Don’t know about all of you, but I’m in desperate need of some inspiration for a few names on my gift list. Lucky for us, style spotter Meg has offered to guide us through the season with a weekly gift guide of chic finds leading up to Christmas. We kick it off with a treasure trove of unique pieces sure to evoke a “where in the world did you find that?!” response from the recipient. Oh, and did I mention that they’re all under $20? Yep, Marc Jacobs tote bag included! Amazing.

Hello Style Notes readers! It’s Meg from Mimi & Meg, and I am so happy to do a special series of Gift Guides. I will be doing a post each week for your December Holiday shopping!

So which one’s your favorite? I’m definitely loving the beautifully-bound copy of Pride & Prejudice (happens to be my fave book of all time)… and those jaunty-yet-subtle striped cup & saucer… oh! and those wood salad servers are pretty fab too. Impossible to pick just one, right?!

Where to shop: {From Top} Pottery Barn Aluminum Water Bottles, $10; Peacock Dinner Plate, $20; Small Bleeker Notebook, $18; Marc Jacobs USA Tote, $18; Color Drip Creamer, $10; Beauty Art Print by Hammerpress, $12; Feather Trimmed Cuff, $5.80; CB2 Cheese Cutters Set, $10.95; Jonathan Adler Stripes Cup and Saucer, $18; Clothbound Penguin Classic Book Pride and Prejudice, $20; Holy Smoke Matches, $7.95; Braai Serving Set, $18; Monogrammed Mugs, $6

Piled high on my nightstand is a rotating stack of design magazines & books to peruse every night before bed… A & I are deep in the process of choosing decor elements for our new home (constructions starts in 3 months!) and there are so many decisions to be made.  I’m currently meditating on how to reconcile my love of neutral, monochromatic rooms with the desire to make our new home warm & inviting.  I’m noticing that the rooms I’m drawn to tend to layer tons of tactile textures to create a sense of coziness: leather, silk, wool, cotton, & velvet are so visually interesting when combined.  And keeping them in a similar color palette maintains the clean sophistication that I love!  Check out these inspiring rooms by stylist Atlanta Bartlett… they demonstrate this technique to perfection.

Wool

Cotton

Flannel

Silk

Eva Longoria's Wedding Flowers, designed by Jeff Leatham

From an interview with Leatham in France Magazine: “Basically, I’m the John Galliano of flowers.” Settled comfortably into the plump cushions of a Louis XVI chair at the Four Seasons George V, Jeff Leatham matter-of-factly delivers the perfect analogy for his place in the world of floral design.”

Arrangement at Eva Longoria's Ceremony

Style-setting clients like Eva Longoria (who pegged Leatham as florist for her lavish wedding to Tony Parker), are drawn to his strong, architectural looks that often use a monochromatic palette to stunning effect.

Jeff Leatham arranging flowers at the George V Hotel

According to the description by France Magazine, his creativity knows no bounds: “Rather than merely adorning the George V with tasteful arrangements, he has practically turned the hotel into a fabulous backdrop for his daring creations. In fact, the word “arrangements” hardly begins to convey Leatham’s work; “installations” is perhaps more apt.”

Lobby of the George V Hotel in Paris

Recently, the space in front of a majestic mirror was occupied by 15 transparent four-foot-high vases holding up a sheet of glass, which in turn was topped by dozens of smaller vases filled with vara orchids, forming a stunning bright-purple carpet.  The entire composition took up about 100 square feet.

Wedding Arrangement by Jeff Leatham, via Olivier Lalin Photography

Love these simple yet striking clusters of peonies designed by Leatham for a wedding at the George V.  By the way, if you’re like me, you’re curious to know the hotel’s annual floral budget that allows them to refresh thousands of blooms hourly… reportedly, a cool one million.

