true with bride-zillas, first-time pregnant ladies, and design fiends. So, if you're planning to pick up a gift for the son or daughter of a design fiend friend or family member, you better restrain yourself before you head to Toys 'R Us. Toys and games are not simply for the enjoyment of children . . . they have an aesthetic purpose in the homes of design lovers.Take for example this MUJI New York City in a Bag ($15). God forbid you let your kids play with plain blocks: they must be hip and metropolitan! This set comes with eight wooden structures representing New York City's iconic buildings. Although your friend may have moved to Connecticut and quit her graphic design job to be a full-time, stay-at-home mom, her children will be able to say they grew up in The City . . . or at least with it. To see other children's gifts that will surely be approved by your design-fiend friends, read more.

Check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage.

Trumpo Top Small - $25.00	The Fable Game - $32.00
DwellStudio Finger Puppets - Set of 5 - $30.00	Wooden Pull Toy - Elephant - $70.00
HBC Single Sphere Rattle with Elongated Handle Silver - $70.00	Blank Matryoshka Doll Set - $125.00
Bowl with Dominos - $149.00	Vitra Girard Wooden Doll #8 - $160.00

Acrylic Storage Boxes - $9.99	XO - 'box office' accessories set with gift box by christian ghion for xo - $29.00
EVA Tread Bins - $9.99	X-Acto Vacuum-Mount Pencil Sharpener - $39.99
Linen Bulletin Boards - $29.99	Thork Thick Cork Boards by Umbra - $19.99
Paperweight Clock - $29.00	Desk Charging Station - $29.00
Billet Travel Folder - $10.00	Holmegaard - 'glow' glass table lamps by holmegaard - $504.00
Nelson Bubble Lamps Bubble Pear Wall Sconce - $325.00	Blu Dot 2D3D Letter Holder - $25.00
Library Office Storage Boxes - $11.99	Reform Bedworks Laptop Platform - $250.00
Shesham Grid Magazine Rack - $59.95	XL Magazine File - $19.99
File Organizer - $12.95	Magazine Rack - $21.95
Boom - Hive Cube - $125.00