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Part 2 of our $50 gift giving guide is for that ever-loving friend or family member who lives for entertaining, always making sure your glass is full, your plates are overflowing and that everyone is having a great time.  Here are my picks for the best hostess gifts:

1.  Monogrammed melamine serving tray $45.  I’ve lusted after these trays from Fontaine Maury and when I saw them in the December issue of InStyle, I had to post them.  In a variety of colors and monogramming options, these trays are a perfect gift for that special someone who loves to entertain!

2.  Silver-plated wine stoppers $29.99 for two.  These monogrammable beauties from Red Envelope are sure to add a touch of elegance to any party!

 

Wine

3.  Scene It!  $23.99.  A party isn’t a party at our house until someone brings one of the many versions of this game.  The Deluxe Movie edition is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

SceneIt

 

4.  Coasters $25 for 25.  You can never have too many, especially when throwing a party and this set from Iomoi are not only beautiful, but come in a gorgeous lucite box for display even when you’re not using them.

Coasters

5.  Monogrammed soaps $3 each.  These shea butter soaps are handmade, all natural and a perfect way to personalize a gift for the hostess.

Soap 

6.  and 7.  Vintage wine pull ($15) and bottle opener ($12).   You can never have enough of these on hand at a party!
Winepull
Bottle
 
8.  Popcorn tin $20.  The Hampton Popcorn company serves up gourmet popcorn flavors in beautiful vintage tins that can be re-used once the goodies are gone!
Popcorn

 

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With the holidays (and the recession) in full swing, everyone is in search of bargain gift ideas this year.  Part one of our gift giving guide is for the Bobby Flay or Paula Dean of the family.  The best part?  Everything is less than $50!

1.  Cutting board $46.99.  A chef’s kitchen is not complete without a professional butcher block cutting board.  This one from Overstock is made from thick maple.

2.  Set of mixing bowls $38.  This set of four melamine mixing bowls is perfect for the little ones in your household.  Lightweight and extremely durable, they also boast rubber bottoms that grip the countertop to prevent spills. 

 

3.  Mortar and pestle $29.99.  Perfect for crushing herbs, spices and garlic, this marble mortar and pestle from Crate and Barrel is not only eye-catching, but it comes with free shipping!

 

 

4.  Pepper grinder $39.  Williams Sonoma does it again!  This battery-operated grinder shuts off automatically when you flip it back over.  Great for entertaining.

 

 

5.  Cookbook $25.  The latest from the Barefoot Contessa is on my wishlist, as well.  I have yet to make anything of Ina’s that hasn’t turned out fabulous.  For an extra special giftwrap idea, tie some grosgrain ribbon to cookie cutters, set on the front of the book and secure with tape to the inside of the cover. 

 

6.  Hot chocolate $19.95.  When it comes to sweet treats, it doesn’t get any richer than this.  Whether you choose chocolate or peppermint, your friends and family will enjoy it best with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

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Recipe Wednesday: Angel hair pasta with broccoli, walnuts and ricotta

by KellyDecember 2, 2009

I‘ve been in a bit of a cooking slump lately, so I thought I’d try something new.  My best friend, Holly, cut this recipe out of the Washington Post about a year ago and sent it to me.  The hubby and I are huge fans of broccoli, and the walnuts are a nice compliment.  Serve [...]

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Finance Friday: Taking it easy this Christmas

by KellyNovember 27, 2009
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If there’s anything good to come of this recession, it’s the opportunity to give my wallet (and sanity) a break this Christmas and get back in touch with the true meaning of the holiday. 
For years I’ve fretted over what to get my family members and, of course, my husband (the guy who already has everything), [...]

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Recipe Wednesday: Delectable desserts for your Thanksgiving feast!

by KellyNovember 25, 2009
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You can’t say “pumpkin pie” without immediately thinking of Thanksgiving.  This Turkey Day, I got to thinking of all its delicious alternatives and wanted to post their recipes, in case you were looking for a different dessert to serve this year, too.  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Pumpkin bread
1 3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp [...]

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5 things to be happy about right now! Thanksgiving edition.

by KellyNovember 24, 2009
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I‘ve been in a bit of a funk lately…I’m sure you’ve all been here at one point or another.  Adapting to a new environment, getting ready for another deployment.  You know the deal.  So to boost myself out of this ongoing pity party, and in light of Thanksgiving, I thought I would post a few [...]

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How a layoff changed my life…for the better.

by KellyNovember 23, 2009
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Flashback to April.  My husband was away, my dad was having a stent replaced, and worst of all, I was working in a stressful and unorganized work environment.  Every morning I dreaded the ring of my alarm clock and some days it took all I had just to get out of bed to go to work.
Despite [...]

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Recipe Wednesday: Chicken noodle soup for the soul!

by KellyNovember 18, 2009
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In an attempt to make it up to all of you for my recent lack of posts, I’m excited to share the very best (and easiest) chicken soup recipe!  There’s nothing better than a hot, steaming bowl of chicken soup for those cold winter nights that are rapidly approaching.  And even better is that you [...]

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Recipe Wednesday: Baked orzo with shrimp, fontina and peas

by KellyNovember 4, 2009

This is another Giada De Laurentiis creation, only I added shrimp to take it from a side dish to a main course.  You can easily make it with other kinds of pasta, like rotini and ditalini, in place of the orzo.  Serve with a salad and you’re set!
1/2 pound large shrimp, precooked
1 package orzo
1 onion, [...]

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“Junk” to always keep in your trunk

by KellyOctober 29, 2009

I‘ve been known to kill my car battery while charging my cell phone (I now have multiple chargers all over my house).  The first time it happened to me, I was fifty miles away from home at a friend’s house, my hubby was in the field and neither my friend nor I knew how to [...]

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