Hostess with the Mostess™

I saw these tropical ice-cube trays on Houses, Couches, and Babies recently and thought they were so cute! Absolutely perfect for your Malibu and 7Up or the Hawaiian Punch bowl at your Luau…summer is calling already! $10.95/set of 2 at Amazon

I was so excited to see kiwi studios featured on Daily Candy Deals this week! Not only because they’re a fellow San Diego company, but even more so because I’ve been addicted to their hip, vibrantly-colored jewelry and home accessories ever since I first laid eyes on them a year ago Click here to check their entire line of fantastic fused glass platters, trays and candle holders for yourself…and don’t forget to get your 25% off coupon code from Daily Candy Deals! (*discount applies to home accessories only)

Give your java a playful boost with this oh-so-modern Give your java a playful boost with this oh-so-modern espresso set from French Bull! Comes with 4 vibrantly-colored cups and saucers in 4 different designs. Simply answer the question below for your chance to win! (giveaway ends midnight EST on Wednesday, Feb 28th)

What are the biggest frustrations you’ve run into when planning a baby shower, bridal shower, or holiday party? Please pick one or more from below… You can simply answer “A, B, C,” etc - or feel free to write your own or elaborate if you’ve really got something to vent about!

I get frustrated with:
A. Finding/thinking of interesting themes. I’m tired of the typical wedding bells and pastel baby rattles, etc…
B. Finding cool themed partyware (i.e. paper plates, napkins, etc) that I really love
C. Figuring out what to do for the party favors
D. Trying to find party decorations that aren’t super cheezy
E. Spending WAY too much time planning & prepping for the party
F. Figuring out what to do for games or activities
G. Wasting time looking for ideas on the internet and not being able to find what I’m looking for.

Remember!
• You have until Midnight (EST) Wednesday, February 28th to enter.
• Anonymous comments cannot be counted - please use either your blogger account login, website URL, or first name and last name initial with your comment so we can identify you if you win. Thanks!

P.S. Nicole Davis - where are you?! Please email me with your address by midnight tonight (tues, Feb 27th) so I don’t have to give your Darlybird giveaway winnings away to someone else!

I recently discovered a gorgeous blog that I thought you might like. Style Me Pretty is a self-proclaimed “blog for the style obsessed bride” - but I think that anyone that loves design, entertaining, and beautiful eye-candy in general will love this blog just as much as the fashionable bride-to-be! Weddings are fantastic for getting great ideas for your everyday celebrations as well. You’ll find creative place cards, invitations, place settings, and food & drink presentations that can be recreated for your own dinner parties, bridal showers, and holiday parties. So whenever you have a moment, be sure to check out Style Me Pretty and start getting inspired!

{images by {images by Brides and Peggy Porschen via Style Me Pretty}

Abby Jean
Style Me Pretty is authored by Abby Larson, founder and designer of Abby Jean - a beautiful invitations and social stationery line, which can be found at http://www.abbyjeanpress.com/

How beautiful is this floral mod “How beautiful is this floral mod “margherita” tableware by Missoni?! You’ll find everything you could dream of for a gorgeous tabletop in this collection…from dinner & dessert plates to tea cups, sugar bowls, pitchers, serving trays, and more. Click here to view the entire collection. It’s definitely not cheap…but a little window shopping never hurt anyone, right?

If you’re into cocktails and unique barware, then you should definitely check out If you’re into cocktails and unique barware, then you should definitely check out cocktailvibe.com. You’ll find tons of hip, modern cocktail glasses and bar accessories like the ones pictured here…I’m especially loving the retro-mod cocktail cubes (2nd pic from the bottom). cocktailvibe.com also has tons of yummy drink recipes and info on some ultra-cool bar hotspots around the country. {Thanks, Rebekah, for the tip!}

Quick Tip! If you’re at work and blog-reading on the sly - might want to turn your sound down before visiting cocktailvibe.com - the music autoplays when you get there

The winner of the Darlybird giveaway is… Nicole Davis, who said: “Absoultely DARLING stuff!! Could it be my lucky day?? When does the site launch? Thanks!!”.

Looks like it is your lucky day, Nicole! Please send your mailing address to jennifer@hwtm.com so we can get you your goods! Also - the site will be launching in March. No specific date set yet…will be announced the day before

For everyone else - not to worry…more giveaways coming up very very soon! Thanks so much for playing!

I’m loving the funky graphic mesh pattern printed on these birch ply placemats, coasters, and trivets from Working Class Studio’s “In the Round” series. These and more great WCS goods are available at shopSCAD, a unique gallery store that exclusively features the artwork and designs of students, faculty, staff and alumni of the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Fashion-forward aprons with seriously modern style! wild orchid, baby blue mocha, and pink funky dots aprons from Domistyle. ($39.95/ea at wishingfish.com)

I’m so excited to announce the start of HWTM Surprise Giveaways! Starting today, chances to win fun gift and entertaining-related products will be popping up at surprise times…so be sure to visit the blog often so you don’t miss out on your chance! Ways to enter will vary between giveaways - simple things like posting a comment, giving suggestions, or participating in mini-polls. (Most prizes will be shipped directly from the vendors.)

Scroll down to enter our very first giveaway {shown below} - a fantastic hostess package from Darlybird!