Holiday Entertaining Extras

 Since every blogger and her mama is talking about Holiday Gift Guides right now,

I thought I'd do something a little different.

For a lot of people, the holidays aren't just about gift giving.

They're also about entertaining guests.

Anyone from your in-laws to your friends.

So I thought I would put together a list of five things to have on hand for guests.

The first is yummy smelling hand soap in a pretty container.

This seems obvious, but you go to so many people's homes where they barely 

bother to put a fresh bar of the 50 cent Dove out.

 via Anthropologie.com

I love the cute packaging that Savon de Marseille comes in.

I think the lavender scent is extra yummy smelling.

If you buy ONE item for yourself this holiday season,

GET A WINE AERATOR.

I swear they work.

Even on the cheapo $5 crap your stingy Aunt will bring over.

 Plus, they make a fun little sound with each glass you pour.

Pretty hand towels for the bathroom.

I love these two options from Leontine Linens.

 

 If you're not set to break the bank with Leontine,

try buying plain towels at your resident TJ Maxx/Marshalls

and having them monogrammed in a contrasting color for next to nothing

at a local monogram shop.

It's a cheap little upgrade and they make the towels just a bit more special.

 Pretty cheese knives.

I love this antiqued silver set from Pottery Barn.

They add a little glamour to your appetizer display.

I cannot stress this last suggestion enough.

Wonderful sheets for your guest bed.

You would not believe how many uncomfortable/scratchy sheet sets I've encountered at 

people's homes. It's the nicest surprise when you un-make the guest bed and the sheets are soft 

and lovely. It makes your whole experience better.

 

I love love love Serena & Lily sheets. They are so pretty and soft.

This new Carrot Diamondback pattern is darling,

and I'm a big fan of the Gobi embroidered sheets. I love the new coral colorway they come in.

If you're looking for a budget route, hop on over to the bedding section while you're picking up towels at TJ Maxx. They sell great inexpensive sheet sets.

The trick is to unzip the little plastic package they come in,

and stick your hand in to make sure they're extra soft.

Yes, I am the overzealous TJ Maxx customer that you've seen doing that.

Get over it, at least my guests are slumbering comfortably.

Happy Entertaining!