Giada de Laurentiis' Malibu Kitchen

Since A & I are in the planning stages of building our future home, I am newly obsessed with flooring, cabinetry, countertops, paint colors, kitchen appliances, and yes, even toilets & bathtubs.  So be prepared for a flurry of home design inspiration on Style Notes over the next year as I go through the (hopefully!) fun process of making these all-important decisions and weighing the pros & cons of the many options before us.  While watching Giada de Laurentiis on the Food Network yesterday, I noticed the modern, zen-like color palette of her Malibu pad (designed Fitzsimons Design + Build.)  Turns out, celebrity chefs happen to have some of the coolest houses, and here I’ve shared a few of my favorites.

Art Smith's Chicago Kitchen

Art Smith’s Chicago home was also renovated by the talented Fitzsimons team. The main cooking area has a camera installed into the ceiling, as well as an LCD monitor, so that Smith can create cooking shows from home. The kitchen has been designed to house dirty dishes out of sight under the bench and away from the camera, so it functions as a working studio set.

Ina Garten's East Hampton Kitchen

Like the Barefoot Contessa’s signature style of cooking & entertaining, Ina Garten’s East Hampton’s home oozes effortless chic.  In fact, House Beautiful awarded it 2009′s Kitchen of the Year.  In an interview with the magazine, Ina said that she prefers spare use of color in the kitchen, instead letting the food, flowers, and company take center stage.

Ina Garten's Dining Room & Bedroom

I love the soothing color palette and unfussy details.  Don’t you just want to curl up by the blazing fire with a good book and a cup of tea? Among Ina’s list of favorite things: cashmere blankets, flower arrangements fresh picked from the garden, & Mariage Frères tea with homemade cookies.

Giada de Laurentiis' Malibu Bedroom

Giada’s bedroom is the essence of California cool, with sweeping views of the Malibu coastline and neutral color palette with pops of orange.  I love the idea of coming home to a spa-like setting to rejuvenate after a hard day.

Kitchen in New York City loft designed by Thomas O'Brien

Today I’m feeling inspired by these all-white classic kitchens with stainless steel appliances.  The one above, designed by Thomas O’Brien, makes the most of a small space with cabinets that reach to the ceiling.  And the kitchen island on wheels is so practical… I’d pull it into the dining room for a party to set up a minimalist self-serve bar.  A bit more eye candy:

A Seattle kitchen by J.A.S. Design-Build

J.A.S. Design-Build updated this classic Edwardian with a modern touch, and included tons of kitchen cabinetry to provide abundant storage.

Brooklyn Kitchen designed by Levenson McDavid Architects

I’m drawn to the way that Levenson McDavid combined old and new elements to create this kitchen.  Modern touches like exposed pipes and industrial lighting coexist with traditional furniture and a farmhouse table.  And the cozy window seat creates an inviting spot to settle in with a book while dinner’s in the oven.

*Images via Remodelista

It’s no secret that cupcakes have been the trend of the moment for quite some time now… so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that an entire delightful party could be designed around these bundles of deliciousness!  I’m loving these so-cute-you-just-want-to-eat-them invitations, by uber-talented designer Betsy Dunlap.   And a couple of recipes to help with the menu, from the cupcake queen herself…

Chocolate Cravings...

Get the recipe for Mocha Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze.

Berry Delicious...

Get the recipe for Meringue Cupcakes with Strawberry Rhubarb & Creme Fraiche.

Candy Bar with Vintage Labels, Amy Atlas

Remember that time you bit into a Jelly Belly thinking it was “lemon,” only to discover it was actually “buttered popcorn?”  It’s a tough reminder of how helpful labels on food & drinks can be.  

As a host, adding a piece of identification to edibles can increase guests’ enjoyment by communicating the flavors of a dish… and it’s also a great way to add a decorative punch to a buffet.  Labels made with high quality paper, bold color, & graphic pattern add that little “something extra…”

Spiked Lemonade & Champagne, via Ritzy Bee

Jazz up the bar with pretty labels that let guests choose their potion.

Barbeque Cutlery Packets, Miss Pickles

Let your guests know it’s time to chow down with these dressed-up versions of kraft paper cutlery packets.

Meringue Pie & Candies, Martha Stewart

Handwritten tags on edible gifts send both love and a hint of the deliciousness wrapped inside the box.

Candy Bar Labels, Amy Atlas

Candy bars become stylish party favors when wrapped in graphic red & white papers.

