Great Gifts Guest: Cassandra of coco+kelley

For one of this week's installments of our 'great gifts' series, I'm so delighted to welcome Cassandra of coco+kelley--truly the best read for your daily dose of glamour!




A favorite at Martha Stewart, coco+kelley is one of the hottest fashion & design blogs out there. Cassandra's aesthetic is--in a word--impeccable. From tableware to chairs to jewelry to the runway, her point of view sparkles and shines. On top of writing her fabulous blog and keeping up her etsy shop, Cassandra has just launched her own style venture--so inspiring! If you have checked out her new online portfolio, it's a must-see. Just imagine: coco+kelley as the creative direction behind your wedding? Yes, please!

On to the gorgeous gifts from Cassandra!



The greatest gift I've ever received: When I graduated from high school, a close family friend bought me *gasp* my first ever piece from Tiffany & Co. I just about died when I saw that little blue box. But the best part wasn't really even the gift ~ it was the message he left inside telling me to wear the bracelet anytime I wanted. I think it was the first time I realized that beautiful pieces should be shared and displayed and used, and completely contributed to my philosophy of always adding a little glamour to everyday life.

{Don't you think everyone needs a little style encouragement from time to time? I just love Cassandra's philosophy of beauty, don't you?}



The greatest gift I've given: When I had studied abroad in Florence, there was a priest in the program who was an amazing artist. He has done hundreds of paintings for alumni and their families over the years, a few of which have been for close friends of mine. So, one year, when my sister and I were struggling over what to get my parents for Christmas, I came up with the idea of commissioning him to paint a scene taken from the small Southern Italian town that my father was born in. I don't think I've ever seen my parents so surprised or moved over a gift before! It was wonderful to have a personal piece created for them with so much meaning behind it.

{The gift of art--so special--and that Italian scene, stunning!}

Cassandra, thanks so much for sharing with us! Can't wait to hear all your news as you keep doing what you love with c+k!

Great Gifts Guest: Kathryn of Snippet & Ink

It seems only fitting to share these particular great gifts with you today--if there were an election, I would vote Snippet & Ink one of my favorite blogs, hands-down! Thanks so much for visiting us, Kathryn!




Without a doubt, Kathryn creates the most delectable, delightful wedding inspiration boards around. I'm sure I'm not the only bride to say it--I was hooked on Snippet & Ink from my very first read and continue to check in daily (er, two or three times daily!) ever since. Themes, colors, crafts, flowers, photography, dresses, venues--it's all there and every choice Kathryn makes is a beautiful one. More than any book or magazine, her daily features inspired our handspun, homemade wedding. What a treat it was to have our little gig as a Snippet & Ink real wedding--such amazing company to be in! I could say so much--see here, here, here, here for more..! Needless to say, I have so much gratitude to Miss Kathryn!

But enough of my chit-chatting--on to the gifts!



The greatest gift I've ever received: One of my favorite gifts was this pair of sweet little diamond earrings that my mother gave me for Christmas last year. They were links on a beautiful watch that belonged to my grandmother (my father's mother), who gave the watch to my mother, who in turn has had the links turned into earrings for my sisters and me. I love that they have a history, and that they are the perfect size - sparkly enough to dress up, small enough to dress down.

{What a fine gift--the gift of style! I love the diamond in this Snippet & Ink board too.}

The greatest gift I've given: The gift I had the most fun giving was a personalized notebook for my best friend Mariam's birthday. She had just returned from a semester in Paris, and I knew she was a little sad about having to leave. I found a journal that had a map of Paris on the cover-- including the street that she lived on!--and filled it with stories, illustrations, photos, notes and recipes to remind her of Paris whenever she missed it. Not only was it so much fun to make, but Mariam told me it is her favorite birthday present she's ever received!

{I just love these book gifts, ladies, don't you? You must see Kathryn's 'Paris, je t'aime' inspiration board--pure heaven!}

Thanks, Kathryn, for lending us your stories!

Great Gifts Guest: Denise of d.sharp

For this special Friday edition of our great gifts series, I'm so excited to share with you Denise of Studio d. Sharp. So glad to have you!



Maybe you recognize d. Sharp's eiffel tower candy containers--widely publicized on the blog scene, I think it can be said that Denise's finely crafted paper pieces are the means to perfect marriage proposal, wedding celebration, Valentine's Day and child's birthday party. A little bit vintage, a little bit Victorian and very much unique, each one of these objets d'art would constitute a gift of love. Plus, Denise has a wonderful line of luxury letterpress wrapping via etsy.




All this and a blog!: Denise also keeps up the warmest, wittiest and aesthetically sharp (no pun!) journal complete with hilarious kid stories (Dispatches from Parenthood--my fave!).



For our series, Denise writes:

The greatest gift I've ever received: One of the most meaningful gifts I have ever received was from my husband on the occasion of my very first mother's day. It is a necklace by Jeanine Payer and I wear it almost daily.



The front has a tiny photograph under glass of a baby with gold leaf wings. The reverse side has a favorite quote from Rumi:

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.

{So special! If you haven't read Rumi's poetry, I highly recommend it. This book is one of my favorites as well.}



Becoming parents alters your relationship with your spouse and that first year is full of changes. This quote was a reminder of how important it is to connect with my husband.

{Such a beautiful reflection and sentiment! A gift like this could just melt your heart, couldn't it?}

Thanks, Denise, for sharing with us! Can't wait to see what you create next!

Great Gifts Guest: Courtney of The Little White Book

I'm absolutely delighted to introduce our first special guest for our great gifts series, Courtney of The Little White Bride. Welcome, Courtney!



Courtney's wedding blog, based in Richmond, Virginia, is full of lovely, light and elegant events plus a wonderful handpicked list of local vendors for brides-to-be. Her taste is just impeccable. The Little White Book is one of my very favorite reads for heirloom wedding ideas. Isn't this inspiration board simply enchanting?



And now, without further ado, the gift goods from Courtney!

The greatest gift I've ever received: Two scrapbooks that my grandmother made for me. She collected pictures from the time I was born all the way up to me trying on my wedding gown and gave the books to me at a wedding tea hosted by my two of my mom's friends in my hometown a few months before our wedding. (see the image of me looking through one of the books).

{So heartfelt--I love it!}



The greatest gift I've given: A recipe binder to my dear friend Susan who loves to cook. I collected recipes from friends prior to her bachelorette party and compiled them in a pretty binder I found at Target. You can see the post on the binder here.

{Also, click on the recipe image below to enlarge--yummy crispy horseradish salmon, wow!}



Added bonus: I also love giving vintage handkerchiefs to friends who are getting married. I've found this great antique booth in Richmond that has all sorts of vintage monogrammed handkerchiefs -- they're beautiful and all monogrammed with a single initial, which is just perfect!

{So sweet! What a perfect send-off gift for the bride--every lady needs a pretty hankie, am I right?}

Thanks so much, Courtney, for sharing with us!