'Sip & Repeat' Cocktail Stirrers, Miss Pickles

These clever cocktail sticks add a chic touch to summer libations.

'Spread the Love' Jam Labels, Miss Pickles

Vintage labels with heartwarming phrases take kitchy hostess gifts to new heights.

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Live What You Love poster, Hijirik Studio; Our Love by Enormous Champion

Inspiration is everywhere, so why not surround yourself with positive words that will lift your spirits and add a graphic pop of color to your walls all at once?  Today’s post is part of our guest blog series where Meg, the brains behind the beauty at trend-spotting design blog, Mimi & Meg, gives advice on stylish gift giving for all occasions. These prints fit the bill with inspirational phrases + a touch of whimsy.

Our Harbour, FreyaArt, Etsy

This one can be personalized… a unique wedding gift for the artsy couple in your life.

Find My Way Back To You, Courage My Love, The Poster List

The Poster List is full of modern prints with cheeky phrases.  I just found two pieces that would look great adorning my dining room walls.

T

Just Let It Go, Kotama Bouabane, 20x200

Just Let It Go is part of the text-based Melting Words series, by avant-garde lensman Bouabane, that documents phrases made from ice as they slowly disappear.

Gotta Have Heart print, Ork Posters

A little bit academic, a little bit edgy… this is sure to be a conversation starter.

Custom Heart Sampler, MiniatureRhino, Etsy

Such a cute gift… instead of carving your name into a tree, have a custom sampler made to immortalize you and your love.

The exterior of the home has such a welcoming vibe… partially due to that adorable golden retriever serving as official greeter!

The living room is zen-like in all white, but still practical.  Everything’s covered in slipcovers that can be thrown in the washer at the first spill.  Though red wine still might not be the best idea…

The couple dug through layers of limestone tile to uncover this original brick fireplace.  A new white mantle and treasures from their world travels infused it with global modernity.

The huge mirror on the back wall of the dining room opens up the space and makes it feel much larger than it actually is, and the bright white floors and walls give the entire room a sundrenched feel.

A small outbuilding behind the home houses a light-filled office, perfect for the homeowner’s photography business.

Open shelving in the kitchen gives an airy feel and makes dishes easily accessible.  Decorative brackets provide an architectural element, and shelves are made from leftover remnants from the countertops.

The garden serves as a second dining room, with a huge table and benches that are great for entertaining large groups.

All images from Martha Stewart.

Capri Bar Cart, Pottery Barn

Take backyard get-togethers to the next level by stocking up on stylish & functional pieces for the outdoor bar. Sure, built-in bars are always swanky, but this “bar cart” on wheels is super functional and holds all that your guests need for a self-serve setup.  This one looks like rattan, but is actually made of a premium synthetic made to withstand extreme weather.  A few more must-haves for chic imbibing…

DuraClear Margarita Glasses, Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma’s rainbow of margarita glasses add a splash of color and are ideal for outdoor use: they are formed from the same material as bulletproof glass!

Glass Drink Dispenser & Galvanized Tub, Pottery Barn

When drinks are this pretty, they double as a decor element.  Be creative with garnishes: try limes, berries, & pineapples to give juicy flavor and color to cocktails and juices.  Galvanized metal has such a great rustic style, and its ability to stand up to moisture makes it ideal for use as an ice-filled cooler for drinks.

Swizzle Sticks, CB2

Sure they can be a bit cheesy, but who doesn’t love a frosty drink topped with a bright pink umbrella in the summertime?  These swizzle sticks from CB2 score major style points with vivid hues and faux-bamboo finish.

Mixers from Stirrings

Make bartending a cinch by stocking up on mixers and garnishes from Stirrings.  They have a fantastic line of delicious flavors, and these “cocktail sodas” look lovely displayed on the bar.  For my next party, I’m dying to try their Watermelon Mojito.

Croquet Set, Design Within Reach

Okay, okay, this isn’t really for stocking the bar.  But what’s a cocktail party without some fun & games?  This classic croquet set boasts great design and adds a preppy kick to a summer